Softball America Stars of the Week: Boyd, Brown, Francik, Kennedy
The Softball America staff will pick four student-athletes as our college softball players of the week following the latest slate of games. Our award system isn’t necessarily stat-based but rather players who left a lasting impact as we watched games from the previous week. Who changed the tune of their teams? Who made the headlines? Who might be the breakout star during the season?
Lauren Boyd, RHP, Northwestern
Boyd tossed a six-inning shutout in the series opener against UCLA in the Wildcats’ run-rule win over the Bruins. She held it down in the rubber match as well, picking up her second win of the series. Boyd threw 13 innings, limiting the high-powered UCLA offense to three runs on seven hits, possibly lifting the Wildcats into a postseason spot.
Ava Brown, RHP/UTL, Florida
Ava Brown came through on both sides for Florida in the series win over Oklahoma. Brown earned two saves, throwing eight innings, holding the Sooners’ bats to three earned runs. The two-way Gator hit a home run in each of Florida’s wins as well.
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Jazzy Francik, RHP, Florida State
Francik was given just her seventh start of the season on Saturday, but the typical Florida State closer made every pitch count. The freshman righty tossed a six-inning no-hitter against the potent Hokies lineup. Francik became the first true freshman to throw a no-hitter since Lacey Waldrop in 2012.
Emiley Kennedy, LHP, Texas A&M
Kennedy was the pivotal piece in A&M’s series against Tennessee as the Aggies won both of her starts. The lefty outdueled Karlyn Pickens in the Aggies’ 1-0 series-opening win. Kennedy struck out 10 batters in a complete game shutout, allowing one hit. Kennedy only allowed three hits in two runs in the rubber match run-rule win as well.
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