SoCon Softball Player, Pitcher of the Week announced

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Western Carolina infielder Maya McPherson and Samford left-hander Olivia Trout have been named the Southern Conference softball player and pitcher of the week, respectively, for their efforts from Feb. 24-March 2. The awards are selected by the league office.

Western Carolina’s McPherson had 10 hits, including three multi-hit games, for Western Carolina last week. In the team’s 6-4 setback at Georgia State on Feb. 26, the sophomore hit a two-run RBI double in the first inning. On Feb. 28, McPherson went 2-for-4 with a grand slam, six RBIs and two runs scored in a 11-0 win against North Carolina A&T. Later that day, the native of Lancaster, California, was 3-for-3 with a double and two RBIs in the team’s 3-0 win over Rhode Island. In a 13-1 victory versus Rhode Island on March 1, McPherson had three hits, three RBIs, a stolen base and a run scored. She followed that up with an RBI in an 8-2 win against Presbyterian. McPherson concluded her week with a hit and two RBIs as the Catamounts defeated North Carolina A&T, 7-0, on March 2. For the week, McPherson had 16 RBIs and just one strikeout in 22 plate appearances.

Samford’s Trout threw a no-hitter in a 4-0 win over Western Michigan on March 1. The junior from Chelsea, Alabama, allowed just one baserunner, which came via walk in the third inning. The next at-bat saw Western Michigan hit into a 6-4-3 double play. Trout’s performance led to her facing just 21 batters in her second start of the season.

Western Carolina (7-9) plays a doubleheader at Presbyterian on March 4, before traveling to the Eagle Classic on March 7-9. The Catamounts will play Boston, Winthrop and Norfolk State over the weekend. Samford (13-6) hosts Alabama on March 4, then travels to the UNA Tournament on March 7-9. The Bulldogs face off against Detroit, Louisiana-Monroe and North Alabama during the tournament.

Other nominees for player of the week: Caitlin Goldwait (Furman), Grace Loftin (UNCG), Camryn Cernuto (Chattanooga) and Olivia Shaw (Samford)
 
Other nominees for pitcher of the week: Jorde Chartrand (UNCG), Peja Goold (Chattanooga) and Amanda Fulton (Western Carolina)

 
2025 SoCon Softball Players of the Week
Feb. 10                                   Acelynn Sellers, Sr., INF, Chattanooga

Feb. 17                                   Kate Platte, R-So., INF, Wofford

Feb. 24                                   Hallie Langford, Jr., OF, Mercer

March 3                                   Maya McPherson, So., INF, Western Carolina

2025 SoCon Softball Pitchers of the Week
Feb. 10                                   Margaret Axelson, Jr., Wofford

Feb. 17                                   Salem Ward, Jr., UNCG

Feb. 24                                   Natalya Salo, Fr., Wofford

March 3                                   Olivia Trout, Jr., Samford