Fullerton softball players and coaches, supported by family members, show their CIF SoCal Regional championship plaque. (Photo courtesy Fullerton softball).
Fullerton High School’s softball team capped a memorable post-season run by defeating top-seeded Otay Ranch 7-0 to capture the CIF SoCal Regional Division III championship Saturday afternoon in Carlsbad.
It’s the first title for any Orange County team in the three-year history of the regionals, according to Fullerton Coach Trevor Holton.
“It’s a great feeling,” Holton said. “I’m very happy for the program and the school. I have tremendous support from the administration and couldn’t do it without them. We knew we had a special group of players and coaches and knew what we were capable of.
“These last few weeks the girls really put it all together and came home with a championship. Couldn’t be more happy for the school. Roll Tribe.”
The No. 2 seeded Indians defeated Orange Cove 1-0 and Mater Dei Catholic 6-4 to reach the finals.
Malaya Majam-Finch pitched all seven innings Saturday, allowing two hits and striking out five to get the win and record her fifth shutout of the playoffs, according to Holton.
Melia Vera and Ava Paquin each went 3 for 4 with three RBI and Zoey Bautista was 2 for 4 to lead the offensive attack for Fullerton (26-7).
The Indians defense also stood out and included a “great diving backhand and glove flip by Zoey Bautista to Melia Vera for a force out,” Holton said. “Zoey Bautista and Melia Vera were terrific up the middle today.”
Fullerton was supported by a large contingent of fans in Chula Vista.
“I think we had more fans than them,” Holton said.
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