LA MIRADA, Calif. --- Biola Softball's student-athletes made quite the impression on the conference in the team's first week of competition, earning a pair of weekly awards announced by the conference office on Monday. Kylie Velasco was named the conference player of the week and Jennifer Morinishi earned freshman of the week recognition. 

It is the first career conference honor for each of those ladies and allowed BU to take two of the three weekly awards in its first week eligible in 2019. The Eagles played eight games on the week and its offense produced nearly six runs-per-game to start the year strong.

Velasco led the team with nine RBI, leaving the yard twice and hitting three doubles to also lead the team in slugging percentage. The sophomore second baseman hit .357 (10-for-28) and added 13 putouts and 11 assists in the field to earn the conference's top weekly honor.

"Kylie has worked so hard this fall on her approach and it was so awesome to see her step in the box and compete the way she did," said Head Coach Nikki Udria. "I am so proud of the way she stepped up for her team this past weekend. She is just a sophomore and there is still room to improve, which makes it so exciting for the future games to come." 

Morinishi had just as impressive of a week in her first week of collegiate softball. She led off every game for the Eagles and alternated time between the outfield and the pitcher's circle. In the circle she went 1-1 with 16 strikeouts and just six walks spread over 18 innings of work. Her presence was felt even more so at the plate and in the outfield, though. She hit .333 for the week and was second only to Velasco with seven RBI. Morinishi had three doubles, nine hits and scored five times. She was also perfect in the field, posting six putouts to go with her 1.000 fielding percentage.

"Jen is a competitor and when she gets in her groove on the mound it is hard to beat her," said Udria. "She stepped up batting lead off for us and has filled a huge role as a freshman. We can't wait for this year with Jen. No matter where we put her, she always competes. This is a well deserved honor. We are so proud of her." 

Biola Softball begins conference competition this Friday at Concordia Irvine. The Eagles and Eagles play a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.