CIF-SS SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
DIVISION 2
MISSION VIEJO (30-0) VS. YUCAIPA (30-3)
Where, when: Bill Barber Park, Friday, 7 p.m.
Fan info: General admission, $10; students w/school ID and children (5-13), $5; parking, free.
Outlook: The Diablos are one win away from what would arguably go down as the greatest softball season in Orange County history. Having already won three high-profile showcases in the Dave Kops Tournament of Champions, the Michelle Carew Classic and the Best of the West Tournament, a second consecutive CIF-SS Division 2 title would cap a wire-to-wire run the top-ranked team in the county and nation. Standing in the way of perfection is a team, Yucaipa, the Diablos have played twice already this season. The Thunderbirds have given the Diablos more problems than any other team they have seen, but senior pitcher Taylor McQuillin and teammates have pulled out two one-run victories over the division’s second-seeded squad. Coming off a season-high 18-strikeout performance, McQuillin will need to be in top form again as she battles Yucaipa’s Brooke Bolinger. The Thunderbirds ace has limited the Diablos to seven hits in their two encounters this season. Early run support from Alyssa Palomino, Camryn Ybarra, Kayleen Shafer and the rest of Mission Viejo’s talented lineup would go a long way in a game where runs would appear to be at a premium. The Diablos have won 35 straight games, and a win tonight would send their senior class off as one of the most dominant cores in O.C. history.
Contact the writer: kconnolly@ocregister.com
