Whitney Lopez

Lawrence

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Soccer

The week: Lopez’s anticipation and poise helped lead Lawrence High to its first girls soccer victory over cross-town rival Free State in six years. In the 24th minute of Tuesday’s city showdown game, Lopez collected a free kick from teammate Kendal Forio and fired it into the left corner of the net for the score. In a game with opportunities all over, Lopez was the only player who took full advantage of a legitimate chance to score. Her first goal of the year was the game’s only goal.

Comment: “We knew it would probably come down to a one-goal game,” LHS co-coach Matt Makens said. “A lot of girls had taken several shots, and Whitney finally got in a nice goal. As soon as that happened, the team’s confidence stayed strong, and that helped us mentally.”

Megan Ramsey

Ottawa

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Softball

The week: Ramsey picked up on last year’s fantastic freshman season with an even better start to 2004. Ramsey compiled 17 strikeouts in a 4-1 victory over Topeka Highland Park on April 1, then picked up the save by striking out five in two innings of work in a 3-1 victory in the nightcap. The Cyclones then swept a doubleheader Monday with K.C. Sumner, 8-0 and 3-2. Ramsey pitched the first game, striking out 16 and recording a no-hitter. She struck out six in two innings to get the save in the nightcap. Ottawa, the defending Class 4A state champions, is 4-0. Ramsey has 44 strikeouts this season.

Comment: “She’s actually developed a new pitch that we didn’t utilize a whole lot last year,” Ottawa coach Renee Malburg said. “She works real hard on it. She is throwing right now like she did about midseason last year.”