CLEVELAND – Melissa Holzopfel helped the Cleveland State women's softball program to one of its best starts in recent memory, and in doing so she was awarded with the first Horizon League Pitcher of the Week honor for the 2022 season.

The freshman stepped onto the conference scene in a big way as she went a perfect 2-0 during the opening week of play at the UIW Invitational. In 15.1 innings, the Massillon, Ohio native punched out 24 batters, good for a 10.96 K/7. She registered a 3.20 ERA and recorded back-to-back complete games over her final two starts of the week.

To go with the performance in the circle, Holzopfel made a case for Player of the Week as well. She batted .556 (10-for-18) with seven runs scored and two RBI. She also drew a walk and only struck out one time over the weekend.

"Melissa came out throwing hard this weekend," head coach Amy Kyler said. "Her strength on the mound, and at the plate, really helped the team in the success they were able to have on opening weekend."

The Vikings will look to continue its winning ways with a very tough upcoming schedule at FIU's Panther Invitational this weekend. The tournament will consist of games against Power Five and B1G Ten power Penn State, the MAC's University of Buffalo and host Florida International University. 

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