Lehigh University Athletics
Novalis is league's Player of the Week
9/14/2003 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Bethlehem, PA – Lehigh third baseman Jesse Novalis ripped 16 hits and drove in 16 runs over the course of six games last week, and the sophomore has been named the Patriot League Player of the Week. In six games played between April 8- April 14, Novalis compiled a .667 average(16-for24), with three doubles, a triple, and two home runs. He scored eleven times and smacked six extra-base hits as Lehigh won five of its six games last week.
"The week Jesse had was special," said head coach Sean Leary. "It’s quite an accomplishment to maintain that level of excellence for that long."
Novalis had at least one hit in every game last week, including a 6-for-6 effort at cross-town rival Moravian. Novalis’ 6 hits that afternoon matched a Patriot League record for most hits in a game. He leads the team in home runs with 7 on the season, nearly double his freshman total of eight.
In winning the Player of the Week award, Novalis faced stiff competition from around the league, but also from within his own dugout. Senior co-captain Justin Pagan had a phenomenal week as well. Pagan was 11-for-17 at the plate as Lehigh won three of four at Bucknell over the weekend, a .647 batting average. The center fielder scored seven runs, drove in eight more, and collected two game-winning hits.
The Mountain Hawks are 19-3-1 overall, and are 5-3 in league play. Lehigh currently sits in second place in the league standings, with the top three teams qualifying for the post-season tournament. The Mountain Hawks are back in action on Tuesday, when Lehigh hosts Delaware State at 3:00. Lehigh resumes league play this weekend, hosting Holy Cross in a four-game series that gets underway on Saturday. Lehigh currently boasts an undefeated home record.
For more information, contact Jeff Tourial, Lehigh Sports Media Relations.
