April 9, 2007

DeKALB, Ill. - Northern Illinois second baseman Jordin Hood was named as the Mid-American Conference West Division Player of the Week announced by the league on Monday. The freshman from Hawthorn Woods, Ill., hit .412 and slugged .882 in four games against Illinois State and Kent State.

"This is a very nice recognition for Jordin and a reward for the hard work he has put in to improving his game," said head coach Ed Mathey. "It was good to see him recognized for the week he had as he continues to improve and become an important component of our team. I am happy for him and hopefully this spurs him on to more success."

The Lake Zurich High School product totaled seven hits and drove in five runs with two triples, a double and a home run during the week, a stretch that improved his batting average by 28 points. Against Illinois State, Hood set a career-high with three hits, including a home run in the Huskies' 8-6 triumph. In game two of the weekend series at Kent State, he equaled the school record with two triples as part of a career-best three hits and three RBI in an 11-8 NIU victory.

Hood is the first NIU freshman to receive a MAC Player of the Week honor since Dan Urban in 2001. For the year, Hood is batting .316 with four doubles, three triples, four home runs, 13 RBI and six stolen bases in 21 games and 76 at-bats.

NIU travels to Illinois State for a Tuesday evening contest before hosting a four-game homestand beginning with Valparaiso on Wednesday and continuing with a three-game series against MAC East leader Miami over the weekend.