West Virginia Tech University’s Bridgett Goss has been named the Association of Independent Institutions Athlete of the Week for March 4-10.

The 2012 Franklinton High graduate won her first three career games, going 3-0 and allowing four earned runs over 13.1 innings with five strikeouts. Goss had a monster week at the plate, going 7-of-13 (.538 batting average) with 10 RBIs, six runs scored four doubles and she slugged .692.

The Golden Bears joined the A.I.I. at the beginning of the school year and Goss is the second WVU player to ever receive this honor. Women’s basketball player Nia Nolan was the first.

“It’s a really big deal because we just got in this (conference),” Goss said. “Only one other player received this before me. It was funny because it seemed like everybody knew before me. I was in class and when I got out, my dad (Bo) knew it. It’s not something I was expecting this year. I’m just trying to learn what it is like to be a college athlete and my position on the field. It’s harder, but it’s worth it.”

The freshman said the key to her early success is determination.

“Playing in college has been my lifelong goal,” Goss said. “I did everything in my power I could to accomplish it. Now I want succeed as much on the field as I have in the classroom.”

Goss entered the weekend with a 3-2 record and 2.92 ERA over five games, all starts and she three completed. She’s thrown 24 innings, with five strikeouts and 11 walks. Opponents are hitting just .216 against her.

She’s also had success at the plate. Goss is leading the team with a .467 batting average, .733 slugging percentage and .529 on base percentage. She’s doubled four times and she’s second on the Golden Bears with 10 RBIs.

Golden Bears’ coach Karin Gadberry, who played for Southeastern Louisiana University and graduated from SLU, said Goss has been a great addition to the team and the school. Gadberry said she first saw Goss pitch at the Covington Winter Showcase last January.

“Previously I coached at Southeastern Louisiana University before coming to WV Tech and know what good talent the state of Louisiana has in softball,” Gadberry said. “Bridgett displayed all the qualities I was looking for in a Golden Bear softball player. I knew the school would be the right fit for her and she would be a great fit for us. This past weekend she helped spark our team at the plate and on the mound. She really went to work in the pitcher’s circle only giving up 6 total runs in 13.1 innings. It was great to see her get her first collegiate win with more to come.”

The Golden Bears began the weekend with a 5-4 record and riding a four-game winning streak.

Goss, a psychology major, is the daughter of Bo Goss of Bogalusa and the late Karen Martin.