March 7, 2016

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Gamecock outfielder Kennedy Clark shared the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week award for the week of March 6, the league office released today.

Clark led the team offensively to five victories on the week, including four to sweep through the Gamecock Invitational. She drove in seven runs, including three each in the last two wins over UConn and Kennesaw State. She also scored the game-winning run against the Huskies while starting the double play that made that run the winner. In the top of the 10th with a runner at third, Clark picked up a sinking liner in front of her in right and fired to first to get the batter, starting the twin killing that also got the runner trying to score. The Chino Hills, Calif., freshman also tallied two doubles in that Saturday night win.

Clark leads South Carolina with 26 hits, four homers and 22 RBI as well as in on-base and slugging percentage this season.

Kentucky’s Abbey Cheek shared the freshman award with Clark. Auburn’s Kasey Cooper took the player of the week honor, while LSU’s Carley Hoover was named the pitcher of the week.

South Carolina hosts SIU Edwardsville on Tuesday night at 6 p.m. before opening SEC play this weekend against Kentucky. Friday’s first pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday’s starts set for 1 p.m. The SEC Network will have Saturday and Sunday’s games live.