ESCANABA, MI – Bay College's Thijs Rijpstra (FR, Dongen, Netherlands) was awarded the MCCAA Northern Conference Pitcher of the Week for his performance during the week of April 29 through May 5.

Thijs started the week on Tuesday in a matchup with Alpena Community College.  With Bay still clinging to hopes of a Regional Tournament berth, he was brought on in relief in a jam.  Rijpstra got the Norse out of big trouble and finished the final 2 and two-thirds innings.  The Norse rallied during that period and ended up with a 10-5 victory.  Thijs gave up two hits, walked one, and struck out two.

Rijpstra took the ball for a start to open the weekend series against Community Christian College (MI) on Saturday.  He finished his season strong with a complete game effort, giving up two hits, two unearned runs, two walks, and struck out five.  He helped lead the Norse to a 7-2 win in the game in the midst of a ten-game win streak.

For the week Rijpstra picked up two wins in 9 and two-thirds innings.  He gave up just four hits, three walks, and two unearned runs while striking out seven.  Opponents hit just .125 against him for the week.

The Norse finished their season with a 24-18 record overall and an 11-9 conference record.