Hansen voted Athlete of the Week for Apr. 24, 2008

Being a freshman in a collegiate athletic program is by rule a rocky learning process...just ask ThunderWolf pitcher, Alyssa Hansen.

Hansen was inserted into the Pack's pitching staff right away and asked to perform at a high level.  And to be bluntly honest, at first, she had her struggles.  In her very first start against Metro State, she was lit up for 14 runs on 11 hits.

But that was a very long time ago.

The Pack's number-three pitcher behind Kelsey Swanberg and Amber Higby, Hansen has been a solid third option, earning wins in her past two starts and only allowing 8 runs in her past 16 innings pitched.

Last weekend, as the ThunderWolves needed a win to surge ahead in the RMAC playoff race, Hansen was stellar, only allowing three hits and one run as the ThunderWolves scored an 11-1 over New Mexico Highlands in five innings. 

And just for good measure, she added another solid performance against Adams State Wednesday, pitching seven strong innings as the Pack claimed a 4-2 win. 

As the Pack continues to ride Alyssa's hot hand, the visitors to GoThunderWolves.com gave her the honor of being voted the CSU-Pueblo Athlete of the Week for April 24, 2008.

A NEW ATHLETE OF THE WEEK POLL WILL BE POSTED EVERY MONDAY THROUGH THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR!  TO VOTE, VISIT THE FRONT PAGE OF THE THUNDERWOLVES WEBSITE AT http://www.gothunderwolves.com/.

The final vote:

Thomas Cordova, Baseball (Hit .533 w/2 HRs & 6 RBI vs. Kearney) (106) 33%

Alyssa Hansen, Softball (Threw a three-hitter in win over Highlands) (187) 58%

Nicole Madrid, Women's Golf (Finished 12th at RMAC Championships) (26) 8%