June 11, 2009

IRVING, Tex. -- Rice third baseman Anthony Rendon was named a second team All-America selection by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA), the organization announced from its headquarters in Irving, Tex.

Rendon, who was also the NCBWA's District VII Player of the Year, had a sensational debut at the Division I level. He led Conference USA in batting average (.388), slugging percentage (.702) and home runs with a Rice freshman record 20 round-trippers. Rendon was tops on the team and among the best in the league in RBI (72). In addition to scoring 60 runs and knocking 14 doubles for a .702 slugging percentage, he also drew 31 walks for a .406 on-base average.

The honors have poured-in for Rendon this season. The standout, who joined the Owls from nearby Lamar High School, was named the 2009 National Freshman of the Year by Collegiate Baseball and he was a national semifinalist for both the Dick Howser Trophy as well as the Golden Spikes Award. Rendon became the first player in Conference USA history to be named both the Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year in the same season. He was also named C-USA Tournament Most Valuable Player after leading the Owls to their third tournament title in four years. Rendon was a big reason behind the Owls' 43-18 record and he helped the Blue & Gray claim the NCAA Houston (Rice) Regional title and advance to the Super Regional round.