(Posted March 16, 2006)

Huntingdon, PA - Juniata College senior baseball player Troy Beaver (Bellwood-Antis/Bellwood) continues to earn recognition for his play during the team's spring break trip Arizona as he has been selected as the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Division III National Player of the Week. The honor comes after he was tabbed as the Commonwealth Conference Player of the Week on Monday. He is the first ever Juniata player to claim the national award.

Hitting in the lead-off spot, Beaver batted .667 (14-21), reaching base 23 times over six games, including one game in which he reached base seven times in seven plate appearances, with a remarkable 18 runs scored. He had at least one hit in each of the team's six games, and had two or more hits in four of the contests. He scored at least two runs in five of the games and three or more runs on four occasions, with five runs scored in an 18-10 win over Beloit. He stole four bases on the week, while his four doubles helped him post a .857 slugging percentage. Beaver also drove in six runs on the week.

"Our offense has been explosive early in the season, and Troy's play at the top of the order has been a big reason why," said Juniata Head Coach George Zanic. "Troy has really been a key part of our offense for several years with his ability to set the table, but he's been overshadowed a bit by some of our run producers. It's great to see him play so well early on this season and earn this recognition as he is such a big part of our success both offensively and defensively."

Through Juniata's first 13 games, Beaver is hitting an impressive .404 while leading the team with 21 runs scored. He is tied for second on the squad with 19 hits and has stolen a team-best four bases. Beaver also ranks second on the team with four doubles, while his .516 on-base percentage is also second-best on the Juniata team

With Beaver providing a big offensive contribution the Eagles are off to a 9-4 start in 2006. After starting the season 0-3 the team won eight of nine games during its spring break trip, including a three-game sweep of conference foe Moravian, and then earned returned home to claim its fourth conference win with a victory over Susquehanna. Juniata will conclude its three-game series against Susquehanna with a doubleheader in Selinsgrove on Saturday.

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