Under a bright November sky, Catholic Law’s fiercest competitors traded casebooks for cleats at the 6th Annual Katherine G. Crowley Cardinal Classic — the law school’s unofficial World Series of bragging rights.

The festivities began in fine form: a crisp presentation of colors by the University’s ROTC, a moving national anthem from Alexa Rivas (3L), and a ceremonial first pitch from SBA President Sofia Giurguis (3L). From there, the games were underway—and so was the friendly banter. Student announcers Taylor Byrd (2L) and Ian Macari (2L) called the action with the polish of seasoned broadcasters and the precision of appellate advocates, while Isabella Pastore (2L) handled music and walk-up songs with just the right timing and flair.

Game one pitted the 1Ls against the 2Ls. The newcomers came out swinging, eager to make a statement, but the 2Ls rallied late and sealed the deal with an exciting walk-off home run.

Next up, the 3Ls, seasoned, confident, and clearly taking this tournament as seriously as finals, faced the evening students. To be fair, the evening team didn’t exactly have time for batting practice, what with full-time jobs, families, and night classes that run later than most major league games. Still, they showed up swinging and earned everyone’s admiration, even as the 3Ls ultimately took the win to advance.

When the 2Ls and 3Ls met in the semi-finals, it was all business. The 3Ls found their groove early and never looked back, punching their ticket to the championship: a long-anticipated rematch against the Faculty/Staff team, with Professor Mary Graw Leary behind the plate calling balls and strikes.

The 3Ls jumped out to an early lead, but the Faculty/Staff team wasn’t going quietly. They mounted a late-game rally in the final two innings, closing the gap to just one run before time ran out. Though their comeback bid fell just short, the Faculty/Staff squad delivered some highlight-reel plays—and likely earned a few ice packs for their trouble. In the end, the 3Ls’ bats stayed hot, clinching their second straight Cardinal Classic championship.

Cameron Collins was named MVP for the student team after stellar play throughout all three games, and Assistant Dean Bryan McDermott earned MVP honors for the Faculty/Staff after a strong outing as pitcher in the championship game.

True to tradition, the day closed in laughter and camaraderie, with a shared appreciation for the strong sense of community that defines Catholic Law. Photos from the event will be posted to Catholic Law's Instagram account during the week of November 10.