Marical, Pacifica Stop El Modena in Division III

They’re younger than the previous three Pacifica teams that took section titles, but this squad isn’t showing it.

The Mariners did all the little things it takes to win a 1-0 game Tuesday, defeating visiting El Modena in the second round of the Southern Section Division III playoffs.

Jessica Marical pitched a three-hit shutout and got tougher as the pressure increased. El Modena left six runners in scoring position.

The only run Pacifica (22-8-1) needed came in the second inning when Tiare Auelua singled and scored after a sacrifice bunt by Marical and a double by Amber Gaines.

The Mariners face Whittier La Serna in Thursday’s quarterfinal game.

“We’re maturing nicely,” said Pacifica Coach Rob Weil. “In the playoffs you just play for one out at a time and hope to play error-free. It’s execution that won the game today.”

The Mariner infield played a flawless game, as Marical allowed only two balls to reach the outfield.

El Modena’s Tara Henry (two stolen bases) walked three times, and was stranded in scoring position on each occasion.

Henry was left at second in the fifth inning after Marical forced a Norrelle Dickson groundout. Marical got out of another jam in the sixth when Morgan Scott drew a one-out walk and went to second when Elizabeth Walters was hit by a pitch. Marical later ended the inning when Lauren Smith fouled out.

“The first playoff game Friday I was nervous, but I didn’t let anything bother me all day today,” said Marical, who finished with six strikeouts and four walks.

Marical (15-1) outdueled Lindsay Klein, who also went the distance for El Modena (20-9-1).