Box Score UNION, NJ – The Rowan University baseball team was eliminated with a 5-1 loss to The College of New Jersey in the New Jersey Athletic Conference Championship Tournament on Friday.
 
The sixth seeded Lions improve to 18-16 while the fourth seeded Profs have a 23-14 record. Right-hander Steven Volpe (jr. Cherry Hill, NJ/Eastern Reg.) hurled a complete game for the victory (2-3). He allowed just one unearned run on four hits. Lefty Ryan Sharkey (sr. Rutherford, NJ/St. Mary) suffered the loss (6-1).
 
Second baseman Ben Varone (so. Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) recorded a double and two RBIs and scored twice. Center fielder John Rizzi (jr. Long Hill, NJ/Watchung Hills) and catcher Matt Facas (jr. Florham Park, NJ/Hanover Park) each drove in a run. Shortstop Anthony Cocuzza (sr. Absecon, NJ/St. Augustine Prep), designated hitter Garen Turner (jr. Hainesport, NJ/Rancocas Valley Reg.) and first baseman Josh Limon (sr. Eastampton, NJ/Rancocas Valley Reg.) all crossed the plate one time. Limon also hit a double.
 
Catcher Stephen Petriello (jr. South Plainfield, NJ/South Plainfield) plated first baseman Casey Grimes (sr. Gibbstown, NJ/Paulsboro) with a sacrifice fly for Rowan's lone run. Grimes registered two hits.
 
TCNJ took a 2-0 lead in the fifth. Varone doubled down the left field line to score Limon and Rizzi followed with a RBI single. Each team tallied a run in the seventh. Facas and Varone drew back-to-back walks with the bases loaded in the eighth.
 
The Profs travel to Neumann University on Tuesday, May 5 for a 4 p.m. game.