The Iowa softball team earned its second individual award of the season on Monday.

After going 6-for-7 over the weekend against Michigan State, sophomore Liz Watkins was honored as Co-Big Ten Player of the Week.

The Taylor Ridge, Ill., native drove in three runs and belted her third home run of the season against the Spartans, boosting her average to .342 this year.

Watkins leads the Hawkeyes in slugging percentage, on-base percentage, and triples, in addition to being tied for the team lead in RBIs and doubles.

The accolade is the first Player of the Week honor of Watkins’ career. Northwestern’s Emily Allard and Ohio State’s Alicia Herron shared the honor with the Hawkeye sophomore.

Iowa (16-12-1) will play again on Wednesday in Ames against Iowa State.

— by Mitch Smith