This story was written by Bay College SID Mike Pankow

ESCANABA, MI – The Bay Norse Softball Team received MCCAA Northern Conference Player of the Week honors for the first time in program history, with two players being recognized.

Diane Salinas (FR, Rancho Cordova, CA) was named the Player of the Week and Rachael Winkel (SO, Silvis, IL) was named Pitcher of the Week for their play from March 20 to March 26.

Salinas picked up the honors despite her week being cut short due to an injury.  On Monday she belted two homeruns in three at bats, and picked up three RBI in an 8-2 win over Bethel University JV.  She started game two of the day against Anoka-Ramsey Community College but was hitless in her one at bat before leaving the game.  Overall Salinas was two for four with a pair of home runs and three RBI on the week.

Winkel started the aforementioned game against Bethel University JV and took the ball for four innings. She struck out eight hitters and gave up just two hits, one walk, and one earned run to pick up the win in that one. She took to the pitcher's circle again in the second game against Anoka-Ramsey and went the distance. She scattered seven hits and three walks and struck out four in a complete game shutout. The Norse won that game by a final of 1-0.

For the week Winkel pitched 11 innings, struck out 12 batters, and gave up nine hits, four walks, and one earned run.

The Norse were 3-0 on the week as they finished off the day with a third victory, an 8-1 decision over Minnesota North-Vermilion. Bay looks to begin conference play on Sunday and Monday in a five game series at Muskegon Community College.