Baseball - Four Lakers Earn MSAC All-Conference Team Honors
CANANDAIGUA, NY. -- The Finger Lakes Community College Lakers (17-27) produced four (NJCAA Region III Division III) Mid-State Athletic Conference All-Conference team members from their 2012 roster. These players include the likes of Corey Cowen (West Edmeston, NY), Chris Fazio (Staten Island, NY), Justin Stowell (Horseheads, NY), and Eddie Tagliareni (Mexico, NY). Each of these players reached great levels of success this season individually on the field. Their statistics (along with position played and year of status) with a description of what they brought to the team this season is as follows:
Cowen (Outfield, Freshman) -- His first year in a Lakers uniform was labeled a breakout one. He brought a consistent bat to the diamond on a daily basis. Cowen hit to a tune of .390 (53 for 136) in 2012. He slugged 1 home run, produced 28 RBIs, scored 31 runs, and stole 29 bases. Cowen was not only an asset at the plate; he also served as a valuable fielder in the outfield as well. He posted a fielding percentage of .970 on the season by committing just three errors. The freshman produced these numbers in a span of 43 games.
Fazio (First Base, Freshman) -- He was Finger Lakes top hitter this season. The first year Laker batted a team best .416 (32 for 77) in 2012. He also drove in 18 runs. He accrued these numbers in 28 games. Fazio split playing time with Stowell this season at first base. The freshman did an excellent job performing offensively when inserted into the lineup. His bat served as a reliable and valuable force all season long for Finger Lakes. Overall, Fazio produced when his number was called in 2012.
Stowell (First Base, Sophomore) -- The second year first baseman was the Lakers top power hitter and one of the team leaders in hitting (3rd) in 2012. Stowell posted a .374 (46 for 123) batting average all while producing team highs in home runs (3) and RBIs (38). He currently stands 43rd in the nation in RBIs. In addition, he scored 28 runs on the season. Stowell not only hit for average and power, he also stood has a high on-base guy. The sophomore recorded a .432 on-base percentage this season. He assembled these numbers over a 41 game stretch.
Tagliareni (Shortstop, Freshman) -- The first year Laker brought a consistent bat with him to the plate in 2012, finishing the season with a .371 (52 for 140) batting average. He was second on the team in total hits. Tagliareni was very productive at the plate and on the base paths, finishing the season with 23 RBIs, 37 runs scored (team-high), and 24 steals. In addition, he had a knack for getting on base at a high rate. Tagliareni forced 14 walks to go along with his 52 hits. He ended his freshman campaign with a .428 on-base percentage. He capped off the season by earning National and Regional Male Athlete of the Week. Tagliareni earned these honors by going 14 for 21 (.667) from the plate over a period of 6 games (all resulting in wins for Finger Lakes), which stretched from 4/26 – 4/29.