California University of Pennsylvania Athletics

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. (Dec. 15) – California University of Pennsylvania senior outfielder Sam DiMatteo (Center, Pa./Center) was selected a preseason National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) First-Team All-American, the organization announced on Tuesday.

DiMatteo was named to the NCBWA All-America Third Team as a junior last season after leading the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) and ranking fourth in NCAA Division II with 40 stolen bases. He also finished with a .405 batting average (70-for-173), 12 doubles, two triples, 12 homers, 50 RBI and 57 runs scored. Last year, the former Center standout was also named an American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Second-Team All-American.

A two-time All-PSAC West First-Team selection, DiMatteo enters his senior season among the school all-time leaders with 151 hits, 20 homers, 108 RBI, 72 stolen bases and 118 runs scored.

DiMatteo was one of seven PSAC players to be named to the three All-America teams and was joined by IUP catcher T.J. Nichols on the First Team.

The Vulcans open the 2009 campaign at the Catawba Invitational in Kannapolis, N.C., beginning Feb. 6.