Valparaiso's Marinec, Youngstown State's Crozier Tally Horizon League Softball Honors

INDIANAPOLIS – Valparaiso sophomore second baseman Jessie Marinec (Alsip, Ill.) has been named the Horizon League Player of the Week, while Youngstown State freshman pitcher Casey Crozier (Valparaiso, Ind.) has been tabbed the League Pitcher of the Week, for the week beginning Feb. 21.

The duo each led their respective teams to tournament titles over the weekend, with Valparaiso capturing the Hatter Classic and Youngstown State winning the North Carolina Central tournament.  The Crusaders went 3-2 on the weekend, while the Penguins swept all four games.

Marinec had a hit in all five contests for Valparaiso, extending her streak of reaching base to eight games.  The second baseman went 7-for-13 in the tournament, reaching base in 9-of-15 plate appearances, recording a double, triple and crossing home plate twice.

Crozier picked up her first two career victories over the weekend, recording a shutout against Siena, allowing just two hits in the 8-0 victory.  In a complete game win over Delware State, Crozier was touched up for just five hits.  Earlier in the day, the freshman tallied her first career save, closing out a 3-1 triumph over North Carolina Central.

In 12.2 innings, Crozier allowed just two runs while striking out 10.  Opponents hit just .159 against the Valparaiso, Ind.-native.

Valparaiso will take on No. 9/7 Michigan on Tuesday, March 1, before meeting UCF later that same day.  The Crusaders will play in a tournament at the University of Florida, March 4-6.  Youngstown State heads to Savannah, Ga., for two doubleheaders after taking a week off. The Penguins will take on South Carolina State on March 10 before meeting Savannah State the following day.