INDIANA, Pa. – IUP baseball fifth year standout Markus Cestra was named a First Team All-NCBWA Atlantic Region selection as a designated hitter, announced Wednesday afternoon.
 
Cestra was one of the leaders for IUP in 2023, helping the program to its first playoff appearance since 2017 and deepest run in the conference tournament since 2011. A preseason all-region and First Team All-PSAC selection in 2023, Cestra finishes his career third in program history with 41 doubles.
 
The Pittsburgh, Pa. native was a key offensive contributor, batting .326 this season while posting a team-high six home runs. He ranks in the top 10 in program history with 164 career hits, slugging .520 for the Hawks in 2023.
 
Cestra posted a 17-game hitting streak from April 14-May 10 that spanned the end of the regular season and into a thrilling 8-0 win against top-seeded Millersville in the PSAC Tournament. During that stretch, Cestra collected 16 RBI while helping the Crimson Hawks lock up a playoff spot.
 
Cestra played in 180 games during his IUP tenure, hitting .306 with 112 runs, 41 doubles, 13 home runs and 94 RBI.
 
All first team selections are now eligible for All-America honors, announced June 6.
 
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