Abalos, Griesbauer, Hovde, and Peterson Named to USCAA All-Academic Team

Abalos, Griesbauer, Hovde, and Peterson Named to USCAA All-Academic Team

DUBOIS, Pa. – On Sunday, the 2019 United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) Academic All-Americans for baseball and softball at the pre-tournament luncheon.

The University of Dallas baseball team had a quartet of players earn selections – marking the most ever in a season for the second time. The other was in 2012 and this is the ninth year in a row for Dallas to have at least one Dallas baseball player earn the academic achievement. To be named, a nomination must carry at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA.

Claiming a spot on the USCAA National All-Academic Team were: Josh Abalos (Lewisville, Texas), Mark Peterson (Cincinnati, Ohio), Nicholas Hovde (Waco, Texas), and Joseph Griesbauer (Troy, Mo.). Three of these players end their senior careers with plaques that will go along the hallway in the Maher Center. Hovde and Griesbauer were named consecutive years, while Abalos got tabbed for the second time in his career (other was 2017).

Abalos lettered a fourth season with the Crusaders, as the second baseman batted above .300 for the first time in his career. Abalos totaled 40 hits on just as many runs to go with 28 stolen bases, which all marked personal highs. He led the team in base knocks, while his runs scored and base swipes were second on the team. His total steals propelled him to 83 for his career and ranked him tied for fourth in the program.

Peterson achieved the academic award for the first time in his career. The first baseman also lettered four times, as he led the Crusaders with nine doubles. He logged 30 hits, 18 runs, and 17 RBI.

Hovde played 13 games and made seven starts. The outfielder hit .290 with nine hits. He doubled, tripled, and posted five RBI and runs scored.

Griesbauer made a career-most 24 appearances with 14 starts. Playing outfield for the first time this spring, the right-handed hitter clobbered a pair of doubles that were among his 13 hits. He also scored six runs and drove in two.

View 2019 USCAA Baseball-Softball All-Academic