Kansas City, Mo. - The MIAA announced their weekly Baseball Athlete of the Week awards Monday afternoon, naming Garrett Rice this week's Hitter of the Week. This is Rice's first MIAA Hitter of the Week award in his career.  

Playing host to #19 Central Oklahoma, Garrett Rice started at first base in all three contests for the Lions. He played a key role in Southern's series victory over the Bronchos, helping the team bounce back with 11-1 and 17-6 wins in games two and three. Over the three game stretch, Rice recorded a batting average of .538, going 7-13 at the plate. Of those seven hits, two were doubles and one was a three-run home run, driving in a total of 10 runs and scoring another 5 himself. 

On the season, Rice is hitting .300 with a .609 slugging percentage. He has recorded 33 hits, 8 being doubles, 1 triple, and 8 home runs, driving in 39 runs which is the third-most on the team. Additionally, he has scored 31 runs, drawn 16 walks, and stolen 6 bases. 

The team will be on the road for their next four contests, taking on Rogers State in Claremore, Oklahoma on Tuesday to wrap up their series spread throughout the season. Starting Friday, the Lions will face the Riverhawks of Northeastern State in a three game series at Tahlequah, Oklahoma.