For the Rapids City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters have signed the first two infielders of 2019, announcing the addition of Edarian Williams from the University of Nevada -Las Vegas and Josh Nicoloff from Columbia University.

Williams

Williams is a true freshman at UNLV. He comes highly recruited with an impressive career at Las Vegas Rancho High School in Nevada. During his senior season, Williams hit .451 in 122 at-bats, including hitting nine home runs and tallying 38 RBI. He ended the season with All-State Honorable Mention as a shortstop for the Rams.

“Williams has the versatility to play multiple positions at the collegiate level,” UNLV coach Stan Stolte stated.

The Rafters hope to continue the tradition of great shortstop play from UNLV athletes, following in the footsteps of four-time pre-season All-American Bryson Stott.

Nicoloff

Nicoloff appeared in 21 games his freshman year at Columbia. He had six RBIs, along with four hits, and had his first collegiate home run in April. Originally from Ladera Ranch, CA, Nicoloff hit .318 with 12 RBI his senior year at Santa Margarita Catholic High School. Santa Margarita has produced high-level pro talent including Klay Thompson (NBA), Trayce Thompson (MLB), and Carson Palmer (NBA).

Both Nicoloff and Williams are entering their collegiate seasons with high expectations. Columbia is coming off an Ivy League Championship Series win for their 14thAncient Eight conference crown and their 4th regional appearance in 6 seasons. Last year, they ended their postseason run losing to No. 1 ranked Florida and Florida Atlantic University. Last season, UNLV came up just one game short of the Mountain West Conference title and ended the season with a 35-24 record.