Habiger’s Hit in Eighth Gives Saddleback a Softball Win

Tracey Habiger’s RBI single broke a 1-1 tie in the top of the eighth inning for Saddleback, which defeated Irvine Valley, 3-1, in Orange Empire Conference softball Friday.

Tracey Alcarez (7-3) went the distance for the Gauchos (13-10-1, 6-5), giving up two hits.

In another conference game:

Cypress 1, Riverside 0--Erica Harding drove in Keri Lingenfelter in the fourth inning to give Cypress the victory. Sara Louwsma and Lisa Monreal combined on a two-hitter for the visiting Chargers (18-4, 10-2).

The victory was the 599th of Brad Pickler’s 14-year coaching career at Cypress. He will go for No. 600 Monday at home against Fullerton.

In Orange Empire Conference men’s swimming:

Saddleback wins three-way meet--Jason Whelchel won the 50 (22.95) and 100 (51.10) freestyles and teammate Steve Poling finished first in the 200 individual medley (2:02.36) and 200 breaststroke for host Saddleback, which beat Riverside, 139-76, and Santa Ana, 164-18.