Torrance blanks Whittier Christian, 2-0

LA HABRA -- Whittier Christian's Courtney McGee and Torrance's Jessica Moon entered Saturdays' CIF-SS Division V quarterfinal softball playoff game as two of the hottest pitchers in the division.

McGee tossed consecutive no-hitters in the first two rounds of the playoffs, and Moon came in with an 11-0 record while averaging two strikeouts per inning.

Torrance (27-4) broke the stalemate with two runs in the sixth inning and the Tartars went on to defeat the Heralds, 2-0, to advance to the semifinals against San Dimas.

Despite the loss, Heralds (19-9-1) coach Dale Van Duyn said the team made huge strides this season.

“We had an excellent team this year,” Van Duyn said. “The same group of girls turned a, 3-22, team last year into a 19 win team this year with their hard work.”

McGee (10-5) ran into trouble in the sixth as she surrendered a single and a walk to consecutive hitters. She struck out Mel Vasquez for the second out of the inning.

Britney Helms then drilled her second extra base hit of the game, a triple to center driving in the only runs of the game. The sophomore ace finished the game with six strikeouts and surrendered only four hits.

“Courtney is a warrior,” Van Duyn said. “Her potential is endless because she has so much going for her.”

At one stretch of the game, Moon struck 11 consecutive Whittier Christian batters. After Rebekah Kikuschi doubled in the first inning for the Heralds, Moon did not surrender another hit until the seventh. She struck out every opposing batter at least once, and finished with 16 K's.

“We met our goal this year,” said McGee. “We will be back next year.” 

Contact the writer: preps@ocregister.com