Canyon Finds Out That One Is Enough

Few believed that Canyon was really seven runs better than Pacifica, though that was the margin when the softball teams played more than a month ago.

It turned out that one run was enough to drive home a point.

Canyon, ranked fifth in Orange County, beat sixth-ranked Pacifica, 1-0, Saturday to win the Michelle Carew Classic.

It is the first time Canyon won its own tournament since 1991.

“It was aggravating that people, after we beat [Pacifica] the first time, thought it was a fluke,” said Britany Crine, Canyon’s junior third baseman. “Now that we beat them a second time, they know we’re for real.”

Canyon beat Pacifica, 7-0, in a nonleague game on March 28.

“Everybody was still looking at us thinking, ‘We’re really not sure about them,’ ” said Lance Eddy, Canyon’s coach. “These kids believe in themselves, and this confirmed that belief.

“I think we’re legitimate.”

Canyon is 21-7-1, Pacifica 20-6.

Crine drove home Carissa Stump with a third-inning, two-out single to center field. Stump reached on an error by pitcher Kasey Carter (8-5), took second on a bunt and third on a ground ball.

Canyon pitcher Lisa Geer (10-3), a freshman, gave up three hits, walked three, hit one and struck out one in her second complete game of the season.

“She has a great defense behind her,” said Pacifica’s Mallorie Lenn, who had one hit. “She did a great job of hanging in there.”

Crine’s defense saved Canyon in the second inning. After a leadoff walk, Crine fielded a bunt and threw out the pinch-runner at second base. After a hit batter put runners at first and second for Jennifer Orpitelli, Crine snared a line drive and doubled up Colbee Shackelford at second base.

If Crine wasn’t foiling the Mariners, then catcher Erin Slettvet was taking her shot. With runners at first and second base in the fourth inning, Slettvet threw out Jodie Legaspi trying to steal third.

Slettvet had two of Canyon’s four hits.

Downey beat Villa Park in the third-place game, 2-1.