The New Jersey Institute of Technology baseball team is getting ready for its American East tournament debut for the first time since joining the conference.

“We talk to the team all the time about playing with opportunity, and they've really excited playing with opportunity. We've thrown a ton of strikes, playing great defense and offensively we're starting to click,” says coach Robbie McClellan.

The team started the season 3-12, but has come alive in their last 20 games, going 16-4 – winning a program-best seven games in a row.

“There was the moment where it was like, ‘Wow, we really got to go. Time is ticking.’ And everyone bought in at the right time and it’s really special to be a part of it and I haven’t had more fun than I’ve had these past two months,” says pitcher Jared Kacso.

The Highlanders are peaking at the right time. They clinched their spot in the tournament for the first time ever during their final series of the season.

“I know that NJIT has never been in a regional in Division 1, so I think if we play the way that we’re capable of and we play up to our standard, our goal is to win this conference tournament and see how far it takes us,” says catcher Paul Franzoni.

The team says it will keep playing to their strengths – throwing the ball well, fielding the ball clean and batting lights out – all with a little extra Jersey flair.

“When you’re from Jersey you have a little bit extra grit, and we play hard and we show we’re proud where we’re from and I think that’s the best part about this team. We can joke around and have fun, but we’re proud of who we are and we’re proud of our team,” Kasco says.