[Baseball] Puga, Eggleston Sweep KCAC Player of the Week Awards

WICHITA, Kan. – After leading the Friends University Falcons to a perfect 4-0 mark, senior first baseman Troy Puga has been named the KCAC Baseball Player of the Week, while senior hurler Austin Eggleston is the league's top pitcher, the league announced today (Feb. 24).

Puga powered the Falcons' offensive attack and then some, hitting a robust .688 with a homer, seven RBIs and three runs scored. He came up clutch as well, hitting a two-run homer to start an unbelievable nine-run rally in the bottom of the seventh vs. Mid-America Christian University. He then came back up in the inning and lined a game-tying single.

He was 4-of-4 in the nightcap victory over MACU and then 3-of-3 with a double and an RBI during the Falcons' opening game victory over Hastings College.

A native of Pueblo, Colo., Puga has been the Falcons' offensive anchor this season, leading the team in hitting (.444), runs (15), hits (24), homers (three), RBIs (16), slugging percentage (.741) and on-base-percentage (.589). He is fourth in the KCAC in batting average and second in on-base-percentage.

"Troy had a huge week for us at the plate - he has been a staple in our line-up for three years now and is one of the hardest workers I've had in my time here at Friends....well deserved honor for him," Friends head coach Adam Neisius said.

Eggleston gave the Falcons everything they needed during his three appearances on the mound this past week. He pitched 6 2/3 scoreless innings and finished off three of the Falcons' four victories, including getting the win in both walkoff wins over MACU.

The Arlington, Texas native also struck out five and walked none while allowing just four hits. Eggleston is currently second in the KCAC in earned-run-average (1.47), tied for second in both wins (three) and saves (two), while ranking fourth in opposing batting average (.186).

"We have used Eggleston in a little different role this year - he's such a weapon out of the bullpen and that role allows us to use him multiple times throughout the week," Neisius said. "He loves to be on the mound in those pressure situations and had a great week for us. Hopefully that continues for him."

The Falcons will next open up KCAC Wednesday afternoon (Feb. 26) at No. 13-ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan University.  First pitch will be at 1 pm in Bartlesville, Okla.