The Mississippi State softball team earned a share of all three of the Southeastern Conference’s weekly awards, the league announced Monday.
Sophomore outfielder Chloe Malau’ulu was named the SEC co-player of the week, junior Annie Willis was named co-pitcher of the week, and freshman shortstop Madisyn Kennedy was named co-freshman of the week.
“I’m really proud of Chloe, Annie and Madi for all of the hard work they have been putting in to be recognized,” head coach Samantha Ricketts said in a news release from Mississippi State. “I think it speaks a lot to our team and the focus we have on getting better every day. Chloe has been strong all year in the middle of the lineup and has played a great right field for us as well. Annie’s poise and confidence on the mound is fun to play behind, and she just continues to attack hitters. Madi carries herself like an upperclassman, and I really like the maturity of her at-bats. She is a steady presence for us every day.”
In games against Central Arkansas, UAB, Alcorn State and UT Martin, Malau’ulu went 8 for 12 last week, driving in six runs and posting an .750 on-base percentage and an .917 slugging percentage.
Willis, a transfer from Troy, struck out 19 batters while allowing just one earned run in four appearances. She allowed an opponents’ batting average of just .122 and picked up wins in all four outings.
Kennedy hit .500 over the course of the week, driving in four runs and posting an on-base plus slugging percentage of 1.150.
Auburn also won a share of each of the three awards, as Alyssa Rivera, Samantha Yarbrough and Carlie McCondichie were honored.
Mississippi State (19-3) will host the Bulldog Slamboree this weekend at Nusz Park in Starkville, beginning with games against Bryant at 3 p.m. Friday and Mississippi Valley State at 5:30 p.m.
Theo DeRosa reports on Mississippi State sports for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter at @Theo_DeRosa.
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