SOUTHERN SECTION PLAYOFFS : 3-A SOFTBALL SEMIFINALS : Woodbridge Ends the Party for University

Bob Bernal, University High’s softball coach, had a nice going-away celebration going until the Trojans ran into Woodbridge in a Southern Section 3-A semifinal playoff game Tuesday at Heritage Park.

Woodbridge played the role of spoiler with a 3-1 victory to advance to the championship game 5 p.m. Saturday at Mayfair Park in Lakewood. The Warriors, who reached the final for the fourth time in 11 years, will meet Saugus, which surprised second-seeded Don Lugo, 2-1, in Tuesday’s other semifinal.

Woodbridge (29-4), winners of the Sea View League title, struck early against the league-rival Trojans (21-11), who had earned a wild-card entry into the playoffs after finishing third in league. The teams met twice during the season, splitting the games.

“It was nice to got this far,” said Bernal, who is quitting after 11 years as softball coach to take over the girls’ basketball team. “I thought we were talented enough to go this far, but they did what we didn’t want them to do. They got Alison Johnsen on base.”

Johnsen, on a 3-2 count, singled to left to lead off the first inning for the Warriors. A sacrifice fly by Anne Marie Risquez advanced Johnsen to second, then University pitcher Michele Ponce (17-6) walked Alison Ward to load the bases. Jessica Montgomery’s fly to center scored Johnsen, and Ward came in on a passed ball by catcher Kristen Wilson.

Woodbridge added a run in the inning, when Johnsen’s triple to center drove in pinch runner Courtney Spelber.

“We thought we’d get to Ponce,” said second-year Woodbridge Coach Alan Dugard, who picked up his 51st victory. “We felt it was very important to get to her early because once she gets behind, she throws a little bit differently. She gets a little more careful. You get ahead of her, and it’s a whole different ball game.”

University got its run in the sixth, when Nicole Shammas’ infield single drove in Ponce. However, Shammas was left on base when Liz Whiteley popped to short to end the inning.

The Trojans, who had not won a playoff game before this year, threatened in the fourth inning, when Ward (18-2) walked designated hitter Larita Johnson to load the bases with one out. Shammas then hit a grounder to second baseman Vicki Sukasian, who threw to catcher Risquez, who forced Heather Campbell. Liz Whiteley followed with a grounder to second to end the inning.

“We just came out strong,” said Ward, who struck out five. “It took a lot of pressure off of me when we scored in the first inning.”