DIVISION II SOFTBALL : Fullerton Continues Its Surprising Playoff Run

They weren’t supposed to be here, but the Fullerton Indians made the most of their presence by beating top-seeded Saugus, 2-1, in the semifinals of the Southern Section Division II softball playoffs at Fullerton College.

The unseeded Indians upset No. 4-seeded Lakewood and defending champion Covina Charter Oak. Valerie Miller provided the game-winning hit for the second time in the playoffs, when her single with one out in the seventh scored pinch-runner Ashley Jones from third base. The victory sent the Indians (18-13) to the championship game for the first time since 1984. It was Saugus’ (27-3-1) first loss in 17 games.

Centurion starter Jamie Gillies (23-3) gave up only two hits through six innings, but with one out in the seventh, Nadia Hoerner hit a line drive that narrowly eluded Saugus shortstop Kelli Kranz and fell for a single.

Jones came in to run for Hoerner as Miller came to bat. The first pitch was in the dirt, and Jones advanced to second. The next pitch was outside and eluded the Centurion catcher, moving Jones to third.

“I felt better when Ashley got to third,” Miller said. “Instead of a double or a triple, I just needed a single.”

Her flare into right field, allowed Jones to score easily and put Fullerton, into Friday night’s championship game against La Puente Bishop Amat (22-4).

Saugus took the lead in the third. Fullerton pitcher Angie Fancuberta walked Jeannine Giordano and Giordano moved to second on a sacrifice. With two out, Nicole Giordano singled to right. Marianne Emigh fielded it cleanly and tried to make a play at first, but the throw was late and wide, allowing the runner to score.

The Indians scored a run in the fourth. Kiki McAulay led off with a single and was sacrificed to second. Fancuberta struck out, but catcher Jeannine Giordano dropped the ball and threw Fancuberta out at first, with McAulay advancing to third on the play. Deborah Hargrave hit a pop-up just to the right of the pitcher’s circle, but Centurion second baseman Kim O’Leary made a lackadaisical effort for the ball, fielded it on a hop, and threw late to first. McAulay scored the tying run.