Six Players to Watch in the Atlantic Regional

Last night, Millersville won the bid to host the 2011 Atlantic Regional Tournament at Clipper Magazine Stadium.  The five other teams that will make up the regional are Mercyhurst, Seton Hill, East Stroudsburg, Winston-Salem State and Concord.  Let's take a look at six players that are looking to make an impact this weekend at the Clip.

• Millersville- SS Mike August (Jr./Brandywine, Md.). August may not be the biggest household name on this Millersville team, but that is not because of lack of credentials.  Following his transfer into Millersville, August was most regarded for his defensive play at shortstop.  While he certainly hasn't disappointed there, August's .398 batting average and 18 doubles have caught many by surprise.  After starting the season batting eighth, August has found a home in the fifth position in the Millersville order. He's been very steady for the Ville and has recorded a hit in 13 of his last 14 games.  So far, the postseason has been no different for August.  In four games, he has batted .471 with four extra base hits for the Ville.  He is tied for the team lead in RBI as well, with 41.
• Mercyhurst- LF Kevin McCall (Sr./Cleveland, Ohio). McCall has been the rock for Mercyhurst all season long, hitting in the third position.  He has nineteen doubles to his credit, as well as three triples. McCall also hit .389 during the regular season, as he went on to be a first-team selection in the PSAC West. His most impressive statistic may be his 69 hits on the season, which rank among the top in Division II.
• Seton Hill- 3B Tom Deangelis (Sr./Moon Twp., Pa.) Deangelis has been the key to the Griffins 33-13 record, this season. Deangelis has hit .388 and has drove in a team-leading 46 runs.  Deangelis is slugging an impressive .582, and will have to be the key for Seton Hill to get back on track, following an 0-3 showing in the WVIAC conference tournament. 
• East Stroudsburg- LHP Jeremy Gigliotti (RS Sr./Saylorsburg, Pa.). Gigliotti has had a hard luck season as far as wins and losses go (6-3), but his ERA and Strikeout numbers have been incredible.  Gigliotti's ERA of 0.45, is the lowest in all of Division II. He has also struck out 73 in 60 IP.  Gigliotti's last performance was the best of his career.  With his team in need of two wins to make the PSAC tournament, Gigliotti no-hit Mansfield to close the regular season.  
• Winston-Salem State- LHP Brice Rivenbark (Jr./Burlington, NC). Rivenbark has struggled record wise (4-7), but heads the starting rotation for Rams with a 2.71 ERA.  Rivenbark has also struck out 94 batters while walking just 40 in 79.2 IP this season. 
• Concord- Inf. Bret Blevins (Fr./Owings, Md.). Blevins leads his team with 67 hits this season. His .383 average ranks second on the team, and his .543 slugging percentage leads the team.  Blevins capped his freshman season off by going 3-for-5 in the WVIAC championship game with a double, home run, and 2 RBI, while helping the Mountain Lions to the conference championship title. 

The tournament begins on Friday, with all six teams in action at Clipper Magazine Stadium in Lancaster. For more information visit, www.millersvilleathletics.com.

-Matt Dudas