NORCO – Tia Meza helped the Mater Dei softball program reach three consecutive CIF-Southern Section championship games as a player.
On Tuesday, Meza guided her alma mater back into the finals as its coach.
Gabby Sandoval tossed a one-hitter, and Mater Dei was able to capitalize on Norco’s lone defensive mistake to pull out a 1-0 victory.
The Monarchs will face Trinity League rival Orange Lutheran in the Division 1 title game, with the game likely to be played Saturday evening at Barber Park in Irvine.
This will be Mater Dei’s first championship appearance since 2000, and the Monarchs will be looking to win the program’s first section title since 1998.
“I’m so proud of these kids. For the four years I’ve been here, these kids have given everything for a moment like this,” Meza said, as a single tear ran down each cheek. “They’re the reason Mater Dei softball is doing well. They’ve worked extremely hard all year, and this is a tribute to all of them.”
Mater Dei ended Norco’s bid to be the first team in nearly a decade to win back-to-back Division 1 championships. The Monarchs’ win also snapped the Big VIII League streak of having at least one finalist at seven seasons.
“We didn’t get the hits, and we made one more mistake than them today,” said Norco coach Rick Robinson, who was denied his 500th career victory. “At this level of softball, one mistake in a tight game like this can cost you.”
Norco’s Kinzie Hansen led off the bottom half of the first inning with a sharp single to center field. That was the only hit the Cougars got against Sandoval, who tossed her third shutout of the postseason. Norco (26-6) got just two runners to second base in the game, and both of the runners advanced there after Sandoval was called for an illegal pitch.
“Norco is a great hitting team,” Meza said. “We knew Gabby’s pitch count might be higher than usual today, but we needed her to make smart pitches. She has a big heart and has dug deep and really put this team on her back.”
Sandoval did not seemed fazed by the umpires calling four illegal pitches.
“I just let it go, and kept pitching my game and trusting my defense,” said Sandoval, who finished with eight strikeouts.
Mater Dei (26-7) scored the game’s only run in the fourth. Kelli Godin led off with a single. Neli Casares-Maher grounded a ball to Norco second baseman Sierra Marshall, but Marshall’s flip to get the force at second was dropped by shortstop Mikayla Allee. Priscilla Martinez ripped a sharp single to left field to bring home Godin.
Norco’s Taylor Dockins turned in another strong performance in the circle, scattering seven hits, allowing the one unearned run while striking out seven.
The Monarchs have knocked off four league champions to advance to the finals.
“We’ve been the underdogs throughout the playoffs, and that’s not going to change,” Meza said, making reference to her squad’s 9-1 and 14-3 losses to the Lancers this season. “But this team has that never-say-die attitude.”
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