NEW ORLEANS – For the sixth 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 third of the season for Azua, after earning three in her sophomore season. Azua is the only pitcher so far this season to earn three Sun Belt Pitcher of the Week awards. Texas State pitchers have won four of the nine Pitcher of the Week Accolades so far this season.
 
Azua posted a three-win week with wins against UTSA and both Bobcats' wins at South Alabama. Azua tossed 19.0 innings with a 1.47 ERA. She tossed the complete game in both wins against South Alabama. 

Azua struck out 19 batters this week while surrendering just 15 hits, only three for extra bases. In addition to that, she only walked four batters. After her impressive weekend, Azua solidified herself with one of the best strikeout-to-walk ratio and WHIP rates in the nation.

Azua leads the nation in innings pitched so far this season, with 157.1, as well as appearances with 32. She has the 7th most wins of any pitcher in the nation with 161, and the 7^th most wins of any pitcher in the nation with 17.

Azua and the rest of the Bobcats will return to action tonight, April 7, against UTSA. First pitch is at 6 pm and fans can purchase tickets at txst.com/tickets. 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+.