Ruiz, Jones recognized as Apex Collision Center Student-Athletes of the Week

Wayland Baptist dance team member Elexia Ruiz and baseball pitcher Chase Jones are Apex Collision Center Student-Athletes of the Week.
 
Ruiz, a junior from Amarillo, and the rest of the Sapphires dance team ended their competition season Saturday at the American Dance & Drill Team Collegiate Nationals in Denton. Competing at the University of North Texas Coliseum, the Sapphires placed first in the team category in the NAIA division and runner-up to Texas Wesleyan in the overall NAIA competition.
 
Coach Samantha Spieler praised Ruiz for her dancing talent and dedication.
 
"Elexia has consistently brought her best to every practice and performance," Spieler said.
 
Jones, a 6-foot-1 freshman pitcher from Rowlett, helped the baseball team to a three-win week, appearing in three of the Pioneers' five games as a reliever. The right-hander threw a total of 5 2/3 innings, allowing just one run and one hit while striking out 11 and walking only one.
 
Jones earned his first save as he closed out a 2-0 win over University of the Southwest on Tuesday. After tossing 2 2/3 hitless innings against Southwestern Assemblies of God on Saturday, Jones came back Sunday to relieve starter Bryson Calaway, who struck out eight in five innings. In closing the 8-2 win, Jones fanned five batters as he and Calaway's 13 strikeouts were the most for the Pioneers in five years.

"Chase threw really, really well Saturday, and I felt confident he would do well Sunday," Wayland coach Brad Bass said.
 
Jones finished the week with a 1.59 ERA. He is leading the team with a 0.96 ERA in his 9 1/3 innings pitched in seven appearances, having allowed one earned run on three hits. He has 13 strikeouts against two walks.