West Chester Aims for National Title as Top Seed in Cary

West Chester baseball is back on college sports' biggest stage, and this time they're arriving with something extra: the top seed in the entire tournament.

The Golden Rams returned to Cary, North Carolina this week for the Division II National Finals, four years after their last appearance. Only two players from that 2022 team remain: pitcher Julian Costa and Kyle Lazer, who missed the finals that year due to injury.

Costa has turned into one of Division II's most dominant pitchers. The redshirt senior owns a 12-2 record with a 2.63 ERA and already leads the program in career wins and strikeouts. He's the active Division II leader in victories heading into the tournament.

But West Chester's success runs deeper than one star pitcher. The offense has been unstoppable during their NCAA Tournament run, scoring at least seven runs in every postseason game. They've outscored opponents 67-22 through five contests.

Christian Michak and Carter Rust are both hitting .478 in the tournament, with Rust adding two home runs. Since their only series loss in April, the Golden Rams have gone 20-2 while outscoring opponents 215-80.

Why This Inspires

West Chester's journey back to Cary represents something bigger than baseball stats. For Costa and Lazer, this return has been four years in the making, a testament to persistence and dedication. The program has championship DNA, having won national titles in 2012 and 2017.

This year's team arrives on the 20th anniversary of the first West Chester squad to reach the Division II Finals. That history fuels their confidence, but their current performance backs it up.

The Golden Rams face eighth-seeded Indianapolis Friday night in their opener. The Greyhounds bring their own inspiring story, having lost their regional opener before winning six straight to reach Cary. Their lineup features Austin Bode, who's hitting .404 with 19 home runs.

Eight teams remain in contention, including defending champion Tampa and perennial powers like Central Missouri. Every squad has survived conference tournaments, regionals and super regionals to earn their spot.

Four wins stand between West Chester and another championship banner.