SOUTHERN SECTION 5-A DIVISION SOFTBALL PREVIEW : Self-Analysis Lifted Newbury Park

Newbury Park High’s visit to the Southern Section 5-A Division title game tonight was spurred by a re-evaluation of the team’s direction at midseason.

The Panthers had struggled through the first half of the season and had just been eliminated from the Righetti tournament when they decided that their 8-7 record wasn’t an indication of their talent.

“They were pretty tired of the way they were playing,” Coach Doug Gove said. “They knew they were a better ballclub.”

Since then, Newbury Park (24-7) has won 16 consecutive games and has advanced to its first title game. The second-seeded Panthers will meet Marina (28-5) at 8 tonight at Mayfair Field in Lakewood.

Before this season, Newbury Park had never advanced past the second round.

“I’m not real sure what it was that changed things around,” Gove said. “Everything just began clicking.”

One reason has been increased support for senior right-hander Lea Lopez (21-5). Last year, Lopez got little offensive support and struggled to a 12-11 record. This year, she has struck out 200 batters and walked 11 in 161 innings.

Lopez, who will attend University of the Pacific in Stockton in the fall, has an earned-run average is 0.26. She pitched a one-hitter in Newbury Park’s 1-0 win over Fountain Valley in the semifinals.

“Lea has really matured the past year,” Gove said.

Offensively, the Panthers are led by senior second baseman Melody Bolger (.374), Lopez (.344), senior catcher Beth Calcante (.340), and sophomore shortstop Marci James (.303).

Calcante’s move from shortstop to catcher has provided Newbury Park with reliable defense and leadership, according to Gove.

“Two other girls tried, but they couldn’t catch Lea,” Gove said. “Beth stepped in and has been a real boost.”

Marina handed Newbury Park a 1-0 loss March 2 in a nonleague game. Junior right-hander Willa Parchen threw a no-hitter and struck out 13 for Marina.

“They have two good pitchers, and I heard that (Parchen) is their No. 2 pitcher,” Gove said. “So we have our work cut out for us.”