SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Samford's Katie England has been named the Southern Conference Softball Player of the Week, while UNC Greensboro's Cory Mattson has been honored as Pitcher of the Week for all games March 1-8. The selections are made by the league office.

A senior third baseman from Birmingham, Ala., England helped lead Samford to a 2-3 record at the Wilson/DeMarini Invitational in Tempe, Ariz. She safely reached base 13 times and slugged a team-high .684. England tallied six RBIs and notched one stolen base.

In the Bulldogs' 6-1 loss at No. 9 Arizona, England hit her first home run of the season and accounted for Samford's only run in the game. She had two RBIs in each of Samford's wins, which came against Northern Iowa and Idaho State. England also posted her second home run of the season against the Bengals.

AMattson, a sophomore right-handed pitcher from Everett, Wash., won all three of UNC Greensboro's games at the Buzz Classic in Woodstock, Ga. Her 3-0 mark is the first three-game winning streak of her career. Mattson also evened her record at 4-4 and set a new career-high in wins after winning three games as a freshman. She posted a 0.70 ERA and earned all-tournament team honors.

In the 1-0 win against Howard, Mattson tossed a three-hit shutout, while allowing just two walks and striking out four. She recorded just one run on three hits and four walks against Bowling Green. She fanned six in six innings pitched. The Spartans won 4-1. Mattson wrapped up the tournament with a 4-1 win versus Tennessee Tech. She matched her career best in strikeouts with 10, while permitting only four hits and five walks.

Both teams open conference play at home on Saturday. The Bulldogs host Appalachian State, while the Spartans welcome Georgia Southern.

Also receiving nominations for player of the week were College of Charleston's Kristie Shifflett, Elon's Hannah Shelton, Georgia Southern's Nina Iduate, UNC Greensboro's Alex Emeterio, Samford's Alex Adams and Chattanooga's Jessica Traxler.

Also nominated for pitcher of the week were Appalachian State's Caitlin Wainright, College of Charleston's Alexa Datko, Georgia Southern's Brianna Streetmon and Samford's Robyn Harmon.