WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary's University fastpitch softball team's season is just three weeks old, and already once thing is becoming perfectly clear — Makayla Steffes (Winona, Minn.) is one tough out.
 
After feasting on opposing pitching in back-to-back weekends in the Mankato Dome in late February, the Cardinal freshman was at it again during SMU's six-game spring trip to Florida, going 9-for-18 for a .500 batting average.
 
And for the second time in three weeks, Steffes was once again recognized for her offensive prowess, being named the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week, the league office announced Monday.
 
Steffes extended her season-opening hitting streak to 12 with at least one hit in each of the Cardinals' first four spring trip games, and highlighted her first collegiate spring trip with a 4-for-4, five-run, four-RBI performance against Emmanuel on March 4.
 
Along with her offensive exploits, which also included 11 runs scored and seven stolen bases, Steffes also went 3-0 with a 2.39 ERA and 12 strikeouts in 14 2/3 innings of work in the pitcher's circle.
 
Steffes and the Cardinals (12-2 overall) are now off until March 23, when they kick off MIAC play with a 1 p.m. doubleheader against St. Catherine at the SMU Field.