Spartan Named NIIC Softball Player of the Week

AURORA, Ill. March 16, 2005 - Aurora University softball player Taylor Petersen (Aurora, Ill./West Aurora HS) was named Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference Softball Player of the Week for the week ending March 13, 2005.

For the week in which the Spartans opened the season, Petersen led AU to a 9-1 record on their spring trip. In six starts on the mound, Petersen collected six wins, while not allowing a single earned run in 33 innings pitched. She had three shutouts, racked up 55 strikeouts, allowing only 13 hits against, and three walks.

In the Spartan win against Simmons College on March 10, 2005, Petersen was at her best, tossing a combined no-hitter with freshmen Maria Martinez and Dara Haverman. Against Beloit College and Tri-State University, she racked up a season high of 13 strikeouts in Spartan victories. At the plate, Petersen hit .321 (9-for-28) including one home run, one double, and 11 runs scored.

Next action for the softball team comes on Wednesday, March 16, 2005, when they travel to Wheaton College for a double header. Game time is set for 3:00 p.m. AU’s first home contest is scheduled for Thursday, March 24, 2005, when they host Monmouth College at the Fox Valley Park District Stuart Sports Complex in a double header beginning at 3:00 p.m.

-END-