Richard Bland Names Brooklynn Bilyard Athlete of the Week
SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, Va. -- Richard Bland College sophomore softball standout Brooklynn Bilyard/Culpeper has been named the Athletics Department's Athlete of the Week for the period February 27-March 5. The outfielder/pitcher led the Statesmen (10-3) to six-straight non-region wins.
Bilyard hit .480 (12-25) with three triples, one double, eight runs, one walk, five RBIs and five stolen bases in the six contests. In the circle, she was 2-0 with three starts and two complete games, pitching 15.1 innings and scattering 13 hits and nine runs, eight earned (3.65), with 34 strikeouts (15.53 K/7) and 13 walks. Bilyard was 4-4 with two runs, two RBIs, two stolen bases and one walk during a 13-5 win in game two against Hagerstown (Md.) on Feb. 27, and 3-4 with two runs, two RBIs and two stolen bases during a 17-1 win in game two at Bryant & Stratton on March 4. She started in the circle and pitched 6.0 innings for a complete-game 10-2 win in game one at B&S, scattering five hits and two runs, one earned, with 13 strikeouts, while pitching 7.0 innings for a complete-game 9-2 win in game two against Lehigh Carbon (Pa.) on March 5, yielding just two hits and two runs, both earned, with a career-high 16 strikeouts.
Bilyard has started all 13 games this season, hitting .388 (19-49) with four triples, two doubles, 18 runs, two walks, six RBIs and eight stolen bases. She leads the team in at bats, triples, runs and stolen bases, while second on the team in hits. In the circle, Bilyard is 3-1 with a 6.42 ERA and 47 strikeouts over 28.1 innings (11.61 K/7) with six appearances, six starts and two complete games.
This is the third time that Bilyard has been selected for the weekly honor, as she previously garnered the award two times last year (Feb. 15-21, May 3-9) as a freshman. Brooklynn has been named to the Athletic Director's Academic Excellence List for two of her three semesters, as well, attaining a semester grade point average of 3.0 or better.
Please see below for a brief Q&A on her Athlete of the Week selection. Athletes of the Week are chosen by members of the Richard Bland Athletics Department.
Q: How does it feel to be named Richard Bland Athlete of the Week?
BB: I'm honored to represent my school and team.
Q: How did you get started in your sport and how long have you played?
BB: My mom encouraged me to play, and I have played since I was eight years old.
Q: What do you like most about your team?
BB: I enjoy the energy we have the most. It's always fun.
Q: Who is your funniest teammate/why?
BB: Kara Morris. She always knows how to make me smile/laugh.
Q: Do you have any pregame rituals/superstitions?
BB: I don't.
Q: What is your favorite place on campus/why?
BB: I enjoy the softball field or the pond by the President's house – it's extremely relaxing.
Q: What is your favorite class/professor/why?
BB: Biology with Dr. Eric Miller, Assistant Professor and Dr. Shawn Holt, Professor. I learn a lot and enjoy biology.