MIAC Softball Athletes of Week

WINONA, Minn. — Kathi Opsahl (Elk River, Minn.) has made a rather impressive first impression as a member of the Saint Mary's University fastpitch softball team.

The freshman outfielder was virtually unstoppable during the Cardinals' eight-game spring trip to Clermont, Fla., last week, hitting .464.

And her effort did not go unnoticed, as the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference named Opsahl the conference's Athlete of the Week Monday.

Opsahl hit a team-best .464 in SMU's eight spring-trip games last week, while also leading the team in hits (13), doubles (3), RBIs (9), total bases (16), slugging percentage (.571) and on-base percentage (.531). Opsahl struck out just once in 33 plate appearances, and collected at least one hit in all eight contests in Clermont, Fla.

For the season, Opsahl leads the team with a .471 batting average through the season's first 10 games. The freshman also boasts team-highs in hits (16), doubles (3), RBIs (10), total bases (19) and slugging percentage (.559), while leading the team with three multiple-RBI games and recording at least one hit in all 10 Cardinal games.

The Cardinals (3-5 overall) are back in action on March 26, when they are scheduled to open conference play with a 3:30 p.m. doubleheader against Gustavus in St. Peter, Minn.