Sun Athletes of the Week: Jason Diekmann and Megan McPherson

Thursday, May 2, 2002 | 9:30 a.m.

Male Athlete of the Week: JASON DIEKMANN

School: Clark

Class: Senior

Sport: Baseball

Last week: Diekmann helped the Chargers get back into the hunt for a playoff spot, tossing a 9-inning complete game in a win over Bishop Gorman on Thursday and contributing offensively in a 17-15 victory over Western on Thursday. Against the Gaels, Diekmann scattered eight hits and two walks and struck out three on the mound, and also sent the game into extra innings with an RBI single in the seventh. Against the Warriors, he went 3-for-5 with three RBIs. "He's got a great attitude. This kid will run through a brick wall if you tell him to," Clark coach Fred Spierer said. "It's not easy for him to be on a team with a losing record, but he keeps a positive attitude. I wish I had nine Jason Diekmanns on my team."

Female Athlete of the Week: MEGAN McPHERSON

High School: Silverado

Class: Junior

Sport: Softball

Last week: McPherson, the Skyhawks' second baseman, went 6-for-10 with six RBIs, four runs, three stolen bases and two extra base hits to lead her team to victories over Coronado, Basic and Green Valley. McPherson, who had two hits in all three games, doubled in a 17-0 win over the Cougars, drove in two runs in an 11-1 win over the Wolves and spearheaded an 11-1 win over the Gators with a two-out grand slam in the first inning. "She's been working hard in practice, and she's starting to drive the ball," Silverado coach Chuck Pope said. "We moved her into the 6-hole -- a big RBI slot -- and she's a catalyst for us right now."

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