FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2023
Contact: Danielle Miller, dmiller@dillard.edu
504.816.4328
NEW ORLEANS – Dillard University’s inaugural baseball team won the 2023 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Championship (GCAC) on Sunday night in Jackson, Mississippi. The team, who entered the tournament as the second seed, played five games in three days in the cold rain, defeating top seed Rust College Bearcats.
After losing to Rust College in the quarter-final (1-10), the Bleu Devils would seek revenge winning three consecutive games to claim the title.
“First and foremost, I thank God for this opportunity, which is the reason why our team goes by #HIStory. We came in with our backs against the wall and the guys battled back and became champions. It’s a testament to the long days and nights that we have sacrificed throughout the season,” said head baseball coach Trennis Grant. “Having the opportunity to be a part of a season full of firsts has been exciting and we’ve made our mark in history,” Grant added.
Jorge Guerra ‘25, who was named the GCAC Pitcher of the Year and Tournament MVP, led his team in the first of two championship match-ups. The first game would see Tyler Fitch ‘26 become the hero on offense as he drove in three of the Bleu Devils five runs. Jalen Ayers ‘25 would also drive in one of the runs in the first match-up. Dillard would electrify the crowd winning 5-2 to force one more game that would determine the GCAC champions.
In the second game, Rust held the lead as the game was coming to an end. Dillard would dig deep and have their best inning in the tournament scoring five runs to take the lead in the eighth inning. Ayers played a large part in the big lead as he drove in two of the runs to help the Bleu Devils gain the advantage. Also, George Avlerez ‘25 hit a ground ball into right field that would bring in an additional two runs.
The big eighth inning would lead to the Bleu Devils being named the 2023 GCAC champions. Dylan Scott ‘26 would also get it done from the mound as he pitched a complete game, only giving up two runs to the first seed, the Bearcats.
According to Dr. Linda Bell, athletic director, the team’s win is a victory for the entire University. “One of our main goals here is to cultivate leaders who become outstanding student athletes as well as members of society. The progress and success displayed by the inaugural baseball team has been nothing short of phenomenal for Dillard,” said Dr. Bell.
In addition to the inaugural win, Grant was named the 2023 GCAC Coach of the Year.
About Dillard University
Dillard University is a historically Black institution that cultivates leaders who live ethically, think and communicate precisely, and act courageously to make the world a better place. Located in New Orleans, Dillard is a private faith-based liberal arts university that offers 22 majors and two certificate programs. Ranked 5th on 2021 The New York Times Overall Mobility Index and 14th in 2022 by Academic Influence for Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship, Dillard’s call to future leaders is to Write Your Legacy. Find out more about Louisiana’s oldest HBCU by visiting www.dillard.edu.
