The University at Albany’s baseball program has been celebrated by the America East Conference, which announced seven distinct awards that underscore the team’s blend of performance and scholarship.
Leading the recognition, senior right‑hander Dylan Banner was selected as the conference’s Pitcher of the Year after posting a 3.41 earned run average and delivering three complete games in 13 starts.
Teammate Matthew Mariano earned a spot on the All-Conference First Team, while sophomore Tre Mariano secured Second Team honors after batting .301 with a .514 slugging percentage.
Patrick DeSarno and Jaxon Mueller were both named to the All-Rookie Team, with DeSarno drawing a team-high 30 walks and maintaining a .286 average, and Mueller collecting 42 hits, including 10 doubles and three home runs.
Cooper Loyal, a Business Administration major, was placed on the All-Academic Team after sustaining a 3.93 GPA, reflecting the program’s emphasis on classroom success.
Depth of Talent Fuels Championship Ambitions
Coach Jon Mueller praised the breadth of talent across the roster, noting that contributions from both veterans and newcomers have positioned the Great Danes as contenders in the upcoming America East Baseball Championship.
The team’s preparation has been methodical, focusing on maintaining pitching consistency and leveraging offensive firepower that has produced a .300 team batting average in several key matchups.
With the conference tournament looming, the Great Danes aim to translate their regular-season accolades into a championship run that could extend several players’ collegiate careers.