Texas A&M ace Emiley Kennedy named SEC Pitcher of the Week

Look out for “Lefty.”

In the final week of the regular season, Texas A&M’s Emiley Kennedy was named the Southeastern Conference’s Pitcher of the Week.

The recognition comes after shutting down a potent Tennessee offense in two games on the road.

In 12 innings pitched this weekend, going the distance in a pair of starts, Kennedy allowed just four total hits to an offense that averaged 7.7 a game entering the series.

Additionally, “Lefty” recorded 10 strikeouts on Thursday and six in the five-inning series finale in Knoxville. With 16 more Ks to her credit, Kennedy now ranks eighth on A&M’s all-time career list with 551, surpassing the legendary Amanda Scarborough.

The only blemish on her stat line was the nine free bases she gave up in the opener, yet she worked her way through traffic to shut out the Lady Vols.

Yet, an incredible weekend didn't end there.

After securing the series win over No. 2 Tennessee, Kennedy was drafted No. 7 overall to the Bandits of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League on Saturday night.

With 138.2 innings pitched this season, Trisha Ford & Co. have been very strategic with Kennedy’s usage. Sitting at 175 innings to conclude the regular season last year, the Aggies have not had to rely on her as much, allowing her to rest.

With a rested ace, Ford’s squad is primed to do damage in the postseason, beginning Thursday as the No. 2 seed in the SEC Tournament.

This is Kennedy’s third conference honor of her career. The weekly honor for the left-hander marks the seventh for the Aggies this season.