Butler and Valparaiso student-athletes earn weekly softball laurels

INDIANAPOLIS - Valparaiso junior Lisa DeBruzzi has been named the Horizon League Softball Batter of the Week, while Butler freshman Jenny Esparza has earned Pitcher of the Week honors for the week ending March 14.

DeBruzzi helped the Crusaders to a 3-2 week, including a 6-5 win over Big 12 foe Kansas on Saturday.  In the victory over KU, DeBruzzi cracked a two-run single in the bottom of the sixth to give Valparaiso the lead while posting a career-best three RBI on game.  The Carlisle, Mass., native, hit .545 (6-for-11) on the week, scoring three runs.  The Crusaders rank among the conference’s best with a 15-6 overall record.

Esparza piloted the Bulldogs to a 7-0 record last week during the Rebel Games in Orlando, Fla.  In her win against South Dakota, she stuck out 18 batters allowing no runs and just one hit.  The freshman also tossed a one-hitter through 5 1/3 innings in a 3-0 triumph over Robert Morris.  Esparza stuck out 41 batters in 27 innings of work as Butler is off to its best start in school history at 13-2.

Vote for Lisa and Jenny for HLN's "People Choice" Award!

2010 Horizon League Softball Batters of the Week

Feb. 15:            Kelsey Phalen, So., Valparaiso
Feb. 22:            Tess Sito, Fr., Cleveland State
March 1:           Jordan Rutkowski, So., Valparaiso
March 8:           Haley Thomas, So., Youngstown State
March 15:          Lisa DeBruzzi, Jr., Valparaiso

2010 Horizon League Softball Pitchers of the Week

Feb. 15:            Shaleigh Jansen, So., Valparaiso
Feb. 22:            Jenny Esparza, Fr., Butler
March 1:           Amanda Macenko, Sr., Cleveland State
March 8:           Alex Lagesse, So., Valparaiso
March 15:          Jenny Esparza, Fr., Butler