East Union clinched at least a share of the Valley Oak League title with a 6-2 win over visiting Central Catholic at Northgate Softball Complex on Monday, but the Lancers were in no mood to celebrate.
Pacific-bound shortstop and No. 3 hitter Samantha Owen sprained an ankle while sliding into third base, and her availability is in doubt for today’s big regular-season finale against once-beaten Oakdale.
“We should be celebrating at least a tie of the league championship, but all we’re thinking about is poor Sam with ice around her ankle,” East Union coach Brian Goulart said. “We’ve been looking forward to that game tomorrow and now we’re looking at going into Oakdale undermanned.”
East Union (13-0, 21-0 overall), ranked 16th in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25 writer’s poll, have already been down its top slugger from last year in Alexis Erich, out with an ACL injury.
Delaney Pamplin struck out eight in a three-hitter against Central Catholic (5-8, 7-11), which scratched across two unearned runs in the top of the sixth. Deja Guzman clubbed her first homer, a two-run job, in the third inning to give the Lancers a 3-0 lead. Michelle Castro contributed two hits, including a double.
Trans-Valley League
Ripon 8, Hilmar 4
RIPON — The Indians (8-0, 16-3) secured at least a title share in their final home game of the season.
Taylor Jaquez went 3 for 3 with three RBIs, a home run and a double. Michaela Ferreira was also 3 for 3 with three runs scored. Ripon doled out 12 hits, five of which went for extra bases.
Pitcher Danielle Sperry went the distance, striking out 10 while giving up four runs on seven hits and three walks.
Southern League
Ripon Christian 10,
Gustine 6 (10)
GUSTINE — With the international tiebreaker in place, Ripon Christian (5-9, 8-13-1) plated six runs in the top of the 10th to race away with the season-ending win. Katie O’Leary, who went 3 for 4 with two doubles, started the rally with an RBI single. Jamie Shippley and Emily Van Vliet each contributed an RBI double.
O’Leary also pitched all 10 innings, scattering four hits and firing nine strikeouts.
