SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Following their 4-1 record at the season-opening Bearkat Classic, South Dakota swept the season-opening TicketSmarter Summit League Softball Player and Pitcher of the Week honors, with Bela Goerke earning the Player of the Week and Clara Edwards being named the Pitcher of the Week, respectively, league officials announced on Monday.
 
Goerke led the Coyotes to a 4-1 record in the season-opening Bearkat Classic where she ended the week with seven hits with three home runs, 10 RBI and four runs scored in 18 at-bats. The Tucson, Ariz., native hit a three-run home run in her first at-bat in the first inning of the season against Houston Baptist. She also broke a 3-3 tie with a two-run homer in game two against Sam Houston State as part of a three-hit effort. Against UTSA, Goerke hit a three-run home run in a 4-3 win. The sophomore catcher also threw out two base runners in five stolen bases attempts and notched an .889 slugging percentage.
 
Edwards pitched in all five games for the Coyotes at the Bearkat Classic, recording a perfect 0.00 ERA. She made her collegiate debut by tossing a four-hit shutout in a 6-0 triumph over Houston Baptist. The Clay Center, Kan., native capped off her week with a five-hit shutout against No. 25 Wichita State in a 3-0 victory. Edwards totaled 15 strikeouts in five appearances and held opponents to a .174 batting average.
  
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Bela Goerke, South Dakota
So. | Catcher | Tucson, Ariz.

• Recorded seven hits with three home runs and 10 RBI in the season-opening weekend at the Bearkat Classic
• Hit two three-run home runs, including one in her first at-bat and first inning of the season
• Threw out two runners and slugged .889 with a .389 batting average
• This is the first career Summit League weekly accolade for Goerke

Also nominated: Kloe Hilbrenner (Kansas City); Sarah Hudson (St. Thomas); Cameryn Maykut (North Dakota State); Kayla Zamora (Western Illinois); Jocelyn Kirk (North Dakota); Lindsey Culver (South Dakota State)
 
PITCHER OF THE WEEK
Clara Edwards, South Dakota
Fr. | Pitcher/Utility | Clay Center, Kan.

• Threw 19 1/3 innings in five games for the Coyotes striking out a combined 15 batters
• Posted a 0.00 ERA with no earned runs and made her collegiate debut with a four-hit shutout in a 6-0 win against Houston Baptist
• Defeated No. 25 Wichita State with a five-hit shutout in a 3-0 victory
• This is the first career Summit League weekly honor for Edwards

Also nominated: Paige Vargas (North Dakota State); Jackie Albrecht (North Dakota); Kamryn Meyer (Omaha)
 
2022 Softball Weekly Award Winners
February 14
Player: Bela Goerke, South Dakota
Pitcher: Clara Edwards, South Dakota

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