Chris Malec Named Co-Big West Player of the Week

March 1, 2004

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - UC Santa Barbara junior second baseman Chris Malec has been named Co-Big West Player of the Week, the conference announced on Monday afternoon. The Laguna Niguel, Calif, native exploded for a .368 batting average over four games last week while driving in ten RBI and scoring four runs.

In the Gauchos' 22-9 victory over Fresno State on Saturday, Malec went 3-for-6 with five RBI and two doubles. He collected hits in each of the Gauchos' games during the week.

Malec also stole two bases over the week and posted a .474 slugging percentage.

He shares the honor this week with UC Riverside freshman Nick Salotti.

The selection is a first for Malec and also marks the first time any Gaucho has been awarded the honor since Mike Kolbach on April 23, 2001.