CHICO -- Junior outfielder Eric Smelko left no doubt as who the best player in the CCAA was this past week as he earned the nod after a monstrous performance at the plate.

The reigning CCAA Newcomer of the Year and 1st-team All-CCAAer from the 2022 season, Smelko was unstoppable as the Toros swept a four-game set against crosstown rival Cal State LA this weekend after dropping a close one at Azusa Pacific earlier in the week.
 
The junior centerfielder hit .682 on the weekend (15-of-22) in the leadoff spot, boasting an OB% of .720 and SLG% of .955.  Smelko got at least two hits in each of the five games and enjoyed a 5-for-5 performance in Saturday's opening game of the twinbill against CSULA, capping the weekend with a 4-for-4 performance on Sunday in which he was intentionally walked.
 
He also went deep in the doubleheader's nightcap, his 3^rd of the year.
 
Smelko was not only an instigator, he also produced as a run scorer and RBI machine, scoring 11 runs and driving home seven while roping four extra base hits.
 
He was also perfect in center, converting all nine chances with one assist to end a CSULA threat in the opening game on Friday after they scored a run.

Currently, Smelko leads the CCAA in batting, OB%, and SLG%.

About Cal State Dominguez Hills Athletics
The Toros are proud to be a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) competing at the Division II level, bringing excitement and tradition to the campus through 10 different sports (4 Men's, 6 Women's).  The program boasts 4 NCAA Championships, 2 NAIA National Titles, 10 NCAA West Region crowns and 34 CCAA Championships.  CSUDH is one of 12 universities that competes in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), the most prominent Division II conference in the nation with 155 NCAA National Championships, far more than any other conference in the nation.