Fresno State's Jamie Southern has been named the Louisville Slugger/NFCA Division I National Player of the week for the week of April 18-24. This is the second time this season that Southern has claimed National Player of the Week honors. A senior from Clovis, Calif., Southern went 3-0 in the circle for the 18th-ranked Bulldogs last week. She tossed two complete game shutouts and struck out 21 in 16 innings pitched against WAC rival Tulsa.
"When you're Jamie's coach you think she deserves the honor every week," Fresno State head coach Margie Wright said. "On and off the field, she is a hard working individual who reaps the benefits because of her dedication. This is an oustanding award and to receive it twice in one season is very special. Jamie wants to be the best and she continues to strive toward that goal every day in every aspect of her life."
With the three victories over the Golden Hurricane, Southern became the school's and the conference's all-time career wins leader. Coming into the week with 106 career victories, Southern opened the three-game series against the Golden Hurricane with a two-hit shutout. Walking one and striking out 13 for her 50th career 10-strikeout game, she posted her 17th win of the year to become the WAC s all-time career win leader with 107 wins as she surpassed former Bulldog All-American Amanda Scott.
"Growing up I knew the history of the previous Bulldog pitchers and I just wanted to continue that tradition; I wanted to continue their success," said Southern. "This award means that I've contributed to the team, the season and to the future of Bulldogs softball. It was nice to receive this award in the beginning of the year but to be recognized now is very special as my senior year is winding down. Breaking records here and there denotes an accomplishment but this type of recognition means a lot more. I really appreciate this award because this is a team sport. My teammates are equally important and this award is a reflection of all of us."
In the second game, she made her third relief appearance of the season and picked up her second win in as many games. After becoming the WAC s outright win leader, Southern came right back that evening to become Fresno State s all-time career win leader with victory No. 108. Breaking a 13-year old record, she surpassed former Bulldog All-American Terry Carpenter (107, 1989-92).
In the finale, Southern pitched her sixth two-hitter of the year and 12th shutout of the season. Last week she went 3-0 record and pitched two shutouts while scattering five hits, walking two and striking out 21 in 16.0 innings for a 0.00 ERA as the Golden Hurricane batted .098 against.
Southern also captured her 18th career WAC Pitcher of the Week accolades and fifth of the season. In her last 10 appearances, she has gone 8-1 with five shutouts, one save, five runs (two earned) with five walks and 73 strikeouts in 59.0 innings for a 0.24 ERA.
