By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – After a 3-1 start to the season at this weekend's Stinger Classic in Montgomery, Ala., the Tennessee Tech softball team swept the first Ohio Valley Conference awards for the week as senior Beth McCulley was named the league's Player of the Week and junior Alyssa Arden was named the league's Pitcher of the Week on Monday.
The awards are voted on by the league's sports information contacts.
McCulley, named one of the OVC's Players to Watch in the preseason, finished the weekend with a .538 batting average, including seven hits in her first nine at-bats of the season, to lead the Golden Eagles. She also posted a .538 slugging percentage and a .571 on-base percentage.
Arden put together a 0.91 earned run average for the first week, allowing two earned runs in three appearances. She allowed one run on five hits while striking out seven in Tech's first contest against Western Carolina, while allowing one earned run on three hits with three walks and five strikeouts in the rematch with the Catamounts. She also pitched an inning and a third in relief against North Alabama, allowing no hits while striking out one.
The Golden Eagles return to action on Friday as they host East Tennessee State in the first game of a three-game set. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m., weather permitting.