UA Fort Smith Athletics

Vanderpool has been named Heartland Conference Hitter of the Week for his performance during the Diamond Lions’ sweep of Ecclesia College this past weekend at Crowder Field.

Vanderpool, who is from Gravette, Ark., batted .462 with a triple and 8 RBI during the series. He also scored 3 runs and compiled a .615 slugging percentage.

Vanderpool had at least 2 RBI in each of the three games with his best game coming in the final game of the series when he went he went 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored, 3 RBI, and a triple.

UAFS (6-0) is off to its best start since joining NCAA Division II six seasons ago and is the only undefeated team in the conference. The Diamond Lions are ranked No. 8 in the first National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association’s South Central Region Poll and is No. 30 in the Collegiate Baseball Top 30.