Softball Claims Pair of MAC Weekly Honors

CLEVELAND, Ohio - - For their part in helping guide the Ball State softball team to a perfect 6-0 record last week, junior outfielder Haley Dominique has been named the Mid-American Conference Player of the Week, while freshman pitcher Sarah Venker was tabbed the MAC Co-Pitcher of the Week.

Dominique earns player of the week honors for the first time this season, and the third time in her career, after leading the team in batting average (.467), slugging percentage (1.267), on base percentage (.600), RBI (7) and runs scored (6) last week.

"Haley is doing a tremendous job in the leadoff spot," head coach Megan Ciolli Bartlett said. "She worked very hard in the offseason in order to add power to her arsenal of weapons. Her hard work is paying off."

Dominique reached base safely in all six games last week, including at least one hit in five of the games. Of her seven total hits on the week, three were doubles and three were home runs. She scored what proved to be the game-winning run in the nightcap at Bethune-Cookman (March 6), while driving in the game-winning runs versus Cleveland State (March 8) and Presbyterian (March 9).

Dominique currently leads the Ball State offense with a .321 batting average this season, including seven doubles, two triples and three home runs. Her 15 runs scored also lead the team, while her 15 RBI are tied for second.

Venker, who earns pitcher of the week honors for the first time in her career and shares the award with Northern Illinois senior Alex Frenz, shined in her two appearances in the circle last week, picking up a pair of complete game shutout victories. She held opposing batters to a .111 average over her two starts, while striking out 15 total batters.

"Sarah has been dynamic on the mound this season," Ciolli Bartlett said. "She's an athlete and a competitor. She's been a great addition to the pitching staff."

Venker opened the week with a dominating performance in the 1-0 win at Bethune-Cookman (March 6), tying her career high with 10 strikeouts while limiting the Wildcats to just a pair of hits over her 7.0 innings of work.

She followed with another strong outing versus Georgetown (March 9), limiting the Hoyas to just a pair of hits over 5.0 innings, while striking out five more batters.

Venker leads the Ball State pitching staff and ranks second in the MAC in both wins (7) and opposing batting average (.190). Her 2.01 ERA is currently fourth in the MAC, while her 51 total strikeouts are tied for sixth.

Dominique, Venker and the rest of the Ball State softball team return to action Friday with games versus Connecticut (1:30 p.m.) and South Dakota (8:15 p.m.) on the opening day of the Mercer Bears Classic which runs March 15-17.

For the most up-to-date news on Ball State softball, follow the team on Twitter: @BallStateSB, @CoachCBartlett & @BallStateSports / Instagram: ballstatesb / Facebook: BallStateSB.

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Haley Dominique

Sarah Venker

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