First-Rate Performances

Simi Valley High couldn’t overcome the killer E’s--three errors and Erika Hanson of Thousand Oaks.

Hanson, known to coaches and teammates as “E,” was excellent in the Lancers’ 5-1 victory in a Marmonte League softball game Thursday at Thousand Oaks Community Park.

Hanson hit two run-scoring singles for Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley’s errors contributed to a nearly letter-perfect day for Thousand Oaks.

Thousand Oaks entered the game atop the league standings and ranked No. 1 in The Times’ regional poll, but third-ranked Simi Valley had a chance to move into a first-place tie by repeating a 1-0 victory over the Lancers in the teams’ first meeting of the season.

The Lancers (13-2, 7-1 in league play) showed they had other ideas with a three-run second inning and single runs in the fourth and fifth innings after Simi Valley (12-4, 5-3) closed to within 3-1 in the fourth.

“We were ready to go,” said Hanson, a senior who is bound for Arizona. “We weren’t just trying to get one run, we got five. This was a very good win for us. It was very versatile.”

The Lancers did not commit an error and had eight hits in support of a strong performance by Notre Dame-bound senior left-hander Jennifer Sharron.

Sharron (11-2) gave up four hits, one earned run and one walk. She struck out 11 batters, including the side in second inning.

While Thousand Oaks, ranked eighth in the Southern Section Division I coaches’ poll, enjoyed a solid performance, Simi Valley struggled.

The Pioneers got into trouble when an error by shortstop Lori Tande allowed Kristin Combe to get aboard to open the second inning.

Colleen Spencer drew a walk from Simi Valley freshman right-hander Brittney Green (5-1) and both runners advanced on a bunt by Angela Ciufo. Combe scored on a single by Jenna Allen and Spencer scored on a single by Shelly Teverbaugh. Hanson singled to drive in Allen and give the Lancers a 3-0 lead.

Jamie Sturdivant hit a sacrifice fly in the fourth for Simi Valley.

Thousand Oaks added an unearned run in the fourth and an earned run in the fifth.

“This was a very poor game for us,” Sturdivant said. “Now we just have to win every game to be in contention in league. It makes it harder on us.”