April 16, 2001

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Illinois shortstop Lindsey Hamma (Wheeling, Ill./Buffalo Grove H.S.) has been named the Big Ten Player of the Week in softball.

Hamma batted .632 (12 of 19) with three runs, two walks, three doubles, and seven RBI in leading the Illini to a 6-0 week.

Hamma had a huge day against Indiana State, going 5-for-7 with two doubles and six RBI in helping Illinois to a doubleheader sweep Wednesday afternoon.

Illinois completed a doubleheader sweep of Iowa, the 12th ranked team in the nation, on April 14-15. In the first game against the Hawkeyes, a 1-0 win on Saturday, Hamma had two of the three Illinois hits.

Hamma has been especially hot since returning from southern tournaments. In the 18 games since the Buzz Classic, Hamma is batting .471 (25 of 53) with three doubles, 10 runs scored, 11 RBI and six walks.

In the process, Hamma has raised her average from .275 to .358. She has five doubles and 23 RBI for the year.

With a 39-17 overall record, the Illini are the winningest team in the Big Ten. At 7-5 in the conference, Illinois is in sole possession of fourth place, just one game behind Iowa and Ohio State for second. The Illini, a team of all freshmen, are 4-1 vs. ranked opponents this season.

"Lindsey had a great week of softball," said Illinois coach Terri Sullivan. "Although her batting average stick outs, she had an equally solid week on defense. She has become a complete player for us. It's a great honor that she richly deserves."

The Illini travel to Indiana-Purdue-Indianapolis on Tuesday afternoon before hosting Wisconsin and Minnesota this weekend at Eichelberger Field.