ST. LOUIS – Freshman infielder Kennedy Frank (Chesterfield, Mo.) of the Drake University softball team was named the first Missouri Valley Conference Softball Newcomer of the Week for the 2016 season, the league office announced on Monday, Feb. 15.
 
Frank had an impressive debut weekend for Drake who compiled a 4-1 record at the UNI-Dome Classic. The first-year outfielder was 9-for-18 (.500) at the plate with one home run, three doubles, three runs scored and four runs batted in while compiling a .526 on-base percentage and an .833 slugging percentage. Frank smacked her first career home run, a two-run shot, in a win over South Dakota State on Sunday. In the five games, Kennedy didn't strikeout, drew one walk and stole two bases.
 
Drake will return to the field at the Razorback Invitational on Feb. 27-28 with one game each day against UMKC and the hosts, Arkansas.