Weekly Award Winners: Russ, Hightower, Lackie Earn Player Of The Week Honors

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Player of the Week: Sam Russ, NC State

Russ went 8-15 with 8 runs scored, 5 RBIs, 6 stolen bases and two-straight walk-off home runs for the Wolfpack. Russ hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning as NC State beat Georgia Tech 5-2 to clinch the four-game ACC series. On Saturday, Russ hit a solo shot to win the second game of the series. She has three walk-off home runs this season.

Pitcher of the Week: Elizabeth Hightower, Florida

The junior hurler picked up two wins in the circle for the Gators, holding her opponents to a .057 average. Hightower threw a complete-game one-hit shutout against Florida State and came in relief against New Mexico State, retiring 12 of 14 batters without giving up a hit.

Freshman of the Week: Olivia Lackie, South Alabama

Olivia Lackie dazzled in a complete-game shutout against the then ranked No. 3 Alabama Crimson Tide. Lackie went the distance striking out six and held Alabama to just three hits, while not issuing a walk. The rookie right-hander showed poised and experience well beyond her years leading the Jaguars to their first program victory over the Crimson Tide and the highest win over a ranked opponent in program history.