Feb. 26, 2002

MACON, Ga. - Samford University senior third baseman Janet Middleton was named the Atlantic Sun Conference softball Player of the Week by the conference office Tuesday afternoon.

Middleton led the Bulldogs to a 4-2 finish in the Sonic Challenge in Chattanooga, Tenn., over the weekend by batting .444 with three doubles, a home run, and five RBI while being named to the All-Tournament Team. Middleton hit .417 (10-24) in eight games last week. Her three doubles gives her seven for the season which leads the Atlantic Sun and gives her 36 two-baggers for her career which is a Samford record. Her five RBI last week gives her 61 career RBI which ties Samford's career record held by Pam Abernathy who had 61 RBI from 1989-92.

Middleton is second in the conference in hits (22) and total bases (38). She is third in RBI (14) , and fifth in batting average (.407) in 19 games this season. This is the third time in her career Middleton has been the conference Player of the Week. She also received the honor on March 13, 2000 and on April 2, 2001. It is the first Player of the Week honor for a Samford player this season.

Samford is 10-9 on the season and will play at Alabama A&M on Wednesday in a doubleheader that begins at 1 p.m. This weekend the Bulldogs will travel to Dayton, Ohio to face Dayton, Cleveland State, Miami of Ohio, and Wright State.