University of Minnesota Athletics
Groenewegen Receives National Plaudit
3/15/2016 12:00:00 AM | Softball
NFCA Release
Sara Groenewegen has been tabbed one of the Louisville Slugger / NFCA Co-Pitchers of the Week one day after earning her third Big Ten Pitcher of the Week award of the season, the organization announced Tuesday.
"I am honored to receive this recognition and I just want to thank my teammates for their defense behind me," Groenewegen said. "Throwing a perfect game was special in itself, but having my team behind me the whole game was even more special."
This is the second time Groenewegen has been recognized by the NCFA for a weekly award in her career.
Groenewegen had a dominating weekend in the circle that included throwing a perfect game in the Gophers 1-0 win over Florida Atlantic University. She now has five no-hitters in her career. The last Gopher to throw a perfect game was current pitching coach, Piper (Marten) Ritter, in 2002.
"This is a tremendous honor for both Sara and our program," head coach Jessica Allister said. "I am proud of the way she competed in the circle, and proud of the defense our team played behind her."
In three starts and 14 total innings pitched Groenewegen only allowed two hits and struck out 22 batters. She did not allow a run the whole weekend.
She has pitched 85.1 innings with a 1.80 ERA and an 11-3 record while striking out 127 batters this season.
The Gophers are set to compete in two midweek spring break games this week against Tulsa tonight at 7 p.m. and No. 13/14 Oklahoma on Wednesday at 6 p.m.
