Infielder Bri Alejandre of the UCLA softball team has been named Big Ten Freshman of the Week after her performance at the Judi Garman Classic. The Bruins, ranked No. 8 nationally, went undefeated with a 5-0 record during the tournament.
This is Alejandre’s first weekly conference honor. She was second on the team in slugging percentage and RBIs during the event, trailing only Megan Grant in both categories. Alejandre also matched Grant with nine walks over the weekend.
Alejandre, from Alhambra, California, recorded six hits in twelve at-bats, including two home runs and a double, and scored nine runs. In UCLA’s win against No. 4 Florida on Friday, she drew four walks—two with the bases loaded—and scored twice. According to UCLA Athletics, “Her four walks are tied for second-most all-time in a single game by a Bruin.” In games against BYU and Seattle on Saturday, she reached base seven times out of ten plate appearances with four hits, one home run and three walks.
For the season so far, Alejandre ranks third among all freshmen nationally and third on her team with eight home runs. She has started 21 games for UCLA and holds a .339 batting average along with an .823 slugging percentage and 26 RBIs.
The Bruins will begin their Big Ten Conference schedule this weekend against Wisconsin at Easton Stadium on Friday, March 6 at 7 p.m. Pacific Time.
