Madison, WI – April 15, 2009. The Mallards newest signed player, St. Mary’s freshman infielder Troy Channing, highlights this week’s edition of the “Spring Update.” In only 32 games the powerful 6’0, 225 lbs youngster leads all future Mallards in nearly every hitting category with 15 home runs, 49 RBIs, and a .411 batting average. Last week Channing was named the West Coast Conference Player of the Month for March after hitting .417 with 10 home runs and 37 RBIs. On top of that he had a team-high 17 game hitting streak and knocked in at least one RBI in 20 of 22 games in the month. Channing was also named WCC Player of the Week on March 2nd and 16th. Please read on to learn more about other future Mallards having impressive spring college seasons thus far. 

Tony Zych, RHP, Jr.  — Lousiville
Zych’s low workload might be a bit misleading, because Tony Zych has given up only one earned run all season long over 19 innings pitched, making him one of the top relievers on the entire Louisville roster. He has pinpoint control, with opposing batters hitting only .169 and has an outstanding eight-to-one strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Joe Panik, IF, Fr. — St. John’s
Already off to a hot hitting start this spring, infielder Joe Panik picked up his game this past week, raising his already solid .350 average to an even more impressive .362 mark. He has knocked in 32 runs on the season and has also been perfect on the base paths, swiping four bases on as many attempts. He is one of the few freshmen to have started every game for St. John’s this season.

Adam McClain, IF Fr. — Memphis
To cap off the week of outstanding freshmen players, Memphis infielder Adam McClain’s numbers might not look as impressive as some of the others mentioned, but his .290 average is a significant increase from his much less impressive .256 mark only one week ago. McClain has started every game for Memphis, and after a very slow start is finally starting to play up to his potential.