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Pearl River baseball announces speaker for 4th annual First-Pitch Banquet


POPLARVILLE, Miss. — The Wildcats will welcome a familiar face back to campus in February to kick off the 2020 baseball campaign.

Pearl River coach Michael Avalon announced Thursday that former PRCC standout and current Southeastern Louisiana head coach Matt Riser will be the honored guest at the fourth annual First-Pitch Banquet.

The dinner will be at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 8 inside the Olivia Bender Cafeteria on PRCC’s Poplarville campus.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $12 for children 7-12 years old. Children 6 and under are free.

“Matt’s one of the top up-and-coming Division I head coaches. We’re excited to welcome him back to The River, where he was a standout player,” Avalon said. “He has a true understanding of the tradition of Pearl River baseball and we look forward to him sharing his experiences and his love and appreciation for The River.”

Photo by Southeastern Louisiana Athletics

Although the PRCC Sports Hall of Famer calls Hammond, Louisiana, home now, Poplarville holds a special place in his heart.

“He has always talked to me about how Pearl River jump started his career,” Avalon said. “We’re happy to see him continue to represent PRCC in a first class way at the next level.”

ABOUT RISER

A Picayune native, Riser has continued SLU’s tradition of excellence since taking over the program six years ago. During his tenure, Riser has led the Lions to 227 wins and three NCAA Tournament berths.

During his playing days at PRCC, Riser was an All-Region XXIII selection and the Region XXIII Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore when he led the Wildcats to a state title. Riser hit .347 as a freshman and .376 as a sophomore, compiling 110 hits, 30 doubles and 109 runs scored during his two seasons.

Prior to starring at PRCC, Riser was an All-State selection at Picayune.

HOW TO ATTEND

To RSVP for the banquet, email Avalon at mavalon@prcc.edu.

For the latest on Pearl River Community College athletics, follow us on Twitter (@PRCCAthletics) and Facebook (PRCCAthletics).

@WRJW  

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