RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The Great American Conference announced the league’s Players of the Week for the ninth week of the 2016 softball season. Southern Nazarene’s Sam Smith and Arkansas-Monticello’s Kendra Coleman received the Player and Pitcher of the Week awards, respectively.
 
GAC SOFTBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK – Sam Smith, Southern Nazarene, OF, Jr., Collinsville, Oklahoma
Smith’s .700 batting average helped lead Southern Nazarene to its first GAC series sweep since joining in 2013. The Collinsville, Oklahoma native slugged 1.400, while recording nine RBI, five runs, and a pair of homers. Smith finished with three stolen base as well. Smith also went a perfect 7-for-7 in her last three games.
 
GAC SOFTBALL PITCHER OF THE WEEK – Kendra Coleman, Arkansas-Monticello, RHP, Sr., Red Oak, Oklahoma
Coleman’s week helped lead the Blossoms to a series sweep versus Ouachita. The Red Oak, Oklahoma native, who tossed 13.0 IP, went 2-0 with one save for UAM. Coleman registered 13 strikeouts and finished with a perfect 0.00 ERA. Opponents hit .071 off of the senior right-hander as well.
  
PLAYER OF THE WEEK NOMINEES
- Ashton Atwell, Sr., OF, Southern Arkansas (Produced a .571 on-base percentage; batted .500 versus HSU)
- Laramie Beal, Sr., OF, Southeastern Oklahoma State (Batted .500 with a pair of doubles)
- Jalissa Gum, Jr., RHP/1B/3B, Arkansas Tech (Slugged .889 versus SE; recorded five RBI and a pair of homers)
- Caitlin Hall, So., 3B, Oklahoma Baptist (Recorded six RBI and three runs for the Bison)
- Alexus Lawellin, Fr., SS, Harding (Batted .600 with five runs and one triple versus East Central)
 
PITCHER OF THE WEEK NOMINEES
- Kaylee Garner, Jr., RHP, Southern Arkansas (Struck out 13 in 15.1 IP; improved to 12-3 on season)
- Hannah Johnson, Jr., RHP, Harding (Went 2-0, including a complete-game shutout)
- Bailee Saye, So., RHP, Oklahoma Baptist (Tossed her first shutout of the season; struck out 13)
- Kayla Wyatt, Sr., RHP, Southern Nazarene (Struck out weekend-best 29; recorded 600th career strikeout)