April 25, 2011

IRVING, Texas - University of Memphis junior first baseman Jessica Phillips was selected as the Conference USA Hitter of the Week for the third time this season.

Phillips led Memphis with a .545 batting average, 10 RBI, three home runs and four runs scored as the Tigers finished 4-0 on the week with a run-rule victory over Arkansas and a three-game conference sweep against UCF. She also had a 1.455 slugging percentage with a .615 on base percentage. The junior has hit safely in a career best 10-straight games and has recorded an RBI in nine of those 10 contests, including the last six.

The first baseman began the week with a 3-for-4 performance against Arkansas with two home runs, including a grand slam, six RBI and three runs scored. It marked her fourth multi-homer game of the season and fifth of her career. The six RBI tied her career high for the second time this year, and the grand slam was her second of the season.

Phillips then went 3-for-7 against UCF with four RBI and two walks. She hit her third home run of the week in the first inning of game one against UCF to help Memphis earn a 3-0 shutout. Phillips also doubled in a run in game two and went 1-for-2 with an RBI to wrap up the sweep in game three.

The Chattanooga, Tenn., native became the school record holder for home runs in a season with 14 and RBI with 43 during last week's play. She has a season slugging percentage of .807 and a .360 batting average.

During her 10-game hitting streak, Phillips is hitting .700 with 18 RBI, eight runs scored and five home runs.

Tulsa freshman Aimee Creger was named the C-USA Pitcher of the Week for the third time this season.

Memphis will play a midweek contest at UT Martin on Wednesday at 5 p.m. and then return to host its final three home games of the season in a three-game league series against UAB on Saturday and Sunday. The Tigers play a doubleheader with the Blazers on Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. and close with a 1 p.m. contest on Sunday.