WSC Announces September Athletes of the Month
The Western State Conference announced its September Athletes of the Month on Tuesday, recognizing eight student-athletes from six different institutions.
Men's Cross Country - Allan Hancock sophomore John Gutierrez boasted top finishes in September, culminating in being recognized as the 5CTCA SoCal Runner of the Week for Week No. 4. After a 79th-place finish at the Crush Invite/State Preview (22:39), he finished second at the WSC Preview (22:15) before being the top community college finisher at the Gaucho Twilight (25:47) and wrapping up the month as the third-fastest community college runner at the UC Riverside Open (25:04).
Women's Cross Country - In her lone race in September, Moorpark sophomore Maya Natarajan took the top spot at the UC Riverside Open, finishing the 5,000-meter course in 17:35, edging the runner-up by six seconds. The performance earned her 5CTCA SoCal Runner of the Week honors for Week 4.
Women's Golf - After winning the 3C2A State Championships last year, Canyons sophomore Sahya Kitabatake is continuing to medal, winning each of the WSC tournaments in September. At Sterling Hills Golf Club (WSC #3), Kitabatake shot five-under par (65) and has finished one over in each of the four tournaments, leading Canyons to win the team title in each competition as well.
Men's Soccer - Freshman goalkeeper Greg Georgantellis helped lead No. 3 Santa Monica to a 4-0-3 September. The Waterloo, Belgium native recorded a 3-0-1 record in the goal, allowing only three goals and recording 20 saves in five total appearances, including a career-high nine saves in the team's 1-0 shutout at Chaffey.
Women's Soccer - Canyons sophomore forward Bailey Williamson has led the Cougars up the rankings to where they sit now at No. 2 behind her powerful offense. In September, Williamson chalked up four goals, including two gamewinners, and five assists. Overall, Canyons is off to its best start in program history, boasting a 9-0 record with five of the team's seven wins in September ending in shutouts, and Williamson ranks fifth in the state for assists.
Men's Water Polo - Citrus sophomore Liam Ross currently leads the Western State in goals scored and paced the Owls to a 3-1 record in September. The 6-0 attacker tallied 29 of the team's 74 total goals over the month, adding 16 assists. He has already scored 62 goals this season in just 12 matches, nearly besting his rookie season's 64 total.
Women's Water Polo - Ava Barclay has already made an immediate impact in her inaugural season at Santa Barbara in the goal, leading the Vaqueros to a 16-1 record in September and a No. 2 ranking in the state. Santa Barbara is currently on a 12-match winning streak thanks to Barclay's 117 saves, defeating a slew of ranked teams. She has only allowed 74 goals in 41 quarters and boasts 13 wins - the most in the state.
Women's Volleyball - Santa Barbara sophomore outside hitter Bayley Padia was named a CCCWVCA State Player of the Week for Week No. 4 for a reason. She led the Vaquero's to an 8-1 September, including six sweeps, and a No. 6 ranking in the state, starting and playing all nine matches and playing all six rotations. Padia led SBCC last month with 95 kills (3.16 kps), adding 71 digs (2.37 dps), 12 blocks, and 15 aces.
