CVU Redhawks Claim Vermont D-I Baseball Crown in Hinesburg Thriller

HINESBURG, Vermont (AP) — Champlain Valley Union High School's Redhawks defeated Rutland High 5-3 in extra innings to win the Vermont Principals' Association Division I baseball state championship at Centennial Field in Burlington, initially reported by Seven Days. The victory, sealed in a tense eighth inning, marked CVU's seventh D-I title, following previous championships in 2003, 2012, 2013, 2019, 2021 and 2023, according to the program's official site. CVU Athletics Director Renee Breault confirmed the win, praising the team's preparation under the spring 2026 schedule that included key games like the May 1 JV matchup against an away opponent and upcoming contests versus Burlington on May 28 and South Burlington on May 2.

The Redhawks, known statewide as Vermont's benchmark D-I program, entered the final bolstered by a strong spring season previewed by Prep Baseball Report. Playing out of Hinesburg in Chittenden County, CVU overcame Rutland's late rally with clutch hitting and solid pitching, though specific player stats were unavailable as of Saturday. Centennial Field, the historic home of University of Vermont baseball, hosted the decisive game under clear skies, drawing hundreds of supporters from across the Green Mountain State.

This championship cements CVU's dominance in Vermont high school baseball, with the team now eyeing postseason celebrations and roster updates on cvubaseball.com. Rankings from the VPA and recent YouTube-streamed games, such as the April 25 matchup against Rice Memorial, showcased the Redhawks' momentum heading into the title clash. Local pride swelled in Hinesburg as the community anticipates parade details from school officials.