El Camino Real Runs Win Streak to 41 : On Coach’s Birthday, Conquistadores Blow Out Candles on Canoga Park

Thursday was Neils Ludlow’s birthday, and while the El Camino Real High softball coach would rather not divulge his age, it’s safe to assume the number is even higher than the number of consecutive wins his Conquistadores have piled up.

El Camino Real notched its 41st in a row at the expense of Canoga Park, 2-1, in a West Valley League game at El Camino Real on Thursday.

The win streak started in 1984, but the ride hasn’t always been easy for Ludlow.

“My stomach gets like a rubber band, especially in the close games like this,” he said. “I think it puts a little pressure on us. Other teams are always trying to knock you off.”

Usually overpowered by the pitching of junior Beth Silverman, not too many teams have challenged the Conquistadores (7-0, 2-0 in league).

“She’s been strong all year,” Ludlow said of his ace. “She’s pitched better this year than she did last year.”

Silverman underwent arthroscopic surgery on both knees last summer, but it hasn’t slowed her. She struck out 10 in her three-hitter against Canoga Park.

“Since they’re in our league, we fight to see who goes on,” Silverman said.

In recent years it has been El Camino Real that has gone on--and on. The Conquistadores have won three straight City 4-A championships.

Softball teams don’t win on pitching alone, though, and El Camino Real proved that against the Hunters with eight hits against De Dow, Canoga Park’s senior pitcher.

The Conquistadores left runners on base in every inning except the second. Dow, who went into the game with a 7-1 record and 123 strikeouts in 58 innings, had only one strikeout.

“It wasn’t one of her better days,” Canoga Park Coach Joey Nakasone said. “But to me she doesn’t have an off-day. Her off-day is a good day for anyone else.”

El Camino Real jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Darci Stehlik singled to open the game, stole second, moved to third on a passed ball and scored on Lisa Mahl’s ground out.

The Conquistadores scored again in the third to give Silverman all the runs she needed.

Canoga Park fell to 6-2 overall and 1-1 in league.