April 21, 2008

CHICAGO - After putting together impressive performances both in the pitching circle and at the plate, Loyola University Chicago sophomore Amy Solava has been named Horizon League Pitcher of the Week it was announced today. The right-hander, who was named the 2007 Horizon League Pitcher of the Year, went 3-0 with a 1.45 ERA and 17 strikeouts last week to help the Ramblers to a 4-2 record, including a three-game sweep of League foe Wright State.

Solava won her last five decisions and last week also batted .333 (3 for 9) with a double, two home runs, five RBI and a staggering 1.111 slugging percentage. After beginning the week by yielding only two hits and striking out five in a relief appearance versus No. 20 DePaul on April 15, she allowed two earned runs in a 3-2 victory at Wright State on April 20.

However, her most impressive performance came in the Ramblers' 6-3, 11-inning victory at Wright State in game one of a doubleheader on April 19. Solava tossed all 11 innings and matched a season high with eight strikeouts en route to the win, while also belting her first career home run, a three-run shot, in the top of the 11th inning, to provide the final margin of victory.

For the year, Solava is 11-8 with a save, a 2.70 ERA and 91 strikeouts. She is the first Rambler hurler since Lindsey LaChaina (2003-04) to win 10 or more games in each of her first two seasons.

Loyola is back in action Wednesday, April 23, when it travels to Lincoln Park for a rematch with city rival DePaul.