NCBWA Announces Two Spartans as All-Americans; Two as Honorable Mention
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - The 2023 National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) has announced its NCAA Division II All-America teams, recognizing a pair of University of Tampa players as All-Americans, and two as honorable mention All-Americans.
Outfielders E.J. Cumbo and Jordan Lala found a spot on the second and third teams, respectively. Additionally, pitcher Alex Canney and shortstop J.D. Urso were named honorable mention All-Americans.
Cumbo, a junior from East Meadow, N.Y., was also selected as a first-team All-American by ABCA/Rawlings. The 2023 Sunshine State Conference Player of the Year was also named a second-team All-American by D2CCA. Also a first-team all-region selection by ABCA/Rawlings, D2CCA and NCBWA, Cumbo was a first-team all-SSC choice as well. He concluded the 2023 campaign with a .416 batting average, six home runs and a team-leading 63 RBI. His 91 hits and .603 slugging percentage also ranked as team highs. Cumbo Ranked second in the SSC in batting average and third in OPS (1.063, .460OB%-.603SLG%). Defensively, he posted a .978 fielding percentage with four outfield assists.
Lala, a senior from Tampa, Fla., was also presented as a third-team All-American by ABCA/Rawlings. The top hitter in the SSC was also a third-team D2CCA All-American. Finishing the season with a .445 batting average, Lala was also a first-team all-SSC selection. He was also named first-team ABCA/Rawlings, NCBWA and D2CCA all-region. He set a school record with 79 runs scored in 2023 while his batting average went down as third in Spartan history. Lala was also the team leader with 32 stolen bases, 54 walks and a .569 on-base percentage. His walks also place him fifth in the nation, and first in the SSC. Lala also led the SSC in on-base percentage, OPS (1.109, .569OB%-.540SLG%), runs and stolen bases (32). He also excelled defensively with a .972 fielding percentage as his 104 putouts led all UT outfielders. He performed against top competition, hitting .435 with a .565 on-base percentage against ranked opponents.
