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Among Irvine’s top players are from left Katie Liu, Sienna Porter, Harper Vandermolen and Hyli DelosSantos. (Photo courtesy Irvine softball).
It’s been a long time coming for Irvine High School’s softball program.
The Vaqueros, coached by Jim Knapp, are in the CIF finals for the first time since 1993. Irvine, the No. 2 team from the Pacific Coast League will host Liberty Friday at 3:30 p.m. at Deanna Manning Stadium at Col. Bill Barber Park in Irvine.
Irvine’s last appearance in the CIF finals was 1993 when the Vaqueros lost to Laguna Hills 5-4 in the Division III game. In 1991, Coach Lisa Baker’s team defeated Foothill 1-0 in the 4A title game. Baker is still teaching at Irvine.
Knapp said he’s been pleased with the play of the Vaqueros (21-10).
“This team is successful I think because everyone has an idea of what is expected of them and they don’t try to do too much,” said Knapp, who became Irvine’s coach in 2016.
Irvine is led by freshman Katie Liu, who batted .542 overall, .527 in league and .500 in the playoffs. She has four home runs, 11 doubles, scored 32 runs and drove in 18.
“She hit the very first pitch of the season for a double and has been as consistent as one can be,” said Knapp.
Other top Irvine players include Reese Villanueva, who has a .403 batting average, two home runs and 20 RBI; Harper Vandermolen, who is batting .480 with 38 runs scored, seven home runs and 45 RBI; Sienna Porter, who is hitting .515 with 11 home runs and 40 RBI and Abby Sasaki, who is batting .535 with a home run and 20 RBI and has battled back from an injury.
The Vaqueros pitcher is Hyli DeLosSantos, who is 14-7 with a 3.80 ERA. She has been especially tough in the playoffs with a 4-0 record and a 0.87 ERA.
Liberty (21-3-1) advanced to the playoffs with a 6-3 victory over Northwood.
“I watched Liberty play Northwood and they are a very good young team,” Knapp said. “Solid pitching, good speed at the top and they are good through the lineup. No obvious weak spots on defense. Should be a good game.”
Liberty also defeated Paracelte 12-6, Viewpoint 10-0 and Shadow Hills 9-8.
Irvine also defeated Calvary Chapel 17-1, Paramount 11-1 and Ocean View 8-5 and Santa Paula 5-4.
Irvine players are very familiar with Deanna Manning Stadium, the home of PCL rival Woodbridge and Irvine fans are expected to turnout in solid numbers for the game.
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—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com
