May 16, 2007 - Broncs Honored by NJCBA

May 16, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

College Baseball
Broncs Honored by NJCBA

LAWRENCEVILLE—Four members of the Rider University baseball team were honored by the New Jersey College Baseball Association.

Sophomore catcher Sean Olson was named first team All-State, sophomore shortstop Jamie Hayes was named second team All-State, and freshmen Matt McCollum and Ryan Miller were named to the All-Rookie team. “It is an honor to be recognized by the NJ State coaches and they should be proud of their accomplishments,” said Rider head coach Barry Davis. “They have represented Rider well this season.”

Olson (Vineland/St. Augustine Prep) enters the final week of the regular season with a team-high .326 batting average, collecting 56 hits in 46 games. Olson leads Rider with 11 doubles and six home runs, as well as RBI with 41. His RBI total is second highest in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

Hayes (Sunrise, Florida/Piper) is batting .293 with 51 hits and 31 runs scored, and shares the team lead in doubles with Olson with 11. Hayes has stolen 15 bases in 16 attempts, and has moved from his shortstop position to the mound in the late innings, compiling a Rider-record 11 saves. His 11 saves ranks among the top 15 in the nation.

McCollum (Tabernacle/Shawnee) is batting .293 from his first base position, collecting 40 hits in 42 games, including nine doubles. A ‘red-shirt’ freshman who was injured last year, McCollum came on strong the second half of the season, collecting 19 hits in nine games in May.

Miller (Montoursville, PA) owns a 4-2 record and a 4.67 earned run average. His win total is second on the team and his e.r.a. is the third best on the Rider squad. Miller has pitched in 15 games, starting two, and has thrown 44 innings to date.

Rider ends the regular season with a three-game MAAC series at home against Fairfield May 17-18. The Broncs are currently in fifth place and are fighting for a playoff spot in the four-team MAAC tournament May 24-26.

-RU-