Sophia Kardatzke and Maddie Drerup highlight their second Player of the Week Honors of the season
4/20/2026 3:00:00 PM | Softball
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Big South Conference announced the Softball Player of the Week awards during the week of the Apr. 13-Apr. 19 where Sophomore Outfielder, Sophia Kardatzke was named Big South Softball Player of the week for the second time during the 2026 season followed by Maddie Drerup being named Co-Pitcher of the Week, marking her second weekly honor of the year as well.Â
Big South Player of the Week: Sophia KardatzkeÂ
As the story of her sophomore season continues to unfold, Sophia Kardatzke continues to turn up the heat for the Spartans as she was a key contributor to Upstate Softball's 3-0 week during the week of Apr. 13-19. Kardatzke finished with a .500 batting average through three games, adding four runs scored and recording a hit through each contest. Following a 1-for-3 performance in game one against ETSU, she followed with her sixth multi-hit game going 2-for-3 at the plate, while adding a three-RBI game and one home run ultimately helping the Spartans win game two in run rule fashion, 9-1. The following day in a crosstown showdown hosting Wofford, Kardatzke displayed a similar statline batting 2-for-4 at the plate, adding another three-RBI game and a home run to help Upstate avenge the February 24 loss to Wofford in a 6-2 effort on April 15. During the week, Kardatzke finished with a .545 on base percentage, 1.100 slugging percentage and did not strike out. As the Spartans continue their late season push for consistency as tournament time inches closer, the return of Sophia Kardatzke has given Upstate's lineup a boost and now adds her second Player of the Week honor in the month of April.Â
Big South Co-Pitcher of the Week: Maddie Drerup Â
The Senior from Fort Mill, South Carolina adds her second weekly award of her senior season continuing to prove to be the ace that can get it done. Drerup appeared and started in two games during the week of Apr. 13-19, controlling the circle striking out 10 batters through two games, one shutout win, only two runs surrendered, and 1.00 ERA. In Game one against ETSU, Drerup tied her season high with five strikeouts while only giving up two hits to shutout out the Bucs for her 14th win. The following day saw Maddie Drerup make the start in the circle against crosstown rival, Wofford College where she looked to avenge her previous performance in a 12-9 loss on February 24th. Drerup pitched her 20th complete game while striking out five batters and surrendering only two runs in a 6-2 win on April 15th. Maddie Drerup continues to be in the conversation for one of the best pitchers in the Big South, being ranked sixth in the ERA category and second in wins while going toe-to-to-toe with opposing top pitchers in the conference and winning the duel. In the NCAA, Drerup is ranked fifth with six shutouts, second in complete games, and #31 in wins. As Maddie Drerup continues to build her resume, this marks the first season where she has won the weekly award twice through her four-year career. Â
