Catcher Christopherson Is SDSU’s Most Valuable

San Diego State catcher Eric Christopherson, drafted 19th in Major League Baseball’s free agent draft and signed by San Francisco, was the Aztecs’ most valuable player this season, it was announced Wednesday.

Christopherson batted .341 with 51 RBIs and 18 doubles. He also was named top defensive player for throwing out 39 of 78 baserunners and fielding .989.

Kurt Archer (9-2, 2.42 ERA) and Andy Peterson (10-2, 2.80 ERA) shared most valuable pitcher honors. Archer and offensive player of the year Scott Dennison (.362, 34 RBIs, 34 steals) were voted top newcomers. Peterson was named most improved.

Third baseman Steve Boucher was most inspirational.

Five SDSU players have signed or will sign professional contracts after being selected in the free agent draft this week. Already signed are catcher Eric Christopherson (San Francisco), pitcher Kurt Archer (Milwaukee), outfielder Jeff Barry (Montreal) and pitcher Rusty Filter (Toronto). Pitcher Erik Plantenberg has reached a verbal agreement with Boston and will sign Monday, his father said.

Atlanta selected San Diego High outfielder-first baseman Kian Sly, and he has already signed with the Braves, Cavers’ Coach Tom Lopez said.

According to published reports, two players from Southwestern College were selected, pitcher Marshall Boze by Milwaukee and second baseman David Schmidt by Boston.

Also picked: Grossmont High third baseman John Tatum (Milwaukee), Poway High outfielder Greg Sorrell (Boston), Poway pitcher Danny Miller (Philadelphia) and Sweetwater pitcher/shortstop Larry Meza (St. Louis).

After the first, rounds in which players are drafted are not announced.

BASKETBALL

The University of San Diego’s Paula Mascari was named the West Coast Conference’s female scholar athlete of the year for her involvement in academics, athletics and community work. Mascari graduated from USD with a 3.67 grade-point average, was the team captain the past two seasons and the school’s seventh-leading scorer. Her 245 assists are a school record.

GOLF

Arizona State’s Phil Mickelson, the USDHS graduate who is defending champion, shot a three-over-par 75 and trailed by seven strokes after the first round of the NCAA Division I men’s golf championships at Innisbrook in Tarpon Springs, Fla.

Jeff Barlow, ranked just fourth on Florida’s team, shot a 68 for the lead. Florida leads the team standings by one shot over Arizona.