By Greg Prouty

Special to the News-Herald

Richard Bland College freshman softball standout Kay’Lee Justice of Suffolk has been named the Athletics Department’s Athlete of the Week for the period April 12-18.

Justice helped the Statesmen to a 4-0 week, including a doubleheader sweep on the road at Hagerstown (Md.) Community College (9-1, 20-6) and sweep of two Region 10 home games past Surry (N.C.) Community College (7-6, 9-3).  Justice hit .615 (8-13) with two home runs, three doubles, seven runs, eight RBIs, four walks and one stolen base in the four games.

Justice was 3-6, with the two home runs and five RBIs, during the sweep of Surry on April 15, after going 5-7, with the three doubles and three RBIs, during the wins at Hagerstown on April 13.

Justice has started 35 of 35 games for Richard Bland (18-18, 12-7) and has a .396 batting average (44-111), seven home runs, two triples, 13 doubles, 34 runs, 40 RBIs, 14 walks and two stolen bases.

She adds a .477 on-base percentage and an .739 slugging percentage, along with a .783 fielding percentage (129 chances, 43 putouts, 58 assists) — mainly at shortstop.

Justice leads the Statesmen in walks, is tied for the team lead in doubles, second in home runs, RBIs, on-base percentage and slugging percentage, tied for second in triples and is fifth in batting average.

Athletes of the Week are chosen by members of the Richard Bland Athletics Department.

Q: How does it feel to be named Richard Bland Athlete of the Week?
KJ: It is an amazing opportunity and I am very thankful.

Q: How did you get started in your sport and how long have you played?
KJ: I actually started with soccer and realized that it was not for me, so I tried softball and I fell in love with the sport.  I have been playing for 12 years.

Q: What do you like most about your team?
KJ: There is never a dull moment … someone is always making a joke or doing something to make people laugh.

Q: Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?
KJ: I listen to the same song before every game.  I never braid my hair, wear batting gloves or bows.

Q: What is your favorite place on campus, and why?
KJ: The RBC Softball Field.  I really love being there after practice to see the sunset and watch it fall behind the trees.