Feb. 17, 2009

IRVING, Texas - Freshman left-hander Whitney Canion was named the Big 12 Pitcher of the Week for the second-straight time the league office announced Tuesday. It marks the first time in Lady Bear softball history that a Baylor player has won the award in back-to-back weeks.

Canion becomes the first freshman in the history of the conference to win the award in the first two weeks of her career. The last pitcher to earn the honor in back-to-back weeks was Texas' Cat Osterman On April 23 and 30, 2002.

"It's impressive that a freshman has done it, especially with one of the weeks being against the number one team in the country," head coach Glenn Moore said. "It's indicative of how hard she and Coach Britni Sneed Newman have worked, and I think the future is very bright for her. "

Canion made four starts and went 3-0 with two complete-game shutouts in five appearances. Her efforts led Baylor to a 5-0 record at the Getterman Classic this past weekend en route to the team title. The freshman struck out 36 batters in 24.2 innings of work, allowing her opponents to hit .170 and score just four runs during the tournament. She was named to the all-tournament team after pacing the field in wins, strikeouts and innings pitched.

Canion and the Lady Bears will travel to face No. 18 Houston in a doubleheader beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday.