Softball | 4/12/2010 7:17:08 PM

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The USA South has announced their Athletes of the Week.  The conference gives an award for Player of the Week and Rookie of the Week for each sport active during that week.

Crystal Metzger has been named the USA South Softball Player of the Week. The senior first baseman from Pine Hill, New Jersey hit .818 (9-for-11) with five runs scored, two RBI and five walks in a 5-1 week for the Monarchs, all versus USA South competition. In a doubleheader sweep of Peace, Metzger was a combined 3-for-4 with three runs scored, one run batted in and two walks. In a doubleheader sweep of Mary Baldwin, Metzger was a combined 1-for-2 with two runs scored, one run batted in and one walk. Finally, in a doubleheader split with Shenandoah, Metzger was a combined 5-for-5 with two walks.

Katie Byrd was chosen as the USA South Softball Rookie of the Week. The freshman infielder from Smithfield, North Carolina hit .500 (11-for-22) with ten RBI, six runs scored, two triples, one double, one home run, two walks and one stolen base in a 5-1 week for the Monarchs, all versus USA South competition. In a doubleheader sweep of Peace, Byrd was a combined 3-for-7 with four RBI, one run scored, one double and one walk. In a doubleheader sweep of Mary Baldwin, Byrd was a combined 3-for-8 with four RBI, two runs scored, one triple, one home run and one stolen base. Finally, in a doubleheader split with Shenandoah, Byrd was a combined 5-for-7 with three runs scored, two RBI, two triples and one walk.

Kaitlin Flaherty earned her third straight USA South Women's Tennis Player of the Week honor. The League City, Texas junior posted a 2-0 record at both the number-one singles and doubles positions last week for the Monarchs. In singles play, Flaherty earned wins over the top players from USA South foes N.C. Wesleyan and Christopher Newport. In doubles action, Flaherty teamed with Katherine Meindl to defeat the N.C. Wesleyan and Christopher Newport.

For more information on the USA South visit www.usasouth.net