The Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) Bobcats Baseball Team captured the 2026 FCSAA Division II Region 8 State Tournament title for the second consecutive year, defeating top-seeded Lake-Sumter State College 3-1 in a decisive championship matchup. Entering the tournament as the Number Two seed, the Bobcats delivered a standout performance to secure the program’s latest postseason achievement.
PHSC opened the tournament on April 29 with a 14–4 victory over St. Johns River State College (34–22) in a 10-run rule-shortened game. Pitcher Derek Westfall (Jesuit HS/Queens University) earned the win, tossing a five-inning complete game with six strikeouts. Alex Rodriguez (Marjory Stoneman Douglas HS/University of Central Florida), Vance Celiberiti (J. W. Mitchell HS), Sebastian Berrios (Doral Academy/Florida International University), Mickey Greenberg (A3 Academy) and Horatio Sanchez (Tampa Catholic) each recorded multiple hits in the victory.
In a back-and-forth semifinal game that was tied 11–11 after regulation, the Bobcats secured their spot in the championship game at the top of the eleventh inning on a walk-off single by Bradon Durfee (Land O' Lakes HS). Isaac Palacios (Naples HS) earned the extra-inning win over Number Four seed Palm Beach State College (29–23), pitching 4.1 innings of scoreless relief.
On May 2, the Bobcats had the opportunity to defend their FCSAA title as they faced Lake-Sumter State College in a rematch of the 2025 championship game. This year, PHSC took an early 2–0 lead in the third inning before the game was suspended due to severe weather. Play resumed on May 3, when pitcher Hector Escobar (Miami Christian School) delivered a dominant complete-game performance. The Bobcats sealed the 3-1 victory, clinching PHSC’s second consecutive FCSAA Division II Championship.
After the game, Escobar was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Pitcher for his complete-game performance in the championship. Celiberti earned Most Valuable Player honors, while Greenberg, Rodriguez, Durfee, Palacios and Eduardo Morales (Mater Academy Charter/Bethune Cookman University) were named to the All-Tournament Team in recognition of their outstanding performances. Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach Lyndon Coleman was additionally named FCSAA DII Region 8 Coach of the Year.
“This was the first year in four years that we did not win the Sun-Lakes Conference regular season championship, which was a little disappointing, but the team was able to bounce back and win the Region 8 championship, showing how tough these guys are. I couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments and the adversity they have overcome. I am excited to watch them play in the upcoming Gulf South District Championship,” said Lyndon Coleman, PHSC athletics director and head baseball coach.
“Back-to-back state championships are a reflection of the hard work, resilience and leadership demonstrated by our student-athletes and coaching staff throughout the season,” said Eric Hall, Ed.D., president of Pasco-Hernando State College. “The Bobcats continue to make our college and community proud, and we are excited to cheer them on as they compete for another national title.”
With the Region 8 state title victory, PHSC advances to the 2026 NJCAA DII Baseball South District Championship in Palatka, Fla., scheduled for May 8–10, where they will play Lurleen B. Wallace Community College. The Bobcats now continue their postseason run, carrying both momentum and determination with their sights set firmly on defending their NJCAA Division II World Series title.