CIF-SS Softball Playoffs: La Habra advances to Division 2 semifinals

La Habra's Kira Cauley (5) is congratulated after stealing second and third bases in the same play as they play Rio Mesa in their CIF girls softball playoff game at La Habra High School in La Habra on Thursday May 26, 2016. (Photo by Keith Durflinger/Whittier Daily News)

La Habra’s Kira Cauley (5) is congratulated after stealing second and third bases in the same play as they play Rio Mesa in their CIF girls softball playoff game at La Habra High School in La Habra on Thursday May 26, 2016. (Photo by Keith Durflinger/Whittier Daily News)


LA HABRA >> For the third time in the last five years the La Habra High School girls softball team is headed back to the CIF-Southern Section semifinals, but not without a late charge by visiting Rio Mesa, of Oxnard.Top seeded La Habra, which won its 26th consecutive game, defeated Rio Mesa, 4-2, in a Division 2 quarterfinal game Thursday afternoon.

La Habra, ranked fourth in the state by Cal-Hi Sports and 17th in the nation by Max Preps, will travel to Valley View, of Moreno Valley, for Tuesday’s semifinals. Fourth-seeded Valley View (26-1) defeated South Hills, 1-0, in nine innings.
“I’ve never experienced anything like this (26-game win streak),” first-year coach Steve Harrington said. “It’s been a nice journey. I don’t even know how many it is we’ve won in a row.”
The Highlanders (29-1) led, 4-2, in the top of the seventh inning, but Rio Mesa (15-11) missed an opportunity to tie the game as they left runners on second and third.
Highlanders’ pitcher Hannah Johnson started the game by striking out seven consecutive batters before allowing a sharp single in the third inning. The junior would allow only two more hits in her five innings of work and picked up the win.
— John Sherrard

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