June 2, 2003

Santa Barbara, Calif. - Nic Rodriguez was announced as a second-team All-Conference member in the Big West on Tuesday. Rodriguez, a senior, made his first appearance on the All-Big West team. No other player from UC Santa Barbara earned recognition this season.

Rodriguez led all regulars in hitting this season with a .347 average and a .406 on-base percentage. Originally slated to be a reserve catcher, Rodriguez forced his way into the Gaucho starting lineup, first in left field, and then as the every-day designated hitter.

A transfer from Cochise Community College, Rodriguez started 15 games last season for UCSB. He appeared in 44 games this season, starting 25 of them.

Rodriguez launched his only career home run in a pinch-hitting appearance against UC Riverside on March 16th. He went a career-best 4-for-4 against Santa Clara on February 23rd. The senior ended his career on a personal-high ten game hitting streak. He collected at least one hit in 13 of the last 15 conference games he appeared in.

Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Rodriguez finished the 2003 season with 42 hits, 18 runs, 17 RBI and five doubles. In addition to his one home run, he had a .413 slugging percentage and was 1-for-3 in stolen bases.