Feb. 20, 2007

PARK RIDGE, Ill. - Sophomore catcher Kara Weigle has been named the Big Ten Softball Player of the Week for her outstanding offensive performance at the Hampton Inn Bama Bash last weekend, the conference office announced Tuesday. Weigle hit .667 (10-for-15) with four triples and two home runs to earn all-tournament honors. The league award is the first of her career, and first MSU Player of the Week honoree since the 2005 season.

"Kara's (Weigle) performance last weekend was truly special," Spartan head coach Jacquie Joseph said. "We are all very proud and happy for Kara."

Weigle also contributed eight runs and nine RBI in four starts for the Green and White at the Bama Bash. She began the season with a 4-for-5 effort in MSU's fifth-consecutive season-opening victory against Toledo on Feb. 16. Weigle tallied six RBI in the contest, matching the second-highest single-game total in MSU history, while her two triples versus the Rockets tied the highest Spartan single-game mark.

The Naples, Fla., native tallied one hit against No. 5 Alabama, and contributed a combined four runs, two stolen bases and five hits in two Spartan victories over Radford to conclude tournament play.

Michigan State continues non-conference action when it travels to the highly competitive Palm Springs Classic, Feb. 23-25. State is scheduled to face No. 9 UCLA, Cal State Fullerton, No. 1 Tennessee, No. 15/17 Washington and Oklahoma State in pool play.