Impressive efforts against Big Ten opposition was the theme of this week's softball honorees as Cal State Northridge's Christina Saenz and Pacific's Nikki Armagost won the Big West Player and Pitcher of the Week awards, respectively.

Hot Hitting from Saenz Leads CSUN to Four Wins Last Week

Christina Saenz was an offensive force for Cal State Northridge last week, netting Big West Player of the Week honors for her efforts.

Saenz kicked off the week with a 2-for-4 effort in a road win over San Diego State, scoring two runs and knocking in a run in CSUN’s 5-4 victory.

She then posted an impressive series in the Matadors’ three-game sweep over Michigan State, going 6-for-10 with two home runs, three RBI and three runs scored.

Her best game against the Spartans was a 3-for-4 effort in the opener, hitting a homer and scoring a run in a tight 6-5 victory.

Saenz had multiple hits in three of the four games, had an RBI in each outing and also scored at least once in every game.

Others nominated: Stephanie Correia, Cal Poly; Sarah Axelson, UC Davis; Taylor Thomas, UC Riverside, Brooke Putich, UC Santa Barbara; Kellee Wilson, Pacific

Armagost Shuts Down Northwestern for First Collegiate Victory

Nikki Armagost was exceptional for the Tigers in a matchup against a perennial national power last weekend, garnering Big West Pitcher of the Week honors.

Pitching in just her second collegiate game, the freshman shut down nationally-ranked Northwestern. Armagost allowed just one hit, two unearned runs, struck out four and pitched around the six walks she allowed.

The lone hit the Wildcats mustered came from the second batter of the game, and the unearned runs came as a result of injuries forcing a reshuffling of the Tiger defense.

Others nominated: Helen Peña, Cal Poly; Amanda Pitzenberger, Cal State Northridge; Marissa Alvidrez, UC Riverside; MeLinda Matsumoto, UC Santa Barbara