IRVINE, Calif. --- In a day and age full of change and uncertainty, the Eagles have always been able to count on Paige Austin in the circle. The 2022 campaign is no different with Austin gathering the first PacWest Pitcher of the Week award of the new season.

The Concordia Kick-Off Classic was the opening act for the BU softball team, as a compilation of 21 tough squads from the west region came to SoCal to compete at CUI. The team relied heavily on Austin on the way to a 3-2 weekend.

All three wins came through the right arm of Austin, who saw three appearances and three wins with 22.2 innings pitched. One earned run was allowed under Austin's watch for a 0.31 earned-run average to start the season.

The ace's dominance was spectacular, resulting in 42 total strikeouts and three double-digit whiff outings. In the season-opener at Freedom Field, Austin compiled a career-best 17 strikeouts, while becoming the program-leader for career strikeouts. 

When the opposing hitters happened to make contact, the ball found its way straight to Eagle defenders. Austin completed two one-hitters in her first two starts of 2022, posting 14 innings with two hits and one run allowed.

The weekly honor from the PacWest was the eighth of Austin's career.

BU will return to action at home with a doubleheader against Westcliff beginning at 4:00 pm.