Howard outfielder Courtney Young earned MEAC Softball Player of the Week honors, the league announced Thursday. Jennifer Luper of North Carolina A&T State was named Rookie of the Week while Bethune-Cookman’s Allison Garcia was named the Pitcher of the Week.

Young (OF, 5-6, So., Sherwood Ark.) batted .488 in six games last week with 11 hits in 18 attempts to help the defending tournament champions to a 5-1 finish. The outfielder recorded two home runs, one double and 13 RBI for the week. She also added 10 putouts and one assist.

Luper (P, 5-6, Fr., Fort Mill, S.C.) went 1-1, throwing 13 innings in two games last week against UNC-Greensboro and South Carolina State. Against UNCG, Luper pitched six innings, striking out three of the 23 batters faced. Against the Bulldogs she recorded her first career shutout, allowing only one hit in a 4-0 win.

Garcia (P, 5-7, Fr., Chino Hills, Calif.) finished with a 1.47 ERA, allowing 17 hits and one two walks in 19 innings as she posted a perfect 3-0 week for the Lady Wildcats. Garcia faced 84 batters and struck out nine during the three-game stretch.

Other Top Performers

Angela Balser (HAM) batted .667 in two wins last week against Maryland Eastern Shore including two doubles and nine RBI in six at bats.

Lillian Bullock (NCAT) recorded two triples and two RBI against South Carolina State.

Cassandra Carlos (UMES) posted one triple and two RBI to help the Lady Hawks defeat Morgan State.

Marielle Garcia (UMES) pitched four innings, with seven strikeouts and giving up only one hit, to record a save against Elizabeth City State.

Emily Johnson (HOW) finished the week 7-of-11, with a .500 batting average, helping the Bison to a 5-1 finish last week.

Dale McNeal (HOW) pitched five innings against North Carolina Central, striking out three batters, while allowing no earned runs.

Kendra Saunders (UMES) went 6-for-14 with three RBI and six runs in six games last week.

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