SoCon Softball Player, Pitcher of the Week announced

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Western Carolina third basemen Maya McPherson and UNCG right-hander Brooklyn Shroyer have been named the Southern Conference softball player and pitcher of the week, respectively, for their efforts from March 2-8. The awards are selected by the league office.

McPherson led Western Carolina to three wins over the weekend as the team hosted the Catamount Classic. In a 4-2 win over Penn on March 6, the junior had two hits, a stolen base, an RBI and a tun scored. Later that day, McPherson was 2-for-4 with a home run, a triple, three RBIs and two runs scored as the Catamounts suffered an 18-10 setback versus Robert Morris. On March 7, the native of Lancaster, California, was 3-for-4 with two RBIs in a 9-1 victory against Ohio. In the finale of the weekend, McPherson had two hits, including a fifth inning grand slam, as the Catamounts topped Penn, 8-2.

Shroyer tossed 13 innings over two games inside the circle, including a complete game shutout, for UNCG over the weekend. The junior, who also won the honor on Feb. 23, had five strikeouts and gave up just one earned run against UNC Wilmington on March 7. The next day, the product of San Dimas, California, had eight strikeouts and allowed just one hit in a 2-0 win over Army. Shroyer’s performance against Army was her fifth shutout of the season, which leads the SoCon.

Western Carolina (13-7) will play a doubleheader versus Presbyterian on March 10, and at Queens on March 11. UNCG (15-12) hosts Lehigh and Tarleton State over the weekend.

Other nominees for player of the week: Payton Moore (ETSU), Nya South (UNCG), and Chloe Lackey (Chattanooga)

Other nominees for pitcher of the week: Lily O'Bryan (Furman) and Amanda Fulton (Western Carolina)
 
2026 SoCon Softball Players of the Week
Feb. 9               Brianna Stanley, So., INF, Wofford

Feb. 16             Olivia Shaw, Jr., SS, Samford

Feb. 23             Brianna Stanley, So., INF, Wofford

March 2            Riley Croley, Fr., 3B, ETSU

March 9            Maya McPherson, Jr., 3B, Western Carolina

2026 SoCon Softball Pitchers of the Week

Feb. 9               Madison Starr, Jr., Mercer

Feb. 16             Abby Greenwood, Jr., Wofford

Feb. 23             Brooklyn Shroyer, Jr., UNCG

March 2            Gabrielle Fowler, Jr., ETSU

March 9            Brooklyn Shroyer, Jr., UNCG