PHOTOS: University makes history with 4-1 victory over Rio Hondo Prep for first CIF title

University players celebrate after winning the CIF title Friday at Deanna Manning Stadium. (PHOTOS: John Luciano, For OC Sports Zone).

After a long and strenuous climb, University reached the summit of CIF softball with a 4-1 victory over Rio Hondo Prep in the Division 6 final Friday morning at Deanna Manning Stadium. 

It’s the first CIF crown in girls softball for the University program.

To see the slide show, click on the first photo:

University, which failed to appear in the CIF playoffs for multiple decades, embarked on a remarkable turnaround this season under Coach Merissa Guzman to reach the finals for the first time. The program that once lacked the resources to compete with neighboring schools now stands tall as a CIF champion. 

“It’s definitely been a journey,” junior right-handed pitcher Carson Cruz said. “In the beginning, even starting last year, our team was definitely building from the bottom. It took a lot of practice and a lot of trust to get where we are now. It truly shows how much we are willing to work and how much effort we put in.”

The Trojans (16-10) will have a chance to add to their historic year in the CIF So Cal regional playoffs next week.

On Friday, University’s starting pitcher, Cruz, took charge of the game from the circle. Going the full seven innings, she didn’t allow a single earned run and struck out eight Kares hitters. 

At critical junctures, a calm Cruz came up with clutch outs to dance around trouble in the basepaths. In every inning on Friday, she managed to strand Kare runners in scoring position, effortlessly evading danger. 

“Nothing fazes her,” Guzman said. “When you see her out there, you can clearly see how confident and how collected she is.”

University moved ahead 1-0 with a run in the second inning. Alexandra McBride singled, went to second on a passed ball and scored on a triple by Gidget Smith.

The Trojans delivered their scoring avalanche in the fifth inning, taking advantage of two walks and a single by Jessica Hu. Sienna Gillen was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to drive in one run in the three-run inning. There was also an error and a wild pitch that helped Uni take a 4-0 lead.

Cruz, one of the Trojans who scored in the inning, credited mid-game adjustments to the team’s success.

“I think we made adjustments from the first time [we] were up,” Cruz said. “We got to know the pitcher and really tried to adjust to manufacture runs and work as a team.” 

Rio Hondo Prep (20-5) scored an unearned run in the fifth inning when Janna Taflinger drove in Tara Riley, who reached on an error, with an RBI single.

But this was mainly University’s day, much to the delight of University fans. Students could not attend the game that started at 10 a.m. due to classes. Some seniors were also taking finals.

Without any seniors, University relied on strong team chemistry and young players stepping up to make a postseason run. 

“It’s been a whole team effort,” Guzman said. “I’m really excited that I don’t have any seniors, but I think girls who have taken charge verbally have been Amela (Hoang), and Carson. Gidget (Smith) has taken charge not only verbally, but she’s a natural athlete, and she leads by example … Even my girls who don’t start. They’re so supportive in the dugout. Every single one of them has made this happen.”

Despite only being part of the program for a few years, underclassmen, such as sophomore outfielder Sophia Weinberg, understood the weight of their team’s accomplishment.

“Our school had a near-zero win record previously, and they’d never gone past the first round in CIF,” said Weinberg, who had a single and a stolen base. “I never would have imagined we’d be champions in 2025. It’s crazy.” 

And after a long road, the team that once played the role of underdogs got the chance to appreciate its hard work.

“I think we were the underdog all season long, only winning two games in league,” Guzman said. “Now look at us, CIF Division 6 champions. I could not be more proud of my team. From the moment they set foot on the field of every playoff game to now, they’ve just given their whole heart.”