What you need to know:
* Ivie Drake is the first Panther freshman to receive a conference player of the week award since 2012.
* GSU returns to the field Wednesday, Feb. 18 to face No. 17 Auburn again at 4:30 p.m.
* Georgia State's home opener is Friday, Feb. 20 against Savannah State in the Panther Invitational opener.
ATLANTA – After leading the Panthers to a 3-1 record in the Tiger Invitational, true freshman Ivie Drake was named Sun Belt Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday.
“Ivie had a great weekend,” head coach Roger Kincaid said. “She played like a veteran and I am glad she was recognized for her performance. I am very proud of her and we are so glad she is a Panther!”
The catcher led GSU at the plate by posting a .667 batting average with five runs scored, five RBI, three doubles, a home run and three walks. She opened the season 2-for-2 at the plate, including a double, walk and run scored, against No. 17 Auburn.
Drake then went 4-for-6 at the plate with three runs scored, three RBI, two walks and two doubles to lead the Panthers to a pair of comeback victories over Winthrop and Ball State. Against the Eagles she finished with two runs scored and two hits, including a two-RBI double to give GSU its first lead of the game. Versus the Cardinals she was 2-for-3 at the plate with a double, RBI and run scored.
The catcher wrapped up the weekend by driving in the winning run with a walk-off single against Eastern Illinois. She also hit a game-tying, solo homer in the bottom of the fifth. After four games, Drake leads the team in batting average, hits, doubles, runs scored and walks.
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