Photo courtesy of Marcus Tittle | Alfred State University Alfred State pitcher and 2024 Youngsville High School graduate Nathan Lucks fires a pitch to home plate during the team’s 11-2 victory over Penn State Altoona on Monday. Lucks pitched six strong innings and earned the first win of his college career.

Nathan Lucks is off to a strong start in his first season pitching for the NCAA Division III Alfred State Pioneers.

A 2024 Youngsville High School graduate, Lucks earned his first collegiate victory on Monday in Alfred State’s 11-2 win over Penn State Altoona. The freshman — making his third start of the season — pitched six innings, allowing just one earned run on seven hits with three walks and a strikeout.

The local product has been getting plenty of opportunities during his first season with the Pioneers (17-11). In seven appearances, Lucks has a 5.40 ERA and a 1-1 record. In 20 innings pitched, he has struck out 10.

An electrical construction major, the Pittsfield native starred with the Eagles for four seasons, earning Region 3 First-Team nods at pitcher and catcher during his senior season. He was also named the Region 3 Pitcher of the Year for Youngsville in 2024.