Valparaiso senior pitcher Andrea Zappia (Indianapolis, Ind./Franklin Central) has been named one of 30 candidates nationwide for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award in the softball division.  In addition, Zappia was honored by the Horizon League as its Pitcher of the Week.

The Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award is presented annually to NCAA Division I student-athletes in eight sports.  The award, which focuses on the “Four C’s” of classroom, character, community and competition, honors those players who excel on the field, in the classroom and in the community.  Arizona outfielder Caitlin Lowe won the inaugural award in the softball division in 2007.

From the list of 30 nominees, a national media committee will select 10 finalists for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award in late March 2008. Those ten names will be placed on the official ballot for a nationwide vote that will include coaches, media and fans. The award winner will be announced and recognized at the 2008 NCAA Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City.

Zappia was also recognized by the Horizon League as its Pitcher of the Week for the week ending March 2.  The senior struck out seven straight batters in the first two innings against Sacred Heart on Sunday on her way to a three-hit shutout with 12 strikeouts.  She followed by pitching a hitless 2.1 innings in relief to earn the win later that day over Holy Cross.

On the season, Zappia owns a 3-2 record with a 0.97 ERA.  In 29 innings, she has allowed just 13 hits and five walks while striking out 31 batters.  The senior has not allowed an earned run over her last 19 innings of work.