Five County Softball Teams to Play in Semifinals Today

Five county teams will be in action today in the semifinals of the Southern Section softball playoffs. All games start at 3 p.m.

In Division 5-A, Empire League champion and No. 4-seeded Katella (17-6) plays host to Marmonte League champion and No. 1-seeded Camarillo (23-4) at El Dorado High School. Katella advanced to the semifinals by beating Kennedy, 1-0, in the first round and Huntington Beach, 2-0, in the quarterfinals.

Also in 5-A, Sunset League co-champion Fountain Valley (21-4) plays host to Channel League champion Buena (21-6) at Golden West College. Fountain Valley has posted playoff victories over Loara, Cerritos and Mater Dei.

The 4-A semifinals feature South Coast League champion and No. 4-seeded Irvine (23-3) playing host to Citrus Belt League champion Fontana (16-7) at Alton Park. Irvine has allowed only one run in playoff victories over Villa Park (5-0), Lakewood (5-1) and Sunny Hills (3-0).

In the other 4-A game, Century League champion and No. 2-seeded Foothill (23-2) puts its 21-game winning streak on the line against Sierra League champion and No. 3-seeded Charter Oak (18-2) at Canyon High School. Foothill defeated Anaheim, Riverside Poly and Crescenta Valley in its three playoff games. Charter Oak is the defending 4-A champion.

In 1-A, Olympic League runner-up Whittier Christian (13-7) plays host to Desert-Inyo League champion and No. 2-seeded Paraclete (26-1) at La Habra High School. The Heralds advanced by beating Santa Ana Calvary Chapel, St. Bonaventure and Cerritos Valley Christian. Paraclete was the 1-A runner-up to Agoura last season.