Mira Costa softball team prepares for run at CIF-SS Division 4 title
Mira Costa senior Katie Gould has scored a team-high 25 runs for the Mustangs who begin the CIF-SS playoffs today with a home against Schurr. Photo
Mira Costa’s softball team enters today’s CIF-Southern Section Division 4 playoffs after winning a share of its second straight Bay League title.
In a surprise on the final day of the regular season, Palos Verdes emerged as Bay co-champions after defeating host Peninsula 6-2 while Mira Costa forfeited its game at Redondo.
Morningside, a member of the Bay League, did not field a softball team this season so, according to a Mira Costa spokesperson, the Mustangs scheduled an extra non-league game.
The forfeits did count and playing the Redondo game would have put Mira Costa in violation (according to a Bay League rule) of exceeding the total number of games allowed.
Nevertheless, Mira Costa coach Brittany Gardner is optimistic as the Mustangs begin their run for a CIF title.
Mira Costa (18-11-1) hosts Almont League runner-up Schurr (18-4) to begin the postseason. All games with the exception of the finals begin at 3:15 p.m. unless another time is mutually agreed upon.
“We’re looking forward to making a run for the Division 4 title,” Mira Costa coach Brittany Garner said. “Right now, we’re focused on one game at a time. We have been preparing since September for the playoffs and, and while this season has brought many highs and lows, these girls have continued to chase their goals and dreams. I’m extremely proud of each and every one of them.”
If Mira Costa is victorious, the squad will take on the winner between No. 5 San Juan Hills and Sultana in the second round on Tuesday.
Redondo (10-14) hosted a wild-card game Tuesday against Long Beach Poly with the winner advancing to play top-seeded Downey in the opening round.
Palos Verdes (15-9) earned the No. 10 seed in Division 5 and will host Culver City on Thursday.
Ocean League champion El Segundo (15-9-1) hosts the wild-card winner between Katella and Palms Springs in the opening round.
In Division 2, Bay League co-champion North Torrance (22-9) earned the No. 7 seed and hosts Santa Monica (14-6) Thursday while South Torrance (19-8) travels to take on La Quinta (19-5-1).
The other Bay League co-champion is West Torrance (25-3), earning the No. 1 seed in Division 2. The Warriors host St. Anthony (8-8) in the first round.
In Division 6, Prep League champion Chadwick (11-3) hosts the winner of the Nordhoff-Lancaster wild-card on Thursday.
For brackets and results, visit cifss.org.