All-Around Excellence: GSAC Players of the Week Recognized

3/30/2026 3:00:00 PM

The latest slate of weekly honors highlights a dominant stretch across multiple sports, with standout performances powered by explosive offense, lockdown defense, and clutch playmaking. From record-setting baseball outings to commanding performances on the volleyball court and gridiron, this week’s honorees delivered across the board and played pivotal roles in their teams’ success. These awards are presented by athletic solutions. 
Isaiah Lane – Baseball Player of the Week (Hope International)
Junior shortstop Isaiah Lane put together one of the most electric offensive weeks of the season, leading Hope International to a commanding four-game sweep over Embry-Riddle. Lane hit an incredible .583 (7-for-12), showcasing both consistency and power with two doubles, a triple, and two home runs. He crossed the plate 11 times and added four RBIs, while also drawing four walks and swiping three bases.
What made Lane’s performance even more impressive was his elite efficiency at the plate. He posted a .706 on-base percentage and a staggering 1.417 slugging percentage, homering in back-to-back games and consistently creating scoring opportunities. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways fueled a lopsided 44-2 run differential for Hope International during the series.
Franky Lopez – Baseball Pitcher of the Week (Hope International)
Senior pitcher Franky Lopez delivered a dominant outing on the mound, setting the tone for Hope International’s series sweep with a stellar performance in a 16-0 victory. Lopez tossed 6.0 shutout innings, allowing just three hits and two walks while striking out a career-high nine batters.
Lopez’s command and composure were evident throughout the game, as he limited scoring chances and controlled the tempo from start to finish. With a 0.00 ERA and an impressive 0.83 WHIP for the outing, he anchored a pitching staff that completely overwhelmed Embry-Riddle and helped secure one of the most decisive wins of the week.
Mady Lackey – Softball Player of the Week (Park-Gilbert)
Graduate standout Mady Lackey was instrumental in Park-Gilbert’s perfect 6-0 week, helping the Buccaneers capture their first GSAC series win of the season. Splitting time between second base and right field, Lackey hit .600 (9-for-15) with three home runs and nine RBIs, consistently delivering in key moments.
Her most memorable contribution came in dramatic fashion, as she delivered a walk-off single to cap a 6-2 comeback victory against La Sierra and complete the series sweep. With a .684 on-base percentage and 1.267 slugging percentage, Lackey proved to be both a clutch performer and a driving force behind her team’s offensive surge.
Alyssa Grinstead – Softball Pitcher of the Week (Arizona Christian)
Freshman pitcher Alyssa Grinstead continued her impressive form in the circle, earning two wins while extending and ultimately concluding a remarkable 19.2-inning scoreless streak. She threw a complete-game shutout with 11 strikeouts in a 3-0 victory over Benedictine Mesa, showcasing her dominance and poise.
Grinstead followed up with a scoreless relief appearance to secure a save, finishing the week with 7.2 innings pitched, zero earned runs, and 12 strikeouts. Her ability to control games and deliver in both starting and relief roles underscores her growing importance to Arizona Christian’s pitching staff.
Gracie Madeya – Women’s Tennis Player of the Week (Arizona Christian)
Sophomore Gracie Madeya delivered a strong week on the court, going 1-1 in singles play while competing at the No. 3 position. She secured a convincing straight-set victory against College of Idaho, demonstrating control and consistency throughout the match.
Madeya also contributed in doubles action alongside Savannah Salvin, earning a hard-fought win in one contest. Despite a team loss to Stanton University, her competitive play and ability to contribute in both singles and doubles highlight her versatility and value to the Firestorm lineup.
Hugo Abril – Men’s Tennis Player of the Week (Arizona Christian)
Senior Hugo Abril led from the top of the lineup, competing at No. 1 singles and doubles while posting a 2-1 record for the week. He picked up key wins against Stanton University and Hope International, helping Arizona Christian secure two team victories.
Abril’s impact extended beyond singles play, as he partnered with Adrian Smith to earn doubles wins in multiple matches. His leadership and consistency at the highest positions continue to set the tone for the Firestorm and anchor their success in crucial matchups.
Alessandro Spendolini – Men’s Volleyball Attacker of the Week (Hope International)
Sophomore outside hitter Alessandro Spendolini delivered a powerhouse week, averaging 5.75 kills per set while leading Hope International to a 2-1 record in conference play. He recorded a career-high 37 kills in a five-set battle against Benedictine Mesa, hitting an impressive .397 in that match.
Spendolini’s all-around contributions were equally impactful, as he averaged 2.83 digs and 0.75 blocks per set while recording double-doubles in all three matches. With 69 total kills on .363 hitting for the week, he proved to be an unstoppable force and a cornerstone of Hope International’s attack.
Madduxx Goron – Men’s Volleyball Setter of the Week (OUAZ)
Sophomore setter Madduxx Goron orchestrated a flawless week for OUAZ, guiding the team to a 3-0 record without dropping a single set. He totaled 79 assists across three matches, averaging nearly 10 assists per set while keeping the offense flowing efficiently.
Beyond setting, Goron contributed in all phases of the game with kills, digs, and seven total blocks. His well-rounded performance and leadership on the court played a critical role in maintaining OUAZ’s dominance and offensive rhythm throughout the week.
Hugo Gonzalez Gutierrez – Men’s Volleyball Defender of the Week (Hope International)
Senior libero Hugo Gonzalez Gutierrez anchored the defensive effort for Hope International, racking up 51 digs and averaging 4.25 digs per set. He matched his career-high in consecutive matches before adding another strong performance in a sweep of Park-Gilbert.
In addition to his defensive prowess, Gonzalez Gutierrez contributed with eight assists and two service aces, demonstrating his versatility. His consistency and ability to control the back row were vital in extending rallies and supporting the team’s overall success.
Anahi Morales – Flag Football Offensive Player of the Week (Hope International)
Freshman quarterback Anahi Morales showcased elite playmaking ability, leading Hope International to two decisive victories. She completed 47 of 70 passes for 567 yards and eight touchdowns, throwing four scoring passes in each game.
Morales displayed efficiency and poise, posting a 67.1% completion rate while averaging over 280 passing yards per game. Her command of the offense and ability to stretch the field were key factors in back-to-back wins over La Sierra and Simpson.
Shana Hunton – Flag Football Defensive Player of the Week (Arizona Christian)
Freshman linebacker Shana Hunton was a defensive standout, helping Arizona Christian record back-to-back shutouts—the first in program history. She totaled 13 tackles over two games, including a dominant 10-tackle performance in the home finale.
Hunton’s presence was felt all over the field, as she consistently disrupted plays and anchored a defense that allowed zero points across both contests. Her impact also included a sack and pass breakups, solidifying her role as a cornerstone of the Firestorm defense.
Emma Winter & Zoe Yates – Beach Volleyball Pair of the Week (The Master’s University)
Junior duo Emma Winter and Zoe Yates continued to lead the way for The Master’s University, securing two hard-fought victories at the No. 1 position. Both wins came in three-set battles, highlighting their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
Their standout performance included a win over a nationally ranked Hope International pair, further cementing their status as one of the top duos in the conference. With strong chemistry and clutch play, Winter and Yates remain a driving force behind their team’s success this season.