Royals Make History, Advance to Avista NAIA World Series for First Time

SALINA, Kan. — For the first time in program history, the Johnson Royals are headed to the Avista NAIA World Series.

Johnson captured the NAIA Opening Round title on Wednesday afternoon with a 9–8 win over No. 2 seed and tournament host Kansas Wesleyan, securing one of the biggest victories in school history and punching its ticket to Lewiston, Idaho.

The win was historic on multiple levels. It marked the Royals' 40th victory of the season, setting a new program record for single-season wins. It also gave head coach Dave Serrano his 100th win at Johnson in just his third season leading the program.

Johnson jumped out to an early lead and used a pair of big swings to build momentum. Mitchell Birdsall opened the scoring in the first inning with a three-run home run to left field, giving the Royals a 3–0 advantage. One inning later, Travis Hobbensiefken delivered a grand slam to left field, extending the lead to 7–0 and putting Johnson in control early.

The Royals added to the lead later in the game, with Hobbensiefken driving in another run and Johnson continuing to apply pressure on the bases. Tyler Barfield gave the Royals a strong start on the mound, allowing just two runs over seven innings before Kansas Wesleyan mounted a late comeback attempt. The Coyotes rallied in the ninth, but Johnson found a way to hold on and finish the job, with Kaleb Townsend recording the final outs to seal the historic win.

After the game, Serrano reflected on the magnitude of the moment and the people who helped the program reach this point.

"My thoughts are pretty deep right now," Serrano said. "I think about the players that trusted us three years ago when there wasn't much to sell, and that's no disrespect to anybody. I thank President Daniel Overdorf, Athletic Director Brandon Perry, all of our administration, all of our staff, my players, my coaches, the parents."

Serrano emphasized that the achievement belongs to the entire program and the people who have helped build it.

"One of the things in some of the programs I've been successful in, if the parents are behind you, you have a unified front," Serrano said. "But the team, I can't emphasize how much of a team this group is. It's always someone else stepping up, and there's a love between all of us."

For Johnson University, the win represents more than just a baseball accomplishment. It is a milestone moment for the athletic department and the university as a whole.

"For Johnson University to take this next step, it's so big, not just for our baseball program, but for the university," Serrano said. "To bring an awareness in the city of Knoxville that we are a really good university that stands about the right things, and we have a very good baseball program too."

Serrano also shared how much it meant to see this group experience the next level of postseason baseball.

"As I said to the team, my dream has come true because I wanted this for them," Serrano said. "I wanted this group of guys, and the guys that unfortunately had to be at home, I wanted these guys to feel what it feels like to get to the next level. As the head coach of this program, kind of like a father figure to them, I couldn't be more proud of them."

The Royals now turn their attention to the Avista NAIA World Series in Lewiston, Idaho, where they will represent Johnson University on the national stage for the first time in program history.