Hawks Wrap Up 2025 Season with Winning Record

Jair Diaz

Baseball | 6/25/2025 7:50:00 PM

Palatine, IL: The Harper baseball team capped off a successful 2025 campaign with a 27-24 overall record, finishing above .500 for the first time in several seasons. Under the leadership of Head Coach Dom Milano and his staff, the Hawks battled through a competitive Region 4 schedule, earned key wins against ranked opponents, and advanced to the final game of the Region 4 round robin playoffs.

The season started with a statement as the Hawks opened with a sweep of nationally ranked DII Heartland, setting the tone for a strong early stretch. A mix of consistent pitching, clutch hitting, and aggressive base running kept Harper competitive throughout the year. The Hawks played nearly 30 games decided by three runs or fewer and proved they could hang with the region's best, including a late-season split with perennial powerhouse Madison and an 11-7 playoff win over top-seeded Kankakee.

The offense was powered by timely contributions from up and down the lineup, with extra base threats and base stealers making Harper one of the more versatile lineups in Region 4. The pitching staff, anchored by the likes of Ethan Dorka, Logan Sarna, and Zach Zalewski, provided stability throughout the season and showed significant growth in high-leverage situations. The Hawks' bullpen, led by arms like Daniel Broeker, Jake Torres, and David Essien, played a critical role in keeping Harper competitive in tight games.

In the postseason, Harper entered the Region 4 double-elimination round robin with energy and grit. They outlasted Prairie State 11-10 in extra innings before falling to Kankakee 6-0. On day two, the Hawks battled back with an 11-7 win over the Cavaliers to force a deciding matchup, but ultimately came up just short in a narrow 8-7 loss that ended their season.

As the season came to a close, the Hawks also honored several players with team awards recognizing their impact on and off the field. Nick Drtina was named Team MVP after leading the Hawks in crucial moments. Spencer Geake earned Offensive Player of the Year, consistently setting the tone at the plate with extra-base hits and timely run production. Connor Kave was named Defensive Player of the Year for his reliable glove and range across multiple positions. The Most Improved Player honor went to Cameron King, who emerged as a key bat and versatile contributor in the lineup. Logan Sarna received Pitcher of the Year for his consistency and ability to compete deep into games throughout the season. The prestigious Tommy Jusi Award, recognizing leadership, work ethic, and commitment to the program, was awarded to Ryan Anderson, whose steady presence and dedication left a lasting impact on the team culture.

Off the field, the program continued its strong tradition of player development. Seven sophomores committed to continue their academic and athletic careers at four-year institutions, a testament to the team's hard work and Harper's commitment to helping student-athletes reach the next level.

As the Hawks reflect on a season filled with growth, grit, and memorable moments, the foundation is firmly in place for continued success in 2026 and beyond.

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Players Mentioned

#12 Tommy Jusi: UTIL; 5' 7"; Sophomore; R/R

#18 Ryan Anderson: C; 5' 8"; Sophomore; R/R

#50 Daniel Broeker: RHP; 6' 6"; Sophomore; R/R

#26 Ethan Dorka: LHP; 5' 10"; Sophomore; L/L

#17 Cameron King: INF; 5' 10"; Sophomore; L/R

#3 Nick Drtina: INF / RHP; 6' 3"; Freshman; L/R

#29 David Essien: RHP; 6' 2"; Freshman; R/R

#32 Spencer Geake: OF/RHP; 6' 3"; Sophomore; L/R

#15 Connor Kave: OF; 5' 8"; Redshirt Freshman; L/L

#46 Logan Sarna: RHP; 6' 7"; Freshman; R/R

Players Mentioned

#12 Tommy Jusi
: 5' 7"; Sophomore; R/R
: UTIL

#18 Ryan Anderson
: 5' 8"; Sophomore; R/R
: C

#50 Daniel Broeker
: 6' 6"; Sophomore; R/R
: RHP

#26 Ethan Dorka
: 5' 10"; Sophomore; L/L
: LHP

#17 Cameron King
: 5' 10"; Sophomore; L/R
: INF

#3 Nick Drtina
: 6' 3"; Freshman; L/R
: INF / RHP

#29 David Essien
: 6' 2"; Freshman; R/R
: RHP

#32 Spencer Geake
: 6' 3"; Sophomore; L/R
: OF/RHP

#15 Connor Kave
: 5' 8"; Redshirt Freshman; L/L
: OF

#46 Logan Sarna
: 6' 7"; Freshman; R/R
: RHP