Jensen Selected League Co-Player

PROVO -- Dave Jensen was selected as Co-Player of the Mountain West Conference and joined two other BYU teammates as first team selections announced Tuesday at the league's baseball banquet.

Jensen, a first baseman from Henderson, Nev., was co-player along with pitcher Mitch Maio of the University of Utah. Joining Jensen as first-team selections for the Cougars was outfielder Matt Carson and Cameron Coughlan, who was picked as a designated hitter.

"I was surprised and flattered," said Jensen of his selection as co-player after the banquet at the Provo Library, site of the former Brigham Young Academy. "I'm happy to be bringing this award home on behalf of BYU."

Jensen, a 6-3, 205-pound sophomore, ranked second in the MWC with a .438 batting average and committed just four errors in 267 chances from first base. He led the league in slugging percentage (.727) and total bases (88), and ranked second in doubles (17) and hits (53). Jensen, who also ranked fifth in the conference with 33 RBI and six home runs, posted a league-best .471 batting average with runners in scoring position.

Jensen currently ranks fourth in the nation in doubles with a total of 26 for an average of 0.49.

Jensen was named Verizon Academic All-District VIII and MWC Player of the Week earlier this season. Carson joined San Diego State reliever, SDSU shortstop Taber Lee and New Mexico second baseman Troy Cairns as the only repeat first-team selections.

Cougar outfielder Doug Jackson, a first-team selection last season, was one of three BYU players selected to the 2002 second-team. Pitcher Jeff Mousser and reliever Tyler Dabo of BYU were second team selections.

BYU Coach Vance Law also made a special presentation in behalf of all of the MWC coaches to out-going SDSU Coach Jim Dietz.

"Coach Dietz has had a great impact on many coaches and players," said Law in presenting the plaque. "I had the opportunity to play for him one summer in Alaska. We appreciate Jim for was he has done for the college game."