Kansas University closer Stephen Villines earned second-team Freshman All-America honors, the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association announced Monday.

“It is a tremendous honor to even be considered for an honor like this,” Villines said. “I have to give credit to the whole team for making outstanding plays behind me all year. Personally, these kinds of things are just a dream. I feel extremely blessed to be recognized as part of some of the top freshmen in the nation.”

Villines tallied eight saves with a 1.50 ERA in 48 innings pitched for the Jayhawks.

“I am thrilled for Stephen,” KU head coach Ritch Price said. “He had an absolutely incredible freshman season. Without his contributions on the mound, we would have never finished third in the Big 12 Conference or advanced to the NCAA Tournament.”