MESA, Ariz. – The exciting run for the Corban University baseball team came to a heartbreaking end on Monday evening in Arizona, as the Warriors battled and had opportunities against the University of British Columbia, but Corban came up just short in a 5-3 loss. The defeat ends Corban's season, just a couple of games short of a national tournament berth.

"Obviously not the way we wanted the season to end, but I couldn't be more proud of these guys," said Corban head coach Derek Legg. "The way they competed at this tournament was amazing, but also the effort they gave all year."

The Warriors finish the year with a 28-26 overall record and a trip back to the conference tournament following a year hiatus from the tourney.

Corban fell behind early, 3-0, but battled back to make it 3-2 in the seventh inning and came close to scoring more, but some good UBC defensive plays kept the Warriors from tying the ballgame.

The Thunderbirds then added a pair of runs in the eighth, but Corban battled back in the ninth, scoring one run and then brought the tying run to the dish. Unfortunately, that would be as close as Corban would get, ultimately resulting in the two-run defeat.

"This will be the team people look back on and recognize as the team that changed Corban Baseball," said Legg. "We will miss a lot of seniors, but I am really happy with the guys we have coming back. Thank you to all the family and friends that supported us this year. We will see you next year. Go Warriors!"

Corban totaled 10 hits as a team in the defeat, with seniors Ethan Bragg, Drew Loera, and Jarett Thoren each recording two hits in their final games donning the Navy and Gold.

On the bump, Caleb Henry was very good overall in his last-ever start, going 7.2 innings while giving up five runs – only four of which were earned.

Corban graduates 16 seniors, but returns a talented young core to next year's squad, and head coach Derek Legg is set to return in year two, continuing to lead the way ahead for the Warriors.