Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324

D3baseball.com All-Region 8 Teams

May 28, 2024 - Jackson Bland and Luke Lehnen of the North Central College baseball team were honored by D3baseball.com as All-Region selections for their performance in the 2024 season, the organization announced on Tuesday.

Bland, a Second Team selection at third base, led the Cardinals in batting average (.373), total bases (81), and on-base percentage (.458). He was also named the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin First Year Student Athlete of the Year award. Bland ended the season having reached base safely in 30 straight games. He also posted a 15-game hitting streak during the season. On the year, Bland tallied 60 hits (tied for the team lead with Lehnen), 37 RBI, 30 runs, 18 walks, nine doubles, three triples, and two home runs.

Lehnen, a Third Team selection as a utility player, is now a two-time D3baseball.com All-Region player. He hit .351 with 60 hits, 35 runs, 22 RBI, 17 walks, 12 stolen bases, five doubles, two triples and a home run. On Apr. 27, Lehnen hit for the cycle in North Central's comeback 12-10 win over Carthage College. On the mound, he tallied six saves which is tied for 19th in Division III. Lehnen posted a 2.38 ERA with 17 strikeouts over his 11.1 innings pitched.

Bland becomes the 21st player in program history to earn a D3baseball.com All-Region honor, joining Lehnen who secured the accolade in 2021. 

The Cardinals posted an 18-23 overall record with an 11-9 mark in CCIW play. 

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