Pacifica softball defeats Cypress to take big step toward winning Empire League title outright

Pacifica High School's softball team secured a significant victory against Cypress High School on April 20, 2023, moving them one step closer to claiming the Empire League title outright. The game took place at Pacifica High School's home field in Garden Grove, California.

The Mariners' offense was in top form during the matchup, amassing a total of 13 hits throughout the game. The team's impressive hitting performance was spearheaded by several key contributors. Leadoff batter, senior third baseman, and team captain, Mia Rodriguez, went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Junior shortstop Samantha Martinez added three singles and an RBI, while sophomore center fielder Emily Thompson chipped in with two hits and two runs scored.

Starting pitcher for Pacifica, junior Brynne Nally, delivered a strong performance on the mound. She pitched a complete game, allowing only three runs on six hits while striking out six batters. Nally's dominance on the mound kept Cypress' offense in check, allowing her teammates to build a comfortable lead.

The Mariners took an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning when Rodriguez singled home Thompson and Martinez. They extended their lead in the third inning with three more runs, thanks to RBI singles by Thompson and Rodriguez, as well as an error that allowed Martinez to score.

Cypress managed to score one run in the fourth inning but were held scoreless for the remainder of the game. Pacifica added two more runs in the fifth inning, with Thompson scoring on an error and Rodriguez driving in Martinez with a single.

The Mariners' defense was solid throughout the game, with key plays by shortstop Martinez and catcher Olivia Hernandez helping to keep Cypress' offense at bay. Hernandez also contributed offensively with an RBI single in the fifth inning.

With the win, Pacifica improved their league record to 12-0, putting them in a commanding position to win the Empire League title outright. The team's next game is against Laguna Beach High School on April 22, 2023. A win in that game would secure the championship for Pacifica.

The Mariners' impressive performance against Cypress was a testament to their teamwork, skill, and determination. Their strong offense, combined with Nally's dominant pitching performance, proved too much for the Centurions to handle. Pacifica fans are optimistic about their team's chances of making a deep run in the CIF-SS playoffs, which begin in May.