AZUSA, Calif. -- Azusa Pacific has opened its season with 2 victories in its first 3 games on the field and has earned a win off the field as well.

Head coach Paul Svagdis announced that the Cougar program has signed Javier Ochoa, a catcher/third baseman at Chino High beginning in 2007.

Ochoa, who is entering his senior season, hit .417 last year with 19 extra base hits and 19 RBIs in 18 games. He also belted 3 home runs despite missing part of the campaign with an injury. He has regained his complete health and is on the verge of a monster senior campaign.

“We are very excited about Javier’s decision to make Azusa Pacific his top choice,” said Svagdis, who is in his fourth year with the program. “He is a strong academic student with a commitment to academic, athletic and community excellence.”

Ochoa is equally as pleased at becoming a Cougar. “I am very excited,” he said. “The coaches were really interested in me. They invited me to play in an innersquad game and the guys were great.”

While his ability to hit the baseball is evident by the numbers he posted last year, Ochoa says he will work hard to continue his improvement.

“My parents taught me to be a leader and not a follower. I’m a team player and want everyone to do their best. They told me not to give up and work hard and it is starting to pay off,” he said.

"He is a big, physical player at the plate," said Svagdis. "And he has those same qualities behind the plate as well."

Last season, Ochoa was named to the All-Sierra League second team in addition to being awarded as an All-Sierra League scholar. He also earned the Team Captain Award.

Azusa Pacific continues play this Wednesday when it hosts Whittier at Cougar Field with the first pitch scheduled for 5 p.m.