Virginia's Dennis Named ACC Co-Softball Player Of The Week

Story Links

Feb. 25, 2002

GREENSBORO, N.C. – University of Virginia fourth-year All-American Kristen Dennis (Encinitas, Calif./La Costa Canyon) has been selected as the Atlantic Coast Conference Co-Softball Player of the Week as announced Monday (February 25). Dennis threw back-to-back no-hitters and also earned a save as the Cavaliers went 4-1 in the Worth/Icebreaker Tournament in Cookeville, Tenn. Dennis shares the award with Florida State pitcher Jessica van der Linden.

Dennis, a second-team All-American in 2001, tossed her first two collegiate no-hitters against Tennessee Tech (7-0) on Friday (February 22) and Louisville (6-0) on Saturday. She struck out 12 batters in each of her no-hitters. Dennis also earned a save against Bowling Green on Sunday with 1.1 innings of scoreless relief. She allowed one hit and struck out four batters in picking up the save against Bowling Green. In the three games, Dennis pitched 15.1 scoreless innings, allowed just one hit, and struck out 28 batters while walking five. Dennis also hit .428 (6-14) in the five games at the Worth/Icebreaker Tournament and drove in what proved to be the game-winning runs against Louisville and Bradley.

On the season, Dennis is 4-1 with four shutouts and a 0.19 ERA. She has allowed just one earned run this season and has a streak of 23.1 consecutive scoreless innings. In 36.2 innings this season, Dennis has struck out 50 batters and walked 10. Opponents are hitting only .117 (14-120) against Dennis. At the plate, Dennis is hitting .300 (9-20) and leads the team with eight RBI.

Virginia, which stands at 9-3 on the year, returns to action Friday, March 1 through Sunday, March 3 when its hosts Appalachian State, Bowling Green, Morehead State, Rider and Tennessee in the Cavalier Classic at The Park. Games begin each day at 9:00 a.m.