Pueblo's Athlete of the Week includes soccer, baseball, and more – Pueblo Chieftain

As the spring sports season quickly approaches the end of some of its regular season action, many athletes are starting to gear up for playoff runs.
This week’s Athlete of the Week nods include big action on the diamond, clutch scoring in soccer, big wins on the lacrosse field, and track and field, tennis, golf, and volleyball.
Each week, the Chieftain recognizes the top student-athletes from area schools to highlight those who have performed at a high level. The Chieftain sports staff selects them. Coaches can nominate players by emailing cabdelmalek@gannett.com before Thursday night.
More:Pueblo County girls soccer accepts ‘target’ as top team in the league, ready for playoffs
Stapleton scored five goals in a win against Palmer this past week 14-1. He now has 25 goals this season, which is second on the team. The Cyclones are currently 7-4 overall with a 4-1 record in their league.
Budd put up some tremendous numbers for the Colts team in their recent 3-0 victory over James Irwin. Budd finished the game with 13 kills, one ace, two blocked shots, and 12 digs. The team is now 10-11 with a 4-5 record in their league.
Guzman was the sole winner this past week as the Hornets team entered the 2024 Class 4A girls tennis team state tournament bracket. Her win came against Hannah Ringstrom of Discovery Canyon 6-2 and 7-5.
Contreras has been on fire. She’s earned three first-place finishes including one this past week at the Lady Bulldog Invite held at Walking Stick Golf Course. She finished with a 75 score, four strokes better than runner-up Pueblo West’s Clayre Wagner.
Farris earned two first-place finishes this past week at the SCL League Meet/Pueblo County Championships. His first-place finishes came in the 200-meter and the 400-meter dash.
The freshman Falletta is showing why she will be a formidable force for years to come in the track game. She finished in first place in the 100 and 300-meter hurdles this past week notching her ninth first-place finish this season.
Thompson is once again proving why she is one of the best soccer players in Pueblo. She scored two goals and added two assists in the Cyclones’ recent 10-0 victory over Pueblo South. Her 15 goals this season lead the team, and she is also tied for tenth overall in Class 4A this year.
Martinez had a big game for the Hornets this past week as they defeated Pueblo East 10-0. She chipped in three goals and had an assist in this one to help the Hornets to victory. The team is now at 11-1-1 on the season with a 7-0-1 record in league play.
More:‘Give me 100%, 100% of the time’: Centennial’s baseball motto as team gains experience
Pighetti had a stellar outing on the mound for the Hornets this week as he guided his team to the 10-0 victory over Greely West. Pighetti went five innings giving up only two hits, walked only one batter, and struck out six, also while picking up an RBI at the plate.
King left the yard this past week as the Cyclones defeated Pueblo South 12-1. King went 3-4 with a double, a home run, and two RBIs. King now leads the team in hits with 20 on the season.
Mercado had a big game for the Scorpions this past week as they continue to battle for a chance at the playoffs. He went 2-4 with a run scored and four RBIs in the team’s 16-11 victory over Colorado Springs Christian.
Christopher Abdelmalek is a sports reporter for the Pueblo Chieftain and can be reached at cabdelmalek@gannett.com or follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @chowebacca. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com 

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