Maize, Alden Roll to BIG EAST Weekly Softball Honors
NEW YORK – DePaul’s Morgan Maize powered her way to the BIG EAST Pitcher of the Week award while Villanova’s Nikki Alden slugged a few long balls to secure BIG EAST Player of the Week honors.
BIG EAST Player of the Week
Nikki Alden, Villanova, So., INF
Alden posted a 1.308 slugging percentage last week, tallying four home runs in the Wildcats’ series-sweep of Creighton. In the first game of the series, the sophomore went 2-for-3 with two dingers and three RBI. She homered in all three games against the Bluejays and finished the week with seven RBI, helping extend Villanova’s win streak to 15 games.
BIG EAST Pitcher of the Week
Morgan Maize, DePaul, Sr.
Maize did it all for the Blue Demons last week, but was most dominant inside the pitcher’s circle, striking out 36 batters in 22.0 innings of work. The senior registered a 0.64 ERA, allowing just two earned runs in her four appearances. Maize gave up eight hits and walked just seven batters in her 3-0 week. In her two complete games against BIG EAST foe Butler, she struck out 23 over 12 innings. At the plate, she batted .500 for the week, notching six RBI and two home runs.
Weekly Honor Roll
Lauren Herschberg, Villanova, Jr. INF
Herschberg batted .429 with five RBI in the 6-0 week for the Wildcats, posting a hit in each game.
Grace Kramer, St. John’s, Jr., P
The junior righty struck out 10 and went 2-1 in the week with a 0.49 ERA, allowing only one run on seven hits in 14.1 innings.
Kate Poppe, Villanova, Sr. P,
Poppe fanned 36 batters in her four complete game victories, recording a 0.70 ERA. She is now Villanova’s all-time leader in complete games with 76.
Alexis Walkden, Seton Hall, So., INF
Walkden hit for a .636 average in the Pirates’ series win over the Hoyas, tallying four runs along with a double and a home run.
Lauren Zick, St. John’s, So., OF
Zick batted .400 against the Friars, knocking in two runs while also stealing two bases.