JetHawks Open Playoffs Against San Bernardino

The Lancaster JetHawks open the California League divisional playoffs at 7:15 tonight at home against defending champion San Bernardino. The Stampede defeated Lake Elsinore twice by 6-5 scores in a three-game mini-series.

The JetHawks (89-51), who posted the best record in the league and won both halves of the South Division over the Stampede (77-63), will host Game 2 at 7:15 p.m. Saturday. If necessary, Lancaster would host Game 5 on Tuesday.

First-year Manager Mark Parent, the league’s manager of the year, guided the JetHawks to a 40-30 record in the first half. Lancaster won the second half by 10 games over the Stampede, aided by a 14-game winning streak late in June and early in July. The JetHawks capped the regular season with a 14-8 victory at San Bernardino.

Lancaster was able to go 49-21 in the second half despite losing a number of players to promotions and injuries. The JetHawks will be without pitchers Jeff Heaverlo (14-6, 4.22) and Scott Atchison (5-5, 3.69), who were sent to triple-A Tacoma, outfielders Terrmel Sledge and PJ Williams, who are injured, and second baseman Willie Bloomquist, who was promoted to Tacoma.

Heaverlo, Sledge and Bloomquist were league all-stars. Sledge won the batting title with a .339 average, although Bloomquist was leading the league at .379 before being called up in mid-July.

The JetHawks have plenty of pitching and offense, though.

The rotation includes Enmanuel Ulloa (9-5), 4.34), Chris Mears (11-8, 4.76) and Caleb Balbuena (3-1, 4.54), while the relievers include closer Brandon Parker (4-2, 3.71, 22 saves), Allan Simpson (3-2, 2.08, six saves) and Cody Morrison (8-7, 4.28, three saves).

Outfielder Juan Silvestre led the league with 30 home runs and 137 runs batted in while batting .304 to earn most valuable player honors.

Shortstop Antonio Perez, the leadoff batter, led the league in slugging percentage at .527, was third with 36 doubles and scored 90 runs.

First baseman Craig Kuzmic batted .297 while driving in 107 runs and scoring 104, third baseman Bo Robinson batted .313 and drove in 97 runs and Wilfredo Quintana joined the team in late July and batted .369.

BASKETBALL

* Frank Wright has been hired as girls’ coach at Highland High. He replaces Ron Haywood, who resigned last month to take a position on the staff at Louisville High.

* Jeff Smith has been hired as boys’ coach at Highland, replacing Lynn Boop.

VOLLEYBALL

* Sarah Morrison of Oxnard High has committed to Cal State Fullerton.

Morrison, a 5-foot-11 outside hitter, is expected to lead the Yellowjackets to the Pacific View League title.

TENNIS

Brooke Borisoff, Marmonte League singles champion the last three years at Agoura High, will not play this season.

Borisoff, a Southern Section quarterfinalist last season, is enrolled in a home-study program.

SOCCER

* Costa Nicoleau resigned after one season as girls’ coach at Hart.