ALLENTOWN — It’s a three-year stretch that could arguably be called the greatest in Marian baseball history.

For the first time in school history, the Colts appeared in three straight District 11 championship games, capturing a pair of titles in the process.

During that span, Marian has compiled 48-24 overall record, won three Schuylkill League Division 3 titles, captured one Schuylkill League overall championship, posted a 6-1 record in district playoff games, and played in four PIAA state playoff games.

Friday night at Coca-Cola Park, Marian’s “try for tri” in district championship games came up short. After winning the D-11 Class 1A title in 2016 and the Class 2A crown a year ago, the Colts couldn’t solve Schuylkill Haven standout pitcher Brandon Schaeffer.

Schaeffer, who entered the game with an anemic 0.79 ERA and had struck out 113 batters in 62 innings, held Marian to just one hit and struck out nine in the 5-0 Hurricane victory.

The loss doesn’t diminish what the Colts have accomplished during their current run, however. And no one on the current Marian roster has played a bigger role in the program’s recent success than Max Nolter and Ryan Cappel.

Nolter and Cappel are the only seniors on a young Colt team.

Nolter has been a four-year varsity member and a starter the last two seasons. One of the team’s top hitters both last year and this year, Nolter has been equally important defensively as the Colts’ catcher.

“I don’t think anyone expected us to win a district title last year, and very few expected us to get back to the championship game this year because of how young we are,” said Nolter. “But the only thing that matters is that we believed.

“The coaches and players didn’t expect anything less.”

Nolter said he embraced his role as a leader this year.

“With all the freshmen and sophomores (a total of 10) we had on the team this season, I tried to set an example of what it takes to win and what it takes to be successful in the postseason,” he said. “Ryan (Cappel) and I tried to help out the younger guys like the upperclassmen helped me when I was a freshman and sophomore.”

Cappel, who pitched five solid innings, allowing four runs, five hits and striking out six, has been a starter the last two years after transferring from Blue Mountain.

“I’ve really enjoyed this ride, “ he said. “Even though we didn’t win tonight, as a competitor you love being in these types of games. We’ve played in so many big games the last couple years. It’s been incredible.

“Coming to Marian was the best decision I ever made. Not just because of the great time I’ve had playing baseball but because of how much of family this team is and this entire school is.”

Cappel, who was the winning pitcher in the Colts’ District 11 title game victory last season, said the fact that this might be his final high school game didn’t really hit him until he was pulled from the game in the bottom of the sixth inning after hitting the 100-pitch limit.

“Pappy (pitching coach Pete Radocha) greeted me before I even reached the dugout, gave me a hug, and thanked me for everything I’ve done for the team the last two years. He told me he was proud of how I battled and how I pitched. Then we kind of just talked about how much we appreciated each other. I think that’s when I realized that this might be my last game.”

Marian coach Tony Radocha had plenty of praise for his two seniors following the game.

“I couldn’t ask for two better leaders, two better kids, and two better competitors than Max and Ryan,” said Radocha. “This entire team is extremely close and they made coming to the field a joy. But Max and Ryan were really special. I’m going to miss them dearly next year, and I know our entire team feels the same way.”

With the talent and depth Marian returns, there is every indication that this current run it is on could continue next year.

Nolter thinks that will definitely happen.

“It’s always tough to lose and this will hurt for awhile,” Nolter said. “But I’m so proud of this team and what we accomplished. It was a great ride — and this loss is just going to make everyone hungrier next year.

“We have so many great players returning. Marian baseball is going to be even stronger next year.”