PC student-athletes honored
At Porterville College’s 10th annual Academic and Athletic Achievement Awards ceremony Monday night inside a packed Student Center on campus, dozens of PC student athletes were honored for their academic and athletic accomplishments.
“As a student athlete, you have developed skills that will help you be successful in life no matter what you choose to do,” PC interim President Bill Henry told the student athletes before the awards were presented. “Those skills include discipline, setting goals and the importance of teamwork.”
The awards and winners were:
FRESHMEN OF THE YEAR,
presented to first-year student athletes for demonstrated excellence in his or her sport:
Chelsea Ramos, softball, third-baseman: A Monache High graduate, Ramos led the team in batting average (.564), runs batted in (50), slugging percentage (1.051), on-base percentage (.630) and stolen bases (nine). Her batting average was tops in the Northern California region and second in all of California. Regional coaches named her to the All-northern California team and in week 2 the California Community College Fastpitch Coaches Association recognized her as player of the week.
Elijah Cardenas, men’s basketball, guard: Cardenas played both guard spots for the Pirates. He was second on the team in 3-pointers made, connecting on 38 percent of his shots from behind the arc. He also made 89 percent of his free throws.
Andres Garza, baseball, shortstop: Garza was sure-handed at his shortstop position, committing just six errors all season. He was also an anchor in the batting lineup, hitting in the top three spots all year. He hit .274 and scored 15 runs.
SOPHOMORES OF THE YEAR,
presented to second-year student athletes for demonstrated excellence in his or her sport:
Ashlyn Miller, volleyball, libero: Originally from Strathmore and a Porterville High graduate, Miller tallied 80 sets and 10 kills. Miller will continue her volleyball career at Presentation College in South Dakota.
Brandon Lozano, baseball, outfielder: Lozano, a Monache graduate, produced 18 hits and scored 13 times. An injury forced him to miss all of last season, but he came back stronger than ever and turned in a great season.
PIRATES OF THE YEAR,
presented to student athletes who demonstrate a team-first attitude and show heart, spirit and dedication:
Shantae Gutierrez, softball, shortstop: A freshman from Orange Cove High who made