With big performances in opening weekend of conference play, Cal State Fullerton’s Nicole Johnson was honored for Big West Player of the Week, while Taylor Alvarez of UC Riverside was named Big West Pitcher of the Week.
Johnson Finished Perfect 5-for-5
The Titan’s starting infielder, Nicole Johnson went a perfect 5-for-5 at the plate, while reaching base in all of her 11 box appearances. In the weekend opener against conference opponent, Cal Poly, the Canyon Country native went 3-for-3 with three runs scored and four RBI, just one triple short of a cycle. This is Johnson’s first recognition of Big West Player of the Week this season.
In the second day of play at Cal Poly, the senior had a combined four walks, while being intentionally walked twice. She managed to go 1-for-1 in each contest, coming into score both times with a stolen base and a perfect 1.000 on base percentage.
Johnson finished second on the team in hits and RBI on the weekend while leading the team in runs scored and total bases.
Others nominated: Kayla White (UC Riverside), Megan Hom (Pacific)
Freshman Alvarez Get’s First Honor
The Canyon Lake native, Taylor Alvarez pitched two complete games last week for this week’s Big West Pitcher of the Week recognition. This is Alvarez’s first honor this season for her outstanding performance as a freshman.
For a total 13 innings pitched last week, Alvarez tossed her second shutout of the season against UC Davis. In a mid-week contest, the freshman pitched a total seven innings while allowing only one run on five hits with three strike outs. In the first conference matchup against Davis, she collected her first conference win this season in a shortened 8-0 win in six innings.
On the weekend, Alvarez faced 50 batters, only allowing nine hits with six strikeouts and only one earned run on the week.
Others nominated: Desiree Ybarra (Cal State Fullerton), Taylor Petty (Long Beach State), Justine Vela (UC Davis), Shelby Wisdom (UC Santa Barbara), Tori Shepard (Pacific)