Late Run Does In Lancers

After reaching the section finals last year, and being seeded second in this year’s playoffs, Orange Lutheran was on course to finally win its first softball title.

But Pomona Catholic got a fine pitching performance from senior right-hander Katie Swertfager and scored in the top of the eighth inning to upend the Lancers, 1-0, Tuesday in a Southern Section Division V semifinal softball game.

It marks the first time in any sport that Pomona Catholic, which is celebrating its centennial, has had a team in any sport reach a section final, a school official said.

It was only the second shutout loss for Orange Lutheran (26-6), which set a school record for most victories in a season.

Swertfager gave up only one hit, an infield single to Cassie Leasure to open the seventh. She struck out 15 and only one batter reached third base. That came in the third inning when Jenny Miklos walked, advanced to second on a fielder’s choice and stole third.

But with two outs Alicia Pharris flew out to center field.

Pomona Catholic (18-9) had its hands full, as well, against Orange Lutheran pitcher Jessica Edwards, who gave up two hits, struck out eight, hit a batter and walked one.

But the walk to Amanda Frost in the eighth inning and a wild pitch proved to be the difference.

Nicole Sparks bunted Frost to second and later she moved up to third on the wild pitch. Cecilia Degaldo struck out, but Kim Ayala drove a 1-1 change-up into center field for a hit, driving in Frost.

Ayala said she was fooled on the pitch and didn’t think she hit it well enough to drive in the run. Orange Lutheran Coach Steve Miklos said he wish he had the decision back.

“I called the pitch. She had been getting them out on it all day,” Miklos said. “The batter got out in front of it and went with it and took it up the middle like she should. That’s a good job of hitting.”