Canisius' Castro, Weathers & Niagara's Watkins Earn First MAAC Softball Weekly Awards of 2017
MAAC Sports
Player of the Week
Lauren Castro, Canisius
So., P/INF, Gilroy, CA/Gilroy
Canisius College sophomore Lauren Castro hit a team-best .545 (6-11) with four doubles and two runs scored last week as the Griffs went 2-2 at the CSU Dome Invite in Cleveland, OH. In Canisius’ win over Robert Morris University on February 11, she had three hits, including a double, and scored a run. She also doubled and scored a run in the team’s 5-4 loss to host Cleveland State in extra innings. In the Griffs’ loss to Bowling Green, the Gilroy, CA native had both of the Canisius’ hits, both doubles. In the circle, she went 1-1 in two starts, where she allowed five runs, three earned and struck out eight.
Pitcher of the Week
Madi Weathers, Canisius
Jr., P, Westminister, CA/Fountain Valley
Canisius College junior Madi Weathers made three appearances last week and picked up two saves in the Golden Griffins’ two wins at the CSU Dome Invite in Cleveland, OH. In the win over Cleveland State on February 11, she threw 1.2 innings, struck out three and then came back in the nightcap and tossed a perfect inning in relief as Canisius earned a 5-2 win over Robert Morris. In her first start of the season, she took a no decision after she allowed two runs, earned on five hits in 4.0 innings of work in a 5-4 loss to Cleveland State on February 12.
Rookie of the Week
Kendall Watkins, Niagara
Fr., INF, Williamsport, PA/Loyalsock Township
Niagara University freshman Kendall Watkins led MAAC rookies and ranked third among the Purple Eagles with a .385 batting average last weekend at the CSU Dome Invite in Cleveland, OH. Watkins led the conference with five runs scored and ranked second with four RBIs. She tallied two extra-base hits on the weekend, including a two-run home run for her first career hit in a 9-0 rout of Robert Morris on February 11. In the season’s opening weekend, Watkins also ranked first among MAAC freshmen with a .385 on-base percentage and a .692 slugging percentage, ranking fifth and fourth overall in those respective categories.