NEW ORLEANS – For the fifth time in her career, junior 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 2026 season after earning the title of Pitcher of the Year in the 2025 season. This week's Pitcher of the Week honor is the second of the season for Azua, after earning three in her sophomore season. Azua is the only pitcher so far this season to earn two Sun Belt Pitcher of the Week awards.
 
Azua posted a three-win week with wins against Sam Houston and both of the Bobcats' wins versus ULM. Azua tossed 22.0 innings with a 0.64 ERA. She tossed three complete games, two of which were back-to-back shutouts in 1-0 wins. 

Azua struck out 21 batters this week while surrendering just 16 hits, only two for extra bases. In addition to that, she only walked three batters. After her impressing weekend, Azua solidified herself with one of the best strikeout-to-walk ratio and WHIP rates in the nation.

Azua and the rest of the Bobcats will return to action tonight, March 17, against Houston. First pitch is at 6 pm and fans can tune in on ESPN+. The team will then continue to Lamar on March 18 at 6 pm before a three-game series at Louisiana on the weekend. All the Bobcats games can be streamed on ESPN+.