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Associate mug of Kenny Connolly, Anaheim reporter.

Date shot: 12/31/2012 . Photo by KATE LUCAS /  ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

They have been on a collision course since the CIF-SS softball playoff brackets were released two weeks ago, but in many ways, it is a showdown three months in the making.

Orange Lutheran and Los Alamitos have been staples atop the county and state rankings since the onset of the season. The two softball powers finally clash Tuesday at Los Alamitos in the Division 1 semifinals, with the victor earning a spot in this weekend’s championship game.

“Whenever you’re playing at home, you’re in a comfortable environment,” Los Alamitos coach Rob Weil said after Los Al’s quarterfinal win against Vista Murrieta. “I think it’s definitely an advantage for us, but OLu is a great team and they’re going to come ready to play. We’re going to have to play an A game to beat them, that’s for sure.”

During the past month, both squads have been at their best.

Orange Lutheran (29-3) has reeled off 17 straight wins, and in its three playoffs outings, the Lancers have racked up 32 runs. Mackenzie Boesel, Ciara Briggs, Noelle Hee, Mya Rodriguez, Taylor Whitney and Dani Dawson each had multi-hit games last week, reinforcing the Lancers’ confidence that any player in their lineup can do damage and win a ballgame.

The same can be said for Los Alamitos (26-2), which has seeminly had a different player star in each game of its nine-game win streak. Junior outfielder Jenna Kean had four hits against Chino, and Jade Loe had some aggressive base running against Vista Murrieta that helped push the Sunset League champs into the semifinals.

With junior aces Maddy Dwyer (Orange Lutheran) and Ryan Denhart (Los Alamitos) dueling in the pitching circle, runs figure to be at a premium.

Who will produce the timely base hit? Which team will play the cleaner defensive game?

The team that does both is sure to be brimming with confidence going into championship weekend.

“It’s going to be a battle for sure,” Denhart said. “The team that executes earliest will win.”

Here is a look at the other semifinal matchups Tuesday.

In Division 1: Mater Dei (25-7) at Norco (26-5). Senior right-hander Gabby Sandoval has been outstanding for the Monarchs in the postseason. Mater Dei has thrived on its home field, but it will be on the road Tuesday. If the Monarchs can cash in some early opportunities as they did against Great Oak in the quarterfinals, they’ll have an excellent opportunity to meet Los Alamitos or Orange Lutheran in the final.

In Division 2: La Habra (29-1) at Valley View of Moreno Valley (26-1) The Highlanders put their 26-game win streak up against the Eagles’ 24-game streak. With both clubs boasting deep pitching staffs, the team that scores first probably will advance. The Highlanders have two pitchers, Hannah Johnson and Janelle Rodriguez, capable of winning in the playoffs. A timely hit or two from the offense could keep the Highlanders’ run alive.

In Division 2: Oaks Christian of Westlake Village (30-1-1) at Mission Viejo (25-4). Can the Diablos make it to their third consecutive final? They’ve got the edge in experience, and they’ve played the more challenging schedule. If Camryn Ybarra, Olivia Viggiano, Terra McGowan, Allison Harvey and Kyra Snyder keep hitting, a trip back to the finals at Bill Barber Park in Irvine seems likely for Mission Viejo.

In Division 6: Sierra Canyon of Chatsworth (20-10) at Savanna (29-2-1). The Rebels dominated their first three postseason opponents, and now are a win away from a potential rematch with top-seeded Paraclete of Lancaster in the final. With Shyanne Fennell tossing gem after gem and Kristin Worley virtually unstoppable atop the order, the Rebels appear to have the edge against battle-tested Sierra Canyon.

CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES INFO

All of the championship games will be played at Bill Barber Park on Friday or Saturday.

The CIF-SS will announce the championship schedule Wednesday morning.

General admission tickets will be $10 for Friday and Saturday’s sessions. Students with a proper school ID and children (5-13 years old) can purchase tickets for $5.

Contact the writer: kconnolly@ocregister.com