The calendar has turned the page to April and that means the spring sports season is kicking into overdrive as every event is more meaningful as the end of the season and the school year nears.
So it’s a perfect time for our weekly Athlete of the Week vote to continue honoring some of the top performers of the spring.
Before we get to this week’s honorees, let’s give a shoutout to Indio softball stud Jaeda Diaz who you voted for as last week’s winner. Diaz has the Rajahs rolling and she hit a solo homer and a two-run homer in a 3-2 win over San Jacinto last week.
Now let’s take a look at this week’s nominees who span from the pool to the track to the diamond.
Simply read the accolades of this week’s five nominees and then vote for your favorite in the poll at the bottom of this article at desertsun.com. Whoever has the most votes at noon on Saturday will be the weekly winner.
Coaches, parents and athletes, we love to get nominations. Please send us the pertinent details to sports@desertsun.com.
Without further ado, here are this week’s nominees in alphabetical order.
Oscar Alvarez, Desert Mirage swimming
What he did: Alvarez is a model of perseverance for the Rams, and his coaches believe he deserves accolades, not for his fast times but for what he’s meant to the team. When he first joined, Alvarez didn’t know how to swim, but stuck with it and developed into one of the team’s fastest. The team has had a lot of attrition, but Alvarez stands out with his loyalty and quiet leadership as an impactful example for his teammates and the school.
Jake Hermsen, Xavier Prep track and field
What he did: The Saints distance specialist won both the 1,600-meter run and the 3,200-meter run in a dual meet against Shadow Hills on Thursday. He won the 1,600 in 4:48.81 and the 3,200 in 10:01.31, a personal record time, and edged out the Knights’ top runner in a rare photo finish in the long race by just a half of a second.
Jose Rodriguez, Indio baseball
What he did: In the first DVL game of the season against their rivals from Coachella Valley, Indio junior Jose Rodriguez pitched a gem and the Rajahs needed every bit of it in a 1-0 win. Rodriguez allowed just two hits and one walk in the shutout while striking out 7 along the way.
Jenica Silvas, Twentynine Palms
What she did: Silvas is one of the top softball players around and she does it with power and speed. Silvas had three runs scored, a two-run triple and four stolen bases in a non-league win over Xavier Prep. She is hitting a jaw-dropping .686 on the season with 24 hits in 35 plate appearances. She has five homers and 18 steals so far.
Ava Valenzuela, Shadow Hills softball
What she did: The Knights’ ace has helped the team to a 7-0 start in league play, but it was a non-league gem on Monday night that showcased her skill. Valenzuela pitched a shutout in an impressive 2-0 win over Riverside Poly. She yielded three hits and struck out 10 with zero walks.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: It’s time to vote for The Desert Sun Athlete of the Week. Who will you choose?
Reporting by Shad Powers, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
