May 4, 2010

COLUMBIA, Mo. – After being named the Big 12 Player of the Week earlier today, Tiger sophomore Ashley Fleming has also been named the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Week.  Fleming becomes just the second Missouri player to receive USA Softball Player of the Week honors.  Janessa Roening was the first, doing so back in 2005.

“I'm very happy for Ashley, the honor is well deserved,” said Tiger head coach Ehren Earleywine. “She had a tough freshman season and dealt with some ups and downs at the beginning of this year, so I'm glad that she is being rewarded for perseverance."

Fleming batted .769 on the week after collecting 10 hits in 13 at-bats.  Out of her 10 hits, three were doubles and two were home runs, helping her to a 1.462 slugging percentage.  Fleming also drew four walks and didn't strike out once, giving her an on-base percentage of .789.

"I am honored to receive this award,” said Fleming.  “My focus has been to help my team in the most effective way possible.  It is a lifetime experience every time I get to step onto the field as a Mizzou softball and it is an honor to receive an award that so many great athletes have gotten before me."

Fleming's accolades helped the Tigers go 5-0 on the week, moving them up in the rankings to No. 9 in the USA Today/NFCA Division I Top 25 and No. 14 in the ESPN.com/USA Softball poll.  Fleming became the third Tiger this season to win a Big 12 weekly award earlier today, which was her first career honor.

2010 USA Softball Players of the Week
Week 1: Danielle Lawrie, Washington
Week 2: Keilani Ricketts, Oklahoma
Week 3: Niki Williams, Washington
Week 4: Julie Ward, Oklahoma State
Week 5: Kirsten Shortridge, LSU
Week 6: Teagan Gerhart, Stanford
Week 7: Kat Dotson, Tennessee
Week 8: Ensley Gammel, Florida
Week 9: Danielle Lawrie, Washington
Week 10: Kenzie Fowler, Arizona
Week 11: Megan Langenfeld, UCLA
Week 12: Ashley Fleming, Missouri