LIVINGSTON, Ala. — Freshman right-hander Blake Westry, has been named Gulf South Conference Freshman of the Year, capping off a dominant debut season on the mound for No. 11 West Alabama.

Westry becomes the first GSC Freshman of the Year winner in program history since Luke Phillips took home the honor in 2017.

Westry, a native of Fairhope, Alabama, quickly established himself as one of the top arms in the GSC, leading the Tigers' pitching staff with consistency, command, and poise well beyond his years. The 6-foot-1 freshman finished the regular season with an 8-1 record across 13 appearances, posting a 2.24 ERA over 64.1 innings pitched.

Among conference leaders, Westry ranked second in ERA, tied for second in wins, and seventh in opposing batting average (.242), while also placing near the top in multiple other statistical categories. He allowed just 16 earned runs all season, second fewest in the GSC and surrendered only 17 total runs, the lowest mark in the conference.

Westry's ability to limit damage and control games stood out throughout the year. He recorded 43 strikeouts while holding opponents to just 57 hits, and he delivered multiple key performances against conference opponents. His season included a six-inning outing at Lee, a one-hit shutout performance against Mississippi College, and several scoreless starts that helped propel West Alabama into the national rankings.

In addition to his work on the mound, Westry was flawless defensively, finishing the season with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage.

His recognition as GSC Freshman of the Year highlights not only his individual success but also his importance to a Tigers team competing at a high level nationally. Westry becomes a cornerstone piece for West Alabama moving forward, with his freshman campaign setting the tone for what projects to be a standout collegiate career.