The Arizona Community College Athletic Conference and NJCAA Region I announced baseball postseason honors this week, with several Apaches receiving accolades.

Second baseman Tagg Duce, outfielder Nate Hale and pitcher Zach Rodgers were each named to the First Team All-ACCAC and First Team All-Region Division I. Catcher Esteban Bastidas made First Team All-ACCAC and Second Team All-Region Division I. Cochise head coach Todd Inglehart was named ACCAC Coach of the Year.

“You win a bunch of games, and usually there’s a lot of guys who see success,” Inglehart said. “I’m really happy for them, all the hard work they put in. There’s 16-17 weeks in the fall, in the weight room, and it comes to light on the field. It’s a nice honor for them and well-deserved.”

Inglehart received the conference Coach of the Year award for the third time since taking the helm of the program 14 years ago. He last saw the honor in 2004 and 2007.

“All I know is I’m the same coach I was last year,” he said. “Good players make coaches look smart. That’s all it comes down to. We have a very good group, and to me, it’s nice to be recognized by your coaching peers, but everybody knows it begins and ends with the players.”

Cochise finished the season 42-14 overall and 28-10 in conference play, just missing out on the ACCAC title. The Apaches head into the NJCAA Region I tournament as the second seed, which means hosting a three-game series on the Douglas Campus against No. 3 Yavapai, with games at 2 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and noon Saturday, if necessary.

“This year, we have a talented group, but we also have a competitive group,” Inglehart said. “Our strength is pitching and defense. Those are the things that have helped us win. Nine of our 14 losses are by one run, so we’re going to be in every game we play. That’s always been our strength in our successful years.”

Admission to the Region I semifinals on the Douglas Campus this week is $5 for adults, $3 for students and free for children 12 and under. The winner of the series advances to the NJCAA Region I finals May 9-11.