FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12, 2008

Ezell named second team All-MIAA/Hernandez picks up honorable mention accolades

Kansas City, Mo. - Missouri Southern junior first baseman Derek Ezell (Lees Summit, Mo.) was named second team All-MIAA, while Juan Hernandez was an honorable mention All-MIAA pick as the teams were announced by the league today.

Ezell led the Lions with a .394 batting average this season and finished sixth in the MIAA in hitting. He hit .394 on the season with eight home runs and 42 RBIs, while leading the Lions in Slugging (.653), doubles (18), hits (67), runs (37), on base percentage (.488), total bases (111) and fielding percentage (.989).

It was conference play where Ezell really showed his offensive strength. During MIAA play, Ezell hit .406 with seven of his eight home runs and 33 of his 42 RBIs. He had a two home run game at Truman State as part of a four home run weekend against the Bulldogs.

Hernandez was the Lions lead off hitter for the majority of the season and finished second in hitting with a .342 batting average. He led the Lions in at bats (190) and stolen bases (10), while finishing second in runs (32), hits (65), triples (1), RBIs (27), total bases (79) and was one of the toughest Lions to strike out this season, only fanning 18 times.

Hernandez also turned it up during MIAA play, hitting .369, with both of his homers and 23 of his 27 RBIs coming during conference games.

Regular season champion Emporia State picked up Coach and Player of the Year honors as both coach Bob Fornelli and catcher Keith Hernandez were unanimous selections for the award. Central Missouri's Mark Carey was the Pitcher of the Year, while Fort Hays' catcher Ryan Majercik was the league's Freshman of the Year.