Softball: Hamilton Collects Sun Belt Honors

LAFAYETTE – Christina Hamilton‘s effectiveness as both a reliever and starter during the Ragin’ Cajuns Invitational for the No. 6 Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns softball team landed her this week’s Sun Belt Conference Pitcher of the Week honor.
 
Over three appearances, the All-American and reigning Sun Belt Conference Pitcher of the Year totaled 14 2/3 innings pitched and limited opponents to one run off six hits and struck out 10.
 
It’s the second straight week a Cajuns hurler claimed the award (Jordan Wallace, Feb. 16). For Hamilton, she picked up her fourth career honor.
 
"Christina pitching three days in a row was gutsy," Louisiana softball head coach Michael Lotief said. "She did a great job competing both mentally and physically."
 
With two runs already in and two runners on base with only one out in the second inning vs. Iowa, Hamilton (3-0, 16.2 IP, 0.42 ERA, 13 K) replaced Alex Stewart and got out of the jam with only one inherited runner scoring.
 
After the Cajuns took a 4-3 lead in the third inning, Hamilton clamped down holding Iowa scoreless in its final five at bats. She retired 12 of the final 13 Hawkeyes that she faced from the fourth inning on to help Louisiana cling to the victory.
 
In her first start of the season on Saturday, Hamilton tossed five scoreless innings and held Hofstra to two hits while facing just four over the minimum.
 
On Sunday, after McNeese State scored a pair of runs in the first inning, she entered the contest in the second inning in relief of Jordan Wallace and quickly quieted the Cowgirls. The Rosepine (La.) High product allowed only one hit over McNeese’s final four at bats, a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth inning, as the offense steadily built an insurmountable lead.
 
"I thought Jordan (Wallace) was dominant in her two outings," Lotief said. "This is an individual honor, but I’m proud of our pitching staff and how hard they work and the way they support each other."
 
The Ragin’ Cajuns (14-0) are set for a Top 10 showdown with current No. 3 Alabama (13-3) Friday-Sunday, Feb. 27-March 1 at Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala. All games in the series are being broadcast by the SEC Network and streamed on ESPN3.com.
 
2015 RAGIN’ CAJUNS SUN BELT PITCHER OF THE WEEK HONORS
Feb. 16 – Jordan Wallace
Feb. 23 – Christina Hamilton
 
CHRISTINA HAMILTON CAREER SUN BELT PITCHER OF THE WEEK HONORS
2011: Feb. 21
2014: Mar. 17, Apr. 21
2015: Feb. 23