Behrend Baseball Announces 2024 Team Awards

ERIE, Pa. - The Penn State Behrend baseball team has announced its awards for the 2024 season as voted on by the players and coaches.

Head coach Paul Benim shared, "This spring season was another special one. It was cemented by the team earning the 2024 AMCC Championship and competing in the NCAA Tournament again."

The Most Improved Player Award goes to freshman pitcher Colin Bolla (Fairview, PA/Fairview). Bolla, an All-AMCC Second Team performer, led the team in innings pitched at just shy of 50. He registered a 4-2 mark with 60 strikeouts and a .200 batting average against. Bolla was also chosen as the program's Pitcher of the Year. He started the first game of the AMCC Tournament and the first game of the NCAA Tournament that the Behrend Lions won. "Colin is the kind of guy you need at the front of a collegiate pitching staff," said Benim. "He is a worker and will continue to get better."

The Rookie of the Year Award was a competitive vote and first year player David Gibson (North East, PA/North East) was tabbed with this honor. Gibson, who was also selected as the AMCC Newcomer of the Year, led the team with five home runs and 47 RBIs. He collected 56 hits, while also playing very steady defense at third base. "David acclimated quickly to the college game," said Benim. "He made a splash with an outstanding first year for us and we are excited to have him in the middle of the batting order for the next several years."

Senior Nathan Campbell (Wexford, PA/North Allegheny) earned the Herb Lauffer Leadership & Scholarship Award. "Nate was terrific for us this spring," said Benim. "He provided our young team with leadership on a daily basis." Campbell, a left-handed pitcher, appeared in 10 games holding opponents to .179 batting average against.

Sophomore shortstop Silvio Ionadi (Pittsburgh, PA/Plum) was named the Most Valuable Player this spring. The All-AMCC First Team shortstop led the blue and white from atop the line-up. Ionadi scored 53 runs, knocked 55 hits with 11 doubles and recorded a team-high 15 stolen bases. "When you look at Silvio's offensive season, it was pretty incredible," said Benim. "He is a run generator."

Freshman Spencer Deitz (Erie, PA/McDowell) was voted the Golden Glove Award. Deitz tallied zero errors across 51 chances for a perfect fielding percentage of 1.000 in 36 starts in centerfield. "Spencer closed gaps all season and made our pitching staff better," said Benim. "We want to pitch to contact and with Spencer patrolling the outfield, we know we can."

Senior Anthony Slate (Hopewell/Hopewell) earned the Hustle and Spirit Award. Coach Benim said, "Anthony locked in everyday and did an excellent job of playing the right way." Slate was selected as a First Team All-Conference performer, registering a .343 average to go along with 29 RBIs.

The Lions finished with a 29-13-1 record this spring and will look to keep growing and improving as they enter next season. "It was a strong season with contributions from each player and coach on the roster," said Benim. "We are proud of the way our experienced players embraced the younger guys. We think all of Behrend Baseball Nation is excited about the future of the program."