Baseball Reaches Regional Final

After last year's first-ever appearance in the state championship game, the team made another playoff run. US Baseball dominated down the stretch before the playoffs, winning 11 of 12 games in late May. 

The Preppers had a strong showing in their 4-1 win over Defiance in the regional semifinal, advancing to the "Elite Eight." They were eliminated in the
OHSAA Division III Regional Final, falling 6-5 to Padua Franciscan Bruins on June 2.  

The team displayed great pitching depth, sweeping their season matchups against perennial powerhouse Walsh Jesuit, winning 8-2 in April and sealing a 4-0 shutout in May.

James Bucci '26, Deacon Nelson '26, Jack Nelson '27, and Cayden Zelenak '26 served the team as captains. Coach Rob McNerney was assisted by Rick Giavonette ’04, Mike Ilacqua ’12, AJ Kimes, Jordan Levin, Joe Mongelluzzi, and Jonathan Wakeen ’07.

Congratulations to the team on another stellar season!

Click here to view the 2026 Spring Sports Celebration for more photos.  

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Shaker Heights Campus

20701 Brantley Road
Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122
JUNIOR K – GRADE 8
Phone: 216-321-8260

Hunting Valley Campus

2785 SOM Center Road
Hunting Valley, Ohio 44022
GRADES 9 – 12
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University School serves over 850 boys in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 on two campuses in suburban Cleveland, Ohio. The School’s mission is to inspire boys of promise to become young men of character who lead and serve. Dedicated faculty, rigorous curriculum, and experiential programs foster intellectual, physical, creative, and moral excellence. University School is a diverse and inclusive community where each boy is known and loved. 
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