Benton Benton Selected AAC and NAIA Region XII Softball Pitcher of the Week

March 28, 2006

Wise, VA – After helping The University of Virginia’s College at Wise to a perfect 5-0 week, Dani Benton was selected Appalachian Athletic Conference and NAIA Region XII softball Pitcher of the Week.

The Lady Cavs remained atop the AAC standings at 4-0 and 12-10 overall. UVa-Wise is looking to make a return trip to the NAIA national championships after competing at the level for the first time in 2005.

Benton completed her work on the mound with a 3-0 mark, two earned runs, 12 strikeouts and a 0.61 earned run average over 23 innings. The Chesapeake, Va. native started the week with a complete game effort where she allowed her only two runs with five strikeouts in an 8-6 win at Pikeville.

The senior was virtually unhittable after the first game of the week. She allowed only four hits, walked two and struck out two in a 3-0 blanking of Virginia Intermont. Benton followed the outstanding performance with a better one. In the first game at Montreat, the pitcher fired a one-hitter and fanned five as the Lady Cavs won 4-0. Her final appearance came in a two innings relief effort. Benton allowed one hit as UVa-Wise won the second game against Montreat, 14-2.

On the year, Benton entered this week tied for the AAC lead with seven wins and second in earned run average at 1.49. She is 7-4 on the year after posting a league-best 21-6 mark last season.
The Lady Cavs play at Union College on Tuesday afternoon.