Cerritos College sophomore shortstop Ayiana Cardenas (Walnut HS), who recorded a superb .968 fielding percentage, was just named as a National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Rawlings Gold Glove recipient. She's the second Falcon in as many years to earn the award, as outfielder Jazmine Macias received a Gold Glove in 2024.

Moving to shortstop after playing her freshman year at second base, Cardenas committed just four errors on the year and started every game this season. She has 120 total chances and recorded 65 putouts to go along with 51 defensive assists. She was part of a Falcons team that had a superb .971 fielding percentage on the year, which ranked sixth in the state and fourth in Southern California.

Also a producer at the plate, Cardenas batted .296 with 11 doubles at 22 RBI, which included a 3-for-4 playoff game with a pair of doubles and four RBI against Citrus College. She also had a 3-for-4 game against Bakersfield College.

Recipients of the Rawlings Gold Glove Awards, presented by the NFCA, were selected by a full NFCA California Community College membership vote following regional voting to identify the finalists at each position. The group utilized fielding statistics and school-submitted video to closely examine finalists and select the winners at every defensive position. Any student-athlete who competed in the current championship year and was nominated by their head coach, who is a member in good standing with the NFCA, was eligible for consideration for this prestigious accolade.