WATERVILLE, Maine – University of Maine at Farmington first-year pitcher Natalie Simpson (Bucksport, Maine) was named the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Pitcher and Rookie of the Week, the conference office announced Monday afternoon.

Simpson made a pair of appearances last week, the first coming in relief on Wednesday on the road against Colby College. She came out of the bullpen and threw three innings, allowing just one earned run on two hits while striking out two and issuing no walks.

Simpson drew the start on Saturday in the Beavers' NAC season opener on the road at Lesley. She went all seven innings, allowing three runs—all unearned—on two hits while recording a career-high nine strikeouts in Farmington's 8-3 win over the Lynx.

Across the 10 innings she pitched last week, Simpson finished 1-0 while posting a 0.90 ERA and a 0.90 WHIP. She has made seven appearances so far this season, totaling 30? innings, allowing just 13 earned runs, and owning a team-best 2.97 ERA. Opposing hitters are batting just .246 against her this season.

Simpson and the Beavers return to action Saturday in their home opener against SUNY Delhi.