Fountain Valley and Kennedy Will Lead an Elite Field of Softball Teams Competing in Canyon Tournament

Orange County’s two top-rated pitchers and some of the top-ranked softball teams in the Southern Section and beyond will compete in the sixth Canyon Softball Tournament of Champions today.

Fountain Valley, Orange County’s top-ranked team, is one of 36 teams participating in two 18-team divisions at Peralta Park and Canyon High School in Anaheim Hills March 16-18, 30-31 and April 1, 7 and 8.

The tournament features nine of the 10 teams ranked in the 5-A preseason poll and seven of the top-10 teams in the 4-A preseason poll.

Fountain Valley moves up to 5-A this year. The Barons feature the top pitcher in the county, Rae Rice, who was 16-9 with a 0.18 earned-run average last season.

Kennedy, last year’s 3-A champion and the top-ranked 4-A team this season, is led by pitcher Cheryl Longeway, who was 23-3 with an 0.48 ERA as a freshman last season. Santana, the top-ranked 3-A team from the San Diego Section will compete in the 5-A division along with defending tournament champion San Diego Madison.

Opening round pool play runs today through March 18. Semifinal round pool play begins March 30 and continues through April 1. Finals will be April 7 and 8.