Tennis championship 3-peat, 12 strikeout playoff game highlight Athlete of the Week poll

The NCHSAA kicked off the first two rounds of the softball and baseball playoffs last week with Cape Fear softball and Terry Sanford baseball the only area teams to make it to the third round of play.

The NCISAA got its playoffs for soccer, baseball, and softball started with Fayetteville Christian soccer, and Freedom Christian softball still alive heading into the quarterfinal rounds of their brackets.

From all of these winners in the postseason, it's your chance to choose the top athlete.

With Terry Sanford's state championship-winning tennis player Drew Hedgecoe headlining this week's nominees on the 910Preps Athlete of the Week ballot, here are the other four nominations along with their accomplishments for the week.

FREEDOM CHRISTIAN: 'Staying detail-oriented': How Freedom Christian softball dominated in historic season

SPRING POSTSEASON AT A GLANCE: Playoff schedule, scores: Terry Sanford's Drew Hedgecoe completes NCHSAA 3A Singles three-peat

Drew Hedgecoe, Terry Sanford - Hedgecoe made history on Saturday, notching his third consecutive 3A singles state championship win. The junior completed the three-peat by defeating South Central's freshman Shaw Akula 6-2; 6-3.

Lexi Hefner, Fayetteville Christian - Hefner was the lone scorer in a crosstown showdown between the Warriors and Fayetteville Academy Eagles. The sophomore scored the game's only goal in the fourth overtime to advance to the fourth round of the NCISAA playoffs.

Olivia Melvin, Cape Fear - Melvin was the leader for the Colts' softball team in their second-round win over Triton in the 3A East playoffs. The senior hit a home run and struck out 12 batters to advance the Colts.

Rylan Miller, Freedom Christian - The Marshall commit shined as usual in the Patriots' first playoff game. Miller shared the circle and picked up six strikeouts in three innings pitched, and hit a home run in the win over Harrells Christian.

Brent Smith, Terry Sanford - Smith was spectacular for the Bulldogs in their second-round win over Williams. The Elon commit notched his 100th career hit on a three-run homer in the win to advance Terry Sanford to the third round.

Voting will conclude on Wednesday, May 15 at 7 a.m.

Coaches and athletic directors can nominate a player for athlete of the week by sending nominations to jfmoore@gannett.com by noon Sunday. Include the player's name, year in school, accomplishments for the week and a headshot.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: 910Preps Athlete of the Week; May 6-11, Drew Hedgecoe