For the third straight week to start the season, a player from the Lone Star Conference has received national honors by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. Lubbock Christian senior left-hander Ryan Markwardt was named national pitcher of the week on Feb. 20 after his one-hit gem.
 
Markwardt follows teammate Brevin McCool and Cameron’s Lance Barnett, who earned NCBWA national hitter of the week honors.
 
Markwardt, who is a native of Itasca, Texas, tossed a complete-game shutout with nine strikeouts and no walks against Oklahoma Christian. In the first inning, Markwardt surrendered a leadoff single and hit one batter, who was caught stealing for the second out. He went on to retire the final 19 batters he faced. Markwardt needed just 92 pitches over the seven frames.
 
Markwardt was also named LSC Pitcher of the Week on Feb. 17 and NCBWA South Central Region Pitcher of the Week on Feb. 18.
 
Florida Southern graduate student and outfielder Ahmad Fitts won the NCBWA's national hitter of the week award.