The562’s Athletes of the Week is sponsored by the Long Beach Century Club.
Congratulations to our Athletes of the Week and thanks to the Long Beach Century Club and Naples Rib Company for their support.
HIGH SCHOOL
Sydney Mercado, Long Beach Poly Volleyball
Long Beach Poly libero Sydney Mercado was an assassin from the back line, with three aces as well as 22 points won in Poly’s comeback semifinal win over Windward. No other player on either team won more than 11 points from the end line. Mercado also had 12 digs in the match and seven digs with three aces in the quarterfinals.
Lala Hall, Lakewood Volleyball
Fresno State commit Lala Hall led Lakewood with 13 kills in their five-set thriller against La Salle in the quarterfinals. Hall, a complete all-around player, averaged a double-double with kills and digs in Lakewood’s run to the semifinals.
Keegan Abing, Wilson Water Polo
Wilson’s Keegan Abing helped his team get off to a great start with a hat trick in the first half of the Bruins’ blowout playoff win. That win puts the Bruins into the second round where they’ll travel to Huntington Beach this week.
Sean Kerry, Long Beach Poly Water Polo
Poly goalie Sean Kerry has been lights out this year and that’s continued in the playoffs. Kerry helped Poly win an opening-round thriller with 11 saves and just five goals allowed in a first-round win over La Salle.
Christian Martin, St. Anthony Football
Christian Martin was the hero on Friday for St. Anthony as he hit three field goals in a win over Crespi, including this game winner as time expired. The win lifts the Saints into second place in their league.
Aaya McLyn, Long Beach Poly Flag Football
Aaya McLyn had a heroic performance to lead Long Beach Poly to a comeback quarterfinal win over Esperanza. She caught Poly’s first touchdown then switched to QB and threw for 3 more as Poly stormed back with 18 unanswered points to reach this week’s semifinals.
Mandy Oliveros, CAMS Tennis
Just like last year, CAMS sophomore Mandy Oliveros beat a quality opponent from Wilson to take the Moore League singles championship. Oliveros finished her near perfect tournament by beating Wilson senior Vannesa Holden 6-2, 6-2. A top 25 junior player in SoCal, Oliveros will now focus on CIF play.
Victoria Valenzuela, St. Anthony Golf
Victoria Valenzuela has won the last three Del Rey League individual championship tournaments she has entered. The St. Anthony senior held off an illness and a late charge from an opponent and clinched her three-peat late last week, winning by two strokes and advancing to CIF-SS individual play.
