Fayetteville, N.C. - The USA South has released its weekly awards for March 19th. After a near perfect week in the win column, N.C. Wesleyan had a season-high five Bishop athletes garner honors in the sports of baseball, softball, and tennis.
Baseball Pitcher of the Week
Nate Gardner, N.C. Wesleyan - The junior from Hertford, North Carolina earned a complete-game shutout win over USA South foe William Peace in his only appearance on the mound last week for the Battling Bishops. In the 4-0 victory, Gardner allowed five hits with one walk and a career-high 15 strikeouts.
Softball Player of the Week
Kaitlyn Checkan, N.C. Wesleyan - The senior outfielder from Cary, North Carolina went a combined 7-for-11 (.636) with an .826 on-base percentage and a 1.273 slugging percentage to go along with ten runs scored, five RBI, one double, two home runs, 11 walks and one stolen base as the Battling Bishops notched a 5-1 record last week. In a doubleheader split with Guilford, Checkan was a combined 2-for-3 with one run scored, one run batted in, one double and five walks. In a doubleheader sweep of USA South rival Ferrum, Checkan was a combined 3-for-6 with four runs scored, three RBI, two home runs, two walks and one stolen base. Finally, in a doubleheader sweep of USA South foe Mary Baldwin, Checkan was a combined 2-for-2 with five runs scored, one run batted in and four walks.
Men's Tennis Player of the Week
Sebastian Sikh, N.C. Wesleyan - The senior from Eskilstuna, Sweden earned a 3-0 record at both the number-one singles and number-three doubles positions last week for the Battling Bishops versus USA South competition. The singles victories came over opponents from Methodist, Greensboro and Averett. In doubles, Sikh teamed with David Chang to earn the three wins.
Men's Tennis Rookie of the Week
Roberto Puig, N.C. Wesleyan - The freshman from Malaga, Spain earned a 4-0 record at various singles spots and a 3-0 mark at the top doubles position last week for the Battling Bishops versus USA South competition. The singles victories were at the number-two and four positions versus Greensboro and the fifth spot versus Methodist and Averett. In doubles, Puig teamed with Ioannis Brokakis for the wins.
Women's Tennis Rookie of the Week
Giulia Zanetti, N.C. Wesleyan - The freshman from Verona, Italy earned a 4-0 record at both the number-three singles and doubles positions last week for the Battling Bishops versusu USA South members. The singles victories came over opposition from Greensboro, Averett, Methodist and Meredith. In doubles, Zanetti teamed with Nicole Halabi for the wins.
Congrats to all five athletes on their stellar performances!