Nick Lorusso and Gordon Graceffo earn Big East preseason honors
Nick Lorusso will enter his sophomore year at Villanova with some lofty expectations, but that's what happens when you win Big East Rookie of the Year honors while also being named to the 2020 preseason All-Big East Team.

The Connecticut native pieced together an outstanding freshman campaign, hitting .302 with a team-high 54 hits. He reached base safely in 42 of 49 games and collected at least two hits in a contest 13 times. When not in the infield he spent time on the mound, making 16 appearances with 32 strikeouts in 41 2/3 innings of work.

Joining Lorusso as a member of the preseason All-Big East Team is right-handed sophomore Gordon Graceffo. The Cranford, New Jersey, native led the Villanova pitching staff last season with 13 starts while finishing 3-8 with a 4.33 ERA. He excelled this past summer in the NECBL, posting a 3.10 ERA over 49 1/3 innings while notching 47 strikeouts.

The Wildcats struggled to a 13-38 record last year and finished just 4-13 in Big East play, however, the roster was young and leaned heavily on underclassmen. Now with a little experience, it's likely the Wildcats improve upon their win total from a year ago.

Villanova was picked to finish sixth in the 2020 Big East Preseason Coaches' Poll. The club opens the 2020 season on February 14 with a series at Arizona State.
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Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PGordonPBR

BY PATRICK GORDON
Managing Editor
pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com

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