By Dillon Flanigan
Sports Editor
By Matt Cain
Contributor
Catcher Brennan Staubley, a junior, frames a pitch verses American International College.
As the baseball season winds down, the Owls are setting their sights on a deep postseason run. With momentum building, they will look to finish strong as they wrap up the regular season with a crucial three-game series against NE10 rival, Pace University.
This matchup not only carries significant playoff implications but also serves as a final test of the team’s resilience and readiness heading into the postseason. Every inning will count as the Owls fight to secure their place among the conference’s elite.
From the start of the season, the Owls had some crucial standouts and savvy veterans who know what the job is. Pitcher Spencer Fox, a graduate student, is in his sixth year with the team. This year, Fox threw his 200th strikeout for the Owls, cementing himself in history for the university.
“I’ve been doing this for a while,” Fox said. “I’ve matured since I’ve been here, growing up and listening to the coaches so you can be the best you can be.”
Fox’s leadership has been instrumental, not only in his personal success, but also in mentoring the next generation of Owls. His work ethic and dedication set the tone for a pitching staff that has consistently delivered under pressure. Alongside Fox, key contributions from upperclassmen and emerging talents have created a balanced, hungry roster determined to extend their season.
Like most colleges and universities in 2025, the Owls were affected by the ever-active transfer portal. One of the more notable departures was catcher Billy Sullivan, a key offensive contributor who transferred out, leaving a noticeable void behind the plate. But Head Coach Tim Shea did not hesitate to find a solution.
Scouting the portal himself, Shea brought in junior Brennan Staubley from fellow NE10 powerhouse Franklin Pierce. Staubley quickly proved he was not just a replacement—he was an upgrade in versatility.
On the year, Staubley held an average of .286 along with four homers and 12 doubles. Due to his consistency behind the plate, he was moved down in the Owls’ lineup to the two hole.
“He’s just been a great addition to our team. Early on, everybody goes through some growing pains and some struggling, but ever since I moved him to the leadoff,” Shea said. “He’s really done a great job. I moved him to the leadoff because he had the ability to see pitches and his on-base percentage was one of the highest on the team.”
Staubley’s consistency and poise at the top of the lineup have energized the Owls’ offense, often setting the tone for the rest of the batting order. His combination of patience and aggressiveness has been a key factor in the team’s ability to manufacture runs and sustain pressure on opposing pitchers.
“I wanna see enough pitches, I wanna give the guys behind me enough pitches to look at,” Staubley said. “Overall, the biggest thing is to get on base and let the guys behind me work.”
With a deep, experienced roster, a proven ace in Fox and the emergence of players like Staubley, the Owls focus is clear: take it one day at a time, carry the momentum and take that next step toward contending for the NE10 championship.
