Four Vikings earn league honors

BARSTOW - Four members of the Barstow softball team earned recognition in the Western States Conference.

Sophomores Annemarie Hernandez and Daisha Mitchell earned first and second team honors, respectively. Freshmen Alyssa Avalos and Alora Donovan earned honorable mention. The Vikings improved this season and finished with a 16-21-1 record - six more wins than last season.

Hernandez was an offensive force during her two seasons on the diamond. She led the team in hits with 49 and RBI with 55. She was also in the running for conference player of the year. Hernandez had 20 extra base hits and did not make an error in conference play at first base.

"She has such a good approach at the plate," said coach Tim Syrek. "One of my collegues told me he thought she was the toughest out in the conference."

Hernandez has offers to play next fall and is considering her options.

Mitchell for the second year was named to the second team all-conference. She scored 39 runs and had 13 stolen bases. Mitchell played all three outfield positions this season.

"Daisha had a lot of success in the league and I am sure she will continue to improve as she moves on from Barstow," Syrek said. "She's got a great attitude and loves the game."

While Avalos had some big hits throughout the season, she made her mark on defense. She was second on the team in RBI and in runs scored. She also anchored third base, played some second base and catcher.

"Wherever she played on defense she was dominant," Syrek said. "She is a very intense player and a natural leader."

Donovan hit .345 in the conference and was versatile on defense. She was solid at second base and also was a natural centerfielder.

"We moved Alora where we needed her on defense," Syrek said. "She was tough at second and when she was in the outfielder she was clutch. She made a lot of great plays for us and expect her defense and offense to improve next year."

While the four players earned individual awards, the team success propelled the four.

"We are going to miss all of our sophomores and their personalities," Syrek said. "It was a fun year and one to build on."

The Vikings will open the 2020 season on January 31 at the Dave Wilder Invitational in Glendale.