Friday, March 12, 2004

Valparaiso University's Karen Constien (Carol Stream, Ill./Glenbard North H.S.) and Ashlee Blankenbaker (Valparaiso, Ind./Valparaiso H.S.) have been named the Mid-Continent Conference Player and Pitcher of the Week respectively.

Constien hit .471 (8-for-17) last weekend with a .824 slugging percentage at the Sycamore Classic. She had a double, a triple, and a home run, while scoring five times and driving in four. She had three multi-hit games, including a three-hit performance against Eastern Illinois.

Blankenbaker won her collegiate debut against Central Connecticut State, a 3-1 triumph. She allowed just four hits and struck out eight in the complete game victory. At the plate, she added three hits, including a two-run homer in the season opener against Indiana State.