Norfolk State rookie left handed pitcher Ryan VanAssche was named Wednesday to the 2011 Louisville Slugger Freshman All-America team as a relief pitcher by the Collegiate Baseball newspaper.

VanAssche led the Spartans with seven victories (7-6 record) and a 3.47 ERA, ranking third in the MEAC in both categories. He also ranked fifth in the conference in lowest opponents' batting average (.277). VanAssche made 18 appearances this season, 10 in relief, and was voted to the All-MEAC second team.

VanAssche finished just three wins shy of Luke Foss' single-season school record for wins. VanAssche yielded two earned runs or fewer in five of his six defeats.

VanAssche is NSU's first freshman All-American since Juan Serrano in 2005.