NILES, Illinois — The Knights varsity baseball team earned the #3 seed in the IHSA 2A Sub-Sectional, and with that comes an automatic bye to the IHSA Regional semi-finals in Elmhurst. The maroon and gold are riding a three-game winning streak and looking to turn the corner at the right time as they flip the page to postseason play.

Competing against a tough, talented schedule, the Knights have a 12-15 record while showing grit in many of their toughest matchups in 2024. Coach Pat Hunt, now in his 26th year, says playing high-level opponents has prepared the Knights well for what's to come. "Our competitive schedule has prepared the team for postseason competition by forcing them to experience a high level of play that will allow them to be ready for the big moments that come with the IHSA state tournament," Coach Hunt said.

Following their return from an Easter break trip to Florida, the Knights would soon find their groove and win 6 of their next 7 games. As conference play progressed, Connor Lolli '24 led the offensive charge for the Knights, batting .486 with 17 hits and 13 RBI in ISL play. Fellow senior Ben Hunt '24 has also heated up at the plate, hitting the first three home runs of his career — all of which being grand slams. On the year, Joe Morales '26 leads the team with a .434 BA, 28 RBI and 3 HR. Thomas Hansen '25 leads the team in long balls, knocking out 5 home runs this season.

On the mound, Tom Rudolph '24, Thomas Hansen, Thomas Hunt '24 and Ben Hunt have led the way. Rudolph has taken the bump against many of the Knights toughest opponents this season, racking up 57 strikeouts in just 33.1 IP. Hansen has been a model of consistency, pounding the zone all season while going 3-0 in ISL play and striking out 47 while walking just 14 batters. Thomas Hunt, second on the team in innings pitched, is 4-1 on the year with 33 K's. Ben Hunt, the 2023 ISL Pitcher of the Year, has struck out 29 over 25.0 IP.

The Knights look to end the regular season strong with home matchups against Yeshiva (Wednesday) and Lisle (Friday). The IHSA 2A regional begins at IC Catholic's Plunkett Athletic Complex on Wednesday, May 15. First pitch will be at 8:00pm as the Knights play the winner of Chicago Academy/Foreman.