BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Western Washington University freshman Alanna Wirtala has been selected as the GNAC Softball Pitcher of the Week for games played February 16-22.
 
Wirtala recorded the win in both games of the Vikings doubleheader sweep over Simon Fraser on Saturday, allowing one unearned run in 9.2 innings. The right-hander did not allow a walk, struck out eight and scattered six hits.
 
The freshman improved to 6-3 on the season while lowering her ERA to 3.59 (26 ER, 50.2 IP) in 10 appearances (8 starts). Wirtala has limited opponents to a .238 opponent batting average.
 
"Alanna has been the workhorse for us so far this season, even when she wasn't feeling her best, which speaks volumes about her toughness and her character," said WWU head coach Sheryl Gilmore. "She is a great competitor and is incredibly composed, especially for a freshman. Whether it's a start, battling for seven innings in a tight game or coming in with the bases loaded to get us out of a jam, the moment is never too big for her. We are so proud of the impact she has already made here at WWU and are very excited for her future in this program."
 
The Vikings (7-6) are back on the road this week playing five games in the NorCal Crossover in Tracy, California. WWU will face a tough tournament slate facing No. 2 Cal State San Marcos and No. 3 Cal State East Bay on Saturday, also playing CCAA schools Cal State Monterey Bay, Stanislaus State and Chico State in the three-day tournament at the Tracy Sports Complex.