May 9, 2024

OC Sports Zone: Community First

CIF CHAMPIONS! Late rally lifts Ocean View past Western Christian 2-1

Ocean View players get together for a team picture after winning the CIF championship Friday. (Photo courtresy Ocean View athletics)

Ocean View High School’s softball team is celebrating a CIF title.

The Seahawks, coached by Jose Smith, ralllied with two late runs to knock off top seed Western Christian 2-1 in the CIF DIvision 5 championship game at Deanna Mannining Stadium Friday afternoon.

It’s the first CIF title for Ocean View since 2008. The Seahawks also won the title in 1985.

 “It was another incredible game,’ said Ocean View Athletic Director Tim Walsh.  “Our squad was down 1-0 going into the seventh and rallied for the 2-1 victory. “

Nivea Armenta began the seventh inning with a double for Ocean View (17-10) and McKenna Coble was called in to pinch run. 

“Emma Craft put down a great bunt to try and advance McKenna, and the catcher’s wild throw to first allowed both McKenna and Emma to come all the way around to score,” Walsh said.

But Western Christian (19-2) loaded the bases with one out in the bottrom of the seventh inning. However Ocean View ace Desyree Arizmendi got a strike out and a pop-up to shortstop Ashley Capelouto to end the game, according to Walsh.

“The girls battled through adversity all year and we are so proud of them,” he said.