Defending CCS Champions, Live Oak Acorns, ousted in
quarterfinals by Mitty Monarchs, 9-1
Salinas – Another Central Coast Section softball championship was not in the cards for Live Oak, as the defending CCS division I champion Acorns took on the defending CCS division II champion Mitty Monarchs in the division II quarterfinal on Saturday. The Monarchs topped the Acorns with a big fourth inning, knocking Live Oak out of the playoffs, 9-1.
“They (the Acorns) played really good,” said Live Oak coach Barry McDonnell. “Mitty had that one big inning and there were a couple of unfortunate plays. The girls played a good game. They had enthusiasm and played hard until the end. They really showed they can play with anyone.”
The Acorns took a 1-0 lead early. With two outs in the top of the second inning, Live Oak starter Tricia Goularte, who was still battling bronchitis, gave the Acorns the lead with a RBI single through the middle. The Acorns then proceeded to load the bases, but were unable to capitalize with any more runs as Mitty’s starter got Taylor Sutton to ground out to end the threat.
The Monarchs tied the score, 1-1, in the bottom of the third inning. With two outs and runners on first and second, Live Oak catcher April Herrera got Mitty’s first base runner caught in a rundown on a steal attempt, on the pickoff play the Monarch’s third base runner took advantage and scored from third. Goularte struck out the next batter to keep the score tied and get out of the inning.
Mitty’s offense unloaded in the bottom of the fourth inning to break open the game. The Monarchs rallied for seven consecutive hits in the inning, six singles and a triple, producing six runs.
Down 7-1 by the top of the fifth inning, the Acorns offense couldn’t get anything going against Mitty’s starter and defense.
Although this season fell short of expectations for Live Oak, the Acorns softball team will be in pretty good shape as they head into the Blossom Valley Athletic League next season.
“We’re going to be the same type of team we were this year,” said McDonnell. “We’re keeping our entire infield including our pitching staff. We’re really going to miss April (Herrera) at the catcher position, but Kourtney Kientzy from JV will step into that role.”
