March 24, 2008

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State junior Kara Weigle was named softball's Big Ten Player of the Week on March 24, as announced by the Big Ten Office Monday afternoon. Weigle exploded on offense with six hits, including her second career grand slam, in the three-game, two-day Best Western Miami Invitational on March 22-23. Additionally, Weigle stole three bases over the weekend, moving into 10th place on MSU's all-time stolen bases records list. She has stolen eight bases this year, for a career total of 32.

Weigle, a utility player who has most recently seen time in left field, helped Michigan State to two wins over the weekend in three games. She batted .667 in the Miami Invitational, with a home run, a triple and five RBI. Against Miami to start the weekend, Weigle went 2-for-2, scoring two runs, and stole a base to lead the Spartans to a 9-1 win. In a loss against Youngstown State on Sunday, the Naples, Fla., native was 1-for-3 with a run and another stolen base. In game two of Sunday's action, Weigle wrapped up the week by hitting a perfect 3-for-3 with a grand slam home run, a triple, stealing another base and finishing the game with five RBI, as Michigan State defeated Toledo, 11-2.

This is the third time the junior has been named Player of the Week in her career. MSU has garnered the award three times this season. Along with Weigle, Gina Mondo received the award in back-to-back weeks on March 3 and March 10.

Weigle and the Spartans kick off their home schedule at Old College Field with Big Ten Conference action this weekend, March 28-30, playing host to the Minnesota Golden Gophers and Wisconsin Badgers.