SOUTHERN SECTION SOFTBALL PLAYOFFS : S. Torrance Rallies, Beats University

South Torrance pushed across two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to post a 2-0 victory over University in a Southern Section 3-A softball playoff opener Friday in Torrance.

The Spartans (24-1) took a 1-0 lead when shortstop Gilliam Boxx hit a home run to center field with one out in the sixth inning.

South Torrance added another run when Deirdee Baker reached third base on a three-base error on a fly ball to right field and scored on a wild pitch.

University (20-70) was held to two hits by winning pitcher Jacqueline Brown (18-0). Brown, a junior, struck out five and walked two.

Shareen Patton (14-5) was tagged for the loss. Patton allowed four hits, struck out six and walked two, while allowing one earned run.

University’s most serious threat came in the seventh inning when Jennifer Whiteley led off with a single, advanced to second on a sacrifice and to third on a wild pitch. But Brown retired Patton and Heather Campbell to end the game.

University also threatened in the fifth inning when Campbell led off with a walk. But Brown retired the next two hitters and Liz Whiteley, who reached on a fielder’s choice, was thrown out trying to steal.

In Division 3-A softball:

Woodbridge 2, Torrance 0--Allison Ward (11-5) pitched a four-hitter, had six strikeouts and one walk for host Woodbridge (21-6). Ward also had a run batted in when Allison Johnson singled, stole second base, went to third on a sacrifice bunt and scored on Ward’s groundout. Torrance ends its season 17-7. Woodbridge will play Ramona in a second-round game Wednesday. Ramona 5, Laguna Hills 2--After scoring two runs in the bottom of the sixth to take a 2-0 lead, Laguna Hills self-destructed. Ramona (16-10) scored five unearned runs in the seventh on five Laguna Hills errors, including a stretch in which the Hawks’ infield made four consecutive fielding errors.

Laguna Hills (15-8) took a 2-0 lead when Torin Lee drove in a run with a single, took second on the throw to the plate and scored on a double by Jennifer Arzola. Ramona will play Woodbridge in its second-round game.

Rolling Hills 5, Estancia 4--Rolling Hills defeated visiting Estancia and will play La Mirada in the second round.

St. Paul 2, Trabuco Hills 1--St. Paul defeated visiting Trabuco Hills and will play South Hills, a 2-0 winner over Canyon Country Canyon, in the second round.

Arlington 3, Saddleback 0--Arlington defeated visiting Saddleback and will play Chino, a 3-2 winner over favored Etiwanda, in the second round.