Thompson, Stern Named SoCon Softball Player and Pitcher of the Week

SPARTANBURG, SC -- The Southern Conference today named its softball Player and Pitcher of the Week for March 24. UNC Greensboro third baseman Penny Thompson has earned the Player of the Week award while College of Charleston sophomore Rachel Stern has been named the Pitcher of the Week.

A senior from Franklin, NC, Thompson currently leads the Spartans in home runs (7) and RBI (27), while playing in only 18 of the team's 25 games. Thompson blasted a two out, three-run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning against Chattanooga to propel the Spartans to a series sweep over the Mocs. For the week, Thompson hit a double and two home runs while driving in seven runs.

Stern, a junior from Virginia Beach, VA, pitched 11 innings and gave up only one hit in two Southern Conference wins over Appalachian State on March 22 and 23. She gave up no runs in two games while striking out seven. Stern currently leads the Cougars with a 1.02 ERA and holds a 12-1 record. She has thrown 12 complete games this season including six shutouts.