VanBrakle Named USA Softball National Player of the Week
3/14/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
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| Stephanie VanBrakle |
Tide senior pitcher Stephanie VanBrakle has been named the USA Softball National Player of the Week as announced by the organization this afternoon.
VanBrakle went 4-0 on the week defeating Florida and South Carolina twice. She didn’t allow a run in 25.0 innings posting a 0.00 ERA. She threw a no-hitter against South Carolina and allowed only four hits in 25.0 innings pitched, translating into a .049 opponent batting average. She struck out 39 batters including 15 against Florida. She also hit .412 (7-17) with a home run and four RBI in the two series and is currently on a five-game hitting streak.
“I thought I pitched really well,” said VanBrakle. “We faced two really good teams and to pitch as well as I did was a great accomplishment. The whole team played extremely well and I felt confident because of it. My teammates made it possible for me to be so relaxed because when your offense scores that many runs, it really makes it easy.”
“This is a great honor from a great organization. It’s certainly one of the best honors a collegiate player could receive,” said head coach Patrick Murphy. “Steph threw four of the most dominating games I’ve ever seen her pitch. It was certainly the best four game stretch she’s pitched since she’s been here and we’re all extremely proud of her.”
The honor marks the second time in her career that VanBrakle has received the award. She was named the National Player of the Week last season following her performance in the SEC Tournament.
VanBrakle was also named this week’s SEC Pitcher of the Week for her efforts.
The Tide will take a break from conference play this week as the team heads out west to the Judi Garman Classic in Fullerton, California. Pool play will begin on Thursday, March 16 with Bama taking on Fresno St. and Oklahoma. Alabama will close out pool play on Friday against Utah.
