SPARTANBURG, S.C. ? Samford outfielder Jessica Owens has been named this week’s Southern Conference Player of the Week, while Chattanooga’s Kandice Irwin has been named Pitcher of the Week for all games from Feb. 5-8, the conference office announced Monday. The two awards are voted on by the conference softball sports information directors.

Owens, a senior, led the team in batting average (.636) and had two stolen bases, five runs and an RBI at the Southern Mississippi Invitational this past weekend as the Bulldogs began the season 3-2.

Irwin went 2-1 over the weekend in the Chattanooga Challenge, as the Lady Mocs started the season 4-2. The sophomore has a 1.80 ERA with 15 strikeouts. In UTC’s 8-0 shutout of Virginia Tech, the Knoxville, Tenn., native threw a complete game and allowed only three hits, while striking out five.

Also nominated for this week’s Player of the Week award were Chattanooga’s Tiffany Baker, College of Charleston’s Amanda Lonergan, Furman’s Stephanie Cushing and UNC Greensboro’s Lyndsay Mouse.

Also nominated for this week’s Pitcher of the Week award were Furman’s Lana Mackey, UNC Greensboro’s Hannah Angel, College of Charleston Terri Mesko and Samford’s Kayla Burris.

Player of the Week

Feb. 9 ? Jessica Owens, Samford

Pitcher of the Week

Feb. 9 ? Kandice Irwin, Chattanooga