MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama sophomore Farish Beard has been named the Sun Belt Conference softball Pitcher of the Week for the opening week of the season, the conference announced Monday.
Beard, a Fairhope native, is the first Jaguars pitcher to receive the award since Beth Pilgrim on May 10, 2010.
Strong Start in Starkville
Beard went 2-0 in three appearances as South Alabama opened its season at the Bulldog Kickoff Classic in Starkville, Miss. She struck out 16 batters and allowed two runs in 13 2/3 innings for a 1.02 ERA.
Against Georgia State, Beard threw more than five hitless innings during a six-inning outing.
She also threw 3 2/3 hitless innings of relief against Tennessee State, striking out five. South Alabama scored eight consecutive runs after she entered that game to rally for the win.
Beard was named to the All-Tournament team for her performance during the weekend.
Weather Disrupts Schedule
South Alabama is 3-1 to start the season. The Jaguars’ final game of the Classic, scheduled for Sunday against host Mississippi State, was canceled because of weather.
A game scheduled for Tuesday at Alabama in Tuscaloosa was also postponed because of weather.
Up Next
South Alabama returns to the field Friday, Feb. 15, against Central Arkansas in the Mardi Gras Invitational in Mobile. The tournament continues through Sunday.
