CIF-SS SOFTBALL PLAYOFFS

DIVISION 1

TUESDAY’S SECOND-ROUND GAMES

Etiwanda (21-6) at No. 1 Norco (27-2), 3 p.m.: The top-seeded Cougars are riding the strong arm of Nebraska-bound pitcher Emily Lockman, who has 18 shutouts this season. The Eagles are led by Washington-bound Missy Taukeiaho (.543, 16 HRs, 39 RBIs) and UCLA-bound Delaney Spaulding (.490, 13 HRs, 49 RBIs). Norco is ranked No. 1 in the state by Cal-Hi Sports and No. 1 in the nation by ESPN.

Saugus (22-7-1) vs. Foothill (14-13) at Santiago Community College, 3:15 p.m.: The Centurions outslugged Kennedy, 8-6, to advance to the second round. The Knights upset Riverside Poly, 4-1, in a wild-cad game and Simi Valley, 4-2, in the first round to advance. Simi Valley was ranked No. 16 in the state. Saugus is led by Alanna Layton (.488, 7 HRs, 31 RBIs), Odessa College-bound Breea Bergara (.354, 27 runs, 17 RBIs) and UC San Diego-bound Diana Mendoza (.370, 24 runs).

Mater Dei (17-9) at Esperanza (23-6), 3:15 p.m.: The Aztecs, ranked No. 9 in the state and No. 30 in the nation, are one of the hottest teams in Division 1 and they bring a 10-game winning streak into this second-round matchup. Sophomore ace Hayley Copeland has been very strong in the circle and Arkansas-bound Nicole Schroeder (8 HRs, 29 RBIs), Brynley Steele (5 HRs, 16 RBIs) and LMU-bound Stephanie Maciel (2 HRs, 20 RBIs) have been providing the offense. Notre Dame-bound Micaela Arizmendi (.479, 5 HRs, 33 RBIs) has been lowing up for the Monarchs.

No. 4 Los Alamitos (23-6) at Vista Murrieta (21-4-1) of Murrieta, 3:15 p.m.: Talk about an amazing second-round matchup, the Griffins come into this game ranked No. No. 11 in the state and No. 38 in the nation and the Broncos are No. 19 in the state. Tennessee-bound Megan Geer (.389, 30 runs, 16 SBs) and sophomore Infinity Laufou (.351, 4 HRs, 19 RBIs) lead Los Al’s offense. Michigan-bound Sierra Romero (.575, 20 HRs, 48 RBIs) is one of the most prolific power hitters in the state and UCLA-commit Selina Ta’amilio (17-3, 1.17 ERA) gives the Broncos a legit power pitcher.

No. 3 Orange Lutheran (26-4) at Valencia (20-10) of Valencia, 3:15 p.m.: The Lancers are led by the 1-2 pitching duo of Ole Miss-bound Madison Osias and Illinois-commit Jade Vecvanags. Both are also two of OLu’s top hitters. The Vikings have one of the top pitchers in So Cal in Pacific-bound Carly Mortensen. OLu is ranked No. 4 in the state and No. 9 in the nation.

Edison (24-4) at Canyon (18-8), 3:15 p.m.: This could be one of the best matchups of the day. Is Canyon on the verge of making another run to the Division 1 finals? Can the Chargers live up to the hype and take out the Comanches? Edison has a loaded lineup, led by Notre Dame-commit Karley Wester and her younger sister, freshman Ali Wester. Utah-bound Sammy Cordova handles the business in the circle for the Chargers. Canyon relies on freshman Hailey Hilburn in the circle, and she has shown flashes of potential throughout the season. Canyon’s offense is led by Arizona-bound Lauren Young and Michigan-commit Taylor Swearingen.

Santiago (20-9) of Corona at West Ranch (22-4-1) of Valencia, 3:15 p.m.: The Sharks have the firepower to make a run at winning a second consecutive Division 1 title in what could be coach John Perez’s final season, but the Foothill League-champion Wildcats could dash those hopes. Illinois State-bound Erin Rodriguez (.446, 8 HRs, 30 RBIs) and Texas-commit Randel Leahy (.418, 7 HRs, 38 RBIs) are Santiago’s top run producers. West Ranch is ranked No. 15 in the state and features Oregon-bouynd Janelle Lindvall (.543, 6 HRs, 28 RBIs) and her younger sister, sophomore Lauren Lindvall (.420, 38 runs).

No. 2 Pacifica (27-2) at Royal (25-2) of Simi Valley, 3:15 p.m.: The Mariners have one of the best 1-2 pitching duos in the state with sophomore Kaylee Carlson and freshman Kaley Winegarner to go along with a loaded lineup, led by Florida-bound Nicole DeWitt (.528, 8 HRs, 24 RBIs, 41 runs). Royal has one of the top pitchers in the nation with Arizona-bound Nancy Bowling (25-2, 0.36 ERA, 156 IP, 240 Ks), who is capable of shutting down any offense. Pacifica is ranked No. 2 in the state and No. 2 in the nation and Royal is No. 8 in the state and No. 25 in the nation.

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