Dillard Softball earns conference honors for third consecutive week

NEW ORLEANS– Dillard University swept the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference's weekly softball honors in back-to-back announcements, highlighted by third baseman Jessica Battiste earning both Player and Newcomer of the Week after powering the Lady Bleu Devils to a series victory over Voorhees University.

Battiste drove in 11 runs while going 6-for-13 at the plate. She delivered her biggest performance in Saturday's opener, ripping three doubles that accounted for seven RBI and two runs scored in a 12-2 win. Battiste followed with a 2-for-4 effort in Game 2, piling up four RBI and scoring twice as Dillard secured a 14-8 victory.

Last week, Dillard dominated the conference's honors list, with the HBCUAC recognizing multiple Lady Bleu Devils for their performances from March 23-29.

"Pitcher Mary-Elizabeth Landry was named Pitcher of the Week after winning both of her starts in a sweep of Wiley University. In the season opener, Landry limited the Lady Wildcats to two runs on six hits while striking out six in a 5-2 victory. She closed the series with a shutout, allowing just two hits and two walks while fanning five, helping Dillard maintain its lead in the HBCUAC standings," according to HBCUAC.org.

 Kylie Price, outfielder, collected Freshman of the Week honors after "going 6-for-10 with three runs and three RBI against Wiley. Price homered in the opener and tripled in the finale, posting a 1.100 slugging percentage for the week. She also earned the win in the circle in the second game, allowing three runs on six hits with one strikeout," according to the conference website.

 Grace Hunter, infielder, repeated as Newcomer of the Week last week, continuing Dillard's run of conference recognition. Hunter went 5-for-9 with four runs scored and five RBI, including three doubles. She drove in three runs in the opener, then added a stolen base in the finale while crossing the plate three times.

-Bleu Devils-