Wingate's Houser Named NFCA National Pitcher of the Week

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Wingate University sophomore right-hander Stacey Houser has been named the National Pitcher of the Week by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA). Houser earns the honor for the first time in her career. She is the first Wingate player to earn NFCA National Pitcher of the Week honors since Allison Smith won the award during the 2011 season.

"I am excited beyond belief for Stacey being named national pitcher of the week." head coach Lani Shaffer says. "She is one of the most hard-working, dedicated and committed players on this team who will do anything for her teammates. This success would not have happened without the guidance and support of my pitching coach Lana Vaughn. Coach Vaughn goes above and beyond in helping her pitching staff understand the game mentally and physically and it truly shows in this deserving honor of Stacey Houser."

Houser earned SAC Pitcher of the Week honors on Tuesday for the first time this season and third time in her career. She picked up three victories for the Bulldogs last week, leading first-place Wingate to a 3-1 week in SAC play. Two of her victories came at the expense of #14 Lenoir-Rhyne, while the Lake Norman High School product also shut out the potent Anderson (S.C.) offense for the first time this season.

"I am completely humbled by this award and could not have done this without the support of my teammates and coaches," Houser says. "I am excited about the success we have had and we will continue to take it one game at a time. Again, I am grateful and honored by this award."

Houser went 3-0 with a 0.71 ERA last week, striking out 11 while tossing two complete games and notching a win in relief. She started her week by allowing only four hits in Wingate's 2-1 win over 14th-ranked Lenoir-Rhyne in game one. She entered in relief in the second inning of game two, allowing only one run on five hits as The Bulldogs rallied for an 8-6 win after trailing 5-1 when Houser entered.

The second team All-SAC selection from 2013 capped her week by keeping Anderson off the scoreboard for the first time in 34 games this year, tossing a three-hit shutout. She struck out six, notching her league-best 17th win of the year in a narrow 1-0 victory.

Houser leads the SAC and ranks fourth nationally with 18 wins this season. She has 42 victories in her Wingate career. Houser also leads the league with 150 innings pitched, while ranking second in the SAC with 19 complete games and fifth with a 1.73 ERA and 81 strikeouts. Houser registered 24 wins during her freshman season, leading the league in innings pitched and complete games while also setting a SAC Tournament record with 40 2/3 innings pitched.

- Wingate media relations