BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Union third baseman/designated hitter Hudson Cepparulo has been named the Gulf South Conference Freshman of the Week for his outstanding performance in the Bulldogs' season-opening 2-1 series win over Limestone, the league office announced Tuesday.
 
Starting all three games, the rookie, who redshirted last season, went 7-14 with three doubles and a home run for a 1.429 OPS.
 
Cepparulo mashed a pair of two-baggers in his Union debut on Friday afternoon before finishing 1-3 in Union's offensively tepid middle game. The freshman then erupted in the rubber match with a 4-6 outing that included a double and a three-run home run. All told, Cepparulo crossed the plate four times and drove in five.
 
Through the opening weekend, the Paris, Tennessee, native leads the conference with seven hits and is sixth in both slugging percentage (.929) and OPS. He is one of two GSC competitors with three doubles.
 
Union paces the conference with 37 hits and trails only Christian Brothers in total runs (28). 
 
Cepparulo's award is Union's first of the sort since Elijah Ramsey was named Freshman of the Week in March 2024 and just the second since 2020.
 
The Bulldogs will next take on UVA-Wise on the road in the form of two noon doubleheaders on Saturday and Sunday. GSC play will begin for Union when the Bulldogs host Valdosta State on February 14-15 at Fesmire Field.
 
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