WINONA, Minn. — Heather Nordlund (Byron, Minn.) kicked off her sophomore season in impressive fashion during the Saint Mary's University fastpitch softball team's four games at the Mankato (Minn.) Dome on Feb. 18-19.
 
And she picked up right where she left off during the Cardinals' eight-game spring trip to Winter Haven, Fla., last week — leading the team with a .500 batting average.
 
Monday afternoon, Nordlund was recognized for her spring-trip efforts, being named MIAC Player of the Week, the league office announced.
 
Nordlund started all eight games for the Cardinals, collecting 10 hits in 20 at-bats — including one double and her first home run of the year — while scoring twice, delivering seven RBIs, and closing out the week with a .583 on-base percentage and a .700 slugging percentage.
 
Nordlund collected at least one hit in six of the Cardinals' eight spring trip games, including a 4-for-4, three RBI effort against Alma last Tuesday.