LOS ANGELES – UCLA junior right-hander Holden Powell has been included on the preseason watch list for the 2020 Stopper of the Year Award, it was announced on Monday by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA).

Powell is the reigning Stopper of the Year after taking home the award in 2019. He is one of two Bruins all-time to be named Stopper of the Year, joining David Berg (2013, 15), who remains the lone two-time winner in the history of the award since its inception in 2005. The award is handed out annually to the top relief pitcher in college baseball as determined by the NCBWA.

The inclusion on the watch list is the latest in a string of preseason acclaim for Powell. Earlier this winter, he received Preseason All-America honors from D1Baseball, Baseball America, and Collegiate Baseball.

The Visalia, Calif. native is coming of a 17-save sophomore campaign in which he recorded a 1.84 ERA and struck out 65 batters in just 49 innings. He was a unanimous All-America pick in addition to his nod from the NCBWA as the game's top closer.

He currently ranks second in school history with 23 career saves.

UCLA officially opens the 2020 season at Jackie Robinson Stadium on Feb. 14 by hosting UC Riverside. Single-game and season tickets for the upcoming campaign are now available, and can be purchased by calling 310-UCLA-WIN or clicking HERE.