Saddleback, Cypress Target Berths in State Golf Event

Saddleback, one of the most dominant golf programs in the state, and up-and-coming Cypress will take part in the Southern California community college championships today.

The 36-hole tournament is being played at Rancho California Golf Club in Murrieta.

Saddleback has won four State championships, including one last year under Coach Bill Cunerty. Cunerty has led Saddleback to 13 conference titles in 14 seasons.

Cypress is in the eight-team tournament for the second consecutive season. The top golfer for Cypress is Brian Ricketts, who has a 72.75 scoring average, best in the conference.

The top four teams from each region will play in the State meet May 8 at Del Rio Golf Club in Modesto.

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Softball: With a game remaining for each, Rancho Santiago and Cypress today enter the final day of the Orange Empire Conference softball race tied for first.

But Rancho Santiago appears to have a much easier final game. The Dons (28-10, 18-2) play host to last-place Irvine Valley (5-30, 3-17) at 3 p.m. Cypress (44-7, 18-2) plays at third-place Fullerton (26-11, 14-6) at 3 p.m.

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Men’s volleyball: Golden West and Orange Coast, the second- and third-place teams from the Orange Empire Conference, will take part in the Southern California playoffs today at Long Beach College.

Golden West (14-5) plays Santa Monica (8-10) at 10 a.m. and Orange Coast (14-8) takes on Long Beach (16-3) at 1 p.m. The winners play at 7 p.m. for a berth in the State tournament, which is Friday and Saturday at Irvine Valley. The semifinals are at 4:30 p.m. Friday and 7:30 p.m. and the championship is at 7 p.m. Saturday.