GREENVILLE, N.C. — While the ECU Pirates baseball team is gearing up for postseason action, another squad representing East Carolina has already secured its spot on the national stage.

ECU Club Baseball punched its ticket to the NCBA World Series in dramatic walk-off fashion, defeating Virginia Tech 9-8 to capture the Mid-Atlantic Regional title. This marks the program's 10th trip to the World Series in Alton, Illinois, where they'll chase their third national championship—and first since 2017.

"We fought the whole way through to finally pull through with the walk off," said head coach Cam Hull. "It was a great feeling to celebrate with the boys out there. Going to the World Series is a special feeling."

But the road to a title comes with a price tag. The team is asking for donations to help cover travel, food, and other expenses for the trip. For a club program that doesn't have the same resources as varsity athletics, every contribution counts.

Junior pitcher and club president Braeden Collins knows the sting of falling short. "Two years ago we went and it was the best feeling we've had. Last year we missed it, so being able to get back this year—100%, it's our biggest goal. But taking it all is obviously the main goal this season."

Collins added, "Being this last minute, just donations—anybody seeing this, being able to donate towards our link helps a lot. Whatever you can give."

East Carolina will open World Series play against Creighton on Friday, May 22, at 3:45 p.m. ET. Following a format similar to the College World Series in Omaha, eight teams will compete in a double-elimination bracket for the national title.

For fans looking to support these Pirates on their championship quest, donations are being accepted through the team's social media channels. Every bit helps turn a walk-off win into a walk-off championship.