Dan Albano’s Diamond Club outstanding softball players for May 26-June 7:

Jaliane Brooks, Los Alamitos, Fr., P

Brooks tossed a 10-inning shutout with five strikeouts in a 3-0 win against JSerra in the CIF-SS Division 2 championship game. In the longest outing of her career, Brooks earned her fifth victory of the playoffs.

Carson Cruz, University, Jr., P

Cruz earned her fifth victory of the CIF-SS playoffs by tossing a complete game with nine strikeouts in a 4-1 triumph against Rio Hondo Prep in the Division 6 final. The Trojans captured their first section title.

Liliana Escobar, JSerra, Jr., P

The Register’s O.C. pitcher of the year scattered nine hits and struck out 16 in 10 innings in a 3-0 loss against Los Alamitos in the CIF-SS Division 2 final.

Parker Mayes, El Modena, So., C

Mayes went 4 for 9 with two home runs and four RBIs to help the Vanguards finish as the Division I runner-up in the CIF Southern California Regional.

Mia Valbuena, Marina, Jr., P

The Michigan commit capped a dominant postseason with a four-hitter and 13 strikeouts in an 8-1 triumph against Westlake in the CIF-SS Division 3 final. Valbuena won all five of her starts in the playoffs and racked up 56 strikeouts.

Sometimes the nervous butterflies for an athlete return even stronger in parenthood. And sometimes a high school can become a home for generations.

Willa Valbuena experienced both feelings as she watched her twin daughters Mia and Avi Valbuena help Marina’s softball team capture the CIF-SS Division 3 championship last month in Irvine.

“I had butterflies in my stomach like I did 35 years ago, and they just go out there and they just get it done,” Willa Valbuena said after the Vikings defeated Westlake 8-1 in the final in Irvine on May 30.

“I’m so proud of them. They’re so resilient.”

Known by her maiden name Parchen, Willa Valbuena pitched for Marina’s 1990 softball team that claimed the CIF-SS Division 5A title in a 1-0 win against Newbury Park.

Just like her twins, she celebrated a section title as a junior.

And just like her girls, Willa Parchen played at Marina for coach Shelly Luth. In 1990, Luth served as an assistant before taking the helm the next season.

Luth, now the Vikings’ co-coach with Dan Hay, reconnected with Willa Valbuena — who pitched collegiately at Creighton — at an incoming freshmen night for Marina a few years ago.

“She said, ‘Hey’ and I’m ‘Oh, my God,’ ” Luth recalled of the surprise reunion. “She said, ‘Can you stick around four more years? And at the time, I was like ‘Yeah!’ “

“It’s special,” the coach added of the family’s legacy at Marina. “The amazing thing about Mia and Avi, they’re the first ones in. They hang their bag up and they go straight to the dugout and get the bases out. They put the bases in. They get all the equipment out. Humble as can be.”

Both girls are pitchers who can hit.

Mia is a right-hander committed to Michigan who earned first-team All-County honors this season. Avi is a left-handed pitcher who had four RBIs in the final.

IRVINE — A rotation featuring pitchers committed to Boise State, Mississippi, Loyola Marymount and Princeton wasn’t the only strength for the South at the Orange County Softball Coaches Senior All-Star Classic on Wednesday.

The South delivered the defense to support its standouts in the circle.

Buoyed by a spectacular running catch by Addison Day of Capistrano Valley, the South followed the pitching of Loula-Rae McNamara of Tesoro, Payton Kennedy and Sawyer Denser of Santa Margarita and Reece Uehara of Mission Viejo to shut out the North 3-0 in a six-inning game at Deanna Manning Stadium.

The foursome combined for a three-hitter and five strikeouts.

In the second game of the all-star doubleheader, the East and West tied 7-7 in a six-inning game.

Day, a center fielder committed to Wagner, saved a run in the first inning by racing to the gap in deep right-center to make an over-the-shoulder grab on a two-out drive by Rosary’s Domonique McCoy.

Speedy Kai Minor of Orange Lutheran was at second base and would have likely scored if Day didn’t make the stretching catch.

After the play, the South took the lead on a two-run single by Mission Viejo’s Kara King in the top of the second.

“(Day) totally set the tone for our whole team to show we can compete (and) we’re going to win the game,” said McNamara, a Boise State-bound left-hander who pitched the first two innings for the South. “I was so pumped up after that catch.”

Day led off the fourth inning with a triple and stole home on a double steal to cap the scoring.

It was quite the performance for a player who was added late to the South roster.

“I was just racking it all in,” Day said with a smile. “It was good getting to play another game.”

After Kennedy (Mississippi) and Denser (Loyola Marymount) each didn’t allow a hit in the third and fourth innings, respectively, the Princeton-bound Uehara pitched the final two innings to close out the victory.

In the sixth, the North brought the tying run to the plate with no outs.

Uehara responded by inducing Fullerton’s Abby Lee to line into a double play started by second baseman Loreale Blake of Santa Margarita. The right-handed pitcher then forced a popout to shortstop Camryn Bradshaw of El Toro to end the game.

“I was a little worried coming in but I knew I had the strong defense behind me so it was good,” Uehara said. “I’m very happy (we won). … You always have more fun when you win.”

The South’s defensive highlights included a diving catch in left field by Sofia Zavarella of Santa Margarita in the fourth and Capistrano Valley catcher Micayla Turi throwing out a runner at second for the final out of the second.

Blake, who is committed to Seton Hall, applied an excellent tag on Turi’s throw to help prevent a run scoring on a double steal attempt by the North.

King, a left-handed batter who signed with Division II Pace in New York, connected on a 2-1 pitch to drive in two runs.

The senior, who hit .378 with 20 RBIs during the season, praised the South pitchers.

“They’re really impressive,” King said. “We’ve faced most of them so I know how hard it is to hit off them.”

Minor, The Register’s player of the year for 2025, made a leaping catch at the fence and sliding grab in shallow center to lead the North’s defense. The Oklahoma-bound senior also stole two bases.

Between the games, which were sponsored by PGF, the Orange County softball Hall of Fame honored 11 inductees. They were: Marina co-coach Dan Hay, Brittany Lastrapes (Laguna Hills 2007), Laura Miklos (Orange Lutheran 2001), Garland Cooper (Santa Margarita 2003), Chelsea Gonzales (Rosary 2013), Suzie Barnett (Villa Park 1988), Brooke Turner (Kennedy 2007), Andrea Harrison (Pacifica 2008), Lauren Young (Canyon 2012), Amber Freeman (Mater Dei 2011) and Lisa Dacquisto (Ocean View 1993).

ALL-ORANGE COUNTY SOFTBALL TEAM 2025

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Kai Minor, Orange Lutheran, Senior

The feats of athleticism and high-level production remained consistent but there was something different about Kai Minor’s contributions this season.

The speedy center fielder became more of a visible role model for Orange Lutheran’s softball team.

“Beside her God-given talent, she’s a leader,” Lancers coach Steve Miklos said. “A great mentor for our younger players.”

Just call Minor a six-tool player, and The Register’s Orange County player of the year.

Minor blended her leadership skills with her abilities to hit for average and power, race around the bases, make stunning catches and throw from the outfield.

Minor, who signed with Oklahoma, hit .500 with 23 extra-base hits (five home runs) and 34 RBIs in 28 games.

She also stole 11 bases and didn’t commit an error for a team that spent time ranked No. 1 in Orange County.

Minor highlighted her defense by robbing a three-run home run against Mater Dei with a leaping catch at the fence in the first round of the Trinity League.

Orange Lutheran won the game 3-2, and ended up beating Mater Dei by one game for its sixth consecutive Trinity League title.

“She’s amazing,” Miklos said of Minor, who also earned Trinity League player of the year.

Orange Lutheran (22-6, 6-3) earned the No. 3 seed for the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs but was upset by Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks 9-7 in the first round.

Minor remains positive about the season because of the interaction with her teammates.

“Being a senior and being a leader was a very amazing thing,” she said. “Leading by example is really important (to me). I’m not really a fire under the butt, type of person. I kind of say things, and if they go that way, they do. If not, somebody else has to take the wheel.”

“I’m still close with all these girls and I still talk to them to this day,” she added.

Minor credits her leadership skills to Mike Stith, her travel coach with the Orange County Batbusters.

“Talking to him, whether it’s about softball or just life in general, I always take away something to apply to other people or even myself,” she said.

Minor finished her four-year career at Orange Lutheran with a .474 average, 156 hits, 86 RBIs and 59 stolen bases.

The Lancers posted an 86-25 record during Minor’s four years. Last season, they reached their first Division 1 final since 2016.

“I’m more about the team,” Minor said. “I’m just glad that I left a mark … mentoring the younger kids so they can be the same, too.”

PITCHER OF THE YEAR

Liliana Escobar, JSerra, Jr.

JSerra pitcher Liliana Escobar showed up to practices and games last season motivated to help her teammates despite knowing she wasn’t eligible to play because of her transfer from Santa Margarita.

“I threw (batting practice) to all the girls, trying to get them ready,” she recalled.

This spring, Escobar contributed from the circle and led the Lions to new territory.

The junior went 14-5 with a 1.20 ERA and 239 strikeouts in 140 innings to power JSerra to its first appearance in the CIF Southern Section finals.

For her efforts, Escobar is The Register’s Orange County pitcher of the year.

“She’s been our go-to all season,” JSerra coach Katie Stith said of Escobar after a 3-0 loss to Los Alamitos in 10 innings in the Division 2 final. “She’s a grinder and I love her intensity.”

In a dramatic Division 2 championship game, Escobar struck out 16 — one shy of her season-high — and walked two.

The Lions almost won the title in the bottom of the seventh inning but Los Alamitos threw out a runner at the plate and scored three runs off Escobar in the 10th.

While the loss stung JSerra, Escobar said her squad — which featured only two senior starters — still celebrated its season over pizza after the game.

“We’re super excited with where we got as a program and as a team,” she said. “That game was really fun. Winning is not everything. It’s the goal and it’s the journey with your teammates.”

Escobar often paired with freshman catcher Annabel Raftery.

The battery developed its chemistry and united in some impressive performances, especially in the Trinity League.

Escobar allowed one run and struck out 12 in nine innings of a 2-1 loss to Orange Lutheran in 11 innings. About a week later, she threw a two-hitter with 11 strikeouts in a 3-2 win against Santa Margarita.

“(I’m) just happy to be back playing and definitely happy of how the hard work has paid off to the point that we got as a team,” said Escobar, who was selected co-pitcher of the year in the Trinity League with Orange Lutheran’s Rylee Silva.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Bobby Calderon, El Modena

In his ninth season, Calderon guided the Vanguards past challenges on and off the field for a historic campaign.

El Modena (23-10) claimed its first title at the Dave Kops Tournament of Champions. The team captured its first Crestview League crown under Calderon, reached its first CIF-SS Division 1 final and was ranked No. 1 in Orange County for the first time.

For his program building and his team’s resiliency, Calderon is The Register’s coach of the year.

The Vanguards finished as the Division 1 runner-up after losing center fielder Jocelyn Alatorre for much of the season due to injury. In the fall, the squad united to support shortstop Kylie Tafua after her mother died from lung cancer.

“We took our lumps there a couple years, but with the mindset that we were going to get this opportunity one day, and we wanted to be ready for it,” Calderon said. “If you ask me, I think we were ready for it.”

Calderon, a special education and math teacher at El Modena, was assisted by his brother Tony, Andy Martinez and his cousin Jeana Gonzales-Alvarado.

ALL-COUNTY FIRST TEAM

Pitcher: Liliana Escobar, JSerra, Jr.

Orange County Pitcher of the Year

Pitcher: Ava Phillips, Rosary, So.

The Pacific Coast League MVP went a county-best 20-3 with a 1.37 ERA, and earned MVP pitcher as the Royals won the Carew Classic for the first time.

Pitcher: Sara Pinedo, El Modena, Sr.

The Loyola Marymount-bound Pinedo went 17-5, including 3-1 in the section playoffs, with a 2.01 ERA to help lead the Vanguards to a runner-up finish in Division 1.

Pitcher: Mia Valbuena, Marina, Jr.

The Sunset League MVP pitcher posted a 19-10 record with a 1.88 ERA and a county-high 293 strikeouts in leading the Vikings to the CIF-SS Division 3 title.

Catcher: Brooke Piwowar, Sonora, Sr.

The Arizona State-bound Piwowar hit .433 with nine home runs, and played strong defense in the Raiders’ run to the second round of the Division 2 playoffs.

First base: K’lene Gutierrez, Rosary, So. 

The all-tournament selection from the Carew Classic had a school-record 50 RBIs and hit .488 with 20 extra-base hits.

Infield: Jenna Caldera, Rosary, So.

The all-tournament shortstop from the Carew Classic hit .552 and had a school-record seven triples to help the Royals rise to No. 1 in Orange County for the first time.

Infield: Kaitlyn Galasso, El Modena, Sr.

The Boise State commit and Crestview League co-MVP hit .462 with 12 home runs, 31 RBIs and 16 stolen bases to lead the Vanguards to their first appearance in a SoCal regional final.

Infield: Tea Gutierrez, Huntington Beach, Sr.

The Jacksonville State-bound third baseman hit .578 with nine home runs and 41 RBIs to earn Sunset League MVP and help the Oilers reach the second round of the Division 1 playoffs.

Outfield: Makayla Bishop, Cypress, Sr.

The Cal State Dominguez Hills-bound leadoff batter hit .474, scored 28 runs and stole 14 bases in earning co-MVP honors in the Crestview League.

Outfield: Hayden Huerta, Rosary, So.

The Pacific Coast League offensive player of the year hit a team-leading .565 and scored a school-record 47 runs for an offense that averaged 8.4 runs per game.

Outfield: Kai Minor, Orange Lutheran, Sr.

Orange County Player of the Year

Designated player: Bree Carlson, Huntington Beach, So.

The first baseman hit .500 with a school-record 11 home runs and a county-leading 53 RBIs in her first season with the Oilers.

Utility: Payton Kennedy, Santa Margarita, Sr.

The Mississippi-bound dual threat hit .408 with a county-leading 14 home runs and 37 RBIs, and went 6-2 with a 2.27 ERA.

ALL-COUNTY SECOND TEAM

P: Ellena Ediss, Pacifica, Sr.

P: Katelynn Mathews, Fullerton, So.

P: Loula-Rae McNamara, Tesoro, Sr.

P: Rylee Silva, Orange Lutheran, Fr.

C: Eliana Corona, La Habra, Fr.

1B: Cienna Kowaleski, Los Alamitos, Sr.

Inf: Camryn Bradshaw, El Toro, Sr.

Inf: Natalie Keith, Northwood, Jr.

Inf: Sierra Nichols, Orange Lutheran, Jr.

OF: Cali Bennett, Huntington Beach, Sr.

OF: Hayley Brock, Fullerton, Jr.

OF: Sophia Rolon, Mater Dei, Sr.

DP: Auddrey Lira, Villa Park, Sr.

Utility: Delaney Faus, Cypress, Sr.

ALL-COUNTY THIRD TEAM

P: Jaliane Brooks, Los Alamitos, Fr.

P: Cassidy Stinnett, Capistrano Valley, Jr.

P: Mia Tamkoc, Woodbridge, Sr.

P: Emily Yoon, El Dorado, Fr.

C: Annabel Raftery, JSerra, Fr.

1B: Irma Urincho, Canyon, Sr.

Inf: Renay Chavez, El Dorado, Sr.

Inf: Alyssa Grajeda, Santa Margarita, Sr.

Inf: Emily Racine, San Clemente, Jr.

OF: Jocelyn Aguilar, Westminster, Sr.

OF: Ella Haugo, Aliso Niguel, Sr.

OF: Alyssa Hernandez, La Habra, Jr.

DP: Layni Kimura, Los Alamitos, Sr.

Utility: Mia Gonzalez, Buena Park, Sr.

ORANGE — A member of the El Modena softball faithful struck the Vanguards’ mantra as they took the field against Mater Dei Catholic of Chula Vista in the finals of the CIF Southern California Regional on Saturday.

“Find a way El Mo!” rang out before the Division I final at El Modena High.

The Vanguards overcame their share of obstacles in a historic season but battled-tested Mater Dei Catholic and four El Modena players opting out of the game proved too much for Orange County’s top-ranked squad.

No. 2 seed Mater Dei Catholic erupted for six runs in the fifth inning and added five in the seventh to claim a 12-3 victory and its second regional title in the past four years.

“I knew that we were going to compete as long as we could,” El Modena coach Bobby Calderon said. “It’s just unfortunate we ran out of bullets there at the end. And you got to understand, (Mater Dei Catholic is) legit.”

“They have their full squad,” the coach added. “You can’t take anything away from them. We knew what we were walking into.”

Mater Dei Catholic (27-7) proved itself in early April by reaching the quarterfinals of the Michelle Carew Classic. The Crusaders later captured the San Diego Section’s Open Division.

Facing an El Modena team (23-10) without its top pitcher and few strong position players, Mater Dei Catholic banged out 13 hits.

In the fifth, the Crusaders sent 12 batters to the plate and took advantage of four walks (one intentional) and a hit batter.

Mater Dei Catholic highlighted a five-run seventh with consecutive two-out home runs by Maya Matthies and Analesse Garcia.

Arri Romero (24-4) led the Crusaders in the circle by scattering six hits and striking out nine in the complete game. The sophomore retired 11 of the final 12 batters she faced and didn’t allow a hit in the final three innings.

“That’s a solid team,” Mater Dei Catholic co-coach Mike Centrullo said of top-seed El Modena, the CIF-SS Division 1 runner-up to Norco. “It would have been a tough game with all of (their players).”

El Modena showed its fight by taking a 2-0 lead on a two-run home run in the first by third baseman Monica Garcia. The Idaho State-bound senior drove in Boise State-bound infielder Kaitlyn Galasso, who led off with a double.

Galasso went 2 for 4 to finish the season with a .462 average.

In the fourth, the Vanguards extended their lead to 3-1 on a RBI single by hot-hitting catcher Parker Mayes, who hit two home runs in an 8-6 win in nine innings against Poway in the semifinals.

But the Crusaders’ fifth inning changed the outcome. They chased starter Ashley Diskill (5-4) before facing junior varsity callup Jules Vega, a freshman who notched her first win in the semifinals.

El Modena’s challenges began before the season. The team rallied to support junior Kylie Tafua after her mother died.

In early March, the Vanguards captured the Dave Kops Tournament of Champions in Bullhead City, Ariz. for the first time despite losing center fielder Jocelyn Alatorre to a knee injury about a week before the trip.

El Modena started 0-3 in the Carew Classic but bounced back to earn a share of the Crestview League title and reach its first Division 1 final.

This week, the Vanguards played in the regional for the first time.

“When we first came to the program, we really had to try to turn it around,” said Galasso, a senior. “It’s really been an uphill climb but leaving a legacy behind is great. I hope that future generations of Vanguards can understand how we fight, how we play because we are a great program.”

CIF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

SATURDAY

DIVISION I

MATER DEI CATHOLIC OF CHULA VISTA (26-7) AT EL MODENA (23-9), 4 p.m.

Tickets: $12 general admission, $8 students/seniors at GoFan.co

Outlook: The top-seed Vanguards face the No. 2 Crusaders in their bid to become only the second O.C. team to capture a regional crown. Mater Dei Catholic won a Division II regional title in 2022.

El Modena, No. 1 in the final Orange County rankings, is expected to make more adjustments after three of its players opted out of the regional.

The Vanguards’ offense is led by Boise State-bound infielder Kaitlyn Galasso (.460, 12 home runs, 31 RBIs) and catcher Parker Mayes (.326, seven home runs, 26 RBIs). Mayes, a sophomore, belted two home runs, including a walk-off shot in the ninth inning, in an 8-6 win against Poway in the semifinals.

Kansas-bound center fielder Jocelyn Alatorre recently returned from a knee injury and went 3 for 3 with two doubles and three RBIs against Poway.

Look for junior Ashley Driskill to start in the circle for El Modena, the CIF-SS Division 1 runner-up. Driskill is committed to San Diego.

Mater Dei Catholic is led by sophomore two-way threat Arri Romero, who is 23-4 with a 1.56 ERA and hitting .425 with 31 RBIs. Another sophomore to watch is catcher Charlize “Chuck” Masingale (.378, 28 RBIs).

The Crusaders, the San Diego Section’s Open Division champion, edged rival Bonita Vista 5-4 in the semifinals on a walk-off hit by senior Lilia Alpuche.

El Modena can join Fullerton’s Division III team in 2023 as the county’s only regional champions in softball.

El Modena’s softball team navigated past multiple challenges Thursday to beat visiting Poway 8-6 in the Division I semifinals of the CIF Southern California Regional.

Catcher Parker Mayes hit two home runs, including a two-run shot off the scoreboard in center field in the ninth inning, to lift the Vanguards (23-9) to their first regional final.

Mayes, a sophomore, went 3 for 3 with three RBIs.

Ranked No. 1 in Orange County, El Modena will play host to Mater Dei Catholic of Chula Vista (26-7) in the championship Saturday at 4 p.m.

The Vanguards won after three of their players opted out of the regional, Coach Bobby Calderon said.

El Modena, the CIF-SS Division 1 runner-up, showcased its depth in adjusting to the absences.

Junior Ashley Driskill started in the circle and pitched 5 2/3 innings. Calderon then turned to freshman Jules Vega to toss 3 1/3 innings of relief.

Vega, who was called up from the junior varsity, earned her first victory.

In other adjustments, Calderon moved Kaitlyn Galasso to shortstop from second baseman and inserted Kylie Campana at second base.

“Got to find a way (to win),” Calderon said. “The community is so excited to be part of this.”

El Modena adjusted most of the season after center fielder Jocelyn Alatorre suffered a knee injury.

In her second start since returning from injury, Alatorre went 3 for 3 with two doubles and three RBIs. Monica Garcia added a home run.

Mater Dei Catholic edged Buena Vista 5-4 in the other semifinal.

In Division IV, No. 2 seed Woodlake erupted for 11 runs in the sixth inning to beat visiting University 18-8 in a mercy-shortened semifinal.

University (17-11) scored five runs in first inning as it took the field for the third time in as many days.

The Trojans’ first round game against visiting Marquez on Tuesday was suspended in the first inning because of weather. University collected a 5-3 win Wednesday after the game resumed.

University made its regional debut after winning Division 6 for its first section title.

Carson Cruz pitched a complete game and Leighton Lee sparked the offense as the Trojans defeated visiting Marquez of Huntington Park 5-3 in a Division IV first round game in the CIF Southern California Regional playoffs.

University (17-10) notched its first regional victory in school history after the game was suspended Tuesday because of lightning, thunder and heavy rain at University.

Cruz, a junior, pitched her sixth complete game of the postseason to improve to 14-9.

Lee had a bunt in the second inning that led to a pair of runs scoring. The sophomore scored in the third and later added an RBI single as University opened a 5-0 lead.

The Trojans advance to play at No. 2 seed Woodlake of Tulare County (28-1) in the semifinals Thursday at 4 p.m.

University is making its regional debut after capturing Division 6 for its first CIF-SS title.

In other results, Poway defeated Ayala 4-1 in Division I to advance to Thursday’s semifinal at No. 1 El Modena.

The final Orange County high school softball rankings for the 2025 season.

Notable: El Modena finishes No. 1 in Orange County after a 3-0 loss to Norco in the CIF-SS Division 1 final. The Vanguards, who started the season No. 4 in Orange County, are seeded No. 1 this week in Division 1 of the CIF Southern California Regional. … Los Alamitos climbs five spots to No. 6 after claiming the Division 2 title. … Division 2 runner-up JSerra rises two spots to No. 7.

FINAL ORANGE COUNTY SOFTBALL TOP 25

(Records through Monday, June 2)

1. El Modena (22-9): The Vanguards were disappointed after falling to Norco in the Division 1 final but found positives in their accomplishments this spring. El Modena captured its first title at the Dave Kops Tournament of Champions and earned a share of the Crestview League title. Kaitlyn Galasso led the way by hitting .469 with 12 home runs entering the regional.

Previous ranking: 1

2. Rosary (26-3-1): The Royals lost to El Modena in the second round of the Division 1 playoffs but showed plenty of progress. Led by a stellar sophomore class, they won the Michelle Carew Classic and surged to No. 1 in the county for the first time. Rosary dominated the Pacific Coast League for its first league title since 2008. Sophomore pitcher Ava Phillips went 20-3 with a 1.37 ERA.

Previous ranking: 2

3. Orange Lutheran (22-6): The Lancers accomplished plenty before losing in the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 2008. The Division 1 qualifier won its sixth straight Trinity League title and the La Mirada tournament. Oklahoma commit Kai Minor hit .500 with 23 extra-base hits.

Previous ranking: 3

4. Fullerton (21-8): The Empire League champion delivered a strong regular season. The Indians reached the semifinals for the Carew Classic and went 2-0 against Trinity League teams. Fullerton lost to Roosevelt 1-0 in the first round of the Division 1 playoffs. Sophomore Katelynn Mathews had a breakout season by going 15-3 with a 1.27 ERA.

Previous ranking: 4

5. Mater Dei (16-12-1): The Monarchs finished only one game behind of Orange Lutheran for second place in the Trinity League. They signaled a strong season by reaching the semifinals of the Dave Kops Tournament of Champions in March.

Previous ranking: 5

6. Los Alamitos (21-12): The Griffins emerged as one of the county’s most improved teams in their run to the Division 2 championship. After starting the season 1-7, coach Rob Weil’s squad earned a share of the Sunset League title and defeated JSerra 3-0 in a 10-inning thriller for the Division 2 crown. Los Alamitos developed a standout pitcher in freshman Jaliane Brooks, who fired a shutout in the finals.

Previous ranking: 11

7. JSerra (19-14): The Lions were inches away from claiming the Division 2 title as Los Alamitos shortstop Kalie Matsuno threw out the potential winning run at the plate to end the seventh inning. JSerra reached its first section final with only two senior starters. If the Lions improve their offense, they could rise to No. 1 in the county next season. The pitching duo of Liliana Escobar and Abby Ford is that good.

Previous ranking: 9

8. Santa Margarita (20-9-1): The Eagles reached the Division 2 semifinals with a close-knit senior class that featured several standouts. Mississippi-bound Payton Kennedy cranked a county-leading 14 home runs and Loyola Marymount-bound Sawyer Denser won three playoff games in the circle.

Previous ranking: 6

9. Cypress (19-10): The Centurions joined Los Alamitos as one of the county’s most improved teams. Led by Delaney Faus (11-6) and leadoff hitter Makayla Bishop (.474), Cypress earned a share of the Crestview League title with El Modena and Pacifica. Coach Terry Thompson’s team took 2 of 3 games from El Modena and Pacifica.

Previous ranking: 7

10. Pacifica (15-12): The Mariners, who won Division 1 titles in 2023 and 2024, hung tough to earn a share of the Crestview League title. UC Davis-bound Ellena Ediss kept the Mariners in many games by going 11-7 with 2.14 ERA. Pacifica lost to El Modena 9-5 in the first round of the Division 1 playoffs.

Previous ranking: 8

11. Canyon (19-10)

Previous ranking: 10

12. Huntington Beach (22-8)

Previous ranking: 12

13. La Habra (22-8)

Previous ranking: 13

14. Marina (19-13)

Previous ranking: 15

15. Capistrano Valley (17-11)

Previous ranking: 14

16. Mission Viejo (15-15)

Previous ranking: 16

17. Tesoro (12-11)

Previous ranking: 17

18. Aliso Niguel (14-13-1)

Previous ranking: 18

19. El Dorado (17-12)

Previous ranking: 19

20. Sonora (17-10)

Previous ranking: 20

21. Villa Park (14-15)

Previous ranking: 21

22. Whittier Christian (21-8)

Previous ranking: 22

23. Yorba Linda (16-13)

Previous ranking: 24

24. San Clemente (22-8-1)

Previous ranking: 23

25. Brea Olinda (18-6)

Previous ranking: 25

BASEBALL CIF SOCAL REGIONAL 

First round, Tuesday 

Games start at 4 p.m. unless noted

DIVISION I

Mater Dei at Crespi

Villa Park at El Cajon Granite Hills

San Diego Patrick Henry at Santa Margarita, 3 p.m.

DIVISION II

Rancho Bernardo at Fountain Valley

DIVISION IV

Mary Star at Estancia, 3:15 p.m.

SOFTBALL CIF SOCAL REGIONAL 

FIRST ROUND

DIVISION IV 

Marquez at University, 4 p.m.