TRAFFORD, Pa. (pacathletics.org) - The American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) announced its All-Region All-Defensive teams Thursday and three Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) players were included on the Region VII squad.

Those recognized for their defensive performance included Grove City College recent graduate Luke Vittone (Seven Fields, Pa./Eden Christian) at second base and rising senior Nick Sampson (Venetia, Pa./Peters Township) captured one of the three outfield spots, while Washington & Jefferson College recent graduate Jacob LaDuca (Clarence, N.Y./Canisius) was selected at shortstop.

A four-year starter in the middle of the Grove City infield, Vittone made 43 starts at second base this spring. He helped turn 30 double plays while compiling a .974 fielding percentage. Vittone made only six errors during the season. 

Sampson played errorless defense for Grove City while starting all 44 games in center field. He recorded three assists while anchoring the Grove City outfield.

Vittone and Sampson both earned All-Conference honors following the season. Vittone earned First Team All-PAC, becoming a four-time All-Conference selection in his career. Sampson, the league's 2023 Newcomer of the Year, captured Second Team distinction.

Overall, Grove City led the PAC with a .969 fielding percentage in 2025, which helped the Wolverines win the conference title and advance to the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament for the first time in 17 years.

This is the third consecutive year LaDuca has been chosen for the All-Region VII Defensive Team. Also a four-time All-PAC selection, including three straight First Team honors, LaDuca led the league with 171 assists last spring and with only seven errors in 236 total chances, he posted a.970 fielding percentage for the season.

Story contribution from Grove City Sports Information