These baseball powers met at the Crown Classic last month, and Mitty pulled out a 2-1, 11-inning win. David Messer allowed just three hits over seven innings, while Neil Vranicar got the win with four shutout innings, and allowing only two baserunners. Presdon Caldera drove in both Monarch runs. For San Benito, Tyler Pina, Conner Menez, and Skylar Fuss combined to allow just three Mitty base hits.

In round one, Mitty was a 7-1 winner against Menlo-Atherton. Luke Rasmussen and Doug Gimenez each had two hits and an RBI, while Sean Downey allowed just one run in five innings. The Monarchs are averaging 5.7 runs per game, and can pitch either Messer or freshman Brett Foley (6-1, 2.47 ERA).

San Benito took the Tri-County league, and have won eight of their last ten after a 1-0 walk-off win against Sequoia in the opening round. Anthony Ocampo was the winning pitcher for the Haybalers in that game, which means that the senior Fuss could get the start in this quarterfinal. Jacob Tonascia has driven in 29 runs for a team that is outscoring their opponents, 6.2-2.7, this season.

Mitty coach Bill Hutton  Bill

#10 Serra (19-12) at #2 St. Francis (25-4-1) – Saturday, 10am

This quarterfinal is more worthy of a semifinal or championship game.

Serra has won seven in a row, and nine in a row against WCAL opponents, and 12 of their last 14 overall, and the two losses during this impressive run were one-run defeats. The Padres have also beat St. Francis twice (won two of three meetings overall) during this stretch.

The Lancers won, 7-2, on March 23rd, as Trevor Bettencourt struck out 13 over 5.2 innings. The Padres, though, won on April 27th, as Stephen Garcia and Bradley Northnagel combined on the hill for a 7-3 win, and it was Orlando Razo’s complete-game effort that lifted the Padres in the WCAL semifinals, 4-1.

In the opening round, Serra shut out Wilcox, 5-0, as Thomas Cox pitched a two-hitter, while St. Francis turned to Ryan Degregorio for six solid innings in a 10-2 humbling of Carlmont. This means we could see a Bettencourt-Razo matchup on Saturday.

Serra coach Craig Gianinno  Craig

St. Francis coach Mike Oakland  Mike

#12 Milpitas (14-13-1) vs. #4 Valley Christian (22-8) at Washington Park – Saturday, 7pm

Ronnie Reed allowed just one hit for Milpitas in their 3-2 win at Salinas. It was a monumental win for a Trojans program that is in the quarterfinals for the first time since 1993. Milpitas has won four in a row and allowed just two runs in those four games.

For Valley Christian, Nick McGrew’s homer in the sixth inning was the difference in a 1-0 win against Fremont. That homer made a winner of Theron Kay, who allowed just three hits and one walk, while striking out six. The Warriors, who have great pitching, have scuffled at the plate, scoring just 18 runs in their last eight games. Chris Manderson (4-2, 2.09 ERA) could get the start if ace Cameron Stewart (8-1, 1.40 ERA) continues to experience soreness.

Milpitas coach Jesus Zamudio  Jesus

Valley Christian coach John Diatte  John

#8 Bellarmine (15-14) vs. #1 Palo Alto (26-6) at Washington Park – Saturday, 4pm

It was nearly three months ago, but Palo Alto beat Bellarmine, 7-5, as Christian Lonsky homered for the Vikings, while Grant Napier hit a three-run jack for the Bells. Ben Sneider and Kevin Kannappan each pitched scoreless innings for Palo Alto.

Bellarmine doubled up Santa Teresa, 6-3, as Joey Persons, Raul Ray, and Connor Jauch all hit home runs to back the pitching of ace Jimmy Wallace.

Defending CCS champion Palo Alto welcomed back B.J. Boyd to the lineup as the Vikings blanked Evergreen Valley, 9-0. Boyd had two hits, Austin Braff hit a three-run homer, and needed only three innings from Kannappan. Kannappan is available for Saturday’s game, but Sneider (10-2, 0.91 ERA) is the likely starter.

Bellarmine coach Michael Rodriguez  Michael

Palo Alto coach Erick Raich  Raich

-Pat O’Rourke

#6 Saratoga (18-12) vs. #3 Mt. Pleasant (24-2) at St. Francis – Saturday, 7pm

Tyler Plesse delivered the winning hit in the bottom of the seventh inning to lift Saratoga to a 4-3 victory over Burlingame on Thursday. Will Dennis was the winning pitcher for the Falcons, which means another lefty, junior Kyle Dozier gets the nod against Mt. Pleasant.

Mt. Pleasant dominated the Santa Teresa league, running through with an undefeated conference mark. The Cardinals allow just 1.7 runs per game, and improved on that number with their 8-0 win against Overfelt in the opening round. David Santellano struck out ten for Mt. Pleasant, which means that Erik Barron (9-2, 0.84 ERA, 114-9 K-BB ratio in 66.2 innings), who pitched an inning of relief in the opening round, and Gabriel Katich (9-0, 1.06 ERA, 81-9 K-BB ratio in 66 innings) are available on Saturday.

Saratoga coach Adam Varteressian  Adam

#10 Gunn (20-8) vs. #2 Aptos (18-8) at Hartnell College – Saturday, 11am

Gunn, behind ace Ryan Gorman, was a 3-2 winner at Pioneer. 6-foot-4 Graham Fisher appears to be the Titan pitcher scheduled for Saturday. Jake Verhelp, Connor Dang, and Michael Sandor are all key to the Gunn lineup that averages 6.5 runs.

Aptos, who fell in the quarterfinals last season, coasted to the Santa Cruz Coast league title and a 16-4 opening round win over Soledad. In that game, matched their largest ever margin of victory in a playoff game and increases their run-scoring average to 6.6 per game. Bryan Bucher and John Evans each had three hits against Soledad, while Jordan Talbot struck out ten. The good news for Gunn is that the Cal-bound Talbot won’t start on Saturday.

#5 St. Ignatius (20-8-1) vs. #4 Los Altos (22-8) at Washington Park – Saturday, 10am

The bottom of the order made contributions for St. Ignatius as the Wildcats jumped out to a 8-0 lead, and held on for a 8-6 win against Westmont. After Collin Monsour started on Thursday, Saturday’s start appeared to be Matt Krook’s, but it looks like coach Matt Stecher is leaning towards Connor Cucalon. 

Los Altos, who has been to the finals three of the last five years, advanced the quarters with a 8-5 win over Leigh. Conrad Rogers had two hits and two RBI, and Nolan O’Such was the winning pitcher thanks to his two-run hit in the sixth that broke a 5-5 tie. Joseph Chedid got the start, which leads one to believe Luke Wiechec will get the start against St. Ignatius. 

St. Ignatius coach Matt Stecher  Matt

Los Altos coach Sandy Wihtol  Sandy

Also in Division II:

• #8 Leland (16-11) vs. #1 Willow Glen (22-6) at St. Francis – Saturday, 1pm

-Pat O’Rourke

#6 St. Francis (18-8) vs. #3 San Benito (20-3) at Salinas Sports Complex – Saturday, 12:10pm

St. Francis lost in this round against a #3 seed a year ago, and now have to take on the six-time defending CCS champions.

San Benito, winners of the Tri-County, did lose this season to Valley Christian (7-1), a team the Lancers beat once in three tries. The Haybalers, though, are allowing just 1.3 runs per game this season, and are tied for ninth in our rankings. Thanks to the pitching efforts of Megan Sabbatini, the Balers are also 19-0 when they score two or more runs.

St. Francis got another gem from Alli Quinn (17-9, 2.51 ERA), who allowed one unearned run, in a 3-1 win over North Salinas on Wednesday. Jackie Hinojosa was 4-for-4, and is hitting .531, which is 133 points better than any of her teammates.

#7 Leland (15-11) vs. #2 Wilcox (22-5) at PAL – Saturday, 10am

Leland, a semifinalist last season, was a 6-2 winner against Sequoia in the first round. Leland is averaging 6.3 runs per game, and feature Holly Geranen (1.159 OPS, 32 RBI, 14 extra-base hits) and Alexis Morales (5 HR, .623 slugging). Devyn Quevedo (10-8, 3.81 ERA) is the team’s ace, but is allowing 1.60 walks/hits per inning.

Wilcox, ranked tied for ninth in the BayPreps rankings, is the other team in this all-Chargers matchup, and are allowing just 2.1 runs per game. Freshman Morgan Ratliff (13-3, 1.24 ERA, 0.78 WHIP), while Kristen White (1.141 OPS, 5 HR, 18 RBI) has been a star at the plate.

Wilcox coach Laura Stott Stott

#5 Salinas (19-7) vs. #4 Homestead (21-5) at Salinas Sports Complex – Saturday, 12:20pm

Salinas was a 5-2 winner against Piedmont Hills on Wednesday, as Justine Armento had a huge game. Armento delivered three hits, three RBI, and was also the winning pitcher. One of the Cowboys more impressive wins this season was a 9-1 triumph over Division II #4 Los Altos.

Homestead is allowing just under two runs per game this season thanks to the superior pitching of Katie Moss (18-4, 0.93 ERA, 200 K in 127.2 innings). Moss allowed just one hit in the 10-0 opening round win against Independence, which was the first ever CCS playoff win for the Mustangs. Also, Myranda Ramirez had three hits and three RBI. The Homestead lineup, which averages 7.7 runs, features Hannah Montalban (1.200 OPS) and Chelsea Convissar (1.092 OPS).

Homestead coach Steve Allemandi  Steve

Also in Division I on Saturday:

• #8 Santa Teresa (15-11) vs. #1 Carlmont (22-3) at Hawes, 12pm

-Pat O’Rourke

#11 Pioneer (16-12) vs. #3 Valley Christian (22-5) at PAL – Saturday, 4pm

These teams met over two months ago, and Pioneer scored two in the bottom of the tenth inning for a 4-3 win. Kalise Pfund was 2-for-4 with two RBI, while Samantha Blum went the distance and allowed just one earned run over ten frames. Elizabeth Hawkins and Brynne Fitzpatrick each went five innings for the Warriors, with Fitzpatrick taking the loss. Also for Valley, Mary Hall had three hits and two RBI.

Hawkins (10-1, 1.65) and Fitzpatrick (14-5, 1.45 ERA) have split up the pitching duties all season with solid results. Hall has been awesome at the plate with a .490 average, .813 slugging percentage, and a team-high 34 RBI. The Warriors are outscoring teams, 6.1-2.2, this season.

#12 Gilroy (13-13) vs. #4 Los Altos (24-4) at PAL – Saturday, 6pm

Gilroy has won four of their last five after their 9-4 upset of Sobrato in the opening round. Behind ace freshman pitcher Lauren Castro, the Mustangs are allowing just 2.8 runs per game. Casey Lester had four hits in the win against Sobrato.

Los altos has won 21 in a row after their 5-0 win over Willow Glen. Ali Goldberg continued her remarkable season with a two-hitter, while only walking one, and striking out 11. Goldberg also had two hits and three RBI.

Los Altos coach Tom Barrera Tom

#8 Presentation (16-11) vs. #1 Mitty (23-2) at PAL – Saturday, 2pm

Mitty is the defending CCS champions, and have won six of the last seven titles. The Monarchs are also undefeated against CCS foes in 2012, including three wins against Presentation.

The Monarchs have won by scores of 2-0, 10-0, and 11-4 over the Panthers. In the 11-4 win in the WCAL playoff semis, Vanessa Alvarez (21-1, 0.97 ERA) did have one of her worst starts, allowing six hits and four walks, but Alvarez tossed 13 shutout innings against the Panthers in two prior starts. Jazmyn Jackson (1.373 OPS) has hit everybody well, including Presentation, as evidenced by her 7-for-11, two homers, and four RBI numbers.

Presentation was a 3-1 winner in the opening round against Hillsdale, thanks to a gem from pitcher Lorena Ukanwa.

Presentation coach Mandy Santos  Mandy

Mitty coach Brian Yocke Brian

Also in Division II on Saturday:

• #7 Leigh (17-9) vs. #2 Westmont (19-4) at PAL, 12pm

-Pat O’Rourke

In his three years as head coach, the Irish were 44-41, and won the last two CCS Division III titles, including a 61-56 win over a talented Terra Nova team in this year’s final.

Carey, a 1978 graduate of Sacred Heart Cathedral, was the women’s basketball JV coach under Brian Harrigan for 12 years before taking over as head varsity coach in 2009.

In the press release from the school, Carey said, "It was an honor to be able to coach at my alma mater and be involved with such a great program. ”

Athletic Director Jo Ann Momono said of Carey, “During his 15 years at SHCP, Mike has been loyal and dedicated to both the school and the women’s basketball program. We are extremely grateful for his work; he always did everything asked of him and was always supportive of us. On a personal level, I will miss his generous nature and his kindness.”

-Pat O’Rourke

#8 James Logan (25-10) at #1 De La Salle (31-2) – Saturday, 7pm

Defending champion De La Salle is once again the favorite in Division I, and ride a 24-match win streak. The Spartans, in fact, lost only three sets through their undefeated EBAL season. Senior Peter Edwards averages 5.3 kills per set, while another senior, setter Michael Doherty (11.1 assists), is also instrumental for this veteran De La Salle team that features nine total seniors.

James Logan finished second in the MVAL, and recently polished off an MVAL foe, American, in an opening round sweep. The Colts have been eliminated in this round each of the last two years, but have won seven of their last eight.

#5 San Ramon Valley (22-8) at #4 College Park (21-7) – Friday, 7pm

These teams met early in the season, and the Falcons prevailed in Danville, 25-19, 26-24, 14-25, 18-25, 15-13. Charles Liu had 12 kills for the DVAL champion Falcons. College Park is 12-0 at home this season, and only have three seniors, with outside Bo Hunter being the leader. Freshman libero Noah Hunter and junior setter Nelson Fisher are also integral to the Falcons.

San Ramon Valley lost to De La Salle in the quarterfinals last season, and are looking for their first semifinal trip in three years. The Wolves also have three seniors, including 6-foot-7 Joseph Grosh, one of the top hitters in these playoffs.

#7 Amador Valley (21-8) at #2 Deer Valley (36-3) – Friday, 7pm

Deer Valley, last year’s runner-up, meets Amador Valley in the playoffs for the third consecutive season. Last year, the Wolverines swept the Dons in the semifinals, after Amador won in four against Deer Valley in the 2010 semis.

This season, Deer Valley won in five in Antioch, 25-18, 23-25, 22-25, 25-14, 15-10, against Amador Valley back on March 13. Jordan Ewert had 18 kills, while Noah LaBonte chipped in with 16. Labonte is the only regular contributing senior on the Wolverines roster. Junior setter Derrico Kwa (10.9 assist/set, 1.0 ace), junior 6-foot-9 middle Marcus Lee (3.3 kills), sophomore Bezhan Wahidi (2.2 digs/set), and the 6-foot-4 frosh Ewert (3.5 kills/set) are all major players in the Deer Valley lineup.

Amador Valley, beat swept the BVAL’s second place team, Heritage, tied for second place in the EBAL.

#6 California (20-11) at #3 Mission San Jose (26-7) – Friday, 7pm

California also tied for second in the EBAL, and met Mission San Jose during the regular season, and last year’s postseason.  Last year, in the quarterfinals, the Warriors won in a sweep on their home floor. On April 28th of this year, the Warriors prevailed at the Foothill Invitational, 16-25, 27-25, 15-6.

The Grizzlies, who allowed just 30 points in a first-round sweep of Berkeley, are the most senior-laden team in the playoffs with 12.

Mission San Jose has long dominated the Mission Valley, and won the league again this season, but were shocked on their home floor by American, their only league loss in the last four years.

DIVISION II

#8 Las Lomas (19-15) at #1 Sir Francis Drake (27-4) – Friday, 7pm

Sir Francis Drake has made it to the finals each of the last two years, and won the title in 2010. That 2010 season featured a quarterfinal sweep over Las Lomas, the last time the Knights made the postseason.

The Pirates have won 12 in a row entering this year’s postseason, and also own a tournament win over Campolindo, a team that swept Las Lomas twice.

Las Lomas won in four against Redwood in the first round.

#5 Kennedy-Fremont (23-6) at #4 Dougherty Valley (20-12) – Friday, 7pm

Both of these teams lost their quarterfinal matches last season.

Kennedy, who tied for third in the MVAL, is 8-2 in road matches this season. Andrew Cecere and Zachary Peterson are pivotal to the Titans attack.

Dougherty Valley has dropped four of their last five matches, but did beat Kennedy in the NorCal Invitational, 25-18, 25-12. 5-foot-11 junior Andrew Nelson (3.7 kills/set, 2.6 digs) is an exciting player to watch.

#10 Clayton Valley (14-10) at #2 Campolindo (26-7) – Friday, 7pm

Defending Division II champion Campolindo has made it to the championship match the last two years, and the semifinals for three straight seasons.

The Cougars have also won eight of nine, are 8-0 at home, and beat Clayton Valley just 11 days ago, 25-13, 25-19, 25-21.

The Eagles, who knocked off ACCAL champion Alameda in the first round, have lost in this round each of the last two seasons.

#6 Northgate (16-8) at #3 Acalanes (11-7) – Friday, 7pm

Northgate has been a semifinalist each of the last three seasons, and take a six-match win streak into this year’s postseason. Acalanes was a semifinalist last year.

DIVISION III

#8 Contra Costa Christian (13-7) at #1 St. Patrick-St. Vincent (32-4) – Saturday, 4pm

Defending Division III champ St. Patrick-St. Vincent is a major favorite this season, as their only losses this year are to De La Salle (twice), College Park, and Campolindo. All but one of the Bruins 32 wins have come via sweep. Junior Gabriel Domecus (3.6 kills/set, 1.4 aces, 0.9 blocks, 4.4 assists, 2.2 digs) is the clear star, while 6-foot senior Jesse Casa (3.3 kills, 2.2 digs) is also an important piece.

Contra Costa Christian’s foray into the postseason began with a 26-24, 21-25, 25-19, 26-24 win over St. Mary’s on Wednesday.

#7 De Anza (15-5) at #2 Valley Christian-Dublin (22-2) – Saturday, 7pm

Valley Christian was a semifinalist last year, while De Anza was knocked off in the quarters by SP-SV. The Dons did win their first round match over Bay School, 25-20, 25-19, 25-22.

Valley Christian has won five in a row, and the Vikings feature senior hitters Tyler Greer and Zach Roush.

#6 Berean Christian (12-17) at #3 El Molino (22-10) – Saturday, 7pm

Berean Christian won in straight sets over Chinese Christian on Wednesday, and have talented sophomore Alex Esco (2.2 kills, 1.4 digs).

El Molino is looking for their first trip to the semifinals since they were the runners-up in 2010.

Also in Division III:

• #5 Marin Catholic (16-15) at #4 College Prep (13-17) – Friday, 7pm

-Pat O’Rourke

SI coach Matt Stecher: “We left seven in scoring position, but the guys toward the bottom of the order came up big and got hits when we needed them – hits that made a difference, for sure.”

• In the quarterfinals, the Wildcats will play #4 Los Altos (22-8), who beat #13 Leigh (11-17), 8-5. The Eagles scored three times in the bottom of the sixth inning to break a 5-5 tie. Conrad Rogers came through with two hits and two RBI, while Nolan O’Such was the winning pitcher.

• #6 Saratoga (18-12) fought for a 4-3 win against #11 Burlingame (20-7), as Tyler Plesse delivered the game-winning hit. Stevie Berman homered, and Will Dennis outdueled Grant Goodman, as Glenn Reeves writes.

Falcons coach Adam Varteressian: "We played a hard seven. That’s a tough baseball club. We knew it would be a tough matchup. Goodman was good. Dennis was just a little better….. I like where we’re at. Our two lefties can beat anyone. We’re excited. Our league prepared us for CCS.”

• The Falcons will play #3 Mt. Pleasant (24-2), who had little trouble with #14 Overfelt (24-4), 8-0.
• #10 Gunn (20-8) came back for a 3-2 win at #7 Pioneer (14-11), thanks to a three-run sixth inning. Ryan Gorman improved to 9-0 for the Titans, who will play the explosive #2 Aptos (18-8) offense. Aptos was a 16-4 easy winner against #15 Soledad (18-9).
• #8 Leland (16-11) downed #9 Christopher (19-9), 7-3. The Chargers will meet #1 Willow Glen (22-6) next, as the Rams beat #16 Woodside (16-12), 6-2.

Elsewhere around the Bay:

• EBAL
  • De La Salle (17-7, 10-4) clinched the EBAL title thanks to their 5-2 win at California (12-12, 8-6). A.J. Puckett pitched a three-hitter and struck out nine, as Ben Enos writes. Mitchell Kranson had three hits and Austin Lonestar drove in three runs. San Ramon Valley can tie for first, but the Spartans own the tiebreaker thanks to two wins over the Wolves. 

Coach David Jeans: "It means a lot to us. The guys really wanted to win the EBAL. It was tough coming off a couple losses, but you’ve got to learn how to do that in this league."

Puckett: “This year, we had a lot of talent, but we were trying to find something as a team. I think we’re really starting to come together, and we’re going for that NCS title."

• DVAL
  • They needed 11 innings in Walnut Creek, as Clayton Valley (19-5, 9-3) scored a 4-3 win at Northgate (20-4, 9-3). Tommy Boyle pitched three hitless innings in relief for the win, after Domenic Mazza struck out nine over eight frames. The Eagles and Broncos tied for second in the DVAL.

• DFAL
  • Trent Shelton pitched five hitless innings for Campolindo (19-4-1, 10-2) as the Cougars wrapped up the DVAL title in their 6-0 win at rival Miramonte (12-10, 3-9). 
  • Las Lomas (11-13, 4-8) ended the season on a good note with a 5-3 win against Dougherty Valley (18-6, 8-4). Jake Villa had two hits. 
  • Dublin (12-12, 5-7) walked off with a 4-3, eight-inning win against Acalanes (17-7, 8-4). Danny Digirolamo delivered the game-winning hit.

• BVAL
  • Freedom (8-12-1, 4-6) won their BVAL finale, 12-4, at Pittsburg (8-16, 4-6)
  • Liberty (13-10, 6-4) had their way, 15-0, at Antioch (6-18, 1-9), as Mitchell Zamora had three hits and four RBI. 

• ACCAL
  • Pinole Valley (13-11, 7-5) outscored Richmond (0-11, 0-11), 11-8, as Jake Dent had three hits and four RBI.

Games scheduled for Friday:

• EBAL
  • San Ramon Valley (16-7, 9-4) at Monte Vista (13-10, 8-5)
  • Foothill (14-8, 5-8) at Amador Valley (11-11, 6-7)
  • Livermore (5-18, 0-13) at Granada (14-9, 7-6)
• MVAL
  • James Logan (14-8, 9-2) at Irvington (7-13-1, 4-7)
  • Newark Memorial (18-5, 9-2) at Mission San Jose (12-10-1, 5-6)
  • Washington (12-10, 8-3) at Kennedy (11-13, 3-8)
• ACCAL
  • Berkeley (11-12, 7-4) at De Anza (4-17, 2-9)
• Non-League
  • Concord (8-15) at Liberty (13-10)
  • Arroyo (13-10) at American (4-16)

-Pat O’Rourke

• Also in the DFAL, Katlyn Whitt allowed just three hits and struck out six as Dublin (16-7, 7-5) jumped on Acalanes (15-8, 7-5). Courtney Whitt delivered four hits, and Stacia Schober doubled, tripled, and plated four runs.

Elsewhere around the Bay:

• EBAL
• Amador Valley (24-0, 14-0) completed their perfect regular season, 13-0, at Foothill (4-23, 2-12). Nicole Yozzo and Ashley Lotoszynski each had two hits, while Johanna Grauer surrendered just one hit.
• Monte Vista (16-8, 11-3) was a 10-2 winner against San Ramon Valley (6-18, 2-12). Shannon Low had three hits, including a homer, and five RBI.

• DVAL
• Clayton Valley (13-9, 10-2) got the better of Northgate (8-13, 4-8), 6-2. Shannon Mestas scattered nine hits for the complete-game win. 
• Mt. Diablo (2-12, 2-10) had their way, 22-3, at Ygnacio Valley (1-15, 1-11).

• MVAL
• Raeann Garza pitched a four-hitter and Alexis Martinez drove in three runs for James Logan (21-1, 12-0) in their 9-1 win over Irvington.
• Newark Memorial (19-4, 10-2) was a 13-0 winner over Mission San Jose. 

• BVAL
  • Heritage (22-2, 10-0) went through an entire BVAL season without allowing a run after their 10-0 win at Deer Valley (9-13-1, 4-6). Marissa Ortiz had three hits, including a triple, and four RBI, while Lisa Rodrigues struck out 12 and allowed only three hits for her 14th shutout of the season. 
  • Madison Williams struck out 14 and allowed just two hits as Freedom (12-7-1, 7-3) blanked Pittsburg (7-14, 3-7), 5-0, to secure second place in the BVAL.

• HAAL
  • San Leandro doubled up Hayward, 16-8, capitalizing on 10 Farmers errors.

• in an excellent non-league game,  Concord (20-4) scored four times in the seventh for a 8-5 triumph at Alameda (17-4). Sophia Benipayo had three hits and two RBI. 

Games scheduled for Friday:

• ACCAL
  • De Anza at Berkeley (11-12, 7-4)
• Non-League
  • Athenian (6-10) at Hayward

-Pat O’Rourke

#8 Acalanes (14-7) at #1 San Ramon Valley (17-3) – Friday, 7pm

Since the start of the lacrosse playoffs in 2004, an EBAL team has won the NCS Division I title every season, and San Ramon Valley hopes to be that championship team this year. The Wolves, ranked 3rd in the state, have won eight in a row. San Ramon Valley is averaging 12.4 goals per game this season, and North Carolina-bound Mike Tagliaferri is ranked as the eighth best senior in the country, according to ESPN. Midfielder Patrick Worstell (Syracuse) is ranked 55th.

Acalanes, a runner-up in Division II last season, was 1-2 against EBAL teams this year, and are coming off a 14-9 win against Clayton Valley in the opening round.

#4 Monte Vista (14-6) at #5 Davis (20-0) – Friday, 7pm

As you’d expect with a #4 vs. #5 matchup, this is the most competitive first rounder on paper. The defending NCS champion Mustangs are ranked 13th in the state, while Davis is ranked 12th. The Mustangs feature one of the stingiest defenses, allowing just 4.7 goals per game.

During their undefeated season, Davis has posted five one-point wins.

#2 De La Salle (14-6) at #7 Las Lomas (15-5) – Saturday, 1pm

De La Salle, ranked 10th in the state, beat Las Lomas in last year’s quarterfinals, 15-2. The Spartans are averaging 10.9 goals per game, but five of their six losses have come on the road.

Las Lomas is allowing just 5.9 goals, and have won seven of their last eight. The Knights have played only one EBAL team, a 5-4 triumph over Amador Valley in their opening match.

#3 Foothill (14-6) at #6 Redwood (15-5) – Friday, 5:30pm

Foothill was a 16-7 winner against Redwood in last year’s quarterfinals, and are averaging 11 goals per game.  

Redwood is 1-3 in one-goal games, including a 12-11 loss to Foothill and a 9-8 setback to De La Salle.

DIVISION II

#5 Novato (13-6) at #4 Miramonte (14-6) – Friday, 5pm

Miramonte, a semifinalist last year, is averaging 10.7 goals, and 14.5 in their last four games.

Novato lost 8-3 to the Matadors early in the season, but are averaging 11.8 goals. Max McKone and Austin Carrow are integral figures in the Hornets offense.

#7 Campolindo (11-7) at #2 Piedmont (13-8) – Friday, 7pm

Jake Bayuk and Johnny Lomas are the leading goal scorers for the Cougars, who are averaging 10.2 goals.

Three of Piedmont’s defeats were to undefeated Davis, and those losses were by a total of five goals. The Highlanders have lost three in a row.

Also in Division II:

• #8 Tamalpais (8-8) at Marin Catholic (16-5) – Saturday, 1pm
• #6 SF University vs. #3 Marin Academy (14-4) at Redwood HS – Saturday, 1pm

-Pat O’Rourke

#8 Berkeley (14-6) vs. #1 Carondelet (18-2) at Diablo Vista Middle School – Friday, 5:30pm

Defending NCS champion Carondelet is outscoring teams, 18.3-8.7, at a ridiculous rate this season. The Cougars, who have won eight straight since a loss to Cherry Creek (CO), are led by Erin Jeffery’s 97 goals. 

Berkeley was second in the BSAL this season, and are averaging 13 goals per game.

#4 California (13-7) at #5 Acalanes (13-6) – Friday, 7pm

Acalanes took home the Division II crown last season, and are the DFAL champions once again. The Dons DFAL domination is a big part of their 13-game winning streak they take into the playoffs.

California owns a 17-14 win against Acalanes this season, and are averaging 15.2 goals.

#7 Las Lomas (15-5) at #2 Amador Valley (16-4) – Friday, 7pm

Las Lomas fell in this round to an EBAL team (Foothill) last season, and are 1-2 against EBAL teams this season. The Knights are averaging 14 goals.

Amador Valley is outscoring teams, 14.3-8.3, this season and are looking to move on to the semis are getting eliminated in this round a year ago.

#3 Monte Vista (13-5) at #6 Davis (17-4) – Friday, 5pm

Monte Vista had won two straight NCS titles, before Carondelet won last year. The Mustangs had their way with Davis, 16-4, when these teams met last month. Ashlynn Goerz scored six goals, and leads the team with 75 this season.

Davis is 9-1 at home, have won five straight, and are scoring 14.9 goals per game. Kylie Drexel has 83 goals and 66 assists.

DIVISION II

#6 Cardinal Newman (12-3) at #3 Miramonte (14-6) – Friday, 7pm

Miramonte is averaging 14.4 goals per game, and are paced by Lauren Dougherty, who has 105 this season. The Matadors were a semifinalist last season.

Cardinal Newman concluded their season winning five of their last six.

Also in Division II:

• #8 Justin-Siena (11-8) at #1 Marin Catholic (19-3) – Friday, 5:30pm – The winner plays #4 Campolindo (12-7), who was a 11-10 winner against Bishop O’Dowd on Wednesday.
• #7 SF University (9-9) at #2 Novato (16-3) – Saturday, 1pm

-Pat O’Rourke