Southern Section Softball Playoffs : Oliver’s 1-Hitter Lifts Simi Valley Over Santa Maria

Senior left-hander Chrissy Oliver pitched a one-hitter and struck out seven to lead Simi Valley High to a 5-0 victory Tuesday over Santa Maria in a 5-A Division wild-card playoff game at Simi Valley.

The Pioneers (21-7) will visit St. Joseph, the top-seeded team, in a first-round game Thursday.

Oliver (10-5) also knocked in the Pioneers’ first run with a ground out in the first inning. Gina Skinner, who had two singles, and Cathy Beasley each singled in the first and Skinner scored on Oliver’s ground out.

Erika Rustan knocked in Simi Valley’s second run with a ground out in the second.

Simi Valley, which has 11 shutout victories this season, collected six hits and committed three errors. Oliver leads the Pioneers in complete games (15) and strikeouts (168).

The Pioneers advanced to the playoffs as the third-place team from the Marmonte League.

St. Joseph defeated Simi Valley, 1-0, in the Canyon Tournament of Champions in April in the only meeting between the teams.