Softball: Martinez Claims Sun Belt Player of the Week Honor

RAGIN’ CAJUNS SOFTBALL: Martinez Claims Sun Belt Player of the Week Honor

LAFAYETTE – Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Softball’s Kelli Martinez was the recipient of the first Sun Belt Conference Player of the Week award for the 2017 season, the conference office announced on Tuesday.

 

Martinez led all players in the 31st Annual Louisiana Classics with nine hits, picking up a hit in all six games and totaling three multiple-hit games. She finished the season-opening weekend event 9-for-19 at the plate for a .474 average with six runs scored and four RBI from the nine-spot in the lineup.

 

“All of our kids prepared hard and all of them were ready,” Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Softball head coach Michael Lotief said. “Kelli has continued to build on her preparations and her skill set.

 

“Kelli’s mental expectations are that she expects to not only be a table-setter,” Lotief added. “But somebody who can drive in runs, can be a tough out and a be key contributor both offensively and defensively.”

 

The Katy, Texas, native played a hand in both Louisiana rallies for the win on Saturday. She led off the bottom of the seventh inning with a single and scored the first of three runs that led to a walk-off 4-3 win over DePaul. In the nightcap vs. Ball State, she delivered a bases-loaded slap single down the left field line to knot the score at 3-all and set the stage for Kara Gremillion’s single that scored the go-ahead runs.

 

Martinez closed the weekend with a pair of one-hit games on Sunday against Southern Miss to extend her season-opening hitting streak to six games.

 

The Ragin’ Cajuns junior left fielder received the first Sun Belt weekly honor of her career.

 

“Congratulations to her, she’s worked hard,” Lotief remarked. “Over the years we’ve watched how she’s progressed, and hopefully this is just a little taste of what’s to come.”

 

Martinez becomes the 23rd different Ragin’ Cajuns Softball player in program history to earn the weekly hitting award from the SBC. Louisiana has now claimed 79 player of the week honors since the Sun Belt Conference began bestowing the honor in 2000.

 

No. 18 Louisiana (4-2) is in the midst of a season-opening, 23-game homestand and continues play at Lamson Park this weekend hosting No. 4 Alabama (5-0) in a three-game series. The series opener is Friday at 5 p.m., followed by 1 p.m. single games on Saturday and Sunday.

 

There are still season tickets available for purchase. Season ticket packages, starting at $121, remain on sale and can be purchased in person at the Cajundome Box Office, on RaginCajuns.com using Account Manager or by phone at (337) 265-2357.

 

For more information on Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Softball, as well as all of Ragin’ Cajuns Athletics, visit RaginCajuns.com. Fans can also follow along with the team on Facebook (/RaginCajunSoftball),Twitter (@RaginCajunsSB) and Instagram (@RaginCajunsSoftball).

 

2017 RAGIN’ CAJUNS SUN BELT PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS

Feb. 14– Kelli Martinez (Player of the Week)

 

ALL-TIME RAGIN’ CAJUNS SOFTBALL SUN BELT PLAYER OF THE WEEK ARCHIVE

2017: Kelli Martinez (2/14)

2016: Lexie Elkins (2/16); DJ Sanders (3/8); Shellie Landry (3/28); Aleah Craighton (4/11); Kara Gremillion (5/9)

2015: Lexie Elkins (3/23); Lexie Elkins (4/20); Aleah Craighton (5/4)

2014: Lexie Elkins (2/10); Natalie Fernandez (3/24); Lexie Elkins (4/7)

2013: Brianna Cherry (2/25); Nerissa Myers (4/8); Nerissa Myers (4/29)

2012: Christi Orgeron (2/13); Christi Orgeron (2/20); Nerissa Myers (3/5); Nerissa Myers (3/19); Christi Orgeron (3/26); Christi Orgeron (4/23)

2011: Gabriele Bridges (2/14); Christi Orgeron (3/7); Gabriel Bridges (3/21); Christi Orgeron (4/18); Gabriele Bridges (5/2); Gabriele Bridges (5/9)

2010: Vallie Gaspard (2/15); Christi Orgeron (3/8); Christi Orgeron (3/29)

2009: Gabriele Bridges (2/16); Karli Hubbard (3/16); Gabriele Bridges (4/6); Christi Orgeron (4/20); Christi Orgeron (4/27)

2008: Melissa Verde (2/11); Holly Tankersley (3/10); Holly Tankersley (4/14)

2007: Codi Runyan (2/12); Holly Tankersley (2/19); Holly Tankersley (2/26); Holly Tankersley (3/12); Holly Tankersley (3/19); Melissa Verde (4/23)

2006: Danyele Gomez (2/14); Danyele Gomez (2/21); Danyele Gomez (4/3); Danyele Gomez (4/10); Danyele Gomez (4/24); Codi Runyan (5/8)

2005: Jill Robertson (2/21); Crystal George (3/14); Jill Robertson (4/18); Danyele Gomez (4/25); Danyele Gomez (5/2)

2004: Holly Tankersley (2/17); Holly Tankersley (3/2); Holly Tankersley (4/5); Holly Tankersley (5/3)

2003: Becky McMurtry (3/4); Danyele Gomez (3/13); Becky McMurtry (4/7); Danyele Gomez (4/14); Becky McMurtry (5/5)

2002: Alana Addison (3/18); Becky McMurtry (3/25); Jerie Alexander (4/1); Alana Addison (4/15); Missy Martin (4/22); Becky McMurtry (4/29)

2001: Alana Addison (3/19); Missy Martin (3/26); Alana Addison (4/2); Jerie Alexander (4/23); Jana Mower (4/30)

2000: Tiffany Clark (3/13); Alana Addison (3/27); Jana Mower (4/10); Tiffany Clark (4/17)

 

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