American Canyon's Hannah Wildes is Times-Herald Athlete of the Week

Thomas Gase

Mar 28

American Canyon High School sophomore Hannah Wildes is not only making her varsity debut, but bats third, cleanup and fifth on most days.

Although the pressure might be too great for some players, Wildes has risen to the challenge.

Although American Canyon lost to Petaluma on Monday, the Wolves are still 6-2 overall and 2-1 in the Vine Valley Athletic League. Wildes added another two hits against Petaluma, making it the fifth straight game she had at least one hit and the third straight she had at least two hits. She is batting .474 on the season.

Last week in wins over Casa Grande and Sonoma Valley she banged out four hits in six at-bats, further strengthening her case as the Times-Herald Athlete of the Week.

"The one thing I've noticed is that the difference in playing varsity instead of junior varsity is that the competition is much better and stronger," Wildes said. "So I've really been working on my pitch selection at the plate. I've changed up my stance a little and closed it. This way I'm able to get to those outside and inside pitches a little quicker. I'm also seeing the ball a lot better out of the pitchers' hands."

Although new players often hit lower in the lineup, Wildes said she doesn't mind coming up in the first inning and batting lower in the batting order.

"When I'm coming up there are often runners on base, so there is pressure to drive them in," Wildes said. "It's some added pressure and it motivates me to put the ball in play."

Wildes said she started playing softball when she was only 5. One of her biggest supporters was her uncle, James Morris, who has since passed away. His memory, says Wildes, is one of the things that drives her the most.

"When I was little I started playing softball because I just liked hitting things with my bat," Wildes said, with a laugh. "But over time my uncle helped me out. He was one of my very first coaches. He always told me that he loved me and that he supported me. So now I use his memory to keep me going."

Wildes said she enjoys playing with her new teammates.

"As a team, I think we really work well together. I've learned a lot from them," Wildes said. "We focus on using our energy the right way and backing each other up, on and off the field."

American Canyon and Wildes are scheduled to continue the season on Thursday with a game at Deer Valley.

Honorable mention

David Bernstine, Vallejo baseball. Bernstine had three hits including a walkoff RBI single against Hercules on Friday.

Mariana Davis, Vallejo track and field. Davis won the 400 and was part of a winning relay team at a league meet.

Jeffrey Holden, Vallejo track and field. Holden won the 110 and 300 hurdles at the Bear Creek Invitational Track Meet over the weekend, and also won the 300 hurdles at a Tri-County Athletic League meet earlier in the week. He was also part of two first-place relay teams.

Ava Pannell, Benicia softball. Pannell had a four-hit game in a win over Dixon.

DeShawn Patrick, Vallejo track and field. Patrick won the 100 and 200-meter dash events at a league meet.

Wyatt Smith, St. Pat's baseball. Smith had three hits and three RBI in a win over Jesse Bethel.

Stevie Todd, Benicia baseball. Todd had six hits during three games for the Panthers.