ERIE, Pa. (May 13) – California University of Pennsylvania senior shortstop
Shayne Busti (Crucible, Pa./Carmichaels) and junior right fielder
Sam DiMatteo (Center, Pa./Center) each received all-region honors on Wednesday, as both players were selected to the Daktronics All-Atlantic First Team by the regions’ Sports Information Directors.
With their first-team selections, Busti and DiMatteo advance to the national ballot for All-America consideration. The pair was also selected to the All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Western Division First Team earlier on Wednesday.
Busti, a transfer from rival Indiana University of Pennsylvania, led the Vulcans with a .415 average (66-for-159) and 55 RBI – only one RBI shy of tying the single-season school record. The 6-1 shortstop collected 14 doubles, one triple and eight homers this season, while posting a .473 on-base percentage. Busti, who ended the season on an eight-game hitting streak, served as the team’s primary clean-up hitter and started 46 games (39 at shortstop).
DiMatteo, a two-time All-PSAC West First Team selection, paced Cal U in several offensive categories in 2008. He established a new school record and led the league with 40 stolen bases. DiMatteo also finished the season with team-best marks of 12 homers, 70 hits, 57 runs scored, 122 total bases and a .705 slugging percentage. The 5-11 right fielder also led the team with 17 multi-RBI games and 23 multi-hit games.