The CIF Southern Section softball playoffs brought compelling matchups and unforgettable finishes during the second-round games across divisions last week. From tightly contested extra-inning duels to powerful offensive displays, local teams delivered memorable performances in their quests for playoff success. Here’s a recap of the highlights from each division that had local representation.
Division 1 – Ayala secured a nail-biting 3-2 win over Murrieta Mesa in a thrilling extra-innings showdown. McKenzy Becerra emerged as the hero, hitting a double in the bottom of the eighth inning to secure the game-winning run. The fourth-seeded Bulldogs, improving to 21-2 on the season, are now headed to an exciting quarterfinal face-off against La Mirada on Wednesday.
Murrieta Mesa started strong, taking an early 1-0 lead in the first inning. However, Ayala struck back with two runs in the sixth inning. The spirited Rams, who were crowned Southwestern League champions earlier this season, for a fifth straight time, evened the score with a seventh-inning run to force extra innings. Despite their efforts, Ayala’s Lilianna Acosta closed the door, allowing just one hit and one run in four innings of relief to earn the victory.
Meanwhile, Temescal Canyon dominated Valley View with a commanding 8-0 win at home. Behind a stellar pitching performance by Jessenia Moore, who struck out eight batters and allowed only four hits, the Titans improved to 20-5. At the plate, Natalie Castro turned heads by hammering two home runs and racking up five RBIs. Brea Tillery added to the offensive fireworks with a pair of solo homers, sealing the win. Temescal Canyon now gears up for a high-stakes matchup against second-seeded Etiwanda on Wednesday.
Division 2 – Great Oak’s performance on the road was nothing short of impressive. The Wolfpack cruised to a 7-1 victory over Downey thanks to big bats and airtight pitching. Jocelyn James and Chloe Koenigshofer sparked the offense with back-to-back home runs, combining for five RBIs. On the mound, Graclyn Necochea gave a masterclass performance, allowing just one hit with no earned runs over six innings. Great Oak (19-10-1) now prepares to host top-seeded California in the quarterfinals, where their momentum will be tested.
Though Linfield Christian battled hard, they fell 11-7 to Palos Verdes in a high-scoring affair. Charli Calas put up an incredible performance for Linfield despite the loss, going 3-for-4 at the plate with two homers and driving in five runs for the Lions.
Elsewhere, Vista Murrieta faced a tough Santa Margarita squad and fell 13-3. The highlight for the Broncos came from Kynarra Vuki, whose solo home run briefly lit up the game for her team. The Broncos ended their season with a respectable 18-12 record.
Division 4 – A thrilling extra-innings game saw Hemet edge past Segerstrom with a 2-1 victory on the road. Jayden Villela, who went 3-for-4 at the plate, led the offensive charge for the Bulldogs (16-12). Villela’s single in the eighth inning set up the decisive score after an error allowed her to cross home plate. Ryanne Womack delivered a gritty complete-game performance, giving up just one run on five hits while striking out seven. Hemet will host either Elsinore or second-seeded Warren on Wednesday, giving local fans another opportunity to support the team at home.
Division 6 – San Jacinto lit up the scoreboard with a 14-3 rout of Eisenhower in their second-round game. Kamorah Johnson led the Tigers’ offense with a standout performance, going 3-for-4 and driving in four runs. Genesis Ruiz contributed with three RBIs and three runs scored, while Keyera Cameron added a home run during her 3-for-3 showing at the plate. Riding this offensive momentum, San Jacinto prepares to host Adelanto in the quarterfinals.
Division 7 – Lakeside emerged victorious in a thrilling 9-6 win over Yucca Valley. Terra Kelly had an exceptional day at the plate, finishing 3-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs. Adryanna Alvarez was dominant on the mound, allowing just three hits and striking out nine batters in six innings to earn the win. Lakeside now faces a tough test, hosting Notre Dame in Wednesday’s quarterfinal.
CIF Southern Section second-round action proved electrifying, highlighting the determination of local teams and the individuals driving their success. With exciting quarterfinal matchups ahead, the path to championship glory becomes even more intense. Be sure to follow your favorite teams as they continue their playoff runs this week!
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