TAMPA, FL – The Albany State University Golden Rams concluded their historic postseason journey on Friday, May 17, losing to the University of Tampa with a score of 25-4 in the semifinal round of the NCAA Division II South Region Tournament. Despite the defeat, Albany State finishes the 2024-2025 season with an overall record of 31-22. This season is particularly notable as it includes the program's first-ever NCAA postseason win and their first appearance in the South Region since 2018.
 
After defeating Lynn University 10-6 on Day 2 and achieving a historic victory, the Golden Rams returned to the field eager for a rematch against the top-seeded Tampa Spartans, whom they had previously upset earlier in the season. However, Tampa's offense surged early, scoring multiple runs in each of the first four innings to seize control of the game.
 
Albany State's offense was led by senior outfielder Luke Addison, who went 3-for-4 with a two-run home run in the 6th inning. Teammates Emory Stephens and Nate Saavedra each added RBI hits in the 7th to chip away at the deficit. Stephens finished the game 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI, while Saavedra added two hits of his own.
 
Although the Rams' bullpen worked hard through a challenging day, it was Andrew McBride, the Game 2 hero, and freshman Chase Ledger who steadied the defense late, holding Tampa scoreless over the final three innings.
 
This postseason run marked a significant milestone for the Albany State baseball program. As the No. 8 seed in the region, the Golden Rams defied expectations and etched their names in history by becoming the first team in school history to win an NCAA DII Regional Tournament game.
 
While the season ends in defeat, the pride and perseverance of the Golden Rams remain evident. Their journey through the SIAC Championship and the NCAA Regional reflects the grit, growth, and determination of a team on the rise. The future is bright for Golden Rams baseball.
 
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ABOUT ALBANY STATE ATHLETICS
Albany State University is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II-level intercollegiate athletic program. The university currently fields teams in 11 sports: women's volleyball, women's tennis, women's cross country, men's and women's basketball, softball, men's and women's track and field, women's soccer, baseball, and football. All teams compete in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), except women's soccer, which participates in the Peach Belt Conference.