CANTON, Ga. – After week one of action, Mazlyn Heyer of Southwestern and Katie Bejian of Rhodes capture SAA Athlete of the Week honors.
Around the SAA:
SAA Softball Schedule/Results
SAA Softball Standings
SAA Softball Stats
2026 SAA Softball Championship
Athletes of the Week:
Pitcher:
Mazlyn Heyer | Southwestern | JR | Willis, TX – Mazlyn Heyer anchored the circle during a series sweep of the Mountaineers, helping the Pirates secure wins of 11–9 in game one and 11–0 in game two. Heyer posted a 0.00 ERA and 0.68 WHIP across 7.1 innings pitched, allowing just five hits while issuing no walks and recording two strikeouts. She earned one win and one save on the weekend, delivering consistent, efficient performances that played a key role in the Pirates’ dominant sweep.
Athlete:
Katie Bejian | Rhodes | JR | Indian Trail, NC – Katie Bejian had a flawless opening weekend at the plate and in the field for Rhodes. Bejian went a perfect 5-for-5 in five at-bats, scoring four runs and driving in four RBIs. She posted a 1.000 batting average and 1.000 on-base percentage, while also going 2-for-2 on stolen base attempts. Bejian was an all-around force for the Lynx, delivering in key moments offensively while making no errors defensively. Her consistency, efficiency, and impact on both sides of the game were instrumental to Rhodes’ success.
Notable Performances:
Pitcher
- Hailey Marange | Millsaps | SO | Madisonville, LA – Millsaps softball sophomore pitcher Hailey Marange was strong in her Major debut, helping the team to a pair of victories over Centenary on Saturday. She entered in the top of the seventh in relief, forcing the final out and ultimately earned a 7-6 win. In Game Two, Marange earned the start and pitched 5.0 innings with only one run, two walks, and five hits against. She added a strikeout as the Majors would secure the sweep with a 3-1 decision.
- Taylor Petty | Rhodes | JR | Redlands, CA – Taylor Petty’s dominance in the circle set the tone for the Lynx in their season opener, providing immediate momentum and stability for the pitching staff. Petty delivered three scoreless innings, allowing zero hits and zero runs while striking out four batters. She held opposing hitters to a .000 batting average and finished the outing with a perfect 0.00 ERA.Her ability to command the zone and retire hitters efficiently showcased both poise and control, making her performance one of the most impactful pitching outings of the weekend.
Athlete
- Brynn Arena | Millsaps | SO | Prairieville, LA – Millsaps softball sophomore right fielder Brynn Arena was the difference maker in a pair of close wins, hosting Centenary College on Saturday. She finished with a .857 batting average (6-for-7) and a 1.000 slugging percentage. She combined for four stolen bases, a double and scored two runs in the 7-6 and 3-1 victories.
- Aryana Dunkelberger | Southwestern | FR | San Antonio, TX –In her collegiate debut, Aryana Dunkelberger turned in a dominant offensive performance, batting .857 (6-for-7) with a .889 OBP and 1.143 slugging percentage. She totaled two doubles, seven RBI, three runs scored, and two walks, delivering a standout performance and making an immediate impact that helped the Pirates sweep Schreiner University with scores of 11-9 in game one & 11-0 in game two.
2026 Softball Report Archive (AOW Athlete/Pitcher)
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