The The Citadel Bulldogs baseball are returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in more than a decade after capturing the Southern Conference Tournament championship.
The Bulldogs earned an automatic NCAA regional bid and will face the Oklahoma Sooners baseball in the Atlanta Regional on May 29.
The regional matchup will take place at 5 p.m. and stream on ESPN+.
Aryan Patel Reflects on Four-Year Journey
Former Hanahan High School standout Aryan Patel said reaching the NCAA Tournament was the goal from the moment he arrived at The Citadel as a freshman.
Patel described the moment the Bulldogs saw their name announced during the NCAA Tournament selection show as unforgettable.
He said many people doubted the team’s chances, but the Bulldogs have played their best baseball late in the season.
Bulldogs Enter Regional on Winning Streak
The Citadel enters NCAA Tournament play as one of the hottest teams in college baseball.
The Bulldogs have won eight consecutive games and captured the Southern Conference Tournament title with a perfect 5-0 record.
During the tournament, The Citadel never trailed in any game.
The Bulldogs secured the championship by defeating the Samford Bulldogs baseball 3-1 in the title game at Fluor Field.
It marked the program’s first Southern Conference Tournament championship since 2010.
Michael Gibson Leads Offensive Explosion
Tournament MVP Michael Gibson played a major role in the Bulldogs’ postseason run.
Gibson went 14-for-23 during the tournament with one home run, four doubles, 12 runs scored, and 13 RBIs.
He also contributed on the mound by earning three saves out of the bullpen.
Gibson said the team focused all season on preparing for postseason baseball and competing against the nation’s top programs.
Coach Russell Triplett Praises Team’s Confidence
Head coach Russell Triplett said the Bulldogs are playing with confidence and momentum at the right time of the season.
The Citadel has won 17 of its last 20 games entering regional competition.
Triplett acknowledged the challenge of facing Oklahoma but said his team is excited for the opportunity.
Tough Regional Challenge Awaits
The Atlanta Regional also includes host Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets baseball, the No. 2 overall national seed, along with UIC Flames baseball.
Oklahoma enters the regional after struggling late in the season, losing seven of its last 10 games.
The Sooners finished 14-16 in Southeastern Conference play and were eliminated early from the SEC Tournament.
Program Chasing Another Historic Run
This NCAA appearance marks the 14th tournament appearance in program history for The Citadel.
The Bulldogs’ only trip to the College World Series came in 1990.
Now, the team hopes its recent momentum can fuel another memorable postseason run.
