Feb. 25, 2009

RICHMOND, Va. - After helping lead the George Mason softball team to a four-game sweep over Youngstown State in its home opening series, freshman Miranda Cranford was recognized Wednesday by the Colonial Athletic Association as the conference's Rookie of the Week.

Cranford, a native of Escondido, Calif., pitched a complete game and allowed no earned runs on Sunday morning in the Patriots' 7-2 victory over the Penguins. She scattered nine hits while fanning two YSU batters to pick up the first win of her collegiate career. She helped her own cause in the game from the batter's box, slamming a two-run home run to left center in the game.

She also earned a bases-loaded walk in the Saturday afternoon game, the second of a four-run Mason fourth inning which ultimately decided the game's outcome.

It is the first weekly award for Cranford and the Patriots on the season, and the first since Becky Anderson was named Pitcher of the Week on April 14 last season.

Cranford and the Patriots are back in action this weekend as they host the Patriot Classic from Friday to Sunday at George Mason Field.