Francis Marion University right-handed pitcher Jenna Walling has been named the Conference Carolinas Freshman of the Month for February for the sport of softball.

Walling, a 5-6 native of Johns Island, S.C., won all eight of her starts during February with five complete games and a 2.98 earned run average.  She logged 49.1 innings and struck out 29 batters while walking only 14.  Opponents batted only .267 against her.

Two of her victories came against nationally ranked opponents: a 12-4 win over No.17 Kutztown University on Feb. 18 and a 2-1 win over ninth-ranked Adelphi University on Feb. 19.  Three of her wins came on the road and five were at home.

For the month, she led the conference in wins, starts, and innings pitched and ranked eighth in strikeouts. She helped Francis Marion to a 14-2 mark during the month.

Francis Marion's next doubleheader will be Tuesday (March 14) at home against West Chester University at 4 p.m.

Walling is a graduate of First Baptist School.


       Jenna Walling