SIU Softball freshman pitcher Maddia Groff was tabbed as the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Week award winner on Tuesday.

Groff was used on the mound three times this past weekend for the Salukis at the Michelle Short Memorial Classic.  Groff tossed 14.1 innings, including a 7-inning complete game on Saturday in a 2-0 shutout over Purdue.  The freshman logged 14 strikeouts while giving up 10 hits and one walk in her 14.1 innings pitched.  Eight of those hits and the walk came on the final day in 3.2 innings against Purdue.

On the season, Groff is 6-0 with a 0.70 ERA through 40.0 innings pitched.  She leads the Missouri Valley Conference in ERA, walks allowed (2), opponent batting average, and is second in strikeouts (38), and complete games (4).