March 17, 2003
Fresno State Press Release

Bulldogs' Southern Named WAC Player of the Week
Fresno State's Jamie Southern adds first career player award to eight-time pitcher of the week honors

FRESNO, CA. - Fresno State softball's sophomore All-American Jamie Southern (Clovis, Calif.) picked up her first career Western Athletic Conference Player of the Week honors this morning, already adding to a list of weekly accolades that includes eight league pitcher of the week selections.

After being named WAC Pitcher of the Week last Monday, Southern's sweet swing from her freshman year came to light as she batted .368 (7-19) with six runs, seven hits, double, walk, four homes, nine RBI and 20 total bases for a 1.053 slugging percentage.

As the first Bulldog to collect a multi home-run performance since Nina Lindenberg (4 times in 1997), Southern batted .385 (5-13) and hit four home runs with eight RBI while totaling 17 total bases for a 1.308 slugging percentage at the Kia Klassic. Hitting four home runs in a span of two days, she hit a three-run shot against No. 3 Nebraska and a two-run home run versus Hawai'i while collecting a pair of solo shots against No. 13 DePaul.

In the home doubleheader sweep over Southern Utah, Southern batted .333 (2-6) with two runs, a double, a walk, a RBI and three total bases for a .500 slugging percentage.

At the Kia Klassic, Southern batted .385 (5-13) and hit four home runs with eight RBI while totaling 17 total bases for a 1.308 slugging percentage. Hitting four home runs in a span of two days, she slugged a pair of solo shots against No. 13 DePaul before hitting a three-run home run against No. 3 Nebraska and a two-run home run against Hawai'i.

Only going hitless versus Notre Dame, Southern sparked the Bulldogs to a 7-3 victory over third-ranked Nebraska as the 'Dogs clinched second place in pool play and advanced into championship bracket play. Fresno State met Hawai'i in the first round of championship play and Southern took the ball long again after hitting a two-run shot. The Bulldogs then advanced to the quarterfinals of the Kia Klassic and were scheduled to meet No. 6 Oklahoma but the tournament was rained out the final two days.

Turning it up, Southern came into last week hitting .280 (14-50) with three runs, a double and a RBI. In the last six games alone she multiplied her RBI tenfold and is hitting a season-high .304 (21-69) with 10 RBI, two doubles and four home runs. Southern has hit safely in six of her last nine and is batting .407 (11-27) with four multiple-hit games. She has scored six runs while recording a double, two walks, four home runs, nine RBI and 24 total bases for a .889 slugging percentage.