LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – Senior Matt Palko (Freeland, Pa./Hazelton Area) has earned 2009 All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Baseball honors.

The Haven’s first baseman combined offensive power and solid defense for LHU all season long and was rewarded for his efforts by earning a spot on the PSAC West Second Team.

Palko, the team leader in home runs with 11, allowed his bat to spark the LHU offense throughout the 2009 campaign. His .291 batting average and 41 RBIs were near the top of the list for the team.

He also led the squad in on-base percentage with a solid .381 average and led the team in walks with 24.

Palko was third on the team with 51 hits, including eight doubles and a team-leading four triples.

Defensively, Palko led the team in putouts with 353 and was near the top of the list in fielding percentage with a .987 average at first base.

On February 21, during the team’s spring trip to Florida, he was a double short of the cycle against Apprentice School going 4-for-5 with one home run, a triple and two RBIs.

On March 10 against Gannon, he had his strongest showing of the season at the plate, as he 3-for-5 with two long balls and a total of five RBIs.

Throughout the season, Palko had 16 multiple-hit games on his way to helping the Bald Eagles reach the postseason for the first time in seven years.