LINCOLN, Neb. - Former UC San Diego All-American shortstop Vance Albitz has signed a professional contract with the Lincoln Saltdogs of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball, the team announced on its website earlier this week.

Albitz, who became UCSD's all-time career hits leader while leading the Tritons to the NCAA Division II National Championship game last season, appeared in all three of Lincoln's games against Sioux Falls this week, going 0-for-3.   

"We're very excited for Vance to have this opportunity that he certainly deserves," UCSD head coach Dan O'Brien said. "Vance was obviously a central part of our team for the past four years and we're happy that he's taking the next step in his career."

Albitz hit .339 with 19 doubles, three triples, three home runs, 70 runs scored, and 30 RBI last season, helping the Tritons to the best record in program history at 54-8. He played a key role in UCSD's run to the national title game in May, hitting .417 (5-for-12) with a team-high three runs, as the Tritons defeated Georgia College & State, Central Missouri, and Franklin Pierce before falling to Southern Indiana in Cary, N.C.

A four-year starter, Albitz was named a Rawlings/American Baseball Coaches Association First Team All-American in 2010 after earning third team honors as a junior in 2009. He was also voted the Division II National Defensive Player of the Year for the second year in a row following a fourth consecutive Gold Glove honor from the ABCA.

The Torrance, Calif. native graduated as UCSD's career leader in hits (329), doubles (65), runs (217), and assists (791).

Albitz and the Saltdogs begin a four-game series with the Pensacola Pelicans Thursday evening.