UMass Lowell Athletics

PROFILE: Versatile player who was arguably UMass Lowell[apos]s most improved player • Still regaining form following an injury last year, but should find plenty of innings in the outfield • Majoring in criminal justice. AS A FRESHMAN: Appeared in one game, an 11-2 loss at Barry University. AS A SOPHOMORE: Started 28 of 32 games before an injury curtailed his season • Batted .303 - tops among 2008 returning players - with 20 singles, 13 walks, seven doubles • Highlights include a 12-1 win at Merrimack, in which he batted 2-for-5 with three runs, two doubles and one RBI; as well as three RBI in a 6-2 win at Pace. AS A JUNIOR: Started 32 of 35 games and led the Riverhawks with a .325 batting average and a .462 slugging percentage • Also chipped in with 19 RBI and 15 runs • Ranked among the NE-10 leaders in batting average (14th) and fielding percentage (1st, 1.000) • Named to the NE-10 Third Team • Highlights include a 2-for-4 effort with three RBI in a 6-5 loss at Saint Rose • Also went 2-for-3 (doubles) with two RBI and a run in a 6-2 win over Merrimack. HIGH SCHOOL: Four-year player at Clarence H.S. for coach Dave Smith • Three-time all-conference standout • Led Clarence H.S. to conference championship as a senior • Earned All-Region honors as a sophomore • Named top hitter by teammates as a freshman and a junior • Also a conference all-star in hockey as a junior and a senior. PERSONAL: Oldest of two sons of Mark and Kerry Onorato of Clarence Center, NY • Enjoys playing hockey, working out in spare time • Lists Boston Red Sox as favorite team • Influences include Ray Bourque • Aspires to become an athletic trainer following graduation.