Sandy James (Texas Tech) and Blaire Luna (Texas) have earned Big 12 Player and Pitcher of the Week honors, respectively. James picks up her second weekly distinction of her career, while Luna garners her ninth pitcher accolade. James is the first Red Raider to be tabbed Player of the Week twice, and only the second to receive a weekly award more than once (Amanda Renfro earned Pitcher of the Week honors five times).
Big 12 Player of the Week
Sandy James, Texas Tech, Jr., Dallas, Texas
James drove in nine runs for Texas Tech as the Red Raiders completed a perfect 6-0 weekend at the Louisville Slugger Desert Classic held in Las Vegas. Tech defeated three teams (Long Beach State, Portland State and DePaul) who made an NCAA Regional last year, and Ohio State who was receiving votes in the top 25 rankings. The junior hit a .409 clip over six games, powering two big home runs with nine RBI. She slugged .727 after totaling 16 bases off nine hits. James nailed a three-run homer in the first inning against Portland State to break open the game for Tech. She also gave the Red Raiders some separation in the finale versus Utah State, hitting a 3-1 pitch over the fence to give TTU a 4-1 lead at the time. The Dallas-native is tied for the league lead with four home runs, and is among the top in hits, RBI, slugging percentage and total bases.
Big 12 Pitcher of the Week
Blaire Luna, Texas, Jr., Austin, Texas
While Texas stretched its win streak to eight, Luna finished the week with a 2-0 record. The junior gave up only one earned run in 11.0 innings of work, retiring 17 from the batter's box. Against Tennessee, a top-10 ranked squad, the right-handed hurler fanned 13 hitters and gave up five walks. It was the third time this season Luna has posted double-digit strikeouts in a game. The Austin-native has 43 strikeouts on the season, ranking fourth among Big 12 pitchers.
2012 Big 12 Player and Pitcher of the Week
| Date |
Player |
Pitcher |
| Feb. 14 |
Lexy Bennett, Texas, Sr. |
Whitney Canion, Baylor, Jr. |
| Feb. 21 |
Sandy James, Texas Tech, Jr. |
Blaire Luna, Texas, Jr. |