Athletes of the week

Abby Haydu MENTOR>>SOFTBALL SOPHOMORE>>FIRST BASE

On the diamond: In four games, batted 9-for-14with two doubles, two home runs and eight RBI.

Off the field: Favorite summer activity is playing on her travel softball team. “Every team I have belonged to has made me into the person and player I am today and I am very grateful for those experiences.” Her most memorable sports achievement was winning the 2020 World Series in Columbus. Her favorite activities are hiking, creek walking, and spending time laughing with her friends. Her favorite movies are “Field of Dreams,” “Karate Kid,” and “Rocky.” Enjoys watching “Grey’s Anatomy” with friends. Loves listening to country music and reading her favorite books. Favorite teams are the Browns, Ohio State and the Indians.

Khalil Littlejohn BRUSH>>BASEBALL SENIOR>>CATCHER/PITCHER

On the diamond: In a 4-0 week, batted 8 of 13 with three doubles, one triple, nine runs scored, eight RBI, three walks, one hit by pitch and a .076 OBP. On the mound, struck out 11in 4 innings against Cleveland Heights. Earned the save against Valley Forge, striking out seven in three innings.

Off the diamond: Has been playing baseball since he was 5. Favorite sports memory is when the Cavaliers won the NBA championship. Favorite subject is the construction program at Excel Tecc. Enjoys playing video games and hanging out with friends.

Andrew Spencer KIRTLAND>>BASEBALL SENIOR>>PITCHER/OUTFIELD

On the diamond: Threw a one-hitter against Crestwood. In two starts for the week, went 14 innings, gave up two earned runs, seven hits and struck out 22. Batting, was 6for 16with a double, a triple, five runs and six RBI.

Off the diamond: “Lucky” will play baseball at Mount Union. Favorite sports memory is striking out nine batters in a row. Hobbies include fishing and cooking. Favorite show is “Breaking Bad.” Favorite movie is “Moneyball.” Favorite team is the Indians.

Heather Arslanian HAWKEN>>GIRLS LACROSSE SENIOR>>MIDFIELDER

On the field: In a victory over Lake Catholic, scored six goals, had three assists and 10draw controls.

Off the field: Moreland Hills resident lists the 2019regional final against Chagrin Falls as one of her favorite sports memories. “It was intense and the last game before COVID-19. After missing last season, this game was a memory and made me appreciate each day of lacrosse.” Also plays field hockey. Holds the school record for most goals in one game and has been named first team all-region every year. Loves watching documentaries., eating desserts, volunteering and spending time with friends and family. Plans on majoring in international business. Her favorite subjects are Spanish and math.

Joshua Lombardo HAWKEN>>BOYS LACROSSE JUNIOR>>ATTACK/MIDDLE

On the field: Had five goals against Revere, three against Avon Lake and five against Kent Roosevelt.

Off the field: Mentor resident plans on playing lacrosse in college. One of his favorite sports memories is the lacrosse team’s trip to Myrtle Beach in 2019. “It was a great team bonding experience, and as a freshman allowed me to connect and create relationships with the seniors and other upperclassmen. In addition, I always enjoy the summer club tournaments in which I get to play with kids from all over the country and meet new people with the same interests.” Enjoys watching Cleveland teams including the Browns and Cavaliers. Enjoys math class and a “semester-long engineering class that allows me to be hands on and work alongside others to solve a problem.”

Jenna Oriani CHARDON>>GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD SENIOR>>SPRINTS

On the track: Won the 100 meters at the Avon Lake Invitational in 12.4, won the 200 in 25.55 and anchored the winning 4x400 relay. Chardon won the team championship.

Off the field: Will continue her track and field career at Ball State. Favorite sports memory is competing at the 2019state meet. Favorite food is spaghetti and meatballs. Favorite teams are the Browns, Indians and Cavaliers.

Javin Richards PERRY>>BOYS TRACK AND FIELD JUNIOR>>POLE VAULT, HURDLES, SPRINTS

On the track: At the Beach Run Invitational, took first in the pole vault with a personal record 14-10 ¾. Won the 110-meter hurdles in a personal-best 15.3. Anchored the third-place 4x400 relay with a 51.0 split. Took second in the javelin.

Off the track: “Jav” lists athletics and gaming as hobbies. Favorite subject is math. Favorite foods are Pulp, Chipotle and Chick-fil-A. Favorite team is Ohio State.

Paige Floriea MENTOR>>GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD SENIOR>>SPRINTS AND LONG JUMP

On the track: At the Austintown Invitational, won the long jump, 100 meters, 200, 400 and helped the Cardinals win the team championship.

Off the track: Will be running track at the University of North Carolina. Favorite show is “One Tree Hill.” Hobbies include baking and painting.

Varsity coaches from all sports can nominate athletes for Players of the Week until 8p.m. every Monday. They can be emailed to Scores@News-Herald.com. We do not take nominations via social media or text message.