IRVINE, Calif. – As a freshman, Callie Nunes posted a no-hitter in her first career start on her way to a dazzling first year at Concordia University Irvine. She ultimately earned multiple all-conference honors and was named the NCAA DII National Freshman of the Year by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA).

As a sophomore she tossed four more no-hitters and tied for the NCAA DII lead with 33 wins while once again compiling an ERA under 1.50. The two-time PacWest Pitcher of the Year selection was also named an All-American by the NFCA, D2CCA and Fastpitch News (FPN) for the second straight year.

Her junior year is off to a pretty good start too.

Nunes was named PacWest Pitcher of the Week after going 2-0 with 19 strikeouts and only allowing one earned run in 16.1 innings of work. The Modesto, Calif. native helped the Green and Gold begin the regular season 4-1 at the Concordia Kickoff Classic. She notched victories over Cal State San Marcos and Cal State Dominguez Hills – two teams that are expected to make noise in the CCAA this spring. After notching 10 strikeouts in a complete game shutout of the Cougars in this past Friday's season opener, she moved into a tie for most career shutouts with former teammate Grayson Harvey (23).

"Earning a 4-1 record was a good way to start off the season, but we have a ways to go in order to get where we want to be," said Nunes. "This weekend had some great highlights, including McKinsey Thorpe's catch at second (in CUI's 1-0 win over CSUSM) and Alyssa Turner's continuous hits and defensive plays in left. But the games also showed some holes that we need to work on in practice. From here on out I need to work more on my stamina and pitch locations."

The Eagles finished in second place out of the ten teams competing off-campus in the inaugural Concordia Kickoff Classic at nearby Great Park. CUI and Chico State each finished with a tournament-best +17 run margin, but the Wildcats were the only team to go 5-0 and earned the title of tournament champions. Nunes and CUI senior third baseman Amanda Gjertsen both made the All-Tournament Team.

"Callie started the year right where she left off," said CUI head coach Crystal Rosenthal. "She pitched really well, she kept us in every game and we're really proud of her."

"Overall, I'm so proud of my team for coming out and playing hard and getting us to four wins," added Nunes.

The defending PacWest Conference champions will next take the field on Saturday, Feb. 15 when they host Saint Martin's from the GNAC back at Eagles Field on campus.

For the full CUI softball schedule, click here.