Cavaliers Fall in Tight Region 4 Matchup Against Madison

MADISON, Wis. — May 15, 2026 — Kankakee Community College battled Madison College in a low-scoring Region 4 postseason matchup Friday evening at Robin Roberts Field, but a three-run sixth inning proved to be the difference as the Cavaliers fell 3-2. 

KCC took the first lead of the game in the top of the fourth. Jack Vogt singled to start the inning, and Lucas Rink followed by reaching base to put pressure on Madison. Connor Gaitens came through with an RBI single to score Vogt and give the Cavaliers a 1-0 advantage. 

Clay Gadbois kept Madison off the board through the first five innings, working efficiently and giving KCC a chance to control the game. Madison broke through in the sixth, however, scoring three runs on timely contact and taking a 3-1 lead. 

The Cavaliers continued to battle late. In the eighth inning, Rink reached base and later came around to score on an RBI from Hank Vandermeer, cutting the deficit to 3-2. KCC brought the tying run into the late innings but was unable to complete the comeback. 

Gabe McHugh led the Cavaliers offensively, finishing 2-for-4 with a double. Gaitens and Vandermeer each drove in a run, while Vogt, Rink, JJ Gillespie, and Vandermeer also added hits for KCC. 

On the mound, Gadbois gave the Cavaliers a strong start despite taking the loss. He threw six innings, allowing five hits, three earned runs, and three walks while striking out six. Dom Panozzo was excellent out of the bullpen, throwing two perfect innings with two strikeouts to keep KCC within striking distance. 

Madison starter Noah Marschke earned the win, allowing one run over seven innings while striking out 11. Chase Baker recorded the final four outs to earn the save. 

Despite the loss, the Cavaliers remained alive in the Region 4 tournament and continued their postseason run.