JCU sophomore pitcher Rachel Byrnes welcomed Wilmington to University Heights with open arms on Saturday, April 6, insisting that the Quaker hitters take a seat on their bench, time and time again.  

For a dominant performance that included two wins, 14 strikeouts, and just four earned runs allowed in 12.0 innings, Byrnes was named the Ohio Athletic Conference's Softball Pitcher of the Week for the first time in her blossoming college career.

In game one against a Wilmington team that entered JCU's Bracken Field with a 16-4 overall record, Byrnes allowed just two hits (none after the second inning) and struck out 10 batters in a complete game shut out victory.  The later game was more of a battle, but the Blue Streak offense provided support in the 6-4 win.  Byrnes still managed to mow down four in five innings.

With a current 9-1 record and 2.08 ERA in 2013, Byrnes is among the top pitchers in the league in several statistical categories.

As of Tuesday, April 9, John Carroll is 13-5 overall and tied for first in the OAC with a 5-1 conference mark.