LeMoyne-Owen returned home for a key conference series against Benedict College, hosting a three game set that featured both adversity and promise for the Magicians. Over the course of the weekend, LeMoyne-Owen dropped two of the three contests, falling by scores of 18 to 7 and 18 to 4, while securing an impressive 3 to 1 victory in the middle game. Despite the lopsided margins in the losses, the series also showcased strong individual performances and flashes of the team's potential when firing on all cylinders.
Game one proved to be a challenging start for LeMoyne-Owen as Benedict capitalized early and often. The Magicians allowed 18 runs on 12 hits while also issuing 15 walks, which created constant pressure on the pitching staff throughout the game. Defensive struggles compounded the issue, as LeMoyne-Owen committed five errors that extended innings and allowed Benedict to build a commanding lead.
Offensively, the Magicians showed resilience in one explosive inning, scoring all seven of their runs in the fifth. LeMoyne-Owen finished the game with nine hits and six runs driven in. Cedric Poellnitz II led the way with a strong 2 for 4 performance at the plate, while Ryan Meglis contributed two hits and a stolen base. Sincere Lozano added a hit and an RBI, helping spark the fifth inning rally. Seth Terrell also chipped in with a hit and an RBI as the Magicians attempted to climb back into the game.
Despite the offensive surge, the early deficit proved too much to overcome, as Benedict continued to add runs late to secure the 18 to 7 victory.
Game two marked a turning point for LeMoyne-Owen, as the Magicians delivered one of their most complete performances of the season in a 3 to 1 win. The offense was efficient and the pitching performance was dominant from start to finish.
Kevin Maya delivered an outstanding performance on the mound, putting together one of the best outings of the season. He controlled the game from the first pitch, helping limit Benedict to just one run on six hits. The pitching staff recorded 10 strikeouts and did not allow a single walk, showcasing exceptional command and discipline. Maya's ability to attack the strike zone and keep hitters off balance set the tone and allowed the Magicians to dictate the pace of the game.
At the plate, LeMoyne-Owen recorded nine hits, with multiple players contributing to the win. Lozano led the offense with a 2 for 3 performance, scoring a run and reaching base three times. Poellnitz II added another hit, while Meglis contributed a hit and continued to apply pressure on the base paths. The Magicians showed strong plate discipline and situational hitting, capitalizing on key opportunities to secure the victory.
Game three saw Benedict regain control early, scoring runs in multiple innings on their way to an 18 to 4 win. The Magicians struggled to contain the Benedict offense, which recorded 11 hits and drove in 15 runs. LeMoyne-Owen also faced challenges on the mound, issuing 12 walks, which allowed Benedict to extend innings and create additional scoring opportunities.
Despite the loss, LeMoyne-Owen still found moments of offensive success. Lozano delivered the biggest highlight of the game, going 2 for 3 with a home run and three RBIs, accounting for most of the team's production. Meglis added a hit and reached base multiple times, while Poellnitz II contributed an RBI in the effort.
Across the three game series, several Magicians produced strong combined performances. Sincere Lozano led the team with five hits, including a home run, while driving in four runs and scoring multiple times. Cedric Poellnitz II added four hits across the series, continuing to be a consistent presence in the lineup.
Ryan Meglis also delivered a solid weekend, recording four hits, a stolen base, and multiple runs scored. Seth Terrell contributed two hits and two RBIs, while providing timely hitting during the offensive surge in game one.
As a team, LeMoyne-Owen totaled 22 hits and 14 runs across the three games. While the offense showed potential, pitching and defensive consistency remained the difference, as the Magicians allowed 37 runs and issued a high number of walks that led to extended innings.
Even with the series loss, the Magicians showed resilience and the ability to respond, particularly in game two where Kevin Maya's dominant performance on the mound highlighted what the team is capable of when execution is sharp and focused.
LeMoyne-Owen will now look ahead to its next opportunity to rebound as they remain at home for a doubleheader on March 23 against Maranatha Baptist. Game one is scheduled for 12:00 p.m., followed by game two at 2:30 p.m., as the Magicians aim to build on their strong moments and bounce back with a more complete performance moving forward.
