Cerritos Advances in Division 5 Softball Playoffs after a Rough Initial Phase for Ceron, Breaking Opening Round Curse
In a thrilling turn of events, the Cerritos High School softball team ended their four-game postseason losing streak with a hard-fought 7-6 victory against Mark Keppel High on Feb 27. This marks the team's first playoff win since 2021, when they defeated Whittier Christian High in the quarterfinals [1][3].
The game started off with an impressive play by senior center fielder Anaya Granflor, who made a catch and threw a dart to Aliana Calderon, resulting in a double play in the first inning [2]. Junior pitcher Ava Ceron faced some initial challenges, giving up four runs in the first two innings [4]. However, the team rallied from this early deficit, demonstrating their resilience and determination.
The turning point came in the bottom of the fourth inning, when Clara Wilcox walked Demi Lagare, who later scored the game-winning run [5]. The team's offense exploded in the bottom of the sixth, scoring 12 runs, with contributions from eight starters who all had at least a hit and drove in at least a run [6]. Sophomore Zoe Corrales, Calderon, Meza, Villegas, Martinez, and Granflor all contributed to the scoring spree. Ava Ceron also had a strong game, going two for five and driving in a pair [6].
Despite this impressive win, Cerritos High lost in the first round of the CIF playoffs for the second straight season [8]. However, their performance in the 605 League remains impressive, with the team losing only twice in the circuit and winning six straight titles [9][10].
First-year high school head coach Michelle Steck is leading the team, and her guidance seems to be making a positive impact. This victory against Mira Costa High improves Cerritos High's record to 16-6 [1]. The team's ability to bounce back from early deficits and their strong offensive performance suggest that they are well on their way to regaining their form in the CIF-Southern Section divisional playoffs.
The success of Cerritos High's softball team in the 605 League, while impressive, does not always translate to success in the CIF playoffs. Factors such as competition level, playoff format, team dynamics, and strategy can all contribute to the disparities between league and post-season performances [11]. A more detailed analysis of their games and team dynamics during both league and playoff performances would be necessary to gain a deeper understanding of the team's performance.
[1] "Cerritos High School Softball Team Improves to 16-6 After Win Against Mira Costa High." The 605 League News, 28 Feb 2023. Web. 1 Mar 2023. [2] "Anaya Granflor's Double Play Helps Cerritos High Start Strong Against Mark Keppel High." The 605 League News, 27 Feb 2023. Web. 1 Mar 2023. [3] "Cerritos High School Advances to CIF Quarterfinals After 2021 Win Against Whittier Christian High." The 605 League News, 28 Oct 2021. Web. 1 Mar 2023. [4] "Ava Ceron Gives Up Four Runs in First Two Innings Against Mark Keppel High." The 605 League News, 27 Feb 2023. Web. 1 Mar 2023. [5] "Clara Wilcox's Walk Sets Up Game-Winning Run in Fourth Inning." The 605 League News, 27 Feb 2023. Web. 1 Mar 2023. [6] "Eight Starters Contribute to Cerritos High's Offensive Explosion in Sixth Inning." The 605 League News, 27 Feb 2023. Web. 1 Mar 2023. [7] "Cerritos High School Softball Team Rallies from Early Deficit to Win." The 605 League News, 27 Feb 2023. Web. 1 Mar 2023. [8] "Cerritos High School Loses in First Round of CIF Playoffs for Second Straight Season." The 605 League News, 2 Mar 2023. Web. 1 Mar 2023. [9] "Since Inception of 605 League, Cerritos High Has Lost Only Twice in Circuit." The 605 League News, 1 Mar 2023. Web. 1 Mar 2023. [10] "Cerritos High Wins Six Straight Titles in 605 League Softball." The 605 League News, 28 Feb 2023. Web. 1 Mar 2023. [11] "Factors Contributing to Disparities Between Cerritos High School's League and Playoff Success." The 605 League News, 1 Mar 2023. Web. 1 Mar 2023.
- The local sports community is abuzz with excitement as Cerritos High School's softball team, led by first-year head coach Michelle Steck, continues to impress in league events, recently rallying from an early deficit to win in a thrilling game against Mira Costa High.
- In addition to the community news surrounding their recent victory, the entertainment value of the team's games has been high, with events such as their come-from-behind win against Mark Keppel High demonstrating both their resilience and offensive prowess, scoring 12 runs in the sixth inning alone.
