March 16, 2010

CLEVELAND - The Mid-American Conference announced Tuesday that senior outfielder Alicia Hogl has been named the MAC East Division Player of the Week and sophomore pitcher Jessica Simpson is the MAC East Pitcher of the Week for their performances at the Husky Softball Classic last weekend. It is the first honor for both players this season.

Hogl, a Bellingham, Washington native, was playing in front of her hometown fans for the first time in her career. She did not disappoint as she was the top RedHawks' top hitter for the week at .389. She also showed some power with a home run and three doubles. Her 13 total bases in six games gave her a slugging percentage of .722. She previously won MAC East Division Player of the Week honors last season on May 3.

Simpson gave up only four earned runs in 26 innings pitched last weekend. She went toe-to-toe with top ranked Washington for 10 innings in two different games at the Husky Softball Classic, starting the 3-0 loss and coming in relief during the 6-3 loss. She ended up surrendering only three earned runs against the nation's best team. Simpson also earned complete game victories against Seattle and Portland State, while also earning a victory against Seattle coming out of the bullpen. She struck out 26 during the week while holding batters to .216 average.

These are the second and third honors for Miami players this season as senior pitcher Meredith Linch previously won Pitcher of the Week honors on March 2.

The RedHawks return to action this weekend when they host Robert Morris, Canisius, Michigan State and Toledo for the Miami Invitational. It starts on Friday with a game against Robert Morris at 4 p.m.