By: Jeff Evans, Assistant AD for Athletic Communications
BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Western Washington University seniors Joie Baker and Emma Andrewjeski-Ramirez swept the GNAC Softball Player of the Week awards for games played February 10-16.
The duo was a key part of the Vikings got 6-0 on their trip to Hawai'i, sweeping doubleheaders against Chaminade, Hawai'i Hilo and Hawai'i Pacific in Honolulu. WWU out-scored the three opponents 34-7 while combining to bat .310 and record a 1.17 ERA in the circle.
Baker (Mililani, HI) had a memorable homecoming trip going 3-0 in three starts while posting a 0.39 ERA to earn the GNAC Pitcher of the Week award. The senior right-hander allowed one run in her three starts and combined to strike out 14 batters. Baker had a no-hitter through the first five innings in the opening game of the trip vs. Chaminade and recorded 10 strikeouts in her start against Hawai'i Hilo. For the season, Baker is 4-2 with a 2.65 ERA (12 ER, 31.2 IP) and is tied for 10th in program history with 29 wins. This marks Baker's second GNAC Pitcher of the Week award.
"It was really special to see Joie have such a dominant weekend in front of all her friends and family back home in Hawai'i," said WWU head coach Sheryl Gilmore. "She came out strong all three days, stuck to her process and did a great job shutting down a couple really strong offensive teams. She kept all three teams off balance and prevented them from ever finding a groove."
Andrewjeski-Ramirez (Kahlotus, WA) led the Vikings at the plate batting .550, going 11-for-20 with six extra-base hits (2B-3, 3B-1, HR-2) and 12 RBI to earn the GNAC Player of the Week honor. Her big weekend of extra bases resulted in a 1.642 OPS (1.100 SLG, .542 OBP). Andrewjeski-Ramirez also had a pair of sacrifice flies and was walked once. Defensively she started four of six games at catcher (two at DP) and was perfect in the field on 24 chances. This marks Andrewjeski-Ramirez's second GNAC Player of the Week award.
"Emma was really seeing the ball well and the work she has been putting in showed up when it mattered most. I am proud of Emma's ability to not let the moment get too big and to just compete to win one pitch at a time," said Gilmore. "Not only did she have a great weekend at the plate, she had a great weekend behind the plate as well. Emma really helped us control the run game and kept a couple fast teams from running on us this weekend, putting our defense in a position to be successful."
Both Baker and Andrewjeski-Ramirez have been nominated for the Division II Louisville Slugger/NFCA Player and Wilson/NFCA Pitcher of the Week awards that will be announced Tuesday.
Here is a look at the GNAC Player and Pitcher of the Week Awards from this season:
The Vikings (7-4) has a short turnaround after traveling back from Hawai'i playing five games this weekend in the inaugural GNAC Winter Warmup at Columbia Playfield in Richland, Washington. WWU is scheduled to play Montana State Billings, Northwest Nazarene, Central Washington, Western Oregon and Saint Maritn's in non-conference games to get an early-season look at conference competition. Live stats links for the GNAC Winter Warmup will be posted at wwuvikings.com/Live. The complete 2025 schedule can be viewed online at wwuvikings.com/Team33.
