Claflin University softball player Markea Sheppard was named the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Week March 26, helping the Panthers pick up four wins over Morris College and Paine College in back-to-back doubleheaders contests March 24-25.

A Covington native, Sheppard tallied nine hits in 11 at-bats, finishing the week with an .818 batting average with two home runs, two doubles and five singles.

Sheppard recorded eight runs scored and knocked in 10 RBIs during the four game stretch, while going a perfect 5-for-5 in stolen base opportunities.

The Panthers are currently 28-5 overall and 12-2 in conference play, winning their last 11 games.

Claflin has been as deadly on the road this season as they have been at home, posting an 11-1 mark in road contests in 2014.

For the season, Sheppard is leading the Panthers with a .510 batting average, picking up 49 hits in 96 total at-bats.

The junior also leads the team in runs scored (41) and slugging percentage (.854).

Sheppard is tied for the team with six home runs and has also recorded three triples and nine doubles.

Claflin returns to action today on the road against Morris College in Sumter, S.C.