DENVER Loyola Marymounts Danielle Kaminaka and Sami Strinz have been named the Western Athletic Conference Player and Pitcher of the Week, respectively.
Kaminaka a freshman from Vista, Calif., (Rancho Buena Vista HS) hit .500 as the Lions went 3-2 at the UCSB Early Bird Tournament to kick off the season. The third baseman went 8-for-16 for a .500 average with two home runs and four RBI. Kaminaka scored six runs in five games. In the Lions 10-6 win over UC Santa Barbara, she had a 2-for-4 game with two hits, two runs scored and two RBI. Kaminaka added two more RBI in a 5-3 nine-inning win. Kaminaka recorded the only hit in the win for the Lions.
Strinz, a sophomore right-handed pitcher from Keizer, Ore. (McKay HS), went 1-0, in three appearances. She pitched 10.0 innings, allowing 10 hits and two runs. Only one of the runs allowed was earned. Strinz earned a relief win over New Mexico State, pitching the final two innings of the nine-inning contest for the win.
The Lions ended the tournament with a 3-2 record to lead the WAC. Three more WAC schools begin the 2002 season with Louisiana Tech, Hawai`i and Fresno State opening play this week. The Lady Techsters will play their first games as members of the WAC.
Other player of the week nominees included: Becca Baldridge, San Jose State.