Laya and Jaksa Add Freshman All-America Honors

EUGENE, Ore. – For the first time ever, Oregon placed two players on the Perfect Game Freshman All-America Teams. Outfielder Angel Laya claimed first-team honors while first baseman Brayden Jaksa earned second-team recognition.

The All-America honor is the second this week for Jaksa. A versatile player, he was named second-team All-America as a catcher by the NCBWA on Monday. Oregon was one of seven teams with multiple players on the Perfect Game All-America Teams, joining North Carolina, Richmond, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech and UCLA.

Laya and Jaksa are just the third and fourth Oregon players ever named to the Perfect Game Freshman All-America Teams, and the first and second Ducks' position players. They join relief pitcher Kenyon Yovan (2017) and starting pitcher Cole Irvin (2013)

Laya (San Diego, Calif. / Eastlake HS) earned the opening day starting nod in right field for the Ducks and remained a starter throughout the season starting the fourth most games (59) on the team. He set three Oregon freshman records finishing with 120 total bases, 49 runs scored and 14 home runs (tied with teammate Naulivou Lauaki Jr.). Laya slashed .296/.396/.538 with a .934 OPS. He had 25 extra base hits (10 2B, 1 3B), the third most on the team, while driving in 47 runs, the second most on the team.

Jaksa (Freemont, Calif. / Irvington HS) finished his freshman campaign slashing .318/.400/.534 with a .934 OPS. He had 17 extra-base hits (10 HR, 1 3B, 6 2B) with 36 RBI, 34 runs scored and seven stolen bases. He finished third on the team in both batting average and stolen bases. Jaksa made 44 starts as a true freshman, including 22 at first base. He also made 15 starts at catcher, six in left field and one in right field.

Oregon Perfect Game Freshman All-Americans