FROM AUBURNTIGERS.CSTV.COM

March 8, 2010

Auburn, Ala. - After throwing her first collegiate no-hitter, becoming the Auburn career leader in saves and striking out 38 of 63 batters faced in three games, Tigers’ softball senior Anna Thompson has been named the Southeastern Conference Pitcher of the Week, the league office announced Monday.

It is the second SEC Pitcher of the Week honor for Thompson, who also earned the distinction in week three in 2009. For her career, Thompson is the Auburn leader in strikeouts and saves and is seventh in SEC history in both categories. Thompson has 924 career strikeouts and 13 career saves.

“Obviously we are all very proud of Anna and what she accomplished this weekend,“ Auburn head coach Tina Deese said. “Getting that first no-hitter is something that meant a lot to her and our team. She has done a superb job this season and is making the most of her senior season.“

At the War Eagle Classic, Thompson earned her first no-hitter against Louisiana Tech in the first game of the War Eagle Classic. Thompson threw 87 pitches for the game, with 64 for strikes (74 percent). Thompson struck out 16 batters in the game, the second highest single-game total for her career, and allowed only one batter to reach base, a one-out walk in the seventh inning.

“I felt I was doing a really good job of mixing up my pitches against Louisiana Tech,“ Thompson said. “I knew our defense would do what they had to and they did a great job. I’m proud to earn conference pitcher of the week honors, but it is always a team effort.“

The win was Thompson’s 47th as a Tiger and puts her 13 off the school record of 60 wins held by Holly Currie (2004-07) and Kristen Keyes (2002-04).

Thompson also earned a pair of saves, the first coming against Tennessee State. It was Thompson 12th career save and made her the Auburn career leader. Thompson was the third pitcher of the game and went the final 3.2 innings vs. Tennessee State, allowing just one hit and striking out nine of 12 batters faced.

The Huntsville, Ala., native then earned her second save of the weekend and fourth of the season in the Tigers’ 6-3 win over Valparaiso. Thompson started and went 6.0 innings before leaving with the game tied 1-1 in the seventh inning.

The Tigers took the lead in the top of the ninth inning, with Angel Bunner as the pitcher of record. Thompson then came back in to pitch and closed the game, getting a pair of strikeouts to seal the victory.

Auburn (13-6) returns to action Wednesday, March 10. The Tigers travel to Mobile, Ala., to play the South Alabama Jaguars at 6 p.m. CT.