NEW ORLEANS, La. – No. 23 University of South Alabama softball pitcher Devin Brown has been named the Sun Belt Conference Pitcher of the Week in the first installment of the award, the league office announced on Tuesday.
 
Brown went 3-0 in two starts and a relief appearance last week, striking out 28 batters in 17 shutout innings and allowing only six hits. The right-hander held opposing batters to a .105 average.
 
"I thought Devin and our entire pitching staff had a great weekend," said USA head coach Becky Clark. "It was good to see them pound the zone and work efficiently. Devin did a good job of staying composed and working through some tough situations. I thought, overall, it was a great way for her and the staff to start the season."
 
Brown delivered a complete-game shutout in USA's season-opening, 4-0 win at home versus UAB on Thursday. Brown then limited Ball State, the 2015 MAC champion, to only three hits in USA's 8-0, six-inning victory on Saturday.
 
To cap the weekend on Sunday, Brown threw four hitless relief innings against Southeast Missouri State in the Jaguars' 5-2 win.
 
The South Alabama pitching staff recorded a 0.44 ERA in five games to start the year, combining for over 40 strikeouts and allowing only two earned runs in 32 innings. Destin Vicknair earned her first two wins and Abby Tincher made her debut against Southeast Missouri State.
 
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).