Hawai`is Natalie Gonzales and Desiree Duran have been named the Western Athletic Conference Player and Pitcher of the Week, respectively.
Gonzales, a junior second baseman from Stockton, Calif. (Lincoln HS), led Hawai`i with a .526 (10-for-19) batting average. She also added four runs, one double, two RBI and walked twice. Gonzales, who posted a .632 on-base average, had at least one hit in five of her six games, including four multiple-hit contests. In a doubleheader split against No. 18 Pacific, Gonzales batted 3-for-6, including a run and an RBI. In a four game series against No. 15 Fresno State, she hit .700 (7-for-10), as the Wahine split the four game series and posted their first wins ever at Bulldog Diamond.
Gonzales currently ranks tied for first in the WAC in hits (55) and triples (3), is second in total bases (66), third in batting average (.350) and RBI (19) and is tied for fourth in runs scored (21).
Duran, a senior lefthander from San Bernardino, Calif. (San Gorgonio HS), went 3-0 in three appearances, including two shutouts last week. In 21.0 innings pitched, she allowed nine hits, struck out seven, walked seven and allowed two earned runs for a 0.67 ERA. Duran began the week by throwing a five hitter against Pacific, while striking out five in a 4-2 win. She followed that performance by posting consecutive complete-game shutouts against Fresno State. In a 2-0 win over the Bulldogs, she tossed a one-hitter to post the Wahines first-ever win in 19 attempts at Bulldog Diamond. The following day, Duran pitched a three-hit shutout to lead Hawai`i to a 4-0 victory. Duran limited the opposition to a .129 batting average.
Duran ranks fifth in the WAC in wins (11), fifth in strike outs (84) and sixth in ERA (1.60).
Other player of the week nominees included: Becky Witt, Fresno State; Anna Trauernicht, Loyola Marymount and Kiauna Anderson, Portland State
Other pitcher of the week nominees included: Leslie Poole, Fresno State and Corianne Rogalsky, Loyola Marymount.