Los Al Softball defeats Norco to win CIF and most likely National Titles

IRVINE >> Behind a masterful performance from senior pitcher Ryan Denhart, Los Alamitos defeated previously unbeaten Norco 3-1 at Deaa Maing Stadium to win the CIF-SS Division 1 Softball Title and most likely a Max Preps National Title as Saturday’s matchup was the top two teams in the nation.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game and we thought whoever came out first and made the most adjustments was going to be the wier and that’s what we did today,” Denhart said.

Denhart was perfect through four iings and allowed only one run on three hits while striking out six in seven strong iings.

“She came up huge,” Griffins coach Rob Weil said. “We were using that backdoor curveball all day on the lefties and with the righties, we were staying off the plate and waiting for them to go fish and not get a big part of the ball.”

After a pair of infield singles brought ruers to second and third in the bottom of third, senior catcher Mary Iakopo ripped a shot off the glove of Cougars (33-1) first baseman Giaa Marguecho who was unable to come up with the ball as two Griffins (28-3) came in to score.

“I was looking for something outside and was looking to hit something hard,” Iakopo said. “It ended up on the ground and they scored.”

The Griffins would add to their lead in the bottom of the fourth when sophomore Myah Iakopo scored on an RBI force out at second by senior Allisha Martinez.

“I told them let’s just play simple and stay within ourselves,” Weil said. “We were well-prepared and the kids responded well to practice. Mary came up with a huge hit early in the game to produce a couple of runs.”

The Cougars would not go away without a fight as shortstop Mikayla Allee led off the seventh iing with a solo home run. However, Denhart would strike out two of the next three batters and senior center fielder Jea Kean would secure the championship with a ruing grab in left-center field.

“You just have to shake it off and come back and get the next batter out and that’s what its all about,” Denhart said. “It sets the tone for what happens after.”

The Griffins avenged a 1-0 loss earlier in the season to Norco.

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“It’s the best feeling,” Iakapo said. “We have been in championship games before but nothing like this.”

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