OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. -- The Amateur Softball Association, the National Governing Body of Softball in the United States, announced today the selection of UCLA shortstop Natasha Watley as the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Week for the week of March 3-9.

Watley's national recognition comes after an outstanding performance this past weekend at the Hedrick's Hallowell Chevrolet Classic in Fresno, Calif. The senior from Irvine, Calif., hit .786 during the tournament, going 11-for-14 with seven RBI, one sacrifice fly, and team highs in hits (11), runs scored (7), triples (1), walks (2) and stolen bases (8).

She had at least two hits in each of UCLA's five games last weekend, and had at least one stolen base in every game. She went 2-for-3 with three RBI and a two-run triple against No. 15 DePaul. In the final game of the tournament, Watley went 2-for-2, scored three runs and stole three bases to defeat host Fresno State 5-0.

With her performance this past weekend, Watley raised her season batting average by 44 points, going from .488 a week ago to .532 entering this week.

The Bruins are off for winter quarter finals but return to action on March 25 when they travel to Cal State Fullerton.

The USA Softball National Player of the Week is designed to acknowledge outstanding athletic achievement by individuals on a weekly basis. Each recipient of the USA Softball National Player of the Week Award will receive an engraved plaque and will be national recognized for their accomplishments. A complete list of winners can be found on the USA Softball web site at www.usasoftball.com.

The Amateur Softball Association, founded in 1933, is the National Governing Body of amateur softball in the United States and a member of the United States Olympic Committee. As the National Governing Body, the ASA is responsible for identifying, selecting and training male and female athletes to compete in World, Pan American and Olympic competitions. It is also responsible for promoting and growing the sport of softball across the country.