#GSCSB Players of the Week: Feb. 8
The Gulf South Conference announced its Softball Players of the Week for the 2022 season. This week's awards were for games played between Feb. 1-Feb. 6.
Hitter of the Week: Nikki Pennington, Sr./INF, Valdosta State
Pennington got off to a blazing start as she helped lead No. 7 Valdosta State to a 4-0 record at the Gulf Shores Invitational in the season's opening weekend. The senior went 8-of-12 (.667) from the dish, drew two walks, slugged 1.250, reached base at .667-clip with one double, two home runs and five RBI, while scoring eight of VSU's 28 runs for the weekend. Pennington had at least one hit in each of the four games, while going 3-for-4 with a home run, three RBI and three runs scored against Spring Hill. She also registered a 2-for-3 outing with two runs scored, a home run and one RBI in a 3-1 victory over No. 5 North Georgia on Sunday. Pennington opened the season going 1-for-2 and scored twice in a 7-3 victory over No. 4 and defending national champion West Texas A&M.
Other nominess: Fallon Groves, UU; Jenna Ergle, MC; Teale Howard, UWF; Kiara Akles, UAH; Gia Martin, AUM; Kacy Noland, UWA
Pitcher of the Week: Samantha Richards, Jr., Valdosta State
Richards got off to an impressive start to the season as she posted a 0.00 ERA in 12 innings, notched a no-hit shutout, and racked up 18 strikeouts in two starts. The junior was credited with complete game wins over Spring Hill before helping Valdosta State hold No. North Georgia. In addition to fanning 18, Richards' weekend stat line also included a .095 opponent batting averaging, as she surrender four hits, four walks and one unearned run. Richards fanned 12 versus Spring Hill, while she allowed four hits and fanned six against UNG.
Other nominees: Laken DiStefano, UU; Avery Sanders, MC; Megan Shurtz, UAH; Morgan Ferguson, AUM; Hannah Mynard, UWA
Freshman of the Week: RJ Simpson, Fr./OF/INF, Christian Brothers
In her collegiate debut, Simpson went 4-for-12 (.333) at the plate with a walk, three extra base knocks, and had two RBI in opening weekend of the season.
Other nominees: Averi Martin, VSU; Brooke Puckett, UU; Megan Shurtz, UAH; Morgan Ferguson, AUM; Taylor Clegg, UWA
2022 GSC Softball Players of the Week
Feb. 8 |