College of the Redwoods Athletics – From left to right, Javier Mesa, Xavier La Pena and Tristen Valenzuela.

By Ray Hamill — Three College of the Redwoods baseball players have received all-conference recognition, including two who were named to the All-Golden Valley Conference second team.

Javier Mesa was named to the second team as a utility player, while Xavier La Pena was named second team as an infielder, and pitcher Tristen Valenzuela received an honorable mention.

Redwoods closed out the season last week with a two-game split against Butte and finished 4-21 in the GVC and 6-32 overall.

But despite the team’s struggles this spring, there were some bright spots, including the play of the three all-conference players.

“Super proud of these three for all they accomplished this year,” CR head coach John Downey said. “They absolutely earned these honors with their hard work and dedication.”

Mesa, according to his coach, was a “staple in the lineup … and was a key part of the offense.”

The freshman infielder had an immediate impact with the team and led Redwoods with 20 RBIs

“He’s a great hitter and an even better person and teammate,” Downey said of the versatile freshman. “He can play multiple positions and is always a reliable player all around.”

La Pena, meanwhile, was the team’s lead-off batter and produced in the role, finishing with 29 hits and playing some strong second base.

Downey described the all-conference selection as a “great” lead-off batter and a player who was always capable of hitting for extra bases.

“He scorched baseballs consistently and was a great second baseman after moving there from the catcher position,” Downey said of the freshman standout.

Valenzuela also enjoyed a good season with the team in his final spring at CR.

“Tristen finished his time here at CR in great fashion,” Downey said of the team’s most consistent pitcher, who finished fourth in conference in strikeouts with 50. “He was a bulldog on the mound that was always going deep into games and giving us a chance to win every time.

“I’m so proud of his growth and can’t wait to see what he does at the next level.”