Softball: This one is about as close as it gets

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Brianna Stephan just ended up making what could prove to be the play of the game. The Simi Valley left fielder made a diving catch to rob Vanessa Viloria of an RBI and stifle a Norco rally in Tuesday’s Southern Section-Toyota Division I semifinal. This one is all tied up, 0-0 in the third.

Pioneers starter Amanda Oliveta ran into trouble, giving up three singles to load the bases with one out. However, Brianna Smith popped out to right, and then, Viloria failed to cash in. It will be interesting to see if the Cougars can back bounce and threaten again.

By the way, heard through the grapevine that Jessica Spigner has hit a pair of home runs for Valencia, which is out in front of Corona Santiago, 3-0, in the third inning of the other Division I semifinal.

-- Sean Ceglinsky