May 13, 2009

INDIANAPOLIS - Daktronics, Inc. announced its All-Midwest Region Teams on Wednesday, and Grand Valley State placed three players on the first team and another two on the second team. The teams were selected by the region's sports information directors.

Kyle Gendron and Cody Grice were both named to the first team as fielders, while Andre Benjamin earned the accolades as a starting pitcher. Ben Knuth and Matt Cade were both named to the All-Midwest Region Second Team.

Gendron, a junior second baseman, was also a First Team All-GLIAC selection this season after transferring over from Western Michigan. In Division II, he ranks in the top 100 in batting average (94), runs per game (57), runs (50), hits (61), doubles per game (65), doubles (47), slugging percentage (96), total bases (55) and on-base percentage (48). On the season, he is hitting .399 with an on-base percentage of .453 and a team-high slugging percentage of .677. He has scored 62 runs and driven in another 51 with a team-high 10 home runs.

Grice, a freshman, led the team with a .438 batting average during his first season. He also compiled a team-best .509 on-base percentage by drawing 13 walks. In 48 games, he scored 40 runs and drove in 31. He hit five home runs and two triples with a slugging percentage of .623. He was named the GLIAC Freshman of the Year and earned First Team All-GLIAC plaudits. He ranks 29th in Division II in batting average and 48th in on-base percentage.

Benjamin also earned First Team All-GLIAC honors during his senior campaign. In Division II, he ranks 79th in earned-run average, 45th in victories and 64th in hits allowed per nine innings. He finished the season with an 8-1 record and an earned-run average of 3.03. He struck out 64 and allowed 58 hits through 68.1 innings of work. He held opposing batters to an average of .231 in 251 at bats.

All of the first team all-region selections are now placed on the national ballot for Daktronics, Inc. All-American consideration, which will be released on Friday, May 22.