Six T-Wolves earn All-WNYAC honors

Niagara County Community College had six representatives on the annual All-Western New York Athletic Conference team, which was announced on Tuesday. The Thunderwolves, who finished 38-10 overall and 7-1 against WNYAC opponents, were also crowned regular-season conference champions.

Sophomore first baseman Vincent Chiarenza was a 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, who did not commit an error, is headed to St. Bonaventure University next season.

Fellow second-year outfielder Matt Kruszka also made the second team as he hit .377 with 43 total rips, 21 RBIs and 34 runs scored. He, too, played error-free ball. Kruszka is headed Minot State University in the fall. 

Sophomore right-handed pitcher Joe Barberio was also a second-team pick as he racked up a 6-1 record with a 1.87 ERA and 64 strikeouts in 43.1 innings pitched. He also saw time as a catcher, hitting .348 with 30 RBIs and 28 runs scored. He will play at Canisius College next year.