By WESLEY HALLMAN / Sports Editor

Former Coosa Valley Academy baseball standout Zach Taylor has played a key role in leading the University of West Florida to the NCAA Division II World Series this spring.

West Florida advanced to the NCAA Division II World Series for the first time in school history following a 7-4 win over Barry in the South Region championship game May 23.

West Florida will meet Southern Connecticut State in its World Series opener May 29 at 4 p.m. in Cary, N.C.

Taylor, a senior outfielder/designated hitter at West Florida, is third on the team with his .355 batting average. Taylor, who played two years at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, has belted two home runs and driven in 32 runs this season.

Taylor’s highlight this season came during West Florida’s doubleheader sweep of Lambuth on April 2. Taylor hit two home runs, including a grand slam, to help the Argonauts to a 6-2 and 22-6 sweep in the series.

Taylor batted .344 at the plate with six homers and 56 RBIs during his junior season in 2010.

Taylor led Coosa Valley to its first Alabama Independent Schools Association Class 1A baseball championship in 2007.