Laird Becomes Leader of Hit Parade

Gerald Laird of Westminster La Quinta High began the week as the state’s all-time hits leader after breaking the record in a 9-0 victory over San Pedro Mary Star last weekend.

Laird, a catcher who has signed a letter of intent with Arizona State, had a double in the first inning to give him 191 hits, eclipsing the 190 set last year by Tony Cosentino from West Torrance. Laird had two more hits in the game and also stole two bases as La Quinta gave Coach Dave Demarest his 500th win.

Laird is batting .646 with five home runs, 29 runs batted in and 34 stolen bases.

*

The spring playoff season is approaching with championship competition scheduled in eight sports.

Boys’ golf playoffs begin Monday at six regional sites. Team finals will be played next Thursday at Canyon Country Club in Palm Springs. The individual championship tournament for boys and girls is May 31 at Friendly Hills Country Club in Whittier. The state finals are June 2 at the SCGA Members’ Club in Murrieta.

Boys’ volleyball playoffs begin Wednesday in three divisions. Championship matches are May 30 at Cypress College.

Badminton playoffs in two divisions also begin Wednesday. Finals are May 28 at the Orange County Badminton Club.

Diving championships in three divisions are May 13-16 at Heritage Park Aquatics Complex in Irvine. Swimming championships are May 15-16 at Belmont Plaza in Long Beach.

Pairings for the baseball playoffs will be announced May 18, with first-round games on May 22. Championship games for Divisions I-IV will be played June 6 at Dodger Stadium. The Division V and VI finals will be played June 5 at Blair Field in Long Beach.

Softball pairings also will be announced May 18, with first-round games May 22. Championship games will be played June 5 and 6 at Mayfair Park in Lakewood.

The Southern Section track and field championship meet on May 23, the Masters Meet on May 29 and the state championship meet June 5-6 all will be held at Cerritos College.

Boys’ individual tennis championships are May 30 at Seacliff Tennis Club in Huntington Beach. Team championship matches will be played June 3.