DENVER Tulsas Jessie Smith and Fresno States Jamie Southern have been named the Western Athletic Conference Player and Pitcher of the Week, respectively.
Smith, a senior outfielder from Tuttle, Okla., (Tuttle HS) led the Hurricane to a, 4-1, win over No. 13 Fresno State. Smith hit .500 in six games as the Golden Hurricane went 5-1 on the week, including 3-1 in WAC play. This is Smiths first player of the week honor.
The outfielder had the game-winning hit and run against the Bulldogs, scoring on a bunt single and an error. She ended the week with eight hits, four runs scored and two RBI. The speedy senior also added five stolen bases. Smith has been a hot hitter of late recording at least one hit in 15 of the last 16 Hurricane games.
Southern, a freshman from Clovis, Calif., (Clovis HS) earned her seventh pitcher of the week honor by not allowing a run in 25.0 innings pitched. The freshman showed her stamina, pitching all 18 innings of a 3-0 win over Louisiana Tech on the road. Southern allowed no runs and nine hits in two complete-game shutouts.
The right-hander struck out 27 batters in the two games, including 17 in the 18-inning battle with the Lady Techsters. With 330 strikeouts this season, Southern set new school and WAC records. Former Bulldog All-American Amanda Scott previously held the record, fanning 314 batters during the 2000 season.
Other player of the week nominees included: Leticia Pacheco, Fresno State, Christy Cerecedes, Loyola Marymount, Annie Peccia, Portland State and Veronica Ramos, San Jose State.
Other pitcher of the week nominees included: Jennifer Heliotes, Loyola Marymount, Nichole Ivie, Portland State, Carol Forbes, San Jose State and Ami Day Tulsa.