Four Emory University student-athletes were named the University Athletic Association Athlete of the Week in their respective sport as announced Monday afternoon.
Men's basketball senior Matthew Schner was selected for his sixth weekly honor this year while senior Mattie Ryan and sophomore Page Nellis swept the softball awards for the second time this spring. Senior Kyle Sulkowski rounds out the Eagle winners with his first-ever weekly honor.
Schner scored 27 and 30 points in back-to-back games to lead the Eagles in both NCAA tournament games this past weekend. Schner scored 27 in the first round against Averett University, posting a 27 points, nine rebounds and three assists stat line in the five-point win. The following night, Schner recorded the second-ever triple-double in program history, going for 30 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists as Emory fell by one to Wabash in the second round. For the season, Schner broke program single season records in minutes per game (37.8), points per game (23.5) and points scored (611).
At the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Columbus, GA, Ryan drew three starts in the circle for the Eagles and brought home a record of 2-1 while giving up just two combined runs in her two wins. In her three outings, Ryan struck out 11 batters and walked six in 16.1 innings of work. Despite the one loss, Ryan still finished the weekend with an impressive 3.86 ERA and pitched two complete games. Ryan's work at the plate over the weekend was nearly as remarkable as her pitching. In six games, Ryan finished with seven hits that led to nine RBI and four runs. The highlight of her weekend came in the bottom of the second inning against Central (IA). With the bases loaded Ryan cracked a ball over the outfield fence for a grand slam that accounted for four of her seven RBI in that game. At the tournament's conclusion, Ryan was named to the All-tournament team for her efforts in the circle and at the plate.
Nellis was equally impressive offensively at the three-day tournament as she helped carry the Eagles to their three victories. In six games, Nellis finished with a batting average of .588 as well as six RBI and seven runs. In the Eagles game against No. 19 Christopher Newport, the Eagles trailed 5-9 in the top of the fifth inning with the bases loaded and Nellis delivered in a big way hitting her first home run of the season to tie up the game for the Eagles. Nellis had three total extra base hits for the Eagles and didn't strike out a single time in all six games.
Sulkowski made three relief appearances this weekend, slamming the door on the Scots in all three games in the series as Emory swept Maryville. Sulkowski did not allow a hit across his 3.2 innings, allowing just a walk and HBP as he recorded a pair of saves and struck out seven of the 12 batters he faced.