ERIE — Two years ago, Nathan Junk was one of the players along for the ride as Penn State Behrend's baseball team claimed the ECAC Southern tournament title.

This year, Junk is one of the players steering the wheel as the Lions are hunting for the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference championship.

The Knoch graduate leads PSU-Behrend with a .379 batting average this season. He has seven doubles and 19 RBI as well.

“We won that ECAC title two years ago ... It was like college baseball's version of the NIT,” Behrend coach Paul Benim recalled. “Nathan was just overcome with joy. He was so excited.

“I asked him what was up with his reaction and he told me he had never won like this, that it was the biggest win he's been a part of in baseball. He made us all feel good that way.”

Junk hit .258 in limited action that season, collecting 16 hits and eight RBI in 62 at bats.

Last year, he hit just .130, getting three hits in 23 at bats.

“I injured my arm early last season, got behind and never did catch up,” the junior first baseman-outfielder said. “I did too much throwing early in the season. I just overdid it.”

This year, Junk has bounced back with a vengeance.

He is cemented in the No. 5 spot of the batting order and has been one of the Lions' top run producers.

He's filled in ably at first base as well, despite rarely playing the position before this year.

The Lions entered this weekend's AMCC Tournament with a 27-12 record, No. 2 seed and a first-round bye.

“Nate's had a lot to do with our success this year,” Benim said. “He's seeing the ball well and he's come up with a number of two-out clutch hits for us.

“He's seen some action in left field, but we had a void at first base this year and he's filled it. He learned the position quickly and at 6-foot-3, he's a good target for our infielders.”

Junk was originally recruited as a pitcher-outfielder by Behrend. Those were the roles he played at Knoch.

But he hasn't pitched at all this year and made only one mound appearance last season.

“We've got a lot of guys here who just pitch, so I haven't been needed on the mound,” Junk said. “I'm always ready, though. You never know when that day might come.

“Offensively, I just put in a lot of work during the off-season. I knew our junior class was going to be called upon to keep this program going.”

Behrend graduated nine seniors from 2013's conference championship team.

“We went to the regional three times in the past four years,” Benim said. “We needed our juniors to step up and fill roles this season. No doubt, Nathan responded to that challenge. He's elevated his game and has found great success.

“It couldn't happen to a nicer kid.”

Junk is majoring in mechanical engineering at Behrend.

“I wanted to be one of those guys the coaches could count on,” Junk said. “I knew there would be an opportunity at first base and you have to be able to adapt to situations.”

And his team has maintained its place as an elite Division III program.