Crestview, Trinity leagues to collide in Division 1 softball quarterfinals
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Talk to a softball coach in the Crestview League, and you will hear that their school plays in the toughest league in Orange County. Ask a player in the Trinity League, and you will hear that their team faces the most demanding competition.
But which is the strongest league this season?
The results of Wednesday’s CIF-SS Division 1 quarterfinals will go a long way toward answering that question as the leagues clash in two of the games.
La Habra, a co-champion in the Crestview League, plays host to Trinity League champion Orange Lutheran.
And Pacifica, a co-champion in the Crestview, plays host to JSerra, the Trinity League runner-up.
“Selfishly, I think the Crestview, top to bottom, is the best league in the Southern Section,” Pacifica coach Tony Arduino said after the Mariners’ 9-8 triumph against league rival Cypress in the second round. “All five teams are in Division 1 for a reason.”
The Trinity League’s case includes Mater Dei, which has reached the Division 2 quarterfinals. The Monarchs swept Orange Lutheran, JSerra and Santa Margarita in the final round of league to place third.
“With the Trinity League, we’re in the best league in SoCal so it gives us a lot of confidence going into CIF,” Mater Dei pitcher Citlaly Valencia said after an 11-3 win against Foothill in the first round.
Here’s a look at some of the top quarterfinals on Wednesday (all games start at 3:15 p.m.):
DIVISION 1
Orange Lutheran (21-8) at La Habra (22-7): It’s a showdown between the top two teams in the Orange County rankings. The Highlanders climbed to No. 1 this week after defeating top-seeded Murrieta Mesa 6-4 in the second round. The No. 2 Lancers held off Chino Hills 17-14 in the second round. La Habra is 8-2 at home. The Highlanders’ field can play small if the wind blows out, which favors a team with power. La Habra has hit 31 home runs, eight more than the Lancers.
JSerra (22-8) at Pacifica (19-10): The schools meet for the first time since the Division 1 semifinals in 2024. The Mariners won 1-0 en route to a second consecutive Division 1 title. JSerra will likely lean on Florida-bound ace Liliana Escobar (15-5) to face Pacifica’s pitching staff by committee. The Mariners featured juniors Shay Kletke and Kenzie Bledl and freshman Raquel Pineda in the circle in the second round.
DIVISION 2
Huntington Beach (20-10) at San Clemente (21-7): San Clemente, ranked 15th in the county, has reached its first quarterfinal since 2015 on the strength of several players committed to colleges and sophomore pitcher Luca Cifuentes (15-3). No. 14 Huntington Beach has been a regular in Division 1. Starting in 2013, the Oilers reached Division 1 every postseason until their move this season to Division 2. They didn’t start in a senior in an 11-8 win against Camarillo in the second round Monday.
Mater Dei (17-11) at Vista Murrieta (17-11): The No. 2 seeded Monarchs face a Broncos team that handed Murrieta Mesa its first loss on April 23. The Monarchs feature a deep lineup that begins with left-handed hitting Tulutululelei Salue, a powerful sophomore first baseman.
DIVISION 3
Dos Pueblos (20-6) at Villa Park (16-14): The No. 2 seeded Spartans and Dos Pueblos each earned a share of their league titles. Junior Julianna Romero has been a two-way force for Villa Park in the playoffs. She has pitched two complete games with 13 strikeouts and hit three home runs. Spartans leadoff batter Shea Gonzalez has 56 hits and 40 stolen bases.
SECRETS TO SUCCESS
A few of the key figures in the quarterfinals have reflected on their keys to success.
First-year Mater Dei coach Nicole Wise counts late Pacifica coach Mark Campbell among her coaching mentors. She played outfield for Campbell at Pacifica. “He influenced me,” Wise said. “He was really loved.” …
Pacifica center fielder Mattea Stern said she stays composed after making an exciting play for a reason. “I feel like I’m calm because of my (Batbusters) travel team where we’re supposed to be calm,” the junior said. “I translate it to here.” …
La Habra right fielder Alyssa Hernandez credits part of her strong senior season to running cross country. “It built my endurance for sure,” said Hernandez, who leads the Highlanders with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs. “I think it sets the tone for the year.”
Hernandez’s softball teammates Samantha Cervantes and Georgia Rickenbacker also ran cross country.
La Habra catcher Eliana Corona also is a multi-sport athlete. The sophomore earned All-North Hills League honors in flag football and basketball. She said basketball helps her conditioning.
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