Tennessee pitcher Monica Abbott has been named the Louisville Slugger/NFCA Division I National Player of the Week for the week of April 25-May 1, it was announced by the association today. 

Abbott, a sophomore from Salinas, Calif., went 3-0 last week in helping the Lady Vols to a 5-0 record. Tennessee returned to the top 10 in the USA Today/NFCA Top 25 poll, released earlier today. 

“I don’t really know what to say," said Abbott. "Wow, this is a really great honor. I’m 
honored to be selected by the NFCA and I couldn’t have done it without the 
great support of my team on and off the field.” 

Abbott tossed a complete game, two-hit shutout of Marshall on Wednesday, striking out 15 batters. She followed up with a no-hitter of Ole Miss, also striking out 15. 

She completed the week with a third complete game, a five-inning 9-0 victory over the Rebels where she scattered three hits and struck out eight after picking up a save by striking out the side in the seventh in a 3-1 win over Ole Miss. 

“Monica is a super athlete who works extremely hard to get herself better and 
better every outing, said UT co-head coach Ralph Weekly. She wants the ball every game and is always ready to play. She is a joy to coach and is most deserving of this award.”