Parker Named Collegiate Player of the Week

NORMAN — Oklahoma softball senior Paige Parker has been recognized by USA Softball as the Collegiate National Player of the Week, the organization announced Tuesday.

This is the third time in her career that Parker has been named the USA Softball Player of the Week, also earning the honor once in both 2015 and 2016. She has been the Collegiate Player of the Week more than any other player in OU history, and Parker and former Sooner Keilani Ricketts are the only players in program history to win the award more than once.

"Paige has been a mainstay these last four years, which is difficult for a pitcher to do,” OU head coach Patty Gasso said. “She is locked in for her senior season and we are proud of her accomplishment along with this well-deserved honor."

The Independence, Mo., native improved to 17-1 this season with a pair of wins in two starts at No. 15 Baylor last weekend. She did not give up a run, earned or unearned, over 11.0 innings pitched in the series.

Parker has now recorded 38 consecutive scoreless innings while holding a 0.30 ERA this season, which leads the nation.

On Thursday against Baylor, Parker registered her fourth complete game and third shutout of the season as she allowed no runs on two hits over 7.0 innings pitched. She carried that momentum into Saturday's contest, surrendering no runs on four hits over 4.0 innings.

Overall, Parker struck out five batters and walked three on the weekend while holding her opponents to a .162 batting average.

“It is such a great honor to receive this award,” Parker said. “I could not do this without the support of my coaches and teammates who push me to become better every day.”

Parker was also named the Big 12 Pitcher of the Week for her performance against Baylor, marking the 18th time in her career she earned a weekly recognition from the conference.

Parker and the Sooners return to action Friday-Sunday for a three-game series against Iowa State in Ames, Iowa. OU has won 22 straight games, good for the best active streak in the nation.