PSUAC All-Conference Award Winners

Cooper Ansbach (East Division Rookie of the Year/ East Division First Team Infielder):

Cooper Ansbach was a dynamic offensive contributor throughout the season, appearing in 42 games and producing a strong .371 batting average with a .451 on-base percentage and .543 slugging percentage. He totaled 52 hits, including 15 doubles, 3 triples, and a home run, while scoring 40 runs and driving in 26 RBIs. Cooper also made an impact on the bases, swiping 21 stolen bases on the season and adding pressure to opposing defenses with his speed and aggressiveness. Defensively, Cooper proved to be a reliable and versatile presence with 140 total chances and a strong .964 fielding percentage. He recorded 48 putouts and 87 assists while helping turn 13 double plays during the season. His ability to make plays consistently and contribute defensively in key situations helped solidify the infield defense throughout the year. On the mound, Cooper contributed valuable innings in both starting and relief roles, appearing in 11 games with 8 starts. He finished the season with a 4-3 record and earned 1 save while throwing 36.2 innings. He recorded 39 strikeouts on the season averaging 9.57 strikeouts per game. Opposing hitters were limited to a .236 batting average against him, highlighting his ability to compete effectively on the mound. 

Overall, Cooper Ansbach established himself as a versatile all-around contributor, impacting the game offensively, defensively, and on the mound while consistently providing leadership, athleticism, and competitive energy throughout the season.

Jordan Castrine (East Division First Team Pitcher): 

Jordan Castrine delivered an outstanding season on the mound, serving as a dependable and effective arm for Penn State Hazleton throughout the year. Appearing in 14 games with 6 starts, he compiled a strong 4-2 record while also earning 1 save and throwing 2 complete games. Castrine showcased excellent command and consistency across 48.2 innings pitched, allowing just 15 earned runs for an impressive 2.77 ERA while maintaining a stellar 1.11 WHIP. Opposing hitters struggled to generate offense against him as he surrendered only 42 hits all season. He also demonstrated the ability to limit free passes and work efficiently, issuing only 12 walks while recording 36 strikeouts. His poise, durability, and ability to provide quality innings made him a key contributor and reliable presence in the pitching staff throughout the season.

Trent Strohecker (Honorable Mention Pitching): 

Trent Strohecker emerged as a key piece of the Penn State Hazleton pitching staff, making 9 starts and consistently taking on a major role on the mound throughout the season. He finished the year with a strong 5-2 record across 46 innings pitched while demonstrating the ability to compete deep into games and deliver quality starts. Strohecker's biggest strength was his ability to generate strikeouts, recording 46 strikeouts in 46 innings for an impressive 9.00 strikeouts per nine innings rate. He posted a solid 3.91 ERA while limiting opponents to 47 hits over the course of the year. Trent's competitiveness, and durability as a starter made him a dependable and impactful presence in the rotation all season long.

Maximus Cuevas (John Fritz Sportsmanship Award):

Maximus Cuevas was a consistent offensive contributor and a disruptive presence on the bases throughout the season, appearing in 41 games and posting a solid .310 batting average with a .399 on-base percentage. He recorded 39 hits, scored 28 runs, and drove in 23 RBIs while consistently finding ways to impact the game offensively. Cuevas showed strong plate discipline, striking out only 14 times in 149 plate appearances while also drawing 13 walks and being hit by pitches 7 times. His ability to put the ball in play and get on base helped provide stability to the lineup all season long. One of his biggest strengths was his speed and aggressiveness on the bases. Maximus ended the season with 21 stolen bases while being caught only twice. Defensively, Cuevas contributed valuable innings in the field with 69 total chances, recording 49 putouts and 14 assists. He also helped turn 2 double plays during the season and posted an improved .966 fielding percentage in conference play. On the mound, Maximus provided additional versatility out of the bullpen, appearing in 4 games and earning 1 save during the season. In 5 innings pitched, he recorded 6 strikeouts. 

Overall, Maximus Cuevas proved to be a versatile and energetic all-around player whose offensive consistency, speed on the bases, defensive contributions, and ability to contribute on the mound made him an important asset throughout the season.