March 27, 2018
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Auburn Softball freshman infielder Makenna Dowell has been named SEC Freshman of the Week the league office announced Tuesday.
"We always talk about being ready when your name is called, and by receiving this honor Makenna has truly proven that she is that definition of being ready when your name is called," head coach Mickey Dean said. "She did an outstanding job both offensively and defensively last week. She was ready when she was called upon."
Dowell proved huge for the Tigers in their midweek game vs. Alabama State and sweep over No. 19 Kentucky as she started all four games in place of injured Taylon Snow. The Suwannee, Ga. product entered the week with just four hits on the season (4-for-23), but exploded at the plate to double her hit total and pace the team with a .444 batting clip (4-for-9) over the stretch. She finished with four hits, four runs scored and two RBI.
Against the Wildcats alone, Dowell batted .429 (3-for-7) with two doubles to lead the team to their first home series sweep over a ranked SEC opponent since 2016.
Dowell is the second Tiger to be honored by the league office this season joining Victoria Draper, who garnered SEC Co-Player of the Week honors earlier this month.
Dowell and the Tigers travel to Oxford, Miss. Friday through Sunday for a three-game set vs. the Ole Miss Rebels.