SAN MARCOS, Texas – For the second time in her career, sophomore pitcher Maddy Azua was named Sun Belt Conference Pitcher of the Week, the conference announced Tuesday afternoon.
 
Azua was named Sun Belt Conference Preseason Pitcher of the Year ahead of the start of the 2025 season. This week's Pitcher of the Week honor is the second of the season for Azua. She earned the honor in the first week of Sun Belt play.
 
Azua boasted a 3-0 weekend in the Bobcats series with App State. She had a 1.87 ERA through 15.0 innings of work. Azua allowed just seven hits and four earned runs throughout her three appearances. During the weekend, she tossed a complete game win where she struck out a career-high 13 batters. Throughout all her work this weekend, Azua allowed just one extra base hit as well and batters averaged .137 against her. 

Throughout this season so far, Azua has tossed 75.1 innings while holding a 1.58 ERA, the best in the Sun Belt this season. That, and her rate of just 4.27 hits allowed per seven innings are the best in the conference. She has struck out 93 batters this year, which is the second best in the Sun Belt. Nationally, Azua ranks 42^nd for ERA and 22^nd for hits allowed per seven innings and strikeouts. 

Azua and the rest of the Bobcats will return to action tomorrow, March 19^th vs the Wichita State Shockers. That game will start at 5 pm inside Bobcat Softball Stadium with a stream on ESPN+. Fans can also purchase tickets at txst.com/tickets.