By: Frank Maira, Assistant Director of Athletics/Sports Information Director
Mont Alto, Pa. – Freshman Brady Topper was named PSUAC Newcomer of the Year leading a contingent of three Penn State Mont Alto baseball players voted to the All-PSUAC teams on Wednesday. Topper was named to the All-PSUAC second team, outfielder Jeremiah Younker made it two-straight years as an All-PSUAC first teamer and Matt Taylor received honorable mention recognition.
Brady Topper's distinction as PSUAC Newcomer of the Year marked two-straight seasons in which a Mont Alto athlete received the honor. Topper started the season slow at the plate, but caught fire after early season games during Spring Break in Myrtle Beach, S.C. The second basemen is currently batting .379 in 95 at-bats and has displayed a slick glove with a fielding percentage of .952. Topper has slashed seven doubles and contributed 16 RBI's, which ranks 13th in the PSUAC.
One of the top power hitters in the conference, Jeremiah Younker ranked second in the PSUAC with 14 extra-base hits, including five home runs and a conference-high 31 RBI's. Younker has totaled 44 hits and his .449 batting average ranked second in conference play. He is now a two-time First Team All-PSUAC selection.
Matt Taylor followed up his All-American freshman season with another outstanding year for Mont Alto. The sophomore outfielder's 20 RBIs ranks seventh in the PSUAC and his 12 stolen bases was the second most on the team. Taylor is currently sporting a .259 batting average in 116 plate appearances and drew a league-leading 22 walks on the season.
All three players look to continue their outstanding seasons with Mont Alto set to compete in the USCAA Small College World Series from May 14-18 after winning the Penn State University Athletic Conference this past weekend.