March 8, 2010

Center Valley, Pa.--The Patriot League announced the first batch of Patriot League softball weekly awards. Army, Bucknell and Colgate were all represented. All three players received their respective awards for the first times in their careers.

Patriot League Player of the Week
Jennifer Ortega, Colgate So., SS, Aberdeen, N.J.
Ortega hit safely in all six of Colgate’s games last week, giving her a 12-game hitting streak dating back to last season. She had three home runs during the week, moving her into a tie for sixth place among Colgate’s all-time career leaders. During last week’s action, Ortega batted .611 with 10 RBI and six extra-base hits. She also stole seven bases. It is the first time in her career that Ortega has been named Patriot League Player of the Week.

Patriot League Pitcher of the Week
Jessi Muckelroy, Army Sr., P, Houston, Texas
Muckelroy allowed just one run in 13.2 innings of work last week. She went the distance in Army’s 5-0 win over George Washington, allowing just five hits while striking out six batters. Her six strikeouts were one short of a career high. She struck out three batters while tossing 6.2 innings in the Black Knights’ 1-0 loss to the Colonials. For the week, Muckelroy tallied a 0.51 ERA and a 0.88 WHIP. It is the second time she has been named Patriot League Pitcher of the Week.

Patriot League Rookie of the Week
Bridget Gates, Bucknell Fr., P, Milford, Conn.
Gates went 2-0 during her first two collegiate outings. She did not allow a run in 10 innings of work. Gates got the start against Marist, going the distance in the Bison’s 11-0 victory. She struck out one batter while scattering three hits and walking just one. Gates picked up the win in Bucknell’s 6-1 triumph over George Mason, tossing five innings of scoreless relief. For the week, Gates allowed just seven hits and three walks.