March 10, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Outfielder Laura Mendes became the Gamecocks’ first player honored by the Southeastern Conference this season, as she picked up SEC Freshman of the Week accolades after scoring a team-leading five runs in South Carolina’s series victory over Arkansas.

Mendes hit .333 in the three games and had doubles in both ends of the doubleheader on Saturday against the Lady Razorbacks. She scored three runs, including the game-winner, on 2-for-4 hitting with a double and the game-tying RBI in the 5-4 victory in game one. The Loxahatchee, Fla., native is tied for the team lead with five doubles, while she stands third on the squad in batting average (.305), on-base percentage (.388) and slugging percentage (.441). Her eight runs batted in also rank third on the squad.

This is the Gamecocks’ fourth Freshman of the Week award in the three years it has existed. Lindsay Walker won it on Feb. 28 last year. Alabama junior third baseman Kelly Montalvo received SEC Player of the Week honors, while LSU junior Dani Hofer took home the Pitcher of the Week certificate.

South Carolina continues SEC play on the road next weekend, as the team faces Georgia in a three-game set on Saturday and Sunday, March 15-16 in Athens, Ga.