College briefs: Petty, Conte honored by PSAC
California University’s Kyle Petty and head coach Mike Conte were honored by the PSAC Tuesday as division player of the year and coach of the year.
Petty, a three-time All-Region selection, has played at nearly every position for the Vulcans during his senior season, but spent most of his time at catcher. Petty leads the league with a .636 slugging percentage and 36 stolen bases. In conference play, Petty leads with a .449 batting average and tops the Vulcans in saves with four.
Conte was named the PSAC West’s Coach of the Year for the seventh time in his 19-year career as the head coach of the Vulcans. He led the program to its fifth-straight PSAC Championship appearance and its 13th overall. Conte also earned the honors in 2010, 2007, 2006, 2004, 2001, and 1997, with conference championships coming in 2010 and 2004.
Millersville’s Zach Stone was named PSAC East Athlete of the Year, while Gannon’s Aaron Cox was deemed the West’s Freshman of the Year. On the mound, Millersville’s Chris Murphy earned Pitcher of the Year of the Eastern Division and Shayne Herold of Gannon was tabbed the West’s Pitcher of the Year. Millersville’s Jon Shehan earned East Coach of the Year honors.
The California University women’s golf team finished third in the standings at the NCAA Division II women’s golf Super Region One Championships in Joliett, Ind., Tuesday to qualify for the NCAA National Championships for the fourth-consecutive year.
The Vulcans shot a 328 Tuesday to finish at 107-over par 971, finishing third behind Indianapolis and Ashland.
Senior Maria Lopez shot a six-over 78 in the final round to finish the tournament tied for seventh overall at 20-over 236 (81-77-78) for the Vulcans.
Fellow senior Kim Thomas posted a nine-over 81 on Tuesday to move into a tie for 16th place at 26-over 242 (79-82-81).
Wheeling Jesuit freshman Kasey Frazier earned medalist honors by three strokes with a final score of 13-over 229 (77-77-75).
The NCAA championship will be held May 15-18 at LPGA International in Daytona Beach, Fla.