Nichols and Saari tabbed USA South Rookies of the Week

Fayetteville, NC - The North Carolina Wesleyan Department of Athletics is pleased to announce that freshmen Brittany Nichols of softball and Antti Saari of men's tennis have earned USA South Rookie of the Week accolades for March 17th. Nichols helped her Battling Bishops to a 3-3 week by batting .471, while Saari remained perfect at #1 singles during a 2-1 week for the Wesleyan men.

Brittany Nichols (pictured right), a freshman centerfielder from Fort Myers, FL, hit .471 (8-for-17) with seven runs scored, six RBI, four home runs, four walks, two doubles, and a 1.294 slugging percentage in six games last week. Nichols did most of her damage in the Ferrum College Invitational where she went a combined 7-for-12 with four home runs.  She also added six runs scored and six RBI as Wesleyan split the four contests. This is her first Rookie of the Week award.

A native of Lahti, Finland, Antti Saari (pictured left) earns Rookie of the Week honors in men's tennis for the second time this season. The talented freshman dropped just four games in three singles matches last week for the Bishops, en route to a 3-0 record at the number-one position. Saari earned wins over players from Virginia Wesleyan, Shenandoah and Bridgewater. In doubles action, he was 2-1 at the top spot. The Bishop men are now 4-4 on the season, 1-0 in USA South play, while Saari remains undefeated at #1 singles with a perfect 7-0 record.

Congratulations to both athletes on their stellar performances!