Four diamond standouts earn All-Region honors

Niagara County Community College, which finished 38-10 and was ranked No. 5 in the final regular-season NJCAA Div. III poll, had four players recently named to the annual All-Region III teams.

Sophomore first baseman Vincent Chiarenza was a repeat first-team selection after leading the team in home runs (7), slugging percentage (.731) and runs scored (65). Chiarenza, who is headed to Canisius College, collected 55 base hits for a .423 batting average. He also drove in 44 runs and swiped 23 bases. 

Classmate Kyle LaPlante joined him on the first team as he led NCCC with 15 doubles and 59 RBIs. His RBI total was third-best in Region III. The shortstop hit .370 with 44 total hits, 30 runs scored and 26 stolen bases. He is headed to Purdue University next year.

Freshman Erik Johnson earned a first-team nod on the mound after posting a miniscule 1.33 ERA in 47.1 innings pitched. The southpaw allowed just seven earned runs all season - lowest in the region among regular starters. He also registered 59 Ks.

Sophomore outfielder Garrett Boldt was a second-team choice as he led Region III with 31 stolen bases. He hit .376 with 53 base-knocks, 39 RBIs and 41 runs scored. Boldt is headed to St. Bonaventure University next season.