DALLAS (NCBWA) – The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) released its Dick Howser Trophy National Player of the Week awards presented by The Game Headwear for the period ending February 16. Wake Forest junior shortstop Marek Houston was named National Hitter of the Week, while UNCW sophomore right-handed pitcher Connor Marshburn was named National Pitcher of the Week. The NCBWA Board reviews candidates from each Division I Conference and names winners each Tuesday throughout the season.
Houston went 10-for-14, hitting .714, with 13 RBI, 11 runs scored, three home runs, a double, and five walks drawn as part of Wake Forest’s four wins against LIU and Marist on opening weekend. The Nokomis, Florida, native had multiple hits, RBI and runs scored in all four games for the Demon Deacons. After homering in each of the first three games of the season, Houston concluded the weekend by going 3-for-3 with a double, four RBI and four runs scored in the fourth game of the weekend.
Marshburn fired six no-hit innings against No. 8-ranked Georgia on Sunday to lead the Seahawks to a 6-2 victory over the Bulldogs. The Cary, North Carolina native, who was making his first career start, tied his career high with seven strikeouts and faced just 22 batters over six scoreless frames to earn the win. He allowed just one runner to reach second base.
Founded in 1962, the NCBWA is dedicated to the advancement of college baseball. Membership is open to writers, broadcasters and publicists of the sport. For more information about the NCBWA, visit the association's official Web site, www.ncbwa.com. For more information, contact NCBWA Executive Associate Director Mike Montoro (304-293-2821, mike.montoro@mail.wvu.edu).