Just a freshman, infielder Jayda Alaan became part of Academy of Art Softball history in Southern California, breaking the program's single-season record for times hit by a pitch, while also serving as the team's igniter in a 3-3 week. Alaan hit .333 (6-for-18) with a home run, three runs batted in, a double, two runs scored, and two stolen bases. Currently the NCAA Division II leader in hit by pitch, she was plunked five times and has now been hit 18 times with still 29 games left.
Alaan began the week with a pair of run-scoring hits as well as a steal
against Azusa Pacific.
Versus Biola, she scored the winning run after going 2-for-3 with a double and another steal in game one. The Diamond Bar, Calif. native saved her best for last, however, being hit three times in a 1-for-1 opening contest
against No. 17 Concordia before hitting a game-tying homer en route to the team's victory over the Eagles in game two.
She now ranks seventh in the Pacific West Conference with nine stolen bases and 11th in on-base percentage, reaching on a .500 clip thus far.
"Jayda is a spark plug," said head coach Sonja Garnett. "She is always competing and doing whatever she can for the team. She is a leader, an entertainer, and a very competitive athlete."
