COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – After throwing the first Chadron State no-hitter in nearly 15 years, freshman pitcher Belle Akins was named the RMAC Pitcher of the Week by the league office on Tuesday. 

In her first career RMAC start, Akins threw five no-hit innings, allowing just two walks while striking out six batters, including the first and last hitters of the game. The no-no was the first by a Chadron State pitcher since Christina Lewis threw one against Nebraska-Kearney in February 2011. 

The no-hitter in the series finale was the capper on a big series for Akins. The Elkhorn, Nebraska native came on in relief in each of the first two games of the series on Sunday, earning a win and a save. 

Akins retired the side in order on nine pitches for a one-inning save to help CSC win the first game of the series and then threw 2.1 innings while allowing just two earned runs, keeping the Cowgirls at bay and earning the win when the Eagles rallied in the top of the seventh for an 11-9 win.

On the week, Akins pitched 8.1 innings with a 1.73 ERA as the Eagles took three of four games from New Mexico Highlands, winning every game in which Akins pitched. On the season, Akins has a team-best 1.87 ERA through 18.2 innings pitched.

After senior Tori Haug previously took home the award two weeks ago on February 10, Chadron State has now won two of the four RMAC Pitcher of the Week awards this season and two of the three in weeks that the Eagles have competed.

The Eagles continue RMAC play on the road this upcoming weekend, taking on UCCS on March 1-2. Starting times are set for 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sunday.