HICKORY, N.C. — The Catawba Valley Community College baseball team closed the regular season with a rebound performance Sunday, defeating Guilford Technical Community College 12-3 in the Sophomore Day finale at Henkel-Alley Field at the American Legion Fairgrounds.

The Red Hawks bounced back after suffering a pair of losses to the Titans on Friday, using a productive offense and steady pitching to secure the season-ending win while honoring CVCC's sophomore class of 23 student athletes prior to first pitch.

Catawba Valley scored seven runs over the first three innings to take control early. Jacob Krebs and Isaiah McDowell each homered as part of a power surge that included three home runs and five doubles. The Red Hawks extended their program record for home runs to 102 during the content.

Krebs finished Sunday's game 2-for-2 with a home run, three RBIs, three runs scored and two walks. McDowell went 2-for-3 with a home run, double and three RBIs, while Sylas Mills added two doubles, drove in two runs and scored three times.

Pierce Bouwman doubled and drove in a run, Josh Meadows homered and collected an RBI, and Brady Byler went 2-for-4 with a double and RBI as CVCC totaled 12 runs on 12 hits.

Lane Essary earned the win on the mound for Catawba Valley, improving to 5‑0 on the season. The sophomore allowed three runs on eight hits over five innings, striking out six. Cooper Bliss closed out the game with two scoreless innings of relief, striking out four and allowing no hits.

With the regular season complete, Catawba Valley now turns its attention to postseason play. The Red Hawks will compete in the Region 10 Tournament, scheduled for May 7–11 in Kinston, N.C.