MONTEVALLO, Ala. – Montevallo Athletics has named baseball's
Jack Fitzgerald and softball's
Taylor Lloyd as the Montevallo Players of the Week presented by Jack's for the week of February 2.
Jack Fitzgerald (Baseball)
Jack Fitzgerald delivered a dominant opening weekend at the plate, providing consistent power and run production as Montevallo baseball secured a series win over Hillsdale. Across three games, Fitzgerald totaled three home runs, 11 RBI, and three extra-base hits, anchoring the Falcons' offense in a high-scoring series.
Fitzgerald made an immediate impact in the season opener, launching a two-run home run in the second inning of game two to give Montevallo an early lead. He followed with a solo shot in the fifth to tie the game, finishing the contest 3-for-6 with two home runs and three RBI in a 15-inning marathon.
Fitzgerald continued his hot streak on Sunday, turning in one of the most productive performances of his career. Fitzgerald drove in eight runs, collecting a bases-clearing double, a three-run triple, and a solo home run as Montevallo beat Hillsdale, 18-14, to clinch the series victory. He also drew a bases-loaded walk and scored multiple runs in the back-and-forth contest.
For the weekend, Fitzgerald finished 4-for-8 with three home runs, 11 RBI, and multiple clutch hits, powering an offense that totaled 18 runs in the series finale and five home runs on opening day.
Taylor Lloyd (Softball)
Taylor Lloyd opened the 2026 season with a pair of poised performances on the mound, helping Montevallo softball earn wins over No. 18 Rogers State and Middle Georgia State at the Gulf Shores Invitational. Lloyd posted a 2-0 record, allowing just one earned run across the weekend while recording 10 strikeouts.
Lloyd earned the complete-game victory against No. 18 Rogers State, working seven strong innings and holding the nationally ranked Hillcats to one run on six hits. She struck out eight batters, including a critical strikeout with the bases loaded in the sixth inning to preserve Montevallo's lead. Lloyd closed the game by retiring the final two batters to secure a 5-1 win.
Later in the day, Lloyd picked up her second win after entering in relief against Middle Georgia State. She recorded the final outs in the seventh inning to force extras, then returned in the eighth to keep the Knights off the board before Montevallo walked it off for a 3-2 victory.
On the week, Lloyd totaled 8.1 innings pitched, allowed seven hits and one earned run, issued just two walks, and finished with a 0.84 ERA, showcasing composure and efficiency against strong early-season competition.
MONTEVALLO PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Sept. 8
Dominic Kienzle Men's Soccer
Ciara Duff Women's Soccer
Sept. 15
Zak Ferguson Men's Cross Country
Francesca DeRoover Women's Golf
Sept. 29
Dominic Kienzle Men's Soccer
Mallory Hulsey Volleyball
Oct. 6
Andre Etcheverry Men's Soccer
Lainey Farabaugh Women's Soccer
Oct. 13
Zak Ferguson Men's Cross Country
Maggie McColley Volleyball
Oct. 21
Ethan Brewer Men's Swimming
Keara McGee Women's Swimming
Oct. 27
Zak Ferguson Men's Cross Country
Blakeley Robbins Volleyball
Nov. 3
Cole Hunt Wrestling
Keara McGee Women's Swim
Nov. 10
Andre Etcheverry Men's Soccer
Lainey Farabaugh Women's Soccer
Nov. 17
Derek Moore Men's Basketball
Danielle Greene Volleyball
Dec. 1
Derek Moore Men's Basketball
Elyse Hughes Women's Basketball
Dec. 8
Brandon Fussell Men's Basketball
Emily Mouser Women's Basketball
Dec. 15
Cole Hunt Wrestling
Elyse Hughes Women's Basketball
Jan. 5
Brandon Fussell Men's Basketball
Audrey Hendrix Women's Basketball
Jan. 12
Zak Ferguson Men's Track & Field
Alexandria Morgan Women's Swim
Jan. 19
Derek Moore Men's Basketball
Keara McGee Women's Swim
Jan. 26
Bryant James Men's Basketball
Emily Mouser Women's Basketball
