West Grove native and San Diego State University softball ace Maggie Balint has been named the Mountain West Conference Pitcher of the Year.

Balint’s exploits in the circle — where she compiled an 18-5 record with a 1.50 ERA (earned run average) — led the Aztecs (37-14) to the Mountain West Conference championship and their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2015.

Balint, a three-time Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year at Avon Grove High School, struck out 263 batters and walked just 35 in 177 innings this spring at SDSU. Also, opponents are hitting just .173 against her.

The 5-foot-8 power pitcher transferred to SDSU after playing her first two seasons of college softball at Oregon, where, as a freshman, she led the Ducks to the semifinals of the Women’s College World Series.

The Aztecs are at Arizona State for the NCAA Tempe Regional, and they open the double-elimination regional against LSU on Friday at 5 PM.