Irvine baseball players Noah Lyons and Andrew Ricci earn $1,000 scholarship awards

Irvine baseball coach Gabriel Cota joined Vaqueros Andrew Ricci (left) and Noah Lyons before Tuesday’s game (Photo courtesy Irvine baseball)

Irvine High baseball players Noah Lyons and Andrew Ricci received the Vaquero baseball character scholarship before Tuesday’s Pacific Coast League game against Northwood.

The Vaquero baseball character scholarship is in recognition of a player who has proven himself as a great teammate.

The recipient of this award, which includes a $1,000 scholarship, displayed selfless qualities that have positively impacted the Irvine High baseball program, and will continue to leave a lasting impression on future players, according to a statement from Irvine baseball.

Irvine baseball coach Gabriel Cota joined the players for the presentation Tuesday.

The scholarship that is attached to this award is to be used to further the players’ education and is a testament to the hard work and dedication they have displayed over the last four years.

This award will serve as a goal to younger players, and reward them for being a selfless leader and a positive role model, according to the statement. In order to receive the scholarship portion of the award the student-athlete will have to bring in proof of enrollment in college level, or equivalent, course work.

Last year’s winners were Daniel Simonella and Alex Suarez.

Irvine won Tuesday’s game against Northwood 4-3 on a walk-off hit by JC Allen to clinch second place in the PCL. (Please click here for a report and photos)