LEXINGTON, Ky. ? Kentucky freshman infielder Anthony Ottrando was named the 2006 Florida Collegiate Summer League Most Valuable Player after leading the league in batting with an amazing .392 batting average, the league announced Friday.

Ottrando, an Ocala, Fla. native, has been on a blistering pace this summer for the Altamonte Springs Snappers. Just appearing in 27 games, Ottrando wasted no time pulverizing the pitching staffs of the FCSL en route to being named Snappers team MVP in addition to being named league MVP. Ottrando ranks in the top-10 in nine offensive categories in the FCSL, including hits (38), runs (22), RBI (22), slugging percentage (.567) and on-base percentage (.464).

The 5-foot-11, 180 pound infielder redshirted after suffering a broken ankle sliding into a base during the preseason of Kentucky?s historic 2006 season, which saw the Wildcats earn the first Southeastern Conference Championship in school history. Ottrando, did not let that hold him back rounding out the summer season with 13 multiple-hit games, 10 doubles, and one home run and is currently in the midst of a nine-game hitting streak.

?I redshirted this past season, and this was a great way to get back in the swing of things,? said Ottrando. ?My goals were to get my speed and timing back, and to play hard. I am just privileged to be recognized and have the opportunity to compete. It means a great deal to me to be acknowledged.?

Ottrando, who is likely to see action for the Wildcats at second base during the 2006-07 season, is the second UK player to be recognized for having an outstanding summer, as centerfielder Antone DeJesus participated in the prestigious Cape Cod All-Star game last week, batting 1-for-3 with one run and two RBI in the contest.