March 14, 2005

RICHARDSON, Texas - Three Hardin-Simmons players Miranda Rousset, Michael Simpson and Arin Spence have been named American Southwest Conference Players of the Week, the league office announced on Monday.

WEST DIVISION PLAYER OF THE WEEK Miranda Rousset, SS/OF, So., Hardin-Simmons University Sophomore Miranda Rousset (Abilene, Texas/Cooper HS) exploded for five hits -- four for extra-bases -- to lead Hardin-Simmons to a perfect 4-0 week, including a 4-2 upset of #24-ranked East Texas Baptist on Friday at the LeTourneau Classic. The shortstop/outfielder had a double and home run with four RBI vs. Nebraska Wesleyan, and came back with a home run and five RBI against host LeTourneau on Saturday. Rousset batted .455 (5-for-11), scored three runs and drew a pair of walks.

WEST DIVISION PITCHER OF THE WEEK Arin Spence, P/SS, So., Hardin-Simmons University Hardin-Simmons sophomore pitcher Arin Spence (Abilene, Texas/AHS) won all four games at the LeTourneau Classic, including dropping defending ASC champion #24 East Texas Baptist with 12 strikeouts in a 4-2 victory. Spence, who worked 22 innings over the weekend, threw a perfect game against Nebraska Wesleyan (13-0) and retired 34 of 89 batters faced via strikeouts. Spence aided her own cause batting .500 (6-for-12) with a double, two home runs and seven RBI at the plate.

WEST DIVISION PLAYER OF THE WEEK Michael Simpson, OF, So., Hardin-Simmons University Hardin-Simmons outfielder Michael Simpson (Abilene, Texas/Cooper HS) wore the cover off the ball in Hardin-Simmons' six games last week. The sophomore scattered 15 hits in 23 at-bats (.652), including three doubles and a three-run home run, scored 11 runs and totaled 12 RBI. Simpson added three sacrifice flies and three walks, while only striking out one time. Simpson capped the ASC West Division series sweep vs. Sul Ross State with three hits and three RBI in both games of Saturday's doubleheader.