IRVINE, Calif – After an unbelievable week on the mound, Concordia University Irvine sophomore Callie Nunes was recognized nationally as the Louisville Slugger/NFCA DII Pitcher of the Week.
 
Nunes went a remarkable 6-0 with a no-hitter, 43 strikeouts and an amazing 0.30 ERA over 30 total innings of work this past week to help the nationally-ranked Eagles extend their winning streak to 11 games.
 
The sophomore from Modesto, Calif. wound up finishing the week with three complete game shutouts after blanking PacWest Conference rivals Azusa Pacific and Biola.  
 
During the 30 innings she pounded the strike zone, Nunes only allowed one measly run and 11 total hits.  Nunes was also credited with all four wins in doubleheaders against PacWest rivals Biola and APU – including one where she entered as a reliever.

"I felt very comfortable this last week," said Nunes. "Our offense has been working incredibly hard all year and to know that I can rely on them and have a little space to make a mistake is truly comforting and reassuring."
 
The CUI softball team also learned on Wednesday that it moved up from No. 9 to No. 5 in the entire nation in the new NFCA DII Top 25 Coaches Poll.

"The awards are always greatly appreciated but the best award will be winning the national championship, and being ranked fifth in the nation this week is just one step more in the right direction," added Nunes. "This may sound cliche, but our team really clicks together. We all get together so well, we're always having fun and enjoying each other's company. Winning definitely adds to the fun, it always does."

Nunes started off her impressive week by posting her second straight no-hitter and struck out a season-best 12 batters in CUI's 4-0 victory over Adelphi this past Tuesday.  She had held Concordia Portland to zero hits the previous Saturday in CUI's home opener.
 
The right-hander also struck out a dozen batters in her final appearance of the weekend to finish off the sweep of APU.
 
For the season, Nunes is now 8-1 overall with two no-hitters, four complete game shutouts and a miniscule 0.86 ERA.

"Callie had a great week," said CUI softball head coach Crystal Rosenthal, "and was instrumental in our success overall. Her ability to make big pitches in big spots is what makes her special.  It's awesome to see her get the recognition she deserves, but I know her main focus is the program and how we can continue to work to improve everyday to achieve our goals."

Nunes was also named a NFCA First-Team All-American and 2018 NFCA National Freshman of the Year after her first year at Concordia.  The 2019 Preseason PacWest Pitcher of the Year has tossed two no-hitters this season and owns four to her name over her entire college career.  

No. 5 Concordia will continue its 12-game road trip in San Rafael, Calif. against Dominican University on Thursday, Mar. 7 and the next scheduled home game will be on Thursday, Mar. 14 against Hawaii Pacific.  CUI's scheduled doubleheader at Cal State East Bay for Tuesday, March 5 was postponed due to rain. The two teams are hoping to set a make-up date but currently no date or time has been specified.

For the full CUI softball schedule, click here.