WESTMINSTER SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT : Santiago Surprises Rosary in Title Game

Defense and strong pitching by Jessica Cisneros were the keys to Santiago’s 3-2 upset over No. 9 Rosary in the title game of the Westminster Lion Pride softball tournament Wednesday at Golden West College.

The Cavaliers (7-9-1), who lost earlier this season to the Royals, 2-1, weren’t expecting much coming into the tournament.

“I’m the intense one out here,” Santiago Coach Corky Driver said before the game. “The girls are just here having fun.”

After the game Driver’s analysis changed.

“What can you say?” Driver said. “On any given day, any team. This was a great team effort, by a bunch of girls who were really hungry.”

Rosary (12-6) outscored its first two tournament opponents, 13-1, but against Santiago the Royals were unable to string together any hits until they threatened in the top of the seventh.

Cisneros (5-7) began the inning by striking out Lorrie Waldie and getting Anna Villalponda to hit a grounder to third for the second out. Sophomore Jackie Naffea reached on an infield single and scored on a double to center field by Laura Fulton to bring Rosary within one, 3-2.

Then Robyn Leonhardt popped to short center field and shortstop Jackie Godinez made an over-the-shoulder catch to end the game. Godinez, who assisted on four other putouts, was named defensive player of the tournament. Cisneros, who gave up five hits and one earned run, was named best pitcher.

Santiago took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first. Godinez led off the inning with a triple to left and Genea Paolinetti laid down a squeeze bunt in front of the plate. Godinez held, until third baseman Julia Luna made her decision to throw to first, then she headed home, beating Leonhardt’s throw.

Rosary tied the score in the top of the fourth. Senior Regina Martin doubled and Luna hit a grounder to third baseman Monica Prado, who fielded the ball in front of the base but hesitated as Martin took third. Prado then threw late to first and Martin scored.

Santiago got its final two runs in the sixth. Prado reached on a fielder’s choice and with two outs, Leslie Fulton (5-3) walked Erica Pilkington. Luna relieved Fulton and gave up a single to right by Lora Nagy that went past a slipping Waldie. Prado and Pilkington scored.