The No. 11 Milligan Buffaloes are packing their bags for Lakeland, Florida, as they gear up for the opening round of the NAIA Baseball National Championship. After earning an at-large bid, the Buffs enter the regional as a No. 2 seed in a double-elimination bracket, ready to make their mark on the national stage.

Milligan kicks off their tournament journey on Monday against the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds, with first pitch scheduled for 2:30 p.m. This matchup marks another milestone in what’s already been a historic season for the program, but the team has their sights set on something even bigger: a first-ever trip to the NAIA World Series in Lewiston, Idaho.

"It would mean everything," said third baseman Gaven Jones, reflecting on the potential achievement. "Having been here for five years, seeing all the time and effort from the guys who came through... it’s bigger than ourselves. It’s for the alumni, the university, and everyone who’s been part of this journey."

Senior pitcher Canyon Green echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the historic nature of the opportunity. "It’s never been done before. We’ve never advanced to the World Series in program history. For that to happen, it would be the greatest baseball moment of my life."

Head coach Skyler Barnett sees the tournament run as a chance to prove the Buffs belong among the nation’s elite. "It would mean so much to put our name on the national level and show we can compete at a high level," Barnett said. "That’s our goal as a coaching staff—to compete at the highest level possible."

With a mix of seasoned veterans and hungry newcomers, the Buffaloes are ready to take the next step and chase history in Florida. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the Buffs’ story, this is a team worth watching—and a season worth celebrating.