March 13, 2007
OKLAHOMA CIY, Okla. - No. 10 Baylor softball's Alex Colyer has been tabbed as this week's USA Softball National Player of the Week the Amateur Softball Association announced on Tuesday. Colyer helped to lead the Lady Bears to a top 10 ranking this week after a spectacular performance that included two wins over defending National Champion Arizona.
The selection marks the first for Colyer in her career in the second time a Baylor player has been tabbed USA Softball National Player of the Week. Former Lady Bear Tessa Lynam received the award during the 2005 season.
Colyer led Baylor to a 4-1 record last week as the Lady Bears swept Sam Houston State before taking two-of-three from No. 2 Arizona. Colyer hit .455 (5-for-11) on the week and led the team with three home runs, all of which won or ended the game for the Lady Bears. In their first win over No. 2 Arizona, Colyer hit a two-out, solo home run in the bottom of the sixth inning to break a 2-2 tie and give the Lady Bears a 3-2 win, its first in school history over Arizona and tied the highest ranked team Baylor has beaten in school history.
"I could not be prouder of Alex (Colyer)," head coach Glenn Moore said. "She put in a tremendous amount of work in during the off-season and it is really paying off for her now. She had a fantastic week and she is definitely deserving of this award."
In the rubber match of the series with the Wildcats, Colyer went 2-for-3 with two singles and made a game-saving catch in the top of the seventh. With a runner on third and the score tied with one out, Colyer made a leaping catch on a line-drive heading to the gap to keep the game tied. Baylor scored a run in the bottom of the seventh inning to win their second consecutive game and take the series.
Earlier in the week against Sam Houston State, Colyer hit a solo home run in the bottom of the third inning for the only run of the game as Baylor claimed a 1-0 victory. In the nightcap, Colyer's solo shot to lead off the bottom of the sixth inning gave the Lady Bears a walk-off, 8-0, run-rule win.
"It's a great honor and I am absolutely thrilled to just be even considered for this award," Colyer said. "I could have never been put in this position without the support of my teammates. We had a great week: and, hopefully we can keep it up as we get ready to start Big 12 play."
For the week, Colyer led the team with a 1.273 slugging percentage and drew two walks on the week to record a .538 on-base percentage. In addition, Colyer stole two bases on the week while recording 10 putouts and five assists.
Colyer and the Lady Bears return to action on Wednesday, March 14, when Baylor opens play at the Bank of Hawai'i Invitational at 2:00 p.m. against Cal.
