For the first time in program history, the University of Massachusetts Boston Athletics was scheduled to host the Little East Conference tournament. Following the construction of Monan Park, UMass Boston’s home baseball field, the Beacons were finally provided a field worthy of their talents.
While playing under the lights at Monan Park, the Beacons have been absolutely exceptional, posting their second-best statistical record in the history of the program. Entering the postseason, the Beacons were ranked as the number one seeded team after posting 26 wins and just 12 losses overall, while recording an LEC record of eight wins and two losses. Moving into the tournament, the team won 16 out of their last 17 games, making them arguably the hottest Division III team in the nation.
Having the home field for the entire tournament was a huge advantage for the Beacons. Not only does this eliminate travel, but it puts the team in a comfortable environment with hometown support. Head Coach Brendan Eygabroat was extremely excited to host the tournament this season.
 “I think it’s huge. I know we are very excited to host the tournament this year, our first year at Monan Park. I think the guys earned this; they had a great second half of the season,” said the coach. “[We are] one of the hottest teams in the country right now, if not the hottest, winning 16 out of 17, so I think they are coming in with a lot of confidence and [we] are very excited to be the host school.”

Game One
During the first day of the LEC postseason tournament, the Beacons faced up against sixth seeded Western Connecticut State University. Despite being the favorites, UMass Boston was unable to find their swings throughout the match, striking-out 14 times against Western’s starting pitcher and bullpen.  The loss snapped a 13-game winning streak for the Beacons. 

Game Two
In order to turn things around, Head Coach Eygabroat decided to start the seasoned pitcher, Junior Dan Mantoni, on the mound for the second game. During the elimination game, the Beacons faced up against number two seeded University of Southern Maine. Following the loss to Western, the UMass Boston side was put in a “win or go home” situation.
Despite the immense pressure, Mantoni pitched exceptionally, keeping Southern Maine scoreless for the first six innings of the game. Beyond this, the Beacons managed to find their swings after a poor offensive performance in game one. Dave Murphy had a huge two-run homer that helped put the Beacons up three runs to zero during the bottom of the third inning. Freshman JT Morin ended up closing out the game in the top of the ninth inning, earning himself his first collegiate postseason save.

Game Three
After a hard-fought victory against the number two seeded team, the Beacons faced up against number three seed and rival University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in another elimination match. Morin started the match after successfully closing out the game against Southern Maine. The freshman lasted for the first five innings, only giving up two runs off of three hits. During the sixth inning, Eygabroat decided to bring in relief, putting in a freshman reliever, Bobby Tramondozzi, to close out the game. Tramondozzi managed to give up just one run off of two hits, earning himself the save.
Offensively, UMass Boston destroyed UMass Dartmouth, leading to a lopsided final box score of 11 runs to three runs. The Beacons had two big homeruns from Dan Mantoni and Dave Murphy, a triple from Anthony Searles, and two doubles from Charlie Huegi and Nick Herzog. UMass Boston batters had a total of 14 hits in their route of UMass Dartmouth’s pitching staff.

Game Four
In the LEC semifinal matchup, the Beacons were excited for the chance to exact some revenge on their Game One opponent, Western Connecticut. After falling short in their first matchup, Coach Eygabroat believed that they had what it takes to win the tournament. “We will do whatever is necessary to keep moving on, survive, and advance,” said the coach. “At the end of the tournament, (we) want to hold up the LEC Championship trophy.”
During the first four innings, it appeared that the Beacons would be reaching the LEC Championship Series, leading the score four to two runs. However, during the fifth inning, the Beacons’ pitching basically fell apart, allowing Western to earn nine total runs. UMass Boston featured five different pitchers in the single inning. Beacons Bryan Kaufman, James Leidhold, Steve Witkowski, Alex Carusotto, and Manny Garcia were all abruptly featured on the mound.
Following the inning, Western Connecticut led UMass Boston 11 runs to four runs. The Beacons made a late push in hopes of evening out the score, but couldn’t manage to tie up the game. The final box score was UMass Boston 14 and Western Connecticut 17, eliminating the Beacons from the LEC tournament.  

On the Year
While UMass Boston didn’t manage to reach their ultimate goals, Eygabroat and his Beacons should hold their heads high. Moving into next year, the team is barely graduating any of their crucial talent. In fact, the core of the team’s bullpen are predominantly freshmen. The team will suffer a total loss of three seniors: Luke Nagle, Bryan Dupre, and Steve Consiglio. Losing these seniors won’t be easy, but fortunately, it is a minor turnover in numbers.
While most of the team will remain intact, Head Coach Eygabroat will be in search of some more offensive threats. Recruitment of batters will be a key to the team’s future success. Dave Murphy has been virtually the only consistent all-star batter throughout the year. Come next season, if the Beacons want to hold up the LEC Postseason Trophy, this will be an essential position for recruitment this offseason. Only time will tell if these flaws are addressed, but if so, this team will be a powerhouse moving into the 2016-17 season.