No Key Hits, Crescenta Valley Misses Out

When opportunity knocked, only Woodbridge answered.

Unable to capitalize on several chances to score early, Crescenta Valley High lost, 4-0, to Woodbridge in a quarterfinal game of the Southern Section Division II softball playoffs Thursday at Montrose Park.

Crescenta Valley (22-7) got the leadoff batter aboard in each of the first three innings but stranded each of them, plus another baserunner, in scoring position.

“If we would have gotten the runs then, the momentum would have carried us through the rest of the game,” said senior right-hander Danielle Ferreira (22-7), who allowed three earned runs and five hits in going the distance. She struck out two and walked one.

The Falcons, who won a Southern Section title in 1986, left the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh inning and stranded nine runners in all.

After going down in order through the first three innings, Woodbridge took advantage of opportunities presented in the fourth. The Warriors got to Ferreira for two runs on four hits, the key blow being delivered by designated hitter Jackie Sukiasian, who singled down the left-field line to score Lolita Harper and Ashley Boone.

Woodbridge (27-5), defending Division II champion, added two runs in the sixth to ensure the Warriors their 11th consecutive victory.

Sophomore right-hander Christie Robitaille (20-4) pitched her 18th shutout of the season, allowing seven hits, striking out three and walking two.

“It’s disappointing, but we had a great season,” said Crescenta Valley designated hitter Amy Chapman, who had two hits, including a leadoff triple in the second.

Said Crescenta Valley Coach Alan Eberhart: “I’m a little disappointed right now because I felt like maybe it was our turn. But I’m really happy with the kids.”