DALLAS – Announced on Wednesday (April 21), Lipscomb University right-handed pitcher Kaleb Kantola has been listed on the Stopper of the Year Midseason Watchlist, announced by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. 

The graduate student has posted a 2.70 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP in 10 appearances out of the bullpen for the Bisons in 2026 with five saves. Tossing 16.2 innings pitched, he has allowed five earned runs with six walks and 16 strikeouts, holding batters to a .190 batting average against. 

In conference play, he has been lights out in the bullpen, allowing one earned run and six hits in 11.2 innings pitched. Facing 40 batters, he has held the opposition to a .150 batting average against and has retired 13. 

On April 12 against Central Arkansas, he faced one batter over the minimum in three innings, striking out five as Lipscomb came back to win 6-5. 

Five days later at North Alabama, he fended off a late rally by the Lions in his 1.2 innings of work to earn the save. 

The NCBWA will announce the finalists on Wednesday, June 3, with the winner being named on Friday, June 12, at the 2026 Men's College World Series.

The Bisons are back in action on Friday, hosting Austin Peay for a three-game series at Ken Dugan Field at Stephen Lee Marsh Stadium.