SOFTBALL: Locals help UC San Diego reach NCAA Div. II final

UC San Diego defeated Saginaw Valley State 2-1 in the NCAA Division II softball tournament Sunday in Salem, Va., to reach today's national championship game against top-seeded Alabama-Huntsville (48-5-1), a 2-0 winner over Midwestern State.

Led by local graduates Jenn De Fazio (Simi Valley), Kris Lesovsky (Royal) and Jennifer Manuel (Camarillo), UC San Diego (44-13) is seeking the school's first national title in any sport since the women's soccer team captured a championship in 2001.

De Fazio, a senior catcher, is hitting .324 with 23 runs and 32 RBIs, including a solo home run against Saginaw Valley State.

Lesovsky, a senior outfielder and the Tritons' leadoff hitter, boasts a .307 average with 44 runs, six home runs and 26 RBIs.

Manuel, a freshman pitcher/utility, has hit .333 in 28 games, along with posting a 3-4 record in 13 appearances.