Corder scoops up NEC weekly honor

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – One day after lifting the Bulldogs to a pair of wins over Northeast Conference foe Monmouth University, freshman catcher Kendall Corder (Carmichael, Calif.) was recognized by the league Monday afternoon as the NEC Akadema Rookie of the Week.

This distinction marks the third time this season Corder has received weekly honors and the third time in 2011 a Bryant University softball (20-16, 10-4) player has been named rookie of the week.

The California native helped the Bulldogs regain momentum, posting team-best numbers to send Bryant back to the top of league standings. In the past week of action, the rookie went a combined 5-for-12 over the three-game stretch for a .417 average with two runs and four RBIs. Corder played a pivotal role in Bryant's sweep of Monmouth, as the catcher recorded three RBIs in the twinbill after going 4-for-8 and recording the game-winning hit in the Bulldogs' 3-2 extra-inning victory.

She now has a team-high 22 RBIs on the season and is boasting a .303 average for her freshman campaign. Corder maintains a .421 on-base percentage and is slugging .494 after 34 games.

Bryant returns to action with a mid-week contest on the road at ACC contender Boston College Wednesday afternoon. First pitch is slated for 4:00 p.m., and fans can follow live stats at www.bryantbulldogs.com.