Bridgewater, VA – Washington and Lee University wrapped up their 2026 season in a thrilling showdown against No. 9 Bridgewater College during the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Opening Series. After a gutsy 6-2 win in game two, they faced a tough 10-6 loss in the decisive third game.
In the first match, the Generals (21-14-1) came back strong after a 12-inning defeat the day before. They jumped to an early lead, scoring four runs in the first inning. Key plays included a single by Nick Caywood that brought in his brother, Alex, followed by Andrew Thornton’s double that kept the momentum going. They built their lead to 5-0 before the Eagles (32-11) managed to score two in the third inning.
Senior Brody Pasieka shone as he delivered four shutout innings, securing the win and forcing a final game in the series.
In game three, the Generals faced a more challenging landscape. The Eagles dominated early, scoring five runs in the second inning. Washington and Lee fought back, narrowing the gap thanks to solid performances from players like Nick Caywood. However, Bridgewater’s early lead proved too difficult to overcome as they clinched their spot in the ODAC Championship.
Top Performers:
- Samuel Chase led the Generals with a .800 batting average in the series, hitting four for five in one game.
- Nick Caywood recorded four RBIs over the two games.
Noteworthy Points:
- The 2026 season marked the Generals’ best record since 2017, showcasing significant improvement and teamwork.
- Brody Pasieka’s performance tied him for third-most career saves in school history.
The season illustrated how sports can bring communities together, fostering pride and a sense of belonging. The Generals may have ended their journey this season, but their growth and achievements set a promising stage for the future.
For more details about the Generals, check out Generals Sports.
