Ryley Harrison has been named the Sun Belt Conference Pitcher of the Week following her role in South Alabama’s strong start at the NFCA Leadoff Classic, according to an announcement from the league office. This is the second time Harrison has received this recognition in her career. The South Alabama program has now seen its pitchers win this award 41 times, and Jaguars players or pitchers have earned weekly honors on 66 occasions.
Harrison played in four out of five games during the opening weekend, helping South Alabama secure a 4-1 record at the event held in Clearwater, Florida. She was also selected for the all-tournament team after finishing with a 2-0 record and a 1.19 earned run average over 17.2 innings pitched. Harrison struck out 14 batters and limited opponents to a .191 batting average.
In her first appearance, Harrison came on in relief against Eastern Kentucky and pitched two-and-one-third innings, allowing only one hit and striking out four batters. She entered with a runner on second base in the fifth inning and ended EKU’s scoring threat with a strikeout. Later innings saw her continue to prevent runs by striking out key hitters and securing outs under pressure.
Later that day, Harrison delivered a complete-game shutout against Southeastern Louisiana, which had otherwise performed well offensively throughout the tournament. She allowed six baserunners—four hits and two walks—and struck out four while inducing ten ground-ball outs. This marked her fifth career shutout and 16th complete game.
On Sunday against Missouri, Harrison pitched eight innings, giving up just one earned run on three hits while striking out six. Her performance helped keep Missouri’s offense contained long enough for South Alabama to earn a walk-off victory in extra innings.
South Alabama is set to host the Mardi Gras Classic presented by Marriott Mobile this coming weekend, starting tournament play on Friday with games against UAB at 3 p.m. and Western Michigan at 5:30 p.m.
“After leading South Alabama to an impressive opening performance over the weekend at the NFCA Leadoff Classic, Ryley Harrison was named the Sun Belt Conference Pitcher of the Week on Tuesday as announced by the league office.”
For more information about South Alabama Softball or updates about upcoming events, fans can follow @SouthAlabamaSB on Twitter and Instagram or visit usajaguars.com.
