A bench-clearing confrontation over a plate call in the Region V title game between McLennan Community College and Cisco College caused officials to declare a double forfeit Monday, and now neither baseball team will move into the JUCO World Series.
MCC appealed the forfeit to the National Junior College Athletic Association, which decided Tuesday that neither MCC nor Cisco would advance, and members of both teams would face disciplinary action. The association said all assistant coaches and returning players would be suspended for the first two games of next season.
At the time the incident occurred, MCC was leading Cisco 11-9 in the sixth inning.
"I am saddened by the events of last evening and with the decision today," MCC President Dr. Johnette McKown said in a statement. "Although we submitted a letter of appeal along with video of the incident, the NJCAA chose not to overturn the decision made by the officials at the tournament. We were hopeful our team would have an opportunity to complete the game and to play for the regional championship. While there was a confrontation between two players, there was no fighting, and both coaching staffs immediately ensured the situation did not escalate. These student athletes worked hard both on and off the field during the year, and it is disappointing for the season to end in this way."
Now, Temple College -- which finished third at regionals -- will go to the JUCO World Series in place of either MCC or Cisco. The world series will be held May 26 to June 2 in Grand Junction, Colo.