University of Hawai'i freshman shortstop Jessica Iwata was named Louisville Slugger/National Fastpitch Coaches Association National Player of the Week, today, becoming the first UH player to earn the honor.

The freshman from Lihu'e went 12 for 20 last week with nine runs, 17 RBIs, two doubles, six home runs, two grand slams and two walks. She finished the week with a 1.600 slugging percentage, a .636 on-base percentage and a .600 batting average as Hawai'i went 5-0 on the road. In the Rainbow Wahine's final game against Boise State on Saturday, Iwata tied UH's and the WAC's single-game home-run record with three home runs while driving in a school and WAC single-game record of eight RBIs. She was named Western Athletic Conference Hitter of the Week yesterday.

Despite its success last week, Hawai`i (33-11 overall, 11-0 WAC) fell from its No. 25 spot in the NFCA Top 25 poll. The Rainbow Wahine received 50 votes in this week's poll, placing it one spot out of the Top 25.

Hawai'i hosts Louisiana Tech this weekend in a three-game conference series starting with a single game on Friday at 6 p.m. and a doubleheader on Saturday at 4 p.m.