UC San Diego’s Tori Hinostro Earns Big West Freshman of the Week After Dominant Series at UC Riverside

Tritons infielder explodes at the plate with .667 average, powering UCSD to its first road series win of the season

LA JOLLA, Calif. | The UC San Diego Tritons softball continue to build momentum in Big West play, fueled by a breakout performance from freshman standout Tori Hinostro.

Hinostro was named Big West Softball Freshman of the Week after a dominant showing in UC San Diego’s road series victory over the UC Riverside Highlanders softball — a key milestone that marked the Tritons’ first road series win of the 2026 season.

The freshman infielder delivered elite production at the plate, going 4-for-6 over the final two games of the series while scoring two runs and driving in two more. Her weekend slash line — a remarkable .667/.667/.571 — underscored her efficiency and impact in clutch moments.

Hinostro’s emergence came at exactly the right time for UC San Diego. After contributing a pinch-hit single in the series opener, she stepped into a starting role at third base and immediately made her presence felt. Whether setting the tone at the top of the lineup or delivering timely hits, she provided a spark that helped the Tritons secure two crucial wins on the road.

Alabama’s Ambrey Taylor Earns SEC Freshman of the Week After Statement Series vs. No. 1 Texas

Crimson Tide infielder powers series win with clutch hitting, four RBIs, and a breakout performance against top-ranked Longhorns

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. | The Alabama Crimson Tide softball continue to surge in SEC play, and freshman standout Ambrey Taylor is at the center of that momentum.

Taylor was named SEC Softball Freshman of the Week following a breakout performance in Alabama’s statement series victory over the top-ranked Texas Longhorns softball — a result that sent a clear message across the college softball landscape.

The Jasper, Alabama native delivered when it mattered most, batting .333 (3-for-9) across the weekend while tying for the team lead with four RBIs. Her impact was most evident in Game 2, where she went 2-for-3 at the plate and ignited the offense with a towering solo home run to lead off the fourth inning.

She followed it up in the fifth with a clutch two-run single, extending Alabama’s lead and helping secure an emphatic 11–4 victory over the nation’s top-ranked team.

Taylor wasn’t done.

In the decisive Game 3, she delivered again — driving in a key run to help clinch the series and cap one of the most impressive weekends by a freshman in the SEC this season.

Freshman Class Fueling Alabama’s Rise

Taylor’s recognition marks her first career weekly honor and continues a dominant trend for Alabama’s freshman class. She becomes the third different Crimson Tide freshman to earn SEC Freshman of the Week honors this season, joining Kaitlyn Pallozzi and Ana Roman.

The youth movement doesn’t stop there.