Mendocino College Baseball Builds Momentum Heading Into Bay Valley Conference Play
Ukiah, CA — Mendocino College Baseball will begin Bay Valley Conference play on Tuesday against Laney College in Oakland, CA, the defending 2025 Bay Valley Conference champions. The Eagles start conference play with momentum after a strong week, winning two of three games against conference opponents while outscoring them 36–13 over the three games.
"We've made some positive strides early in the season," said Head Coach Michael Nackord. "Our guys have competed well, taken pride in playing great defense, and our pitching staff has performed very well, keeping us in games. Our coaching staff has done an outstanding job working with the players every day and helping them grow as competitors. Offensively, we feel like our lineup is capable from top to bottom — our one through nine hitters can do serious damage at any moment. For a very young team, we're performing among some of the best in the state. What I'm most proud of is how this group continues to develop both on the field and in the classroom. Now the focus shifts to conference play, where every game matters, and we're excited and ready for that challenge."
The Eagles currently rank among the top five defensive teams in California community college baseball and lead the Bay Valley Conference with a .974 team fielding percentage, doing so while playing their home games on a natural grass field.
On the mound, the pitching staff has also been strong, currently ranking second in the Bay Valley Conference while consistently giving the Eagles opportunities to compete deep into games.
Behind the plate, Mendocino's catching corps has become a true defensive anchor for the team, controlling the running game and shutting down potential base stealers while managing the pitching staff early in the season.
Offensively, the Eagles continue to produce throughout their lineup. Mendocino is currently batting .295 as a team, placing them in the top third of California community college programs and third in the Bay Valley Conference.
In addition to the team's success on the field, the program continues to demonstrate its commitment to academic excellence. Eight Mendocino College baseball players were recently named to the CCCBCA 2026 Academic All-State Team.
Kooper Dockins — Third Baseman — 3.70 GPA
Brayden Colletto — First Baseman — 3.70 GPA
Dominic Joseph — Pitcher / Second Baseman — 3.70 GPA
Kent Abe — Outfielder / Catcher — 3.80 GPA
Carson Goss — Utility — 4.00 GPA
Matthew Anderson — Outfielder — 4.00 GPA
Jackson Sadler — Outfielder — 3.50 GPA
Evan Needham — Pitcher / First Baseman — 3.50 GPA
The recognition highlights the program's focus on developing student-athletes who excel both on the field and in the classroom.
The early results reveal a team that has embraced the program's standards of discipline, preparation, and accountability. As the season progresses, the Eagles stay focused on playing fundamentally sound baseball while building a competitive culture both on the field and in the classroom.
Mendocino will open Bay Valley Conference play Tuesday in Oakland, CA, against Laney College, the defending 2025 Bay Valley Conference champions, as the Eagles look to carry their early-season momentum into conference competition.