By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Eric Waldichuk (Fr., 1B, San Diego, CA/University City HS) of Willamette University has been chosen Northwest Conference Baseball Position Player Student-Athlete of the Week for his efforts as the Bearcats swept a three-game series with Lewis & Clark College on Saturday, March 2 and Sunday, March 3. Willamette defeated the Pioneers 17-3 and 9-5 on Saturday, and completed the series with a 6-0 win on Sunday.

During the weekend, Waldichuk batted .400 (4 of 10) with a grand slam home run and a double, while scoring six runs and earning seven RBIs. He achieved an .800 slugging percentage and a .538 on-base percentage.

"Eric has steadily improved each week," Willamette Head Coach Aaron Swick said. "He has the ability to change the game with one swing and his at bats this weekend were a big part of our offensive success."

Waldichuk recorded a hit and a run in all three games. In the first game against Lewis & Clark, he went 2 of 3 with two walks, three runs and a grand slam. His grand slam brought in the final four runs in a 5-run fifth inning that gave Willamette an 8-2 lead. He had six RBIs in that game. In the third game, he hit an RBI double to drive in the third run in a 4-run sixth inning. He later scored to give WU a 4-0 lead.

The Bearcats are 8-3 on the season, including 5-1 in the NWC. Willamette will return to action this weekend with three games at Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon. The teams will open the series on Saturday, March 9 with a doubleheader starting at 12 p.m. (PST). Willamette and Linfield will complete the weekend by playing a single gam eon Sunday, March 10 at 12 p.m. (PDT).