Working hard during the offseason, Zac Edwards knew his time would come during the season at Lebanon Valley College this spring.

For Edwards, it was sure worth the wait.

The former Catasauqua standout finished the season third on his team in hitting with an overall .342 average with 19 runs scored and four stolen bases, both categories in which he finished second. In conference play, Edwards was the team's leading hitter with a .368 average.

He became a mainstay at second base for the Flying Dutchmen and finished with an overall fielding percentage of .976. Edwards also ended the season with an eight-game hitting streak as he helped his team to the postseason.

For his efforts, Edwards was one of six players who gained all-conference honors. His second-half surge, in which he hit .470, certainly wasn't expected after a slow start.

"I did start slow and it took a bit to get adjusted to everything," said Edwards. "I wouldn't have believed that I would end the season like this after the way that I started. But I worked hard in the offseason and also worked at the (Catasauqua) Y.

"There were some changes to the game at this level from high school. Guys are just bigger, faster, and stronger here."

Edwards noted how the overall speed of the game has elevated. He made the move to second after playing shortstop for the Roughies.

"That's one thing the coaches told me," explained Edwards about the speed change. "Pitchers at this level have better off-speed stuff with their change-up and curves. They have more movement on their pitches."

Edwards credited a 3-for-4, RBI, and a pair of doubles performance against Alvernia, April 11, as a game that proved to be a trendsetter for the rest of the season. He also confirmed his thoughts about playing at a small college.

"In that game, I really felt I broke out," stated Edwards. "I really felt comfortable from that point. This was a good choice for me because it is a small school and I will get a chance to play.

"I also received a full academic scholarship and that helped me make my choice as well."

An accounting and business major, Edwards made the dean's list in the fall and spring as he sported a 4.0 average in the fall and a 3.9 in the spring for an overall 3.95 GPA. Edwards also keeps in constant contact with younger sister Hannah, who is a sophomore in the Roughies' softball program and is headed to the University of Pittsburgh on a scholarship in two years.

"We text each other after our games and tell each other how we did," noted Edwards about his relationship with his younger sister. "We have always been close and help each other out."

Former head coach Steve Bradley figured Edwards would easily adjust.

"He is an outstanding player and hard worker," said Bradley. "Zac has all the tools. He can hit, field and run. He knows the game and will do well."

Edwards' progress may be temporarily delayed as he will have surgery for a torn labrum, an injury he suffered in the team's final game during the conference playoffs. It will sideline him for summer ball, but he expects to be fully recovered for the fall.

It will give him some added incentive to improve from a banner, inaugural season.

"Some of the things I did surprised me, but I know I have to keep working," he said. "This was a good year, but I know I can accomplish more."