NEW ORLEANS, La. – No. 23 University of South Alabama softball freshman pitcher Devin Brown has been named Sun Belt Conference Pitcher of the Week in the season's first voting period, the league office announced on Monday.
 
Brown went 2-1 over opening weekend at the 2015 San Dollar Classic in Gulf Shores, Ala., striking out 29 batters in 16 1/3 innings. The Mobile, Ala., native recorded a one-hit shutout in her first collegiate start on Friday versus Liberty in an 8-0, run-rule Jaguar victory.
 
Her 0.43 ERA currently leads the team after she gave up just three runs (one earned) on eight hits to five walks, holding opposing batters to a .143 average. She was also credited with her first career save against McNeese State, striking out both batters she faced to cap a 5-1 victory for USA after she entered in the bottom of the seventh with the bases loaded.
 
She struck out 11 Houston batters on Sunday, giving up only one earned run as the Jaguars constructed a seventh-inning, come-from-behind 3-2 victory over the Cougars.
 
"I thought Devin was huge this weekend," said USA head coach Becky Clark. "She stepped up and did what we asked; she competed and worked hard for her team. This weekend was a challenge for her and she rose to the occasion. I'm really proud of her effort."
 
The Jaguars bounced back from a 2-1 opening-day defeat to No. 3 Alabama in Mobile by going 3-1 at the Gulf Shores Sportsplex last weekend. South Alabama hosts Oklahoma State, Lipscomb, Butler and Evansville this weekend at the annual Mardi Gras Invitational.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).