West Division Title Not in the Bag Yet

The Sockers nearly clinched first place in the West and home-field advantage through the playoffs Wednesday night without even playing.

The Tacoma Stars took second-place St. Louis into overtime before falling, 6-5, on a goal from Emil Dragicevic at 8:27 in the Tacoma Dome.

The Storm (31-19) moved within one game of the Sockers (32-18) as both teams have two games remaining. A victory by the Sockers or a loss by St. Louis in the remaining games will clinch the top seed for the Sockers.

Tickets for the Sockers’ first playoff game go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. at the Sports Arena box office and all Ticketmaster locations.

Ticket prices are $15.50 for lower level and loge seats, $13 for middle terrace seats and $10.50 for end terrace seats.

Those wishing to buy tickets to all playoff games can purchase a “playoff strip” which includes tickets to all nine potential games. The strips will be available only at the Sports Arena.

If the Sockers maintain their current first-place standing in the West, they will open the divisional finals at home April 18 and 20 against either St. Louis or Tacoma.

The Sockers also announced their schedule of summer camps. They will hold 70 instructional camps at 19 locations. In the camps, Socker players will tutor youths ages 5 to 19. For information, call 224-4625.

BASEBALL

Gary Sussman struck out seven and walked none to lead Christ College Irvine (17-9) to a 4-1 victory over UC San Diego at UCSD. Ernie Isola went three for four for UCSD, which dropped to 9-15.