Citrus College sophomore Jade Nua and Antelope Valley College sophomore Paige Johnson shared the Western State Conference East Division Player of the Year honors in 2017. Undefeated and first place AVC dominated the awards, taking home the Pitcher of the Year honors and Coach of the Year honors as well in the form of sophomore Morgan Arndt and longtime head coach Cindy Vargas.
Nua led the State in batting average (.613), walks (41), on-base percentage (.748), and slugging percentage (1.301) in 2017. Her batting average mark, and slugging percentage marks are CCCAA single-season records, while her 41 walks are the second most by an individual in State history. Nua also drove in 62 RBIs which was fifth most in the CCCAA this year, and swatted 16 home runs which was third in the State in 2017.
Johnson posted equally as eye popping numbers leading the State in RBIs (91) and home runs (21). She was third in batting average (.565), and second in slugging (1.226). Her 91 RBIs ties the State single season mark, while her 21 big flies is the sixth most by an individual in State history.
Arndt led the WSC East in ERA (2.37), wins (22), and strikeouts (117) in 2017. Vargas led the Marauders to an undefeated 2017 WSC East Campaign (16-0), and their first Western State Conference divisional title since becoming a member of the conference in 2014.