A Boron Title Lies Around Corner

Defending champion Cornerstone Christian High has its work cut out this year.

Boron, which has outscored opponents, 266-19, is on the brink of an undefeated season and only Cornerstone Christian stands in the way.

A victory today in the Southern Section Division VI final will allow top-seeded Boron (24-0) to become only the seventh team in state history to end an undefeated season with 25 or more victories.

But Cornerstone Christian certainly won’t roll over for the Bobcats, who are looking for their first section title.

“You don’t get a chance to defend yourself in the championship game very often,” said John Dakes, assistant at Cornerstone Christian.

“[If] we don’t make any mistakes, [we] come out on top.”

The Eagles (19-6) lost only two starters from last year’s title-winning team and return ace Julia Hartnell.

Hartnell (18-6), a sophomore right-hander, struck out 190 in 125 2/3 innings through the regular season. She threw a one-hitter in last year’s 1-0 title win over Lone Pine after retiring the first 18 batters she faced.

Boron’s Jennifer Jenkins (24-0) has taken over where Summer Richardson left off last season.

Since Richardson moved on to Cal State Northridge, Jenkins has done nothing but win games. She has struck out 192 in 141 innings and allowed only four earned runs. Her earned-run average is 0.20.

Jenkins and Coni Nelson are the main offensive threats. Jenkins, a junior who bats No. 3, is hitting .473 with 25 runs batted in. Nelson, a junior third baseman, is batting .464 with 32 RBIs.

Softball Playoffs

* Who: Boron (24-0) vs. Cornerstone Christian (19-6)

* What: Southern Section Division VI championship.

* Where: Mayfair Park in Lakewood.

* When: Today at 4:30 p.m.

* Tickets: $7 for adults; $3 for children under 12.