FARMVILLE, Va. – Longwood University sophomore softball standout Emily Murphy has been named the Longwood Female
ARMS Software Athlete of the Week. The shortstop batted .800 (8-for-10) with six runs batted in, six stolen bases, five runs scored, an .867 on-base percentage and a 1.600 slugging percentage to help Longwood to a 3-1 record in its first weekend of action in 2014. Five of her eight hits were for extra bases, including three doubles, one triple and one home run. She was a perfect 7-for-7 at the plate through the first three games of the weekend, and had at least one hit in all four contests. Murphy earned Big South Choice Hotels Player of the Week honors for her efforts, as well.
Question and Answer Session with Emily Murphy and Travis Lyles
TL: How did it feel to be named Big South Player of the Week after the first weekend of competition?
EM: I was really excited to get out there. I was ready to play this past weekend. I came out swinging and it paid off.
TL: This past Saturday, you were a perfect 6-6 at the plate. Talk a little about your performance this weekend.
EM: It felt pretty amazing. I don’t think I have ever done that over a span of two games before, but the team has been working on its hitting and it has definitely paid off. I was just ready to play. Our first weekend of play got cancelled and we had a long preseason, so I was just anxious to get on the field and do well.
TL: You are now a sophomore and stepping into a leadership role on the team. What has that been like for you?
EM: It is difficult, and a pretty big role, but I am definitely up for the challenge.
TL: What are you looking forward to most this season?
EM: I am looking forward to winning a lot of games, which I think we can do. We have good chemistry on the team and I am really looking forward to seeing how we do.
TL: How has the team’s mindset changed this season after winning the Big South Championship last year?
EM: We have been working even harder than in past seasons. We want to have back-to-back championships and leave our mark on Longwood.
TL: What are the team goals for 2014?
EM: Well, of course winning the Big South Championship again, but also, we want to go a little bit further in Regionals, and win games there, as well.
TL: Who is your favorite professional athlete?
EM: I really like Derek Jeter because he plays shortstop like me, and he is a really hard worker.
TL: Who on Longwood’s campus inspires you the most?
EM: Coach Riley for sure because not only is she a softball coach, but she teaches us life lessons and is always there for us in times of need, as well.
TL: What is your favorite genre of music?
EM: Hip-hop, because I like to dance and get out there and be myself.
TL: What is your favorite memory at Longwood so far?
EM: Without a doubt, winning the Big South Championship last season.
TL: When you graduate from Longwood, what do you want people to say when they speak of your career?
EM: That I had a good career, and I represented the name on the front of the jersey, not just myself, and that I would do anything for the team.
