Special to GC Gainesville, Fla. - A day after she was named Southeastern Conference Pitcher of the Week<http://www.gatorzone.com/story.php?id=29812>, University of Florida senior Lauren Haeger<http://www.gatorzone.com/softball/bios.php?year=2015&player_id=57> won both major National Player of the Week awards, announced Tuesday by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association and the Amateur Softball Association of America. This marks the first time Haeger has won either of the national weekly prizes. It also is Florida's first NFCA weekly selection since Stephanie Tofft<http://www.gatorzone.com/softball/bios.php?year=2014&player_id=62> won the honor<http://www.gatorzone.com/story.php?id=27995> on April 22, 2014, and UF's first USA Softball weekly accolade since Michelle Moultrie<http://www.gatorzone.com/softball/bios.php?year=2012&player_id=38> took home that award<http://www.gatorzone.com/story.php?id=22798> on March 27, 2012. The fourth-year Gator batted .533 (8x15) with six runs scored, a double, a home run and 10 RBI last week as Florida went 6-0, outscoring opponents by a combined margin of 41-4. Haeger also drew five walks for an on-base percentage of .650 and accumulated 12 total bases to post a slugging clip of .800. In the circle, the Peoria, Ariz., native started three games and pitched two shutouts, allowing eight hits over 15.0 scoreless innings while walking just two batters and striking out a team-best 24. A two-way threat, Haeger earned First Team All-America honors as a sophomore. The three-time All-Southeast Region First Team selection stands among the Gators' all-time leaders in intentional walks (first, 13), home runs (third, 54), RBI (third, 201), slugging (third, .654), walks drawn (third, 137) and total bases (sixth, 383). In the circle, Haeger ranks among UF's career leaders for strikeouts per 7.0 innings (fifth, 6.63), saves (T-5th, five), wins (eighth, 46), ERA (eighth, 1.89), opponents' average (eighth, .207) and strikeouts (ninth, 354). Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium is the site for this weekend's Aquafina Invitational, which features the top-ranked Gators, Kansas, Liberty, Illinois State and Mercer. The three-day event kicks off on Friday, when the Orange and Blue will face Kansas at 4 p.m. ET before meeting Liberty at 6:15.
Gators pitcher Lauren Haeger enjoys a night off from the circle. / Gator Country photo by David Bowie