Bucklew, Konwinski Headline All-HCAC Selections

RICHMOND, IND. - Junior Ben Bucklew (Archbold) and senior Troy Konwinski (Allen Park, Mich.) headline Defiance College Baseball's 2019 All-HCAC selections. The duo was named First Team All-HCAC while senior Grant Vickery (Bellevue) finds his name on the Second Team All-HCAC list. 

Bucklew featured in 39 games for the Purple and Gold, starting 37 of those contests as catcher. Bucklew proved a consistent hitter for the Yellow Jackets. Wrapping up the season with a .310 average, the junior tallied 44 hits including four home runs. The Archbold native was named HCAC Hitter of the Week once during the regular season en route to his first All-HCAC accolade. 

Konwinski tallies his second All-HCAC honor after being named to the Second Team in 2018. The senior capped his impressive career with another strong season. Konwinski played and started in all 40 games for Defiance, being utilized at first base, pitcher and as a designated hitter. The Allen Park, Mich. native finished the season with a .327 average while crushing a team-high 53 hits and 43 RBI. Konwinski launched eight home runs over the season, placing him third in the HCAC.

Vickery records his first All-HCAC selection after proving a vital member of the program during his senior campaign. The senior featured and started in 37 games over the course of the season, serving as a reliable player in the outfield. While batting a team-high .349 average, Vickery tallied 45 hits, two home runs and 25 RBI. 

Defiance's recognition did not stop there as Cohen Nies (Logansport, Ind.) landed All-HCAC Honorable Mention honors. Nies served as a heavily relied on pitcher over the course of the 2019 season. Making 16 appearances and eight starts on the mound, Nies recorded a 3.26 ERA. His 75 strikeouts lands him second in the conference. Nies threw two complete games for the Purple and Gold, including a shutout against nonconference foe Ohio Northern. 

T.J. Scott (Cincinnati) wrapped up the program's selections with his naming to the Christopher M. Ragsdale All-Sportsmanship Team. 

The program's recognition continued on the coaching staff as head coach Derek Woodley was named Co-Coach of the Year for his efforts. Woodley coached the Yellow Jackets to their highest win total since 1995 and the second highest total in program history. 

Defiance concluded their season with a 23-16-1 overall record. The Yellow Jackets made a deep run in the HCAC Tournament, finishing the season just one win shy of a berth in the HCAC Championship game.