Banning softball team is a big winner in Las Vegas

Banning reestablished itself as an L.A. City Section power by winning the Clark Charger Invitational in Las Vegas on Wednesday with a pair of wins over two City titans.

Banning beat El Camino Real, 5-1, in the semifinals, then posted a 2-1 eight-inning win over Granada Hills in the final, showing it is overcoming its adversity and pre-tournament lackluster play .

"It means a lot," said Banning co-coach Rudy Aguirre, who took over when Jesse Espinoza was fired four games into the season. "Coming into this tournament, in my opinion, we weren't doing too well, but we made a statement that we're still contenders."

Pitcher Jessica Lozano (13-5) had 50 strikeouts in six games and put together two gems. Lozano threw a four-hitter with six strikeouts and no walks against El Camino Real.

Then Lozano outdueled Granada Hills ace Rebecca Patton to hand Patton her first loss of the season. Both had 10 strikeouts.

"The tournament didn't have an official MVP, but Jessica Lozano was definitely our MVP of this tournament," Aguirre said. "She was the heart of this team. No one hit her hard in this tournament."

Banning (13-6) finally broke through against the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo-bound Patton thanks to the international tiebreaker that puts a runner at second base at the start of each extra inning.

Yesenia Alcala started the inning on second base and was sacrificed by Cassie Garcia. Marlene Tafoya walked, putting runners at first and third for Stephanie Aguirre, who hit a single to left field to score Alcala. When the ball was muffed by the outfielder, Tafoya scored as well.

"I believe we're on track now," Rudy Aguirre said. "They are starting to have confidence in themselves and the coaching staff. We're developing more chemistry and trust."

Tafoya hit a two-run triple and Stephanie Aguirre had two hits and an RBI against El Camino Real.

"We're a good team, but our heart is what won this tournament," Rudy Aguirre said. "We're not as strong as some of these other teams, and of course we don't hit the ball as well, but our team has a lot of heart.

"I'm really proud of the girls. We even got a text (message) from (Jesse) Espinoza. I thought that was nice for our team."