The College of Staten Island baseball team achieved its first national-ranking of the season, picked as the No. 9 team in the New York Regional by the NCAA.  It is the Dolphins’ first regional ranking since their 30+ win season in 2013 and officially puts them on the bubble as an NCAA National Tournament qualifier when selections are made next week.

The NCAA ranks teams in eight different regions across the United States, and CSI is one of 44 teams with ranking eligibility in the New York Region.  The Dolphins, by virtue of their 27-11-1 overall record, strength of schedule, and record against regionally ranked teams, have earned the No. 9 seeding in the field, joining 80 other institutions who have achieved regional rankings spread across the U.S.  

With many athletic conferences concluding action this weekend, the NCAA will announce its final field of National Tournament participants on Monday, May 15.  A total of 56 teams are selected to compete in the Championships, and the Dolphins will be looking for one of the NCAA’s 13 at-large bids for entry.  

CSI started the season 6-6-1 but then reeled of 14 wins in their next 15 and have cruised since then.  After dropping the opening game of the CUNYAC Tournament, they rebounded nicely to score four straight wins en route to their third straight title.  They have been idle since Sunday, eagerly awaiting the NCAA Selection Show on Monday.