March 4, 2013

OXFORD, Miss. – Ole Miss shortstop Haley Culley hit .526 in the Rebels’ seven games last week, helping guide Ole Miss to a 6-1 record. On Monday, the league office named Culley the Southeastern Conference Softball Freshman of the Week.

Culley had the highest batting average on the team last week among freshmen, and the second highest batting average overall. Batting last in the order in five of the Rebels’ seven games, Culley went 10-19 at the plate, recording the second highest hit total on the team. The Mesa, Ariz., native routinely got on base and also pushed base runners over to start the Rebel offense.

“We are really proud of Haley’s performance this weekend,” Ole Miss softball head coach Windy Thees said. “She’s only a freshman and she will have many more great weekends ahead.”

Culley also continued her stellar play defensively at shortstop, making 11 putouts and 12 assists while committing just one error. Her offensive and defensive play has helped spark the Rebels to a 16-9 start, which is tied for the second best start in the opening 25 games in program history. After starting 4-8, Ole Miss went on a program-record tying nine-game winning streak, and has won 12 of its last 13 games.

Culley had a hit in each of the Rebels’ seven games last week, including a 3-4 performance in Ole Miss’ first game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Feb. 27 that also saw her steal two bases. Culley then hit an RBI triple in the Rebels’ second game vs. the Lady Lions, and went 2-4 against UConn on March 2.

Ole Miss will open conference play Friday at Kentucky. The Rebels will play the Wildcats at 4 p.m. CT on Friday, and at noon CT on Saturday and Sunday.

For all Ole Miss softball news and information, go to OleMissSports.com and follow the Rebels on Twitter at @OleMissSoftball and on Facebook at Ole Miss Softball.