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OMAHA, Nebraska - The semifinalists for the 2016 Gregg Olson Award, presented by Toolshed Sports, have been named and Virginia Tech starting first baseman Phil Sciretta is among the 43 players that have made the list to honor college baseball's "Breakout Player of the Year".

The award is named after former Auburn Tiger star pitcher Gregg Olson, who became one of the top collegiate players in the nation after an initial season filled with only mixed success. Olson went on to become a two-time All American, first round draft pick, American League Rookie of the Year and MLB All Star. Like Olson, these players have elevated their game to an elite level and in many instances their team has mirrored their success as a direct result.

Sciretta's numbers for the 2016 season entering today's game, include leading the team in hits (69), at-bats (213), RBIs (36), total bases (91) and has a team-best (among infielders) .993 fielding percentage. The senior from Duxbury, Massachusetts is one of two Hokies to start all 53 games this season (Ryan Tufts), and is second on the team in average (.324), runs (38), slugging (.427) and tied for second in home runs (3), walks (27) and hit-by-pitch (8), while he's tied for third in doubles (11). Most of those numbers dwarf his previous season-highs and are actually better than his three-year totals entering the year.

Sciretta is the third Hokie to be named a semifinalist in the four-year history of the award, as former pitcher Devin Burke was among those named to the inaugural list back in 2013 and Alex Perez made the list last season. He is also one of six players from the ACC to be named to the list this season.

Initial nominations for the award were made by sports information/media contacts and the semifinalists were determined by an independent panel. A list of finalists is scheduled to be announced during Super Regional action. The winner of the 2016 Gregg Olson Award will be named in Omaha, Nebraska during the College World Series which is to be held this season at TD Ameritrade Park.

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