The Concordia Eagles closed out their 2017 season today, and though the outcome of the game was not what they'd hoped for, it was a Senior Day to remember. 
 
In a ceremony before the game, Concordia honored the five seniors: Dane Vande Guchte, Chad Whiteaker, Joe Thompson, Ryan Land and Collin Orellana.
 
Orellana got the start on the mound for the Eagles and threw one of the best games of his career.  The lefty went the distance, going all nine innings while allowing just one hit and striking out four.  The only blemish came in the fifth inning as the Lancers took advantage of a lead off walk that would eventually score on a wild pitch.
 
Vande Guchte got the start in right field and the senior did his part to hold down the defense behind Orellana.  In the top of the first inning, Vande Guchte made an incredible catch by reaching over the top of the right field fence to rob Bryce Macy of a homerun.  Then, with two on in the top of the third, Vande Guchte flashed some leather again as he laid out for another impressive catch to keep the game scoreless.
 
Orellana finshes his career at CUI with a 14-9 record, 170.2 innings pitched and 75 strikeouts.  He finished the season with 30 strikeouts, second most on the team.
 
Vande Guchte concluded his three years as an Eagle with 49 hits in 72 career games.  He recorded 11 doubles, 32 runs scored and 33 RBI.
 
Whiteaker had a hit in his final game as an Eagle.  In his 60 games in a Concordia uniform, he logged 50 hits, eight doubles, two homeruns, 27 RBI and 19 runs scored.
 
Thompson also concluded his collegiate career, getting the start behind the dish.  In 71 career games, Thompson had .360 batting average with 46 hits. 
 
"Being here for five years, I've learned so much from this program and this university.   It's been a pleasure to be here these last few years.  I'm blessed with this opportunity and I couldn't have asked for anything else," Thompson said.
 
Land finished an impressive career in an Eagle uniform.  Known for his speed on the bases and stellar defense in the outfield, Land ended his career with 134 hits, 21 doubles, six triples, three homeruns, 66 RBI, and 36 stolen bases.  He was twice named to the Academic All-District team.
 
"Everything that I've learned, from not only baseball but the University as well, has been more than I can say and I'm thankful for the opportunities I got here," Land said after the game.
 
Head Coach Joe Turgeon had this to say after the game:
 
"Concordia University Irvine Baseball is in a great place because of the five seniors that played in their last college game today. Collin Orellana, Chad Whiteaker, Dane Vande Guchte, Joe Thompson and Ryan Land have left a positive mark on this institution and baseball program that should last for years to come. Each and every moment we were together this year our main goal was to be in the moment and enjoy being Eagles. The 2017 team were Eagles on and off the field and have truly set the standard for CUI Baseball."
 
The Eagles can only improve heading into next year.  With anywhere from four to eight freshman in the lineup in any given game, a lot of young faces packed a big punch and showed that the Eagles will be top contenders in the PacWest for years to come. 
 
Haloa Dudoit lead the team in batting average, batting .328 in his freshman campaign.  He also led the Eagles with 58 hits.
 
Jair Donovan earned PacWest Freshman of the Week honors three times this year after an impressive first year with Concordia.  He logged 50 hits including 10 doubles, four triples and two homeruns to go with 29 RBI and 11 stolen bases.
 
Bailey Collins also packed a big punch in the Eagle lineup this year, leading the team in doubles (11), homeruns (7), RBI (37) and slugging percentage (.526).  He also finished the season tied for first in the conference with 13 hit by pitches.  He earned PacWest Freshman of the week honors once, as well as PacWest Player of the Week and West Region Player of the week for the week of April 4^th.
 
Carpenter Pagett settled into the closer role out of the Concordia bullpen as the freshman recorded eight saves and a 3-2 record in 17 appearances and 32.2 innings pitched.
 
"It's obviously not a secret that we probably played with one of the youngest rosters in the country this season. We gained valuable experience and a clear understanding of what it is going to take be a national competitor at this level. I'm very proud of the level of competitiveness and heart of each guy that wore this uniform," Coach Turgeon added.
 
The 2011 NAIA National Champions and three-time GSAC Champions look to do big things in the PacWest and NCAA DII as they are eligible for the postseason beginning next season. 
 
After finishing this season with an overall record of  22-28 and 18-19 in PacWest play, the Eagles look to soar to new heights in 2018.