The race for the Shore Conference Tournament title is heating up, and the first week of May delivered some unforgettable performances. With the tournament's first round set for Tuesday and the top seven seeds entering the fray on Thursday, players are stepping up when it matters most.

These standout athletes have already made their mark, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting postseason. Their clutch plays and dominant outings could prove crucial as teams battle for supremacy in the must-win games ahead.

Now, it's your turn to decide who shone brightest during this pivotal stretch. The fifth Alliance Orthopedics Athlete of the Week poll for the softball season is officially open, and we're counting on APP readers to pick the standout performer from the opening days of May.

Check out the full list of nominees below and cast your vote for the player who truly stood out when the pressure was on.

One highlight to watch: Pitcher Gylian Hixenbaugh delivered a masterful performance, striking out seven in a five-inning mercy rule one-hitter as host Donovan Catholic remained perfect at 16-0 with an 11-0 win over Southern Regional. Madison Kelliher added two hits, including a home run, while Caroline Kopp and Mia Kelliher also went deep in the victory.