The Wolverine Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) and National Christian College Athletic Association announced their weekly player of the week recipients on Monday afternoon and Lauren Reichel was named the WHAC and NCCAA softball pitcher of the week.
The senior standout led the Cardinals to three wins last week and went this distance in all three. She also recorded two shutouts. In Reichel's first start of the week, she led the Cardinals efforts over Cleary 6-1. She recorded six strikeouts while only scattering four hits. The Cougar's only run was unearned. Arguably the most impressive performance of the week was the 1-0 win over nationally ranked and conference leader, Aquinas. Once again, Reichel only allowed four hits and recorded three strikeouts. Reichel finished the week strong with a 2-hitter against Siena Heights that saw the Cardinals cruise to a 11-0 5 inning game.
In the three games last week, Reichel totaled 13 strikeouts in 10 innings and did not allow an earned run.
In 130 innings this season, Reichel leads the team and ranks among the conference leaders with 139 strikeouts and has an ERA 2.20.
The Cardinals will enter postseason play on Wednesday afternoon in the WHAC Tournament. Final seeds and pairings have not been released yet but based on the conference standings to date, the Cardinals will be the fourth seed and will most likely play Cornerstone. The tournament bracket and details will be released Tuesday night.
