Mercy University's baseball seniors John Nisco, Zach Ashline, and David Bernard Jr., along with sophomores Ryan DiNapoli and Andre Jenkins, have been honored as part of the 2026 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Baseball Team. Nisco's .365 batting average and leadership in key offensive categories mark his second consecutive All-District selection. Ashline, also a repeat honoree, set a school record with 26 career home runs. Bernard Jr. was recognized for the second year, showcasing his discipline with a team-high 24 walks. DiNapoli and Jenkins earned their first All-District honors due to strong academic and pitching performances.

By the Numbers
  • John Nisco achieved a 3.63 GPA with 70 hits and 33 RBI this season.
  • Zach Ashline set a school record with 26 career home runs and a GPA of 3.55.
  • David Bernard Jr. posted a 3.74 GPA and led the team with 24 walks.
  • Ryan DiNapoli ended the season with a 4-5 record and a 4.88 ERA over 48.0 innings.
  • Andre Jenkins had 59 strikeouts in 80.1 innings with a GPA of 3.63.
Yes, But

While these athletes excel academically and athletically, the variable performance levels on the field can spark discussions about overall team consistency, especially with varying win-loss records among the players.

State of Play
  • Mercy University's baseball program is seeing a blend of seasoned seniors and emerging sophomores on their roster.
  • Key players have set individual records while contributing significantly to the team's statistics this season.
What's Next

The team's focus will likely shift towards building on individual successes to enhance overall performance in upcoming seasons, fostering both academic and athletic growth.

Bottom Line

The recognition of these student-athletes underscores the importance of balancing academics with sports, highlighting the potential for success on both fronts within collegiate athletics.