Softball: Reeger’s heady play ends up being key in Simi Valley win

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Can’t imagine Simi Valley’s Tawny Reeger thought her never-say-die approach to the game, her all-out hustle, would have such a major impact during Tuesday’s Southern Section-Toyota Division I semifinal showdown against visiting Norco at Rancho Santa Susana Park. But it did.

With two outs in the bottom of the fourth inning, Reeger turned what appeared to be a routine pop out into a single after colliding with Kim Pena at first base, and then, the senior came around to score the lone run of the game as the top-seeded Pioneers held on for a 1-0 victory.

‘I was determined to run out the play, that’s the way I was taught to play the game, Reeger said. ‘I guess I didn’t see [Pena] coming my way and ended up getting the wind knocked out of me. But I made sure to reach out and touch first base. If I wasn’t safe, if the umpire would have called me out, I bet that play would’ve hurt.’’

After picking herself up off the ground and regaining some composure while dusting off her uniform, Reeger moved to second on a Haley Thomas single and gave Simi Valley (30-0) the lead on an Ali Mapes hit. As a result, the Pioneers advance to Saturday’s title game against Valencia (28-5-1) at Barber Park in Irvine.

‘Once Tawny gave us that spark, all I wanted was an opportunity to step up for my teammates,’’ Mapes said. ‘I wasn’t nervous when I was up at the plate. Instincts took over. Growing up, you always dream about being in a situation like that, with a chance to win the game.’’

Amanda Oliveto did her best to keep Simi Valley close throughout. She struck out five batters in the first two innings. The sophomore finished with a six-hitter and nine strikeouts and had plenty of help behind her, courtesy of a defense that came with up some clutch efforts.

The Cougars threatened in the third inning, loading the bases with one out. But Amber Olive made a nice running catch in right field and Brianna Stephan robbed Vanessa Viloria of an RBI, perhaps as many as two, with a diving catch in left to essentially demoralize Norco’s hopes.

Viloria singled to lead off the sixth inning, advanced to second base with two outs but was tagged out by shortstop Sam Fischer while trying to advance to third to kill the rally. Fittingly, Reeger was in the right place at the right time, snaring a Brianna Smith liner to second base for the game’s final out.

Oliveto’s counterpart, Teagan Gerhart, pitched well against a loaded Simi Valley lineup. The junior ended up scattering eight hits and striking out six in a complete game. Pena reached base in all four plate appearances for the Cougars (29-6).

-- Sean Ceglinsky