Freshman power hitter went 7-for-9 with three home runs in Louisiana's sweep of Western Kentucky

LOUISIANA La. - Holly Tankersley had a torrid weekend against Western Kentucky, going 7-for-9 with three homeruns, seven RBI, two doubles and five runs scored, all impressive enough to earn her the distinction of the Sun Belt Conference Hitter of the Week, announced Monday by the league office.

The freshman from Kirbyville, Texas, hit a two-run home run and a two-RBI double to give her four RBI in the Cajuns 9-1 series finale win over WKU which clinched the 2004 Sun Belt regular season championship. She also doubled in the pitching circle, tossing five innings of two-hit softball while striking out six.

Tankersley reached base safely in her first seven appearances of the series and was 5-for-5 heading into the series finale. She ended the weekend with a 2.000 slugging percentage as she collected 18 total bases in just nine at bats. Of her seven hits, five went for extra bases.

The left-handed slugger hit three home runs to increase her season total to 16 which ties her for second on the single-season charts with former All-American Alana Addison and puts her within four of Danyele Gomez's record of 20 hit last season.

The award is Tankersley's fourth of the season and first since April 5.

The Cajuns have now won 35 Sun Belt weekly honors in three-plus seasons under former Ragin' Cajuns All-American and current head coach Stefni Lotief. Louisiana has now picked up 12 weekly awards this season.

Tankersley and the Cajuns (48-6, 14-0 Sun Belt) wrap up regular season play this weekend in a four-game series at Middle Tennessee (31-17, 11-5 Sun Belt) Saturday-Sunday, May 8-9 in 1 p.m. doubleheaders.

LOUISIANA SI