Bay Area News Group girls high school athlete of the week: Ximena Heredia, James Lick soccer

James Lick's Ximena Heredia scored seven goals in victories over San Jose, Yerba Buena.

James Lick soccer player Ximena Heredia has been selected Bay Area News Group girls high school athlete of the week after receiving 7,493 votes (31.40%) by the deadline at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Palo Alto soccer player Katherine Thomsen finished second and Foothill soccer player Olivia Walinski took third.

Congratulations to all the candidates for this week’s recognition.

Heredia, a junior forward/defender, had seven goals in victories over San Jose and Yerba Buena. She scored five in the win over Yerba Buena.

The Comets began this week 2-0 in the Blossom Valley Athletic League’s West Valley Division.

To nominate an athlete for next week’s honor, email highschools@bayareanewsgroup.com by Monday, Jan. 17, at 11 a.m.

We also review stats submitted to MaxPreps.com by coaches/team statisticians for consideration.

Winners are announced each Friday on the Mercury News & East Bay Times websites.

Past winners

Dec. 13-19: Gabrielle Abigor, Berean Christian basketball

Dec. 6-12: Anjali Yella, Harker basketball

Nov. 29-Dec. 5: Samantha Wallace, Piedmont Hills soccer

Nov. 22-28: Haylie Wakayama, Mission San Jose basketball

Nov. 15-21: Kendra MacDonald, Mitty volleyball

Nov. 8-14: Erin Crane, Heritage tennis

Nov. 1-7: Kylie Hoornaert, Prospect cross country

Oct. 25-31: Elsa Horciza, College Park water polo

Oct. 18-24: Tui Saluni, Northgate volleyball

Oct. 11-17: Dania Innis, Miramonte water polo

Oct. 4-10: Marykate Cawicaan, Yerba Buena volleyball

Sept. 27-Oct. 3: Rochelle Mosley, Heritage volleyball

Sept. 20-26: Aubrey Newton, Carondelet water polo

Sept. 13-19: Emma Madden, Burlingame volleyball

Sept. 6-12: Isabella De Leon, Benicia volleyball

Aug. 30-Sept. 5: Lauren Hett, Carondelet water polo

Aug. 23-Aug. 28: Kendall McCallum, Heritage water polo