Cary’s Rachel Smith is News & Observer athlete of the week

Cary High School’s Rachel Smith is the News & Observer high school athlete of the week.

Smith had nearly 40 percent of the vote, finishing ahead of Apex Friendship’s Carly Bagnasco and Thales Academy’s Lauren Stanley.

Smith, an Imps’ junior, went 4-for-4 with a single, three doubles, including the game-winning, walk-off double to lead Cary to a 5-4 win over Green Hope March 15.

Smith had the game-winning hit with two outs in the final inning.

She also had four putouts and two assists in the field from her second base position.

Want to nominate an athlete?: Athletes of the week highlights high school players with outstanding performances. The goal is to recognize all athletes in all sports, both the most accomplished and the underrated or underappreciated players. If you want to suggest someone to be included in the Athletes of the week column, send email to Jay Edwards at edwardsraleighnewsobserver@gmail.com.

This story was originally published March 21, 2021 at 2:29 PM.