LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Feb. 6, 2019) – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association named Oklahoma Christian pitcher-first baseman Kaylie Upton on Wednesday as the NCAA Division II softball player of the week.

Upton, a senior from Pauls Valley, had the finest weekend of her career in the TAJ Hospitality College Softball Kickoff in Lubbock, Texas, as OC beat Western New Mexico 6-1, Chadron State (Neb.) 7-1, Midwestern State (Texas) 11-3 and Texas-Permian Basin 15-1.

The pitcher-first baseman from Pauls Valley hit .600 with four home runs and 11 RBIs over the four games. On Saturday, in the wins over Midwestern State and UTPB, Upton – who hit two home runs all last season – smashed four homers (two in each game) and drove in 10 runs to give her a 1.900 slugging percentage for the week.

She also contributed to a combined no-hitter by pitching the first two innings of the win against UTPB after picking up the pitching win with a five-inning stint against Western New Mexico.

"Kaylie had a super first week," OC coach Shanon Hays said. "She's been putting in a lot of work on her swing and it's been paying off. It's always good to get off to a good start at the plate, especially as a senior, and she has certainly done that. She's been an awesome senior leader and it's great to see her get some national recognition."

Upton is the third OC softball player to win an NFCA national weekly award since the program began competing at the Division II level with the 2013 season. In March 2014, Kala Ratliff received an NFCA weekly hitting honor, and in February 2015, Shea Coats was named as the Division II pitcher of the week after throwing a no-hitter in the season opener against Mid-America Christian.

Upton also was part of a unique double for OC on Wednesday, as her teammate, Brie Dunckel, was named as the Fastpitch.com Division II national hitter of the week. Dunckel hit .692 (9 for 13) in the four games with a double, three RBIs, 11 runs scores and four stolen bases in as many attempts.