SOUTHERN SECTION SOFTBALL PLAYOFFS : Defense Helps Buena Beat Cypress

Buena High’s Jennifer Henry planned only to reach first base after hitting a line-drive single to left field in the first inning of the Bulldogs’ Southern Section 5-A Division softball quarterfinal Thursday at Cypress Park.

But as Cypress’ Monica Jimenez raced to her left to stop the ball, it bounced under her glove and Henry circled the bases to score the decisive run in Buena’s 3-0 victory.

Buena (21-6) advanced to the semifinals Tuesday and will play Fountain Valley, which defeated Mater Dei.

Cypress (13-7-1) committed five errors behind pitcher Elicia Chad, who allowed six hits and three unearned runs.

Buena’s Kristy Parcel, who allowed four hits and only one runner past first base, was helped by some excellent defense in posting her 17th win.

Right fielder Marie Goulette, who had two hits and scored a run, made several running catches.

The Bulldogs’ last defensive gem came after Parcel deflected Amanda Adams’ grounder toward second baseman Lianne Ishikawa, who picked up the ball and fired an off-balance throw to first for the game’s final out.

Two successful bunts and an error in the third led to Buena’s second run, and two bunt singles and an error led to the final run in the sixth when Henry, who had two hits and two runs, came home on a wild pitch.