Trio of Eagles Sign with Dakota Wesleyan University Baseball

UKIAH, Calif. – Mendocino College Baseball is proud to announce that three standout student-athletes have signed scholarship agreements to continue their academic and athletic careers at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota. Elijah Aguilar, Matthew Anderson, and Joseph Bettiga will join the Tigers baseball program for the 2026-27 academic year.

The trio played key roles in helping the Eagles post a 19-18 overall record and a 12-9 Bay Valley Conference mark in 2026, marking the program's first winning overall and conference seasons since 2018.

"We are extremely proud of Elijah, Matt, and Joseph," said Mendocino College Head Coach Michael Nackord. "All three represented our program with tremendous character, work ethic, and a commitment to excellence on the field and in the classroom. Dakota Wesleyan is gaining three outstanding young men who will positively impact their program from day one."

Aguilar, a native of Santa Rosa, California, emerged as one of the Eagles' most versatile players in 2026. As a two-way contributor, he batted .361 with a .471 on-base percentage and served as one of Mendocino's most trusted late-innings pitchers. Aguilar delivered one of the season's defining moments with a clutch extra-innings performance on the mound that secured a critical series victory over Solano College.

Anderson, also from Santa Rosa, was a standout outfielder and first baseman who batted .326 and delivered exceptional defense throughout the season. Anderson finished the year with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage, making every routine and difficult play and serving as one of the club's most dependable performers.

Bettiga, a Windsor, California, native, brought energy to the Eagles' lineup. A clutch performer throughout the season, Bettiga was the team's most dependable bunter and routinely sparked offensive rallies that led to key victories. His attention to detail and team-first mentality made him an invaluable contributor to the program's success.

In addition to their athletic accomplishments, all three student-athletes earned scholarship opportunities to continue their education while competing at the next level.

"One of our primary goals is to help ball players move on and earn opportunities to continue their careers," Nackord said. "Seeing three players from this group sign with a quality program such as Dakota Wesleyan is a testament to their hard work and dedication. We look forward to following their success as Tigers."

Mendocino College Baseball congratulates Elijah Aguilar, Matthew Anderson, and Joseph Bettiga on this tremendous achievement and extends its best wishes for their continued success at Dakota Wesleyan University.