Wingate's Blankenship, Newberry's Hammond Named Softball Players Of The Week

ROCK HILL, S.C.- Wingate pitcher Brittany Blankenship and Newberry second baseman Kat Hammond have been named South Atlantic Conference Players of the Week, league officials announced today.

A graduate of Midlothian High School, Blankenship earned a win and a save in Wingate’s NCAA Division II doubleheader sweep at Coker College Sunday. In her first career start, she pitched a complete game two-hitter as the Bulldogs blanked the Cobras 3-0 in the nightcap of the twin bill.

In seven innings, she struck out nine and walked three. In the first game, she earned a save with a scoreless seventh inning as the Bulldogs prevailed 8-4. On the week, she did not allow a run in three appearances (10 innings pitched).

Brittany Blankenship

Kat Hammond

“During the pre-season, Brittany worked diligently with coach (Mark) Mattson on her control and accuracy,” Wingate head coach Michelle Caddigan says. “It is rewarding to see her utilize these strengths over the first week of the season.”

Entering this week’s play, Wingate is 4-0 overall. The Bulldogs defeated St. Andrews Presbyterian College Saturday prior to the two victories over 2007 NCAA play-off participant Coker. Wingate visits Belmont Abbey College Wednesday (1:30 p.m. first pitch) before returning home Saturday to entertain Limestone College (1 p.m. first pitch).

Hammond earned the Player of the Week honors after batting .636 (14-for-22) in the Lady Indians' opening week. She finished with six extra base hits, three doubles and three home runs, and 13 RBIs. The Irmo, South Carolina-native's grand slam kept her team close in an extra-innings loss to UNC-Pembroke, 7-5.

Against Belmont Abbey this past weekend Hammond went 7-for-8 with two doubles, two home runs, seven RBI and eight runs scored. She was involved in 14 of the 20 runs Newberry scored against the Crusaders.

"Kat went 7-for-8 on the weekend, and this was the second weekend she hit the ball hard as has 3 homeruns in 22 at bats," said Head Coach Joe Elston. "I think her hitting and stats are amazing.  She has worked very hard to improve her swing from last year and has the potential to keep doing great things for us."

The SAC Player of the Week is determined by a vote of the sports information directors in the league..