Natalie Menchaca from Organ Mountain has been named the El Paso Children's Hospital Athlete of the Week for April 20-25. This recognition highlights her achievements and contributions to her team.
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The entire Organ Mountain team gathers around third base before the start of the game.
Bulldawg Leah Pacheco just gets under a fastball for a strike called.
Organ Mountain second baseman Emily Lucero turns to make a double play avoiding Bulldawg base runner Adamarie Sanchez.
Organ Mountain's Emily Lucero gets ready to catch the ball for an out at second base.
Zaysha Hawkins gets ready to swing at the ball as it approaches home plate.
Organ Mountain Hailey Justas gets ready to catch the ball for an out at first base.
Natalie Menchaca is an athlete from Organ Mountain who was named the El Paso Children's Hospital Athlete of the Week for her outstanding performance during the week of April 20-25.
The selection criteria typically include athletic performance, sportsmanship, and contributions to the team, although specific details may vary.
Natalie Menchaca was awarded the El Paso Children's Hospital Athlete of the Week title for the week of April 20-25.
Natalie Menchaca plays for the Organ Mountain team.
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Bulldawg right fielder Cami Munda camps under a fly ball and center fielder Zaysha Hawkins backs her up.
Leah Pacheco gets ready to make contact on a pitch as the Bulldawgs took on the Knights on Tuesday night at the Field of Dreams Softball Complex.
Bulldawg shortstop Emma Madrid camps under a pop up fly ball for an easy out.
A puff of dust comes off of Bulldawg catcher Erica Silva's glove as she catches a high pitch.
Organ Mountain shortstop Natalie Menchaca gets ready to catch a pop up fly ball in the top of the second inning against Las Cruces High.
The umpire calls Organ Mountain's Abigail Sanchez safe at second base before Bulldawg Emma Madrid places the tag.
Leah Pacheco warming up for the Bulldawgs before facing the first batter of the game.
Knight third baseman Leah Melero tries to snag a ball just outside the foul ball line.
Organ Mountain centerfielder Yasmine Hernandez follows the ball all the way to her glove for an out during the game against Las Cruces High on Tuesday night.
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The entire Organ Mountain team gathers around third base before the start of the game.
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The entire Organ Mountain team gathers around third base before the start of the game.
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Bulldawg Leah Pacheco just gets under a fastball for a strike called.
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Organ Mountain second baseman Emily Lucero turns to make a double play avoiding Bulldawg base runner Adamarie Sanchez.
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Organ Mountain's Emily Lucero gets ready to catch the ball for an out at second base.
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Zaysha Hawkins gets ready to swing at the ball as it approaches home plate.
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Organ Mountain Hailey Justas gets ready to catch the ball for an out at first base.
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Bulldawg right fielder Cami Munda camps under a fly ball and center fielder Zaysha Hawkins backs her up.
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Leah Pacheco gets ready to make contact on a pitch as the Bulldawgs took on the Knights on Tuesday night at the Field of Dreams Softball Complex.
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Bulldawg shortstop Emma Madrid camps under a pop up fly ball for an easy out.
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A puff of dust comes off of Bulldawg catcher Erica Silva's glove as she catches a high pitch.
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Organ Mountain shortstop Natalie Menchaca gets ready to catch a pop up fly ball in the top of the second inning against Las Cruces High.
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The umpire calls Organ Mountain's Abigail Sanchez safe at second base before Bulldawg Emma Madrid places the tag.
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Leah Pacheco warming up for the Bulldawgs before facing the first batter of the game.
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Knight third baseman Leah Melero tries to snag a ball just outside the foul ball line.
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Organ Mountain centerfielder Yasmine Hernandez follows the ball all the way to her glove for an out during the game against Las Cruces High on Tuesday night.
Organ Mountain softball's Natalie Menchaca has been voted as the Las Cruces Sun-News El Paso Children's Hospital Athlete of the Week for the week of April 20-25.
Menchaca was one of six baseball, softball and track and field nominees from Las Cruces, Mayfield, Organ Mountain and Centennial. These were the other five nominees:
Menchaca received 46.94% of the vote to win the honor.
Organ Mountain shortstop Natalie Menchaca gets ready to catch a pop up fly ball in the top of the second inning against Las Cruces High.
Menchaca tallied 11 RBIs on eight hits, including three doubles, one triple and three home runs, across a three-game series sweep of Centennial. She had a stellar regular season and led all qualified Knights batters in batting average (.580), RBIs (43), doubles (16) and home runs (13). Menchaca, a freshman, also has an on-base plus slugging percentage of 1.892.
This is the second poll in which Menchaca has come first this season. She received 13,697 votes, making up 45.57% of the total, to win the "best softball player in Las Cruces for the 2026 season" poll earlier this year.
Organ Mountain finished its regular season with a 21-5 record and a 10-5 record in District 3-5A play. The Knights now await their seed for the 5A playoffs that begin on May 7.
This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Organ Mountain's Natalie Menchaca is the Athlete of the Week for April 20-25