NEW ORLEANS – Following a road series sweep in league play, App State juniors Makayla McClain and Sophie Moshos claimed Sun Belt Conference Softball Player and Pitcher of the Week honors, presented by Jersey Mike’s Subs.
McClain earns Player of the Week recognition for the second time this season after receiving the honor on March 4, as Moshos becomes the first Mountaineer hurler to receive Pitcher of the Week recognition since joining the conference in 2015.
Player of the Week
Makayla McClain, App State
[Jr. | 2B | Liberty, N.C.]
McClain was electric at the top of the App State order in a three-game sweep at James Madison where she posted five hits in nine at-bats (.556) including three home runs plus eight RBI. She slugged 1.667 for the weekend and reached base nine times in 13 plate appearances for a 2.359 OPS and accounted for 15 total bases. McClain started her weekend with a leadoff home run on the third pitch of the game before belting her second of the game – a two-run shot – in the fourth inning, for her first multi-homer game. In game two, McClain posted a career-best five RBI, including a two-run single in the second inning and a three-run home run with two outs in the third to punctuate a seven-run frame. In Sunday’s finale, she reached base three more times on walks, matching her career-high.
Pitcher of the Week
Sophie Moshos, App State
[Jr. | LHP | Brazil, Ind.]
Moshos earned the win in all three of the Mountaineers’ victories at James Madison, pitching 15.2 of the team’s 18 innings played while registering a 1.34 ERA and 14 strikeouts. She allowed just 11 hits across her three appearances and held the Dukes to a .204 batting average and just .150 with runners on base in the series. Moshos spun a two-hit shutout with three strikeouts and allowed just four baserunners in Friday’s 8-0, five-inning win. In game two the following day, she entered the contest in relief and permitted just two runs in 3.1 innings of work while striking out two of a 13-5 victory. In Sunday’s series finale, Moshos fired a complete game with a season-high nine strikeouts and allowed just one run while stranding 10 baserunners in the 2-1 triumph.
2025 Sun Belt Conference Softball Players of the Week
Week 1 – Taylor McKinney, 2B/OF, Troy
Week 2 – Georgia Hood, 1B, Coastal Carolina
Week 3 – Maddy Jennings, C, Coastal Carolina
Week 4 – Makayla McClain, 2B, App State
Week 5 – Payton List, UTIL, James Madison
Week 6 – Gabby Stagner, INF, South Alabama
Week 7 – Rielly Lucas, 1B, Marshall
Week 8 – Makayla McClain, 2B, App State
2025 Sun Belt Conference Softball Pitchers of the Week
Week 1 – Nicolette Picone, Coastal Carolina
Week 2 – Madison Azua, Texas State
Week 3 – Nicolette Picone, Coastal Carolina
Week 4 – Maddie Johnson, Georgia Southern
Week 5 – Nicolette Picone, Coastal Carolina
Week 6 – Madison Azua, Texas State
Week 7 – Maddie Johnson, Georgia Southern
Week 8 – Sophie Moshos, App State