SAN MARCOS, Texas – After hitting .538 with five extra-base hits in Texas State's three-win opening weekend, Sara Vanderford was named the first Sun Belt Conference Player of the Week of the 2023 season for the period ending February 12, the conference office announced on Tuesday.
 
Vanderford led the Bobcats by going 7-for-13 (.538) with a 1.724 OPS. The senior third baseman had four doubles, a home run, 5 RBIs, 4 walks and no strikeouts in 17 plate appearances as the Bobcats beat the likes of Kent State and Wichita State at the Texas State Tournament in San Marcos. She had an RBI in four of the five games over the weekend, including one to go with her two-hit performance in the 7-4 win over Wichita State on Sunday.
 
Vanderford led all Sun Belt hitters in doubles and OPS (min. 10 ABs) while also ranking second in batting average and slugging percentage (1.077).
 
The weekly honor is the fourth of Vanderford's career and first since the 2021 season. The 2023 preseason All-Sun Belt selection won the conference player of the week award three times in her sophomore season in 2021.
 
For her career, Vanderford now has 40 doubles and a .613 slugging percentage.
 
Vanderford and the Bobcats continue their season this weekend with the I-35 Tourney at Bobcat Softball Stadium. Texas State faces Lamar on Thursday at 6 pm to open the tournament.