After capturing back to back NJCAA Division III championships in 2023 and 2024, you might forgive Roadrunner Baseball Coach Rob Valli and his team if they suffered a minor letdown heading into the new season.
Seriously? Let's just say that a dynasty may well just be cranking into high gear based on early results from the current campaign!
The irony is not lost on head coach Valli, who leads a program that has captured nine total NJCAA DIII titles in its illustrious history.
And to begin 2025, the NJCAA No. 1 nationally ranked Runners are off to the fastest start in school history with a 13-0 mark, including an 8-0 GSAC record, heading into this weekend's three-game series vs. Union College NJ. The Runners open the three-game set at Union Friday and then follow with a home doubleheader on Saturday, March 15th.
"We expect to win every time we play, but we always seem to find a way to run ourselves into a preventable loss or two early in the season." said Valli. "The difference so far this year is the quality and depth of our pitching staff. We have pitchers who find a way to overcome the early season miscues and finish innings."
Indeed -- and that winning attitude has filtered down to the entire roster.
Sophomore right fielder RJ Mustaro, a Gloucester Catholic alum and one of the team leaders, notes that the goal is crystal clear among his teammates.
"The three-peat is what we want, and the players all know we need to work hard to make it happen," said Mustaro, who has committed to Monmouth University next season.
Make no mistake -- the talented Runners are youthful -- with four freshmen starting in the infield, a freshman catcher and centerfielder, and heavy reliance on several first=year pitchers. And make no mistake -- they can hit the ball!
Mustaro, who has committed to Monmouth University next spring, turned in several clutch outings in 2024 to help the Runners capture both the Region 19 and NJCAA D III titles. He has picked up the pace again this spring with a sizzling .548 batting average and 12 RBIs.
He is not alone. Freshmen sluggers Matt Brunner (.522 BA/12 RBI), Joe Maier (.333 BA/19 RBI), and Gavin West (.481 BA) are among the team leaders along with first baseman Nick Slogik, who has turned in a solid .333 average with 9 RBIs. Third baseman Alex Apicella, who played his scholastic ball in Holbrook, NY, is also off to a flying start with a.306 batting average.
Valli also expects solid production from freshman Luca Reyes, who is just returning to the lineup. The coaching staff is continuing to develop a talented pitching staff as the squad heads toward the mid-point of the 2025 season.
And one more reason why the Runners enjoy their success is they compete -- and win -- within Region 19, the nation's toughest region for baseball. Aside from the Runners (No. 1), the NJCAA DIII Top 10 features Region 19 teams Brookdale (No. 3), Middlesex (No. 7) and Northampton (No. 9).
Watch for results from this weekend's series here at rcroadrunners.com and on our social media platforms.