McLennan baseball, softball earn more NJCAA preseason awards

Four McLennan Community College baseball position players and two softball position players were named to NJCAA preseason honors lists released today.
 
Infielders James Rudkin and Tucker Johnson along with outfielder Noah McGowan and designated hitter Dimas Ojeda were named NJCAA Division I Top Returning Players for the Southwestern District. Rudkin of Plano, recorded a .374 batting average as a freshman with 15 doubles, 44 RBIs and 44 runs scored. Johnson, a China Spring graduate, had a .326 average with 14 doubles, 44 RBIs and 51 runs scored. McGowan, a Houston native, recorded a .253 average with 14 doubles, five home runs, 37 RBIs and 39 runs scored. Ojeda of Haltom City, had a .346 batting average with 11 doubles, 38 RBIs and 31 runs scored.
 
Highlassies Andrea Gonzales and Marisa Flores were named NJCAA Division I Top Returning Players for District D. Gonzales, a first baseman from Elgin recorded a.352 batting average with 13 doubles, 40 RBIs and 26 runs scored as a freshman. Rightfielder Flores of Keller, had a .353 average with 17 doubles, 36 RBIs and 36 runs scored last season.
 
The Highlanders open the season versus Wharton Friday at 1 p.m. at Bosque River Ballpark. The Highlassies open the season Saturday, hosting Howard for a noon doubleheader.