Hutchinson CC Sports Information

Sophomore shortstop Bailey Backhaus and freshman pitcher Aubree Thomas were named the Jayhawk Conference Division I Softball Player and Pitcher of the Week, respectively on Tuesday.

The No. 22-ranked Blue Dragons opened the 2025 season last Friday with a doubleheader sweep of Western Oklahoma State, winning 6-3 and 4-1.

Backhaus, a sophomore shortstop from Newkirk, Oklahoma, went 4 for 8 with a double, run scored two RBIs and four stolen bases. Backhaus had three hits in Game 1, including a two-run double.

Making her collegiate debut, Thomas tossed six shutout innings in the 4-1 win in Game 2 win. Thomas scattered just four hits and didn't face more than four batters in any single inning. She struck out three and walked only one over her six innings. Thomas fielded her position flawlessly with three assists in three defensive chances.