Last Week’s Batting Stats: .450 AVG (9-for-20), 1.050 SLG%, .429 OB%, 3 R, 14 RBI, 3 2B, 3 HR
DeLuca had one of the most potent bats in the league last week. Sending six of her nine hits for extra bases with three doubles and a trio of moon shots, the rookie and local product from Erie, PA slashed .450/.429/1.050 en route to earning her first-ever NEC Rookie of the Week award, and the first by a Laker this season. During that stretch, the short stop drove in 14 runs and crossed home three times for Mercyhurst, which split six league games. In addition to her timely hitting, DeLuca flashed her versatility in the circle after she tossed a complete game in Wednesday’s rubber match with Saint Francis. Striking out four batters while allowing just two earned runs on six hits, she nabbed her third victory of the season and led the Lakers to the NEC series victory by way of a 4-2 decision. DeLuca also had one of her most productive outings in the batter’s box in that triumph, registering a sacrifice fly before plating three more runs on her second moon shot of the series. She went on to have another monstrous performance in her team’s 16-2 win over FDU on Saturday. Going a perfect 4-for-4, she doubled twice and finished with six RBI. The freshman ranks among the league’s leaders in several categories, as she is fifth in slugging percentage (.590), seventh in home runs (5) and ninth in RBI (22).