Humphreys Named National Player of the Week
May 16, 2006
LAWRENCE, Kan. –
After leading No. 24 Kansas to its first-ever Big 12 title, junior pitcher Kassie Humphreys was selected as the USA Softball National Collegiate Player of the Week for the week of May 8-14 by the Amateur Softball Association. The Jayhawks (34-24), winners of seven straight games, entered the Big 12 Championship as the No. 6 seed but left with their first title after four consecutive wins.
The Glendale, Ariz., native posted a 0.00 ERA and held opponents to a 0.86 batting average through 22 innings in the 2006 Big 12 Championship. She struck out 25 batters and allowed just six hits in three games and for her efforts was named to the all-tournament team.
“It means a great deal to have a second member of the team be named national player of the week,” KU head coach Tracy Bunge said. “We are really excited for Kassie, she has really bounced back and had a tremendous season. She and Serena Settlemier have really been the sparks to take us where we are now. It’s a tremendous honor for Kassie and I’m just really thrilled for her and our program.”
Humphreys went 3-0 in the circle as sixth-seeded KU defeated No. 20 Baylor, Missouri, No.14 Nebraska and No.18 Oklahoma to win the conference tournament and earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Regionals. A 2006 All-Big 12 First Team selection, she leads the Jayhawks and ranks second in the Big 12 with a 1.18 ERA and .148 opponent batting average.
“Being national player of the week is so exciting for me and definitely an honor I never thought I’d enjoy,” said Humphreys. “I wish there was an award for national team of the week because I really felt like our team at the Big 12 Championship was one of the best teams in the nation last week. I’m just glad to be a part of this team.”
Kansas entered the national rankings this week for the first time in 2006, coming in at 24th in the ESPN.com/USA Softball Top 25 Poll. The Jayhawks will travel to Provo, Utah, and open NCAA Regional play Thursday at BYU (42-20). Game time is scheduled for 5 p.m. CST at Miller Park.
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