SOFTBALL

* Kennedy at Pacifica, 3:15 Friday: Kennedy’s Nicole Crouse had the county’s second-lowest earned-run average last season, 0.09, and Pacifica pitcher Amanda Freed--Times Orange County player of the year in 1997--had the third-lowest, 0.23.

* Fountain Valley Baron Classic, Mile Square Park, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday: The first two rounds take place with only two teams that had losing records last season--and one of those was the tournament host. Five teams that reached the Southern Section finals and three others that reached the semifinals are in the field. The best first-round matchup is at noon, Cerritos vs. Mater Dei. Foothill and Marina are also local powers in the field.

* El Toro at Marina, 3:15 Wednesday: A fine matchup between teams from two of the county’s strongest leagues. El Toro is led by pitcher Suzanne Guy and center fielder Laura Joiner. Pitcher Heather Hagen leads Marina, which is always tough on its home field.