Christina Shanko Named Big East Pitcher of the Week

PROVIDENCE, RI (March 19, 2001) - Sophomore righthander Christina Shanko (Delmont, PA/Franklin Regional) was named the BIG EAST Pitcher of the Week on March 19 after leading the Seton Hall softball team to the George Mason Patriot Classic championship this past weekend. Shanko threw two no-hitters, including a perfect game on Sunday, March 18, and was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

Seton Hall went 3-1 at the tournament and was named champion after allowing the least amount of runs. The Pirates defeated Lafayette (3-2), George Mason (12-0) and Siena (13-0) and lost 1-0 to Long Island.

Shanko pitched against George Mason on Saturday, throwing a five-inning no hitter. She allowed two baserunners (one walk, one reached on an error) and struck out seven. Against Siena on Sunday, she threw a perfect game, striking out seven in Seton Hall's five-inning victory.

For the tournament, she was 2-0 with 14 strikeouts and one walk in 10 innings pitched.

Shanko was named to the Patriot Classic All-Tournament Team along with fellow pitcher Misty Beaver (Machesney Park, IL/Harlem), who was 1-1 with a 1.02 ERA at the tourney.

Shanko is 2-3 this season with a 2.16 ERA. Last year she set a single-season school record with a 1.01 ERA, finishing 12-10 for the Pirates as a freshman.

Seton Hall is 4-5 this year. The Pirates travel to Marist for a doubleheader on Saturday, March 24, at 1:00 p.m.