Softball: Williams sets the HR record, others looming

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In a perfect world, maybe Crenshaw’s Alia Williams would have homered in the bottom of the seventh inning in a tightly contested game, but the world isn’t perfect, even though Williams’ swing has been.

Williams hit her 18th home run of the season on Monday -- in her 18th game, no less -- and set a state record in the process as she led Crenshaw to a 25-0 Coliseum League victory over Jefferson. She had three hits and seven RBIs, which gave her 62 on the season, but 18 was the number that mattered as Crenshaw (15-3) won the league with a 10-0 record.

She broke the single-season record first set by Lisa Dodd of San Diego University City in 2003. Last season, San Pedro’s Perelini Koria hit 17.

But today, Williams stands alone atop the record book, and can add to that number in the City Section playoffs.

By the time the season is done, Williams might be a record-holder in other categories as well. Her 1.765 slugging average is currently the best ever reported to CalHiSports.com, which compiles state records. According to the record book, Williams’ 62 RBIs is ranked fifth, 13 short Lisa Estill’s 1998 season for Grace Brethren. Williams also is batting .735, also fifth, well behind Etill’s .784 standard.

With 36 career homers, the junior is almost certain to unseat Koria in the record book. Koria has 40, but is a senior this year.

It’s a wonderful accomplishment. In the playoffs or next season, I hope Williams is afforded the opportunity to face the City’s best teams and pitchers to lend credibility to her record. Sixteen of her homers this season came in games that Crenshaw scored 10 runs or more -- usually a lot more.

-- Martin Henderson