IRVINE, Calif. – One of the youngest members of the No. 15 Concordia University Irvine softball team was recognized for her consistent play on Monday by the PacWest Conference.

CUI's Sydney Sprinkle was named PacWest Freshman of the Week after she compiled a .429 batting average and collected 6 RBI during CUI's four road wins over Notre Dame de Namur.  Sprinkle went 6-for-14 at the plate with two doubles, four singles and two runs scored to help the Eagles stay in first place in the league standings.  CUI is currently in the middle of a 13-game road trip in Northern California.

The Palm Desert, Calif. native has showcased her versatility by starting games at both catcher and first base this season.  Sprinkle's ability to excel at both positions has been a big advantage for the Eagles as they try to maximize their offensive output.

On days where the Eagles play doubleheaders, Sprinkle often will play first base for one game and then catch the second. 

In Friday's 12-0 victory, Sprinkle singled in each of her first two at-bats, knocking in the first three runs for the Eagles.  In Saturday's 4-2 win, Sprinkle continued to step up in key moments with a two-run double in the top of the seventh which ended up being the difference. She also laid down a sacrifice bunt that scored a run in the third. 
 
In the series finale, Sprinkle caught freshman pitcher Erika Morris and the duo combined for a one-hit shutout in a 9-0 win over the Argos.
 
"Sprinkle made two huge plays on defense (on Saturday)," added CUI head coach Crystal Rosenthal.  "Our catchers have been big time for us this year."

The first-place Eagles enter Tuesday's doubleheader at Holy Names 35-6 overall and 21-3 in league play.  Sprinkle and Morris both hit two homers in Monday's doubleheader sweep of the Hawks. Their next home games will be on Senior Day on Saturday, April 27 when the Eagles host Azusa Pacific for a doubleheader starting at 12 p.m.

For the full CUI softball schedule, click here.