The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

DAUNTE Stuart received conference wide recognition for his standout 2021 regular season.

The Northwestern State Demons sophomore infielder was named to the Southland Conference second team when the league announced its annual awards.

He drew more walks than any other player in the Southland Conference and ranked 16th in the nation with 44 walks. His walk total ranks sixth in school single-season history, one away from moving him into a three-way tie for fourth place.

He was the Demons leader in batting average (.278), doubles (13), home runs (7), RBIs (30) and total bases (84).

After an 0-4 start, Stuart followed with a team long 10-game hitting streak which ran from February 21 - March 7, a team leading 12 multi hit games and tied for the team lead with eight multi RBI games.

Over the course of the streak Stuart homered in three of four games. Another season highlight came in his team’s four game sweep over Nicholls’ State when 4-11 with four runs, four RBI, and the first multi home-run game of his career.

In game two, Stuart had a career outing when he went 2-2 with four RBI, drew four walks, scored four runs and hit two home runs in a 13-6 win.

Defensively, Stuart has been part of a team best 22 double plays.

In the Southland Conference, the Demons were picked to finish fifth in the league’s preseason poll. They went 12-4 in the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season and were 2-1 in their lone Southland Conference series, taking two of three from Abilene Christian.

They went on to finish the regular season 27-24 and are ranked No.6 in the Southland Conference tournament. They opened tournament play last night against Southeastern Louisiana at Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field. It marks the Demons third straight Southland Conference Tournament appearance.

Stuart started all 16 games at second base last year as a true freshman. He was one of three Demons to swipe three bases and finished third on the team in batting average with .281. He went on a nine game hit streak from February 16 - March 1 and doubled in three straight games from February 26-29.