BIG EAST Softball Player of the Week 

Nicole Sullivan, DePaul, So., 3B 

DePaul’s Nicole Sullivan opened the 2022 season by going 5-for-11 (.455) with one home run and seven RBI across a perfect 4-0 weekend for the Blue Demons. The sophomore’s biggest showing came on Saturday against St. Thomas, in which Sullivan finished 2-for-4 with a home run, five RBI and two runs scored. The third baseman also had run scoring hits against Valparaiso and Western Michigan. 

BIG EAST Softball Pitcher of the Week 

Mikayla Santa Cruz, Creighton, Jr., P 

Creighton’s Mikayla Santa Cruz only allowed two earned runs over 15.2 innings of work as the Bluejays went 3-2 at the UTEP Invitational to kick off the season. In her first start against Idaho State, Santa Cruz scattered five hits over seven innings while striking out six en route to a 6-2 victory. The next day, the junior would go the distance once again, this time striking out nine and allowing just one run over eight innings as Creighton defeated Abilene Christian. 

BIG EAST Softball Freshman of the Week 

Alexis Wiggins, Creighton, Fr., P 

Creighton’s Alexis Wiggins allowed just one earned run across 13 innings pitched to open her collegiate career. Her first appearance of the season was superb, as the freshman struck out eight UTEP batters over 3.2 innings of relief work. Wiggins would later get her first career start on Sunday against Abilene Christian, pitching all five innings and earning her first victory. 

BIG EAST Softball Weekly Honor Roll

Britney Manthie, Creighton, Jr., OF – Batted a BIG EAST-best .643 over Creighton’s 3-2 weekend at the UTEP Invitational. Manthie had multi-hit games in her first three contests to start the season, and also scored seven runs on the weekend.

Sarah Lehman, DePaul, Gr., P – Struck out 15 batters in 12 innings of work this weekend, helping the Blue Demons start the season at 4-0. Had 11 strikeouts and allowed just four hits in a complete game win over St. Thomas on Saturday.

Alyssa Chavez, Georgetown, Gr., C/OF – Went 7-for-15 to open the season with five runs scored, five RBI and two home runs. Had a strong showing against Purdue, going 2-for-3 with three runs batted in and a home run.

Shelby Smith, Seton Hall, Jr., P – Was strong in the circle and at the plate on Friday. Smith had 10 strikeouts in the season opener against UMass Lowell, and later in the day went 2-for-3 with two RBI against Auburn.

Megan Kern, Villanova, Sr., SS – Batted .462 to open the season, including a home run in the season opener against Marshall. Capped off the weekend with a 3-for-4 performance at the plate with two runs scored in the win over Saint Joseph’s.