SoCon Softball Player, Pitcher of the Week announced

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Mercer shortstop Avery Barton and Western Carolina right-hander Amanda Fulton have been named the Southern Conference softball player and pitcher of the week, respectively, for their efforts from March 9-15. The awards are selected by the league office.

Barton hit .778 over the weekend for Mercer as the Bears won two of three games played against Bryant. In the series opener on March 13, the senior went 3-for-4 with a home run, a double and three RBIs as Mercer won, 8-6. The next day, the native of Monticello, Georgia, had two hits in the first game of the day’s doubleheader, which was a 6-2 setback for the Bears. In the series finale, Barton hit two solo home runs and drew a bases loaded walk as Mercer won, 8-0, in five innings.

Fulton threw 9.1 innings over two appearances inside the circle, logging a win and a save for Western Carolina last week. On March 10, the product of Woodstock, Georgia, tossed a complete game, striking out eight batters and allowing zero earned runs in a 4-1 win over Presbyterian. The sophomore came on in relief the next day in a victory at Queens, throwing the final 2.1 innings to get a save after allowing zero runs and striking out one batter. Fulton is currently third in the SoCon in ERA (2.26).

Mercer (12-13) opens its conference slate of games with a series versus Samford on March 21-22. Western Carolina (16-8) hosts 15th-ranked Clemson on March 18, before welcoming Furman on March 21-22.

Other nominees for player of the week: Macy Michael (UNCG), Maya McPherson (Western Carolina) and Desirae Devine (Wofford)

Other nominees for pitcher of the week: Grace McKillop (Mercer), Brooklyn Shroyer (UNCG) and Abby Greenwood (Wofford)
 
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

March 16          Avery Barton, Sr., SS, Mercer

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

March 16          Amanda Fulton, So., Western Carolina