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TACOMA, Wash. - Throughout the rest of the semester, GoLutes.com will profile the Pacific Lutheran University senior student-athletes involved in spring sports that had their seasons cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today's installment features PLU baseball student-athlete Chase Lariza.

Baseball student-athlete Chase Lariza is closing out his time as an undergrad, but not his time as a Lute.

 

Hometown: Hood River, Ore.

Games Played: 45 2020 Batting Average: .294 Career Record at PLU: 80-56

Throughout his time on the Lute baseball team, Lariza's favorite memory was winning the regular season conference title in 2018. He also recalled many fun moments off the field, from a chaotic travel experience in Atlanta to movie nights during away games. 
 
"I feel as if we are a giant family and will be fortunate enough to call these guys brothers for life," Lariza said.
 
Years of balancing training with academics have taught Lariza how to manage his time. From 6 a.m. morning weights to three-hour practices in the afternoon, Lariza's baseball experience shaped his college career.
 
On the diamond, the Hood River, Oregon native appeared in 45 games for the Lutes over the past four seasons, making 19 starts. Lariza was experiencing his best season yet in 2020 before the year was cut short, boasting a .294 batting average with three of his five hits going for extra bases while driving in four runs. An outfielder, Lariza was part of a senior class that won 80 career games, including 51 NWC games, making three trips to the conference tournament while winning the NWC regular season title in 2018.
 
"Chase came our way from Hood River High School and has grown consistently as a student and athlete through the years," said Head Coach Nolan Soete. "Chase was beginning to see his hard work pay off during his senior campaign. At the time our season was cut short he was swinging a hot bat and had established himself as an everyday player. Chase is a very charismatic teammate and fierce competitor. He was a pleasure to coach and will be missed."
 
An avid movie buff, Lariza will be graduating with a degree in Business with a concentration in finance, and plans to attend PLU's School of Business Master's program in the fall.