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Lawrenceville Today
By the People, for the People
NC State Catcher Preston Bonn Shines in Series Win Over Lafayette
Redshirt freshman's career-best performance propels No. 13 Wolfpack to victory
Published on Mar. 8, 2026
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NC State reserve catcher Preston Bonn had a breakout day at the plate, going 3-for-3 with two home runs, a double, four runs scored, and five RBIs to lead the 13th-ranked Wolfpack to a 14-4 run-rule win over Lafayette and earn the series victory. Bonn's performance, which included a 437-foot blast, was a career-best effort that showcased his power potential and earned him more playing time moving forward.
Why it matters
Bonn's emergence as an offensive threat provides a boost to an already deep NC State catching corps, giving the Wolfpack more options and flexibility behind the plate. His breakout game highlights the team's wealth of riches at the position and the tough decisions head coach Elliott Avent will have to make in terms of playing time distribution.
The details
Bonn, who spent last season as a developmental player, took advantage of his second start of the season, launching two home runs, including a 437-foot moonshot, and adding a double and a bases-loaded walk. The redshirt freshman from Lawrenceville, Georgia, has been working to add more power to his bat and it paid off with the career-best performance that propelled the Wolfpack to the series win.
- Bonn's first collegiate hit was a home run in his first at-bat of the day.
- Bonn walked with the bases loaded in the fourth inning, part of a four-run frame for NC State.
- Bonn doubled down the right field line in the fifth inning.
- Bonn's second home run, a 437-foot blast, came in the sixth inning.
The players
Preston Bonn
A redshirt freshman catcher for NC State who had a career-best performance at the plate, going 3-for-3 with two home runs, a double, four runs scored, and five RBIs to lead the Wolfpack to a series win over Lafayette.
Elliott Avent
The head coach of the NC State baseball team, who praised Bonn's defensive performance in addition to his offensive outburst.
What they’re saying
“It was pretty special. I know I can do that, I've been doing it all fall. I'm just glad I got my chance, and I helped this team win.”
— Preston Bonn, NC State Catcher (on3.com)
“Obviously, once you get your first hit, the nerves go away. I was just going up there and being myself. It felt pretty good.”
— Preston Bonn, NC State Catcher (on3.com)
“Bonn caught really, really well. Obviously, I knew he had a good day offensively, but he caught really, really good. That's what a catcher's job is: To catch.”
— Elliott Avent, NC State Head Coach (on3.com)
What’s next
With Bonn's emergence, NC State now has a deep group of options behind the plate, and head coach Elliott Avent will have to figure out how to keep all three catchers - Bonn, Drew Lanphere, and Vincent DeCarlo - happy and involved, even though only one can start at a time.
The takeaway
Preston Bonn's career-best performance at the plate showcased his power potential and provided a boost to an already deep NC State catching corps, giving the Wolfpack more options and flexibility behind the plate as they look to continue their strong start to the season.
