By: Jeff Evans, Assistant AD for Athletic Communications
BELLINGHAM, Wash. – When you hit three home runs and record 10 RBI in a single game, being selected as the GNAC Player of the Week is an easy choice.
The conference office didn't have to look much further than the record-breaking hitting performance by Western Washington senior shortstop
Hailey Rath in the three-game series sweep at Saint Martin's.
Rath broke the GNAC single-game RBI record driving in 10 runs in Friday's first game of the series in Lacey, bettering the old mark of eight accomplished three times, last in 2022. She became the ninth player in GNAC history to hit three home runs in a game, recording a pair of three-run home runs and a grand slam, including the game-winning homer in the top of the 7th inning breaking a 12-12 tie. Overall, in the three-game non-conference series Rath went 4-for-8 (.500) with 11 RBI, scored four runs and drew four intentional walks.
"What Hailey did over the weekend was special – to hit three home runs and drive in 10 in a single game is insane," said WWU head coach
Sheryl Gilmore. "She stepped up when our team needed it, including that go-ahead three-run home run in the seventh inning to change the momentum on Friday. Rat plays for her teammates and always finds a way to bring her best when her best is needed. She has been such a steady presence in our program for four years and continues to raise the bar for what's possible for our team. She is a gritty competitor and leads our team both on and off the field."
For the season, the senior is batting .381 (24-for-63) with four doubles, nine home runs and a conference-best 33 RBI. Rath has appeared in all 194 possible games during her collegiate career and is the program all-time leader in hits (224), doubles (53), extra-base hits (91), RBI (171) and total bases (384).
The Vikings are 13-8 heading into their four-game home series this weekend vs. Western Oregon (Friday-Saturday), with a current five-game winning streak.
