Aurora University softball sophomore pitcher Natalie Zanella (Caledonia, Wis./Union Grove H.S.) was named Northern Athletics Conference Softball Pitcher of the Week for the week ending March 10, 2013.
Zanella picked up a pair of complete-game victories in the circle for the Spartans who are 6-2 in 2013. The sophomore struck out nine batters and allowed just four hits and a run in a 6-1 victory over Geneva College. Zanella followed it up with a nine-inning performance as she struck out three and allowed three runs (one earned) in the Spartans 4-3 extra-inning win over Thomas More College.
Thus far in 2013, Zanella has a 4-0 record with a 0.84 earned run average, 15 strike outs and two complete games. She began the season with a combined no-hitter in an 11-0 AU win over Presentation College.
Next action for the Spartans comes on Tuesday, March 19, when they travel to Elmhurst College. Game time is set for 3:00 p.m. in Elmhurst, Ill.
