ACU's Russo Earns WAC Pitcher of the Week Award

Fresh off a conference series sweep, the ACU softball team is being recognized for their successful weekend.

Senior Lina Russo has been named the WAC Pitcher of the Week, the league announced on Monday. The righty transfer from Ball State tossed a no-hitter in the opening game against Southern Utah on Friday. Her performance is believed to be ACU's first no-hitter since Alivia Sinnott no-hit Mississippi Valley State in a 5-inning game on Feb. 23, 2020.

READ: Russo Throws No-Hitter, 14 Shutout Innings in Pair of Wins

Russo followed with a complete game shutout victory in game two of the doubleheader. She threw every pitch of the two games and struck out four batters total.

"I am super proud of her," said ACU's first-year head coach Jo Koons after the twinbill. "[Southern Utah] wasn't close the first game. Her stuff was on. Being able to beat batters multiple times, I think she faced the top of the lineup six times. I knew she was capable of it."

On Saturday, with ACU holding a 2-0 lead, Russo came on in the top of the seventh inning to close out the Thunderbirds and earn her first save of the season. Russo threw 15 innings, allowing 8 hits and just one run (unearned) over the weekend series.



The Wildcats last earned a conference weekly award in 2023 when Talia Neilsen, Jr., was named the WAC Pitcher of the Week on two separate occasions.

With the three victories over Southern Utah, ACU's conference mark is evened at 3-3. The Wildcats travel to UT Arlington (15-10 overall, 4-2 WAC) for another WAC set beginning with a single-game on Friday at 6:30 p.m., and a Saturday doubleheader beginning at 12 p.m.