April 18, 2005

LOGAN, Utah - Utah State junior Leslie Higley was named the Big West Softball Co-Pitcher of the Week for her efforts in leading the Aggies to three victories last week, including a 6-1 win against Utah and 11-0 and 4-1 victories against UC Riverside. Higley shared the honor with Marcel Torres of Long Beach State.

Higley is the first USU softball player to earn Big West honors since Jill Bruins was selected as the Big West Co-Pitcher of the Week in 2004. Only three USU pitchers, Higley, Bruins, and Lisa Spencer have been given the honor since 2001.

Higley picked up her first win last week against in-state rival Utah. Higley's victory against Utah, halted a seven game losing streak to the Utes dating back to April 11, 2001. Overall Higley had a 0.37 ERA for the week allowing only one earned run in 19 innings.