The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
No. 19 Softball’s Mary Iakopo named Big 12 Conference Player of the Week
04.05.2022 | Softball
Last Friday, the senior C/1B hit a two-out, three-run walk-off HR to complete a 7-5 win over Iowa State
AUSTIN, Texas – A stellar week's effort has helped No. 19 Texas softball's (29-10-1) Mary Iakopo earn her first career selection as the Big 12 Conference Player of the Week (April 5).
This marks Texas' fourth weekly league honor of the season. Freshman C/1B Katie Cimusz (March 8) & junior designated player McKenzie Parker (March 22) previously reaped Big 12 Conference Player of the Week accolades, while Hailey Dolcini was also tabbed as the Big 12 Conference Co-Pitcher of the Week (March 29).
Iakopo powered the Longhorns last week against Louisiana and Iowa State by hitting .545 (6-for-11) overall with four runs scored, six walks, two HR's and seven RBIs. The Carson, Calif., native hit safely in all four games, reached base safely in 12-of-17 total plate appearances, slugged at a 1.091 clip and posted a 1.798 OPS.
Included in her week's efforts was a clutch two-out, three-run walk-off HR in the bottom of the seventh inning to complete a comeback, 7-5 win over Iowa State (April 1). In game two against the Cyclones, Iakopo went 3-for-4 with a walk and three RBIs as the Longhorns fought back from multiple deficits to an 11-10 (8 inn.) triumph. In the finale, she crushed a 272-foot blast off the top of the McCombs Field scoreboard and walked three times, while reaching base safely in all four plate appearances, as Texas completed a sweep, 7-2.
The senior C/1B is currently riding a 12-game reached base streak heading into Wednesday's home match-up against UT Arlington (6 p.m. CT – Longhorn Network). Over that stretch, Iakopo is hitting at a .469 clip (15-for-32) with 12 runs scored, three doubles, three HR's and 14 RBIs.
