BILLINGS, Mon. -- Three Cal State Dominguez Hills Toros were named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association's 2026 DII Preseason West Region Team, it was announced today by the NCBWA, led by senior relief pitcher Julian Castro, senior utility player Quinn Johnson and sophomore catcher Nigel Buckley.

CSUDH was the only school with more than one selection, and one of just three California Collegiate Athletic Association schools represented on the team.

Castro finished 1st in the CCAA in fewest hits allowed, runs allowed and saves (tied), 2nd in ERA and fewest walks allowed, 4th in opposing batting average boasting a 2.72 ERA in 53.0 innings pitched.  He fanned 30 batters against just nine walks to lead the Toros to tying for 2nd place in the league, and a berth in the CCAA postseason.

Johnson finished tied for 6th in the CCAA with 12 home runs, and just missing the top 10 in slugging percentage, on-base percentage and RBI while starting all 47 games played.  He led the Toros in runs, total bases and RBI, and was 2nd in hits and home runs.

Buckley was a mainstay behind the dish, tying atop the squad in doubles, finishing 3rd on the squad in batting average and hits, and 6th in total bases playing the most demanding position on the field, boasting a superb .990 fielding percentage.

The three Toros were joined by fellow CCAAers in Cal State San Bernardino outfielder Jeremy Giesegh and Cal State L.A. pitcher Brandon Gutierrez.

CSUDH opens its 2026 campaign hosting Fresno State in a doubleheader on Friday, January 30, with first pitch of the opener set for 11:00 am at Toro Field.