Softball: Simi Valley and Norco has the makings of a classic

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I must admit something before we get started with this blog: I’m actually looking forward to today’s showdown between Norco and host Simi Valley in a Southern Section-Toyota Division I semifinal at Rancho Santa Susana Park in Ventura County. Normally, a championship needs to be involved to get me interested in a game like this.

However, this one is intriguing for a couple of reasons. First, Teagan Gerhart will be in the pitcher’s circle for the Cougars, and if there’s one thing I know about this junior, it’s that she’s a strikeout artist. Simi Valley counters with Sam Fischer, a senior power hitter with 11 home runs and 32 RBIs. Something has to give.

Secondly, the top-seeded Pioneers are one of the best teams in the nation. They enter the game with an umblemished record (29-0), ranked No. 1 in the state by Cal-Hi Sports and No. 5 nationally by Student Sports and Rivals.com. Underdog Norco (29-5), on the other hand, has nothing to lose and figures to be a loose bunch in this one.

-- Sean Ceglinsky