Irvine Vaqueros celebrate after winning a share of the league championship. (Photo courtesy Irvine softball).
Irvine’s softball team capped a strong second half of the season with a 6-5 victory over Rosary Wednesday to earn a co-Pacific Coast League championship.
Rosary Academy (14-14, 8-2) and Irvine (11-16, 8-2) were declared co-champions and both teams are headed to the CIF playoffs.
Rosary Academy defeated Irvine 19-0 in the first league match-up on April 28.
In Wednesday’s game, Irvine’s Harper Vandermolen hit a three-run home run to help Irvine pull away, but Rosary came back with three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to close the gap to one run.
However, Irvine pitcher Carlee Lombardo shut down Rosary’s offense in the bottom of the seventh to help the Vaqueros win.
“It’s been a season of ups and downs,” said Irvine Coach Jim Knapp. “Had some injuries early on and started slow, 1-8. We got mostly healthy after spring break and finished 8-2.
“The team avenged both losses by winning the second round though against Northwood and Rosary. Looking forward to seeing where CIF puts us, Division 4 or 5.”
The CIF softballl playoff pairings are expected to be announced soon.
Vandrmolen has led Irvine with a .535 batting average, 11 home runs and 35 RBI. Katie Liu, who is batting .500 with eight doubles, one home run, 12 RBI and 15 runs scored.
The pitching has been split between Midori DeLosSantos (6-2) and Lombardo (2-0) in league play, Knapp said.
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