Softball's Kelsey Bruder Picks Up USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Week Honors
Tuesday, April 26, 2011 | Softball
Reigning SEC Player of the Week Kelsey Bruder (Corona, Calif.) was tabbed USA Softball's Collegiate Player of the Week, announced by the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) of America and USA Softball just a day after being awarded her second consecutive league honor. Bruder played a critical role in Florida's series win over league foe Alabama last weekend, rallying for back-to-back walk-off hits as the Gators won their third-consecutive three-game series over the Tide. Bruder smashed a first pitch, three-run, walk-off homer in the bottom of the seventh inning Saturday to help UF to a 6-5, series-evening victory over Alabama. Sunday in extra innings, she connected for a RBI blooper to right field for UF's first run of the game in the bottom of the eighth to propel an eventual tie game heading into the ninth, and followed with a bases loaded infield single that plated the game-winning run as UF defeated the Tide, 3-2.
"We are so honored for Kelsey to be recognized as USA Softball's Collegiate Player of the Week," head coach Tim Walton said. "Kelsey's performance last weekend was an incredible feat; she was so instrumental in all of our victories. For her to be a clutch performer says a lot about her preparation and a lot about what team work is all about."
Watch Bruder's walk-off homer from Saturday HERE and the senior's game-winning RBI single in Sunday's contest HERE.
"I'm so honored to have been chosen as National Player of the Week,” Bruder stated. “This past series versus Alabama was an absolute thrill and I'm so glad I was able to come through for my teammates. Our success wouldn't have been possible without every single one of them."
Florida has now claimed two USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Week honors this season, as junior Michelle Moultrie was also awarded the honor March 1. The Gators have nine weekly honors in 2011, six in the league and three nationally. Bruder last picked up national recognition her sophomore season in 2009 when she was also named USA Softball's Player of the Week for her performance in the 2009 SEC Tournament.
Bruder combined for seven hits as Florida went 3-1 in the last week of play. The Corona, Calif., native is currently riding a seven-game hit streak, shy of her season-best eight-game strand, while tallying a double, triple and two homers through Florida's past four games, a mid-week win over UCF last Wednesday, and UF's series against Alabama. Florida improved to 40-8 on the season, 15-7 in the SEC and is now 12-8 against Top 25 teams, 2-0 in extra innings this year.
Through 2011 league play, Bruder currently stands first in the SEC in runs scored (25), hits (34), doubles (8), RBI (33) and total bases (72), while also ranking second in slugging percentage (.960). She also ranks second on the Gators' squad this season in batting clip (.408), hits (60), homers (16), RBI (60), slugging percentage (.830), on-base percentage (.508) and walks drawn (30).
Most recently, Bruder was selected to continue her softball career after college in the second round of the 2011 National Pro Fastpitch Senior Draft as the fifth overall pick to the USSSA Pride. Bruder will have the option of signing with the Orlando-based franchise after her collegiate eligibility is up.
2011 UF SEC PLAYER OF THE WEEK AWARDS
2/14/11: Stephanie Brombacher, SEC Pitcher of the Week
2/21/11: Stephanie Brombacher, SEC Pitcher of the Week
2/28/11: Hannah Rogers, SEC Pitcher of the Week
3/21/11: Kelsey Bruder, SEC Player of the Week
4/18/11: Kelsey Bruder, SEC Player of the Week
4/25/11: Kelsey Bruder, SEC Player of the Week
2011 UF NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE WEEK AWARDS
2/22/11: Stephanie Brombacher, NFCA National Player of the Week
3/1/11: Michelle Moultrie, USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Week
4/26/11: Kelsey Bruder, USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Week
