Softballers Garner, Harris get national attention

Lady Muleriders play Fort Hayes State Friday morning in Bentonville

SAU Sports Information

Southern Arkansas junior right-handed pitcher Kaylee Garner and senior first baseman Darian Harris have both garnered another top honor as the duo was named the Louisville Slugger/National Fastpitch Coaches Association Pitcher and Player of the Week, respectively, as announced by the NFCA offices on Wednesday afternoon.

The teammates swept the Great American Conference's weekly awards that were announced on Tuesday morning for their performances this past weekend in the Lady Muleriders' season-opening invitational in Magnolia that saw the team jump out to a 6-0 record on the young season.

Head Coach Jason Anderson had high praise for the two players, noting their hard work and his continuing expectations throughout the year:

"Kaylee had a great weekend in the circle against some good teams," said Anderson. "She showed command of all her pitches and was outstanding in all her starts. Our defense got behind her and we scored some runs for her. We expect big things out of her this year."

"Darian has worked extremely hard since we started in the fall and it definitely showed this weekend," said SAU head coach Jason Anderson. "She was absolutely dialed in and hit everything they threw at her. We expect her to be a big run producer for us in the middle of our line up all year."

Garner fired the third perfect game in program history, while striking out ten batters, in an 8-0 season-opening win over Lincoln University. She recorded two more five-inning wins (1 shutout) during the weekend, allowing just one earned run and three hits, including a one-hitter with six K's in a 10-1 over Texas Woman's. In all, the Danbury, Texas, native surrendered three hits, two walks and one earned run in 15.0 innings of work, while striking out 21 batters and holding opponents to a .064 batting average in improving to 3-0 with a .47 ERA during opening weekend.

"It is such an honor to be named the National Pitcher of the Week, and I owe it all to the amazing support I have around me," said Garner. "I'm so thankful for Coach Anderson giving me the opportunity to play for such a great university as well as with an amazing group of talented ladies," said Garner. "Being on a team with a strong defense and an offense that has undeniable power throughout the lineup is incredible to pitch for and gives me confidence. I am also grateful for Randy Lusby at Breakaway Speed for getting me back into pitching shape. I would not be where I am without his guidance and persistence."

Harris swung a hot bat in six games for SAU in their opening weekend of action helping the Lady Muleriders to a 6-0 start. The Brazoria, Texas, native slugged 1.786 and batted .571 (8-14) driving in a dozen runs and scoring ten, while also drawing five walks en route to a .684 on-base percentage. Of the senior first baseman's eight hits, seven of them went for extra bases as she produced one double, two triples and four home runs. Defensively, she was solid recording 18 putouts and one assist with no errors.

"I am so humbled and blessed to receive this recognition," said Harris. "SAU has been my home for four years, and being able to represent my team is truly an honor. I go to practice every day with a group of girls who push me to be better, and each of them deserves this award as well. This is the most talented group I have been a part of and I am more than excited to see what the future holds for this team. This game has provided me with the craziest, most intense ride and I am extremely thankful for all those who have supported me along the way."

SAU will be in action this weekend in Bentonville as against a tough six-game slate at the UAM 8-State Classic.

The Lady Muleriders open play with a pair of games on Friday beginning with a 9 a.m. matchup with Fort Hays State, before concluding the day's action at 3 p.m. against Wayne State (Neb.).

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