(Photo Courtesy of Chattanooga Athletics)
SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Chattanooga’s Sam Taylor (Chickamauga, Ga.) was named the Southern Conference Player of the Week Monday afternoon by the league’s office after helping the Mocs to three wins. The sophomore outfielder carried a .500 batting average over five games in Las Vegas, Nev., at the UNLV Easton Desert Classic, including three extra-base hits.
Starting five games, the leadoff hitter totaled nine hits in 18 at-bats and doubled three times. She scored four runs and recorded four RBI. Taylor provided a leadoff hit in four of the Mocs five games.
Taylor was one-for-three against Boise State Friday morning before walking, scoring a run and driving in one run in the Mocs’ 8-0 win against BYU later Friday evening. Taylor’s best game at the plate came in Chattanooga’s 10-6 win over Nevada Saturday morning, going three-for-four with two RBI and two runs scored.
Against No. 10 Oregon Saturday afternoon, Taylor managed two hits – including a leadoff hit against Ducks’ starting pitcher Karissa Hovinga. The Chickamauga, Ga., native wrapped up the weekend with a three-for-four performance against Portland State. In five innings, Taylor doubled, scored a run and drove in one run.
Taylor and the Mocs host the 2014 Frost Classic this weekend, beginning with their home opener Friday at 4 p.m. against Bulter. Chattanooga also hosts Northwestern State, Radford, Toledo and Campbell during the 10-team tournament.