True freshman Courtney Ball (Macon, Ga. / Tattnall Square Academy ) has been named the Southern Conference Player of the Week following her performance in the Chattanooga Challenge last weekend, the conference office announced Monday afternoon.
In her first collegiate action, Ball finished the weekend 8-for-13 (.615) with two doubles, a homerun and five RBI while slugging at a 1.000% clip. She posted a hit in all four games played including a pair of back-to-back three hit games during Saturday's sweep.
"I'm really happy for Courtney to earn this award, and I think it's very well deserved," said head coach Frank Reed.
"It's not too often you see a freshman win a conference award after her first career games.
We're extremely excited to continue watching Courtney develop into a vital piece of our team, offensively and defensively."
In a 16-11 win over Indiana State on Saturday, Ball went 3-for-5 with a double and three RBI, in addition to blasting a go-ahead two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth. During the 7-5 win over Kennesaw State, Ball went a perfect 3-for-3 with a double and two RBI.
The player of the week honor for Ball marks the fifth UTC selection since the start of the 2019 season. She becomes the second freshman since 2008 to earn the award and the first since Emily Coltharp in March 2019.
Chattanooga (2-3) returns to action this Wednesday night for a non-conference matchup against in-state foe UT Martin at 7:00 p.m. EST inside Jim Frost Stadium. Game coverage links are located on the schedule page.