MAAC Awards Highlight Niagara’s Breakout Season
Andrew Damiani emerged as the centerpiece of Niagara’s pitching staff, earning MAAC Reliever of the Year honors and a spot on the All‑MAAC First Team. The right‑hander posted a 2.60 earned‑run average over 45 innings, striking out 50 batters while converting 11 saves — a new single‑season record for the program. His five victories also paced the team, underscoring his reliability in high‑leverage situations.
Jacob Brooks anchored the lineup with a .337 batting average, collecting 67 hits and stealing 15 bases, the most in the conference. His 22 runs batted in and 111 defensive assists complemented a stellar average, while his 22 RBI placed him among the team’s top producers. Brooks started every game at shortstop, appearing in all 46 contests.
Rees Kozar contributed a .333 average with 65 hits and added 40 RBI, including six home runs, to help the Purple Eagles surge late in the season. Defensively, he logged 98 putouts and 56 assists, showcasing a well‑rounded skill set that earned him All‑MAAC recognition.
Freshman Nick Cote surprised many with a .276 average, 43 hits and 18 RBI, and he capped the year with his first collegiate home run against Mount St. Mary's. His 10 extra‑base hits highlighted a promising debut campaign.
The MAAC also recognized academic excellence, naming 15 student‑athletes to the All‑Academic Team, reflecting the program’s commitment to scholarship as well as competition.
With the regular season behind them, the Eagles prepare for the MAAC Tournament as the No. 2 seed in Wappingers Falls, New York, where they will look to translate their award‑winning performances into a championship run.