5-A ROUNDUP

In another 5-A game:

Buena 3, Cypress 0--Buena’s Jennifer Henry only planned to reach first base after hitting a line drive single to left in the first inning of the Bulldogs’ Division 5-A quarterfinal game.

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

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

“That three-base error really burst our bubble,” said Cypress Coach Janelle Frese. “I can’t explain our defense other than to say we just had a bad day.”

Cypress (13-7-1) committed five errors behind pitcher Elicia Chad, who allowed six hits and three unearned runs, while striking out eight and walking none.

Buena’s Kristy Parcel, who allowed four hits and only one runner past first base, won her 17th game of the season with some defensive help.

Right fielder Marie Goulette, who had two hits and a run scored, made numerous running catches in shallow right field and deep right-center to take away potential Cypress hits.

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

Cypress’s defensive miscues led to Buena’s second run. The Bulldogs scored in the third inning on two Cypress errors and a bunt single.

After Goulette’s bunt single put her on first, Buena’s Amy Thomas attempted a sacrifice bunt; Cypress first baseman Holly Pittenger’s attempt to throw out Goulette at second failed and both runners were safe.

Cypress then tried a pick off play at second base, but catcher Liz Moore bounced her throw past center fielder Nina Welch, who tried to sneak in behind the baserunner, and Goulette scored on the errant throw.

“We were an aggressive team all year long, both offensively and defensively,” Frese said. “Maybe we just tried too hard today.”

Buena loaded the bases in the sixth inning on two bunt singles and an error, and scored its final run when Henry, who had two hits and two runs scored, came home from third on a wild pitch.

“Elicia (Chad) was our only senior starter on the team, so inexperience was a factor,” Frese said. “But now we’ll know what to expect next year.”