DALLAS – Following standout performances on opening weekend, Sam Houston infielder Ryan Franden and Liberty right-hander Ben Blair earned CUSA weekly honors.
 
CUSA Hitter of the Week – Ryan Franden, Sam Houston – R-Jr. – INF – Katy, Texas
Franden slugged his way to the first CUSA Hitter of the Week award after hitting .429 (6-14) with three home runs, a triple and nine RBI in a road series win at McNeese. The redshirt junior compiled multi-hit efforts and three RBI in each contest, including a two-homer performance in Sunday’s series finale win. He went 2-5 with a triple on Opening Day in a tight extra innings loss, followed by a 2-4 game with a homer and a walk in an 11-2 win on Saturday. Franden slugged 1.214 with a .467 on-base percentage.
 
CUSA Pitcher of the Week – Ben Blair, Liberty – Jr. – RHP – Gretna, Va.
The CUSA Preseason Pitcher of the Year lived up to his billing, opening the season with a win as he hurled 6.0 strong innings of work. Blair allowed no runs and fanned eight batters as he faced only two over the minimum. The junior flamethrower gave up one hit and hit a batter as he only needed 72 pitches to complete six innings. Blair helped the Flames’ pitching staff finish opening weekend with 31 strikeouts to only four walks issued.
 
2026 CUSA Hitters of the Week
F16     Ryan Franden, Sam Houston
 
2026 CUSA Pitchers of the Week
F16     Ben Blair, Liberty