Winslow Named NWC Softball Hitter Student-Athlete of the Week

By Brandon Chinn, Athletics Communications Writer

SALEM, ORE. -- After accumulating a .700 batting average with three doubles and five RBIs over the weekend, Heather Winslow (Jr., 1B, Oregon City, OR/Oregon City HS) of Willamette University has been honored as the Northwest Conference Softball Hitter Student-Athlete of the Week for her efforts on Friday, March 8, and Saturday, March 9.

The Bearcats went 3-0 over the course of the weekend, sweeping a doubleheader against the University of Puget Sound on Friday, before taking the only completed game against Pacific Lutheran on Saturday.

The second game against the Lutes was suspended due to rain with the score tied at two in the bottom of the first inning.

Winslow compiled seven hits in her 10 at bats with one walk, and was also hit by a pitch. She successfully stole five bases in as many attempts throughout the three games.

Winslow finished each game of Friday's doubleheader against Puget Sound going two of three at the plate. In the fourth inning of game two, with a runner on third and two outs, Winslow launched a double to left center field to extend Willamette's lead to 3-1.

After finishing Friday going four of six, Winslow remained hot on Saturday against Pacific Lutheran. She recorded three hits in her four plate appearances. Two of Winslow's hits were doubles, the second of which cleared the bases for three RBIs.

Winslow's flashy weekend at the plate has been nothing new in 2014. Having started in all 11 of Willamette's games, Winslow leads the team with a .621 batting average.

She also ranks atop the team in slugging percentage (.862), on base percentage (.711), doubles (4), runs batted in (11) and stolen bases (9).

After propelling themselves back into fifth place in the NWC standings, the Bearcats return to action on Saturday, March 15 as they travel to Newberg, Ore., for a doubleheader against George Fox University. First pitch of game one is set for 12 p.m. (PDT).