AUSTINTOWN — Wilmington College sophomore Kylie Ford has been named the Ohio Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Week, the league office announced.

Ford (Springfield Northeastern) posted a 2-1 record in four starts as Wilmington opened the 2010 softball season in the Gene Cusic Classic in Fort Myers Fla. The sophomore right-hander struck out 41 batters in 24.1 innings and fired her first career no-hitter in Wilmington’s 8-0 win over Wheelock College.

“Kylie came out focused and ready to play,” Wilmington head coach Beth Floyd said. “She took control of every ballgame she pitched and is off to a tremendous start to her sophomore season.”

Floyd said Ford’s athletic abilities are complimented by her leadership skills.

“She is a natural leader. She takes control in the circle,” Floyd said. “She plays hard and her teammates play hard behind her. She’s just always in charge and very calm. She has a very positive effect on her teammates.”