BIRMINGHAM, Ala.. --- The Gulf South Conference announced its Softball Players of the Week on Tuesday morning, with Shelby Samples receiving this week's GSC Freshman of the Week after her performances on the field over the weekend.

Samples went a combined 10-for-18 at the plate to help Mississippi College go 4-1 at the Charger Chillout. The rookie finished the weekend with a .556 batting average, five extra base hits including three triples, while driving in eight runs and scoring eight more. Her weekend was highlighted by a 4-for-4 performance at the plate against Miles which included four RBI and three triples. 

Her three triples versus Miles is tied for second all time in NCAA Division II softball history for triples in a single contest. 

It was the second week in a row that the Lady Choctaws earned Freshman of the Week honors in the Gulf South Conference, with Camryn Bailey earning FOTW last week.

MC improved to 8-2 on the season over the weekend. They return to the field for a three game GSC series next weekend at #12 Valdosta State. MC and VSU go head to head with a doubleheader on Friday beginning at 1 p.m. and  p.m. in Valdosta, Ga. 

Player of the Week: Macey Neal, Jr., SS, Union
Neal helped Union to a 3-1 weekend at the Charger Chillout, where she was 10-for-15 at the plate for a  .667 batting average. The junior also tallied four home runs, two doubles, drove in 10 runs and scored eight. Neal notched a perfect day at the plate as went 5-for-5 against Kentucky Wesleyan with two HR and one double. 

Other nominees: Kamryn Eaton (MC); Sidney Lee (LU); Courtney Pinkston (SU); Madelyn Vasquez (UWF); Chloe Baynes (AUM); LP Trammell (UWA); Ellie Derrick (UM); MyCala Helms (DSU); Maddie Cartron (UAH)

Pitcher of the Week: Katie Bracken, Fr., P, Alabama Huntsville
Bracken posted a 0.84 ERA over 10.2 innings as Alabama Huntsville went 2-1 at Charger Chillout. The rookie struckout 11 total batters in her three appearances,  allowing just one earned run while scattering seven hits.  

Other nominees: Camryn Bailey (MC); Natalie Pruitt (LU); Riely Vaughn (UU); Madison Wright (UWA); Brittany Crowson (UM)

2023 WEEKLY AWARDS
Player of the Week
Feb. 7 – LP Trammell, West Alabama
Feb. 14 – Macey Neal, Union

Pitcher of the Week
Feb. 7 – Megan Shurtz, Alabama Huntsville
Feb. 14 – Katie Bracken, Alabama Huntsville

Freshman of the Week
Feb. 7 – Camryn Bailey, Mississippi College
Feb. 14 – Shelby Samples, Mississippi College