RICHMOND, Va. - Senior shortstop Nick Natoli of Towson University has been named as the All-Colonial Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year for the second time in his career, it has been announced by CAA officials.
Natoli, who was also named third team All-CAA, also earned the award in 2008. He is only the third player in CAA history to earn the award more than once, joining Sergio Miranda of Virginia Commonwealth (2006-07) and Jeff Palumbo of George Mason (2003-04).
For Natoli, this marks the third time in his career that he was named to the All-CAA team.
"For Nick to be honored as the Defensive Player of the Year again is no surprise," said Towson Coach Mike Gottlieb. "Those of us who have seen him play every day for the last few years realize how good he is. I know that many of the other CAA coaches respected him. Nick is one of the best players ever to play here and he is very deserving of these honors."
Natoli compiled a .954 fielding percentage and led the CAA with 169 assists as a senior. He was also part of 45 double plays and helped the Tigers lead the CAA with a .969 fielding percentage.
The Tigers tied the school record for single season fielding percentage with their .969 mark, equaling the mark set in 1988. They also turned 59 double plays in 55 games, a mark that tied for 22nd in the nation.
Natoli was the Tigers' second-leading hitter as a senior with a .314 batting average. He was third on the team with 38 runs scored and his 17 doubles were second. In addition to leading the Tigers with 19 stolen bases in 25 attempts, he hit four home runs and had 32 runs batted in.
By drawing 36 walks, he was seventh in the CAA. He also finished sixth in the CAA in stolen bases.
Natoli finished his career with a school record 827 at bats. In 215 games, he batted .307. With 254 base hits, he finished third on the Tigers' all-time list. He also ranked among Towson's all-time leaders with 156 runs scored and 52 doubles. With 51 stolen bases, he finished third on the Tigers' career list. Natoli, who had a .948 career fielding percentage, hit 11 home runs and had 125 runs batted in.
