Lakewood and Wilson will try to get first round wins today in the CIF Division 2 Playoffs…
Lakewood vs. Santa Fe @ Lakewood High, 3:15pm
The Lancers won their 12th Moore League title in the last 14 years, and they did it with a fine group of seniors. Sarah Carrasco, Eliza Crawford, Sammy Goerlitz, Kylie Grabrowski and Amanda Robinson have led a dominant team to a dominant 221-to-50 runs for-and-against.
Carrasco, Crawford and Robinson have all played since they were freshman and are still looking for that elusive ring. Head coach Andy Miramontes talks about the close nit group like old friends. “They’re so athletic and they’ve all got a big stick at the plate… when they get between the lines they play hard, they’re all business… this is a balanced team, but they are definitely the leaders.”
The group exemplified that leadership by playing musical positions before the season started. Last season, Carrasco was behind the plate with Crawford at shortstop and Robinson in center. Lakewood lost some seniors and Miramontes asked the four-year starters to sacrifice for the team and learn new positions. So, Carrasco took the gear off and went to shortstop, Crawford moved to second, Robinson stayed in center and moved up in the batting order, and Grabrowski took over behind the plate.
The result is another high-seed headed into the second season and Miramontes is hopeful. “We’ve had some good teams, and we’re just waiting for a little luck. All that’s missing is a little luck.”
Wilson @ Upland, 3:15pm
The Bruins have set the table time and again, but they just haven’t been able to eat as often.
“We’ve played teams in the local top 25, and it started to show as the season got longer,” said Wilson head coach Chris Leveque. “Bottom line, when Brandi (Enriquez) and Kori (Cochran) get on base, we’re tough to beat.”
The senior shortstop and freshman outfielder have combined for 65 hits and both are hitting over .350 with 44 of the teams’ 178 runs scored. The Bruins have been in every Moore League game, with a chance to win in all three losses, but they’ve been missing that big hit to put them over the top.
Sophomore Hannah Duarte will take the circle with a 2.29 ERA on 73.1 innings pitched. She’s showcased her pinpoint accuracy with 46 strikeouts to 20 walks and only three wild pitches.