Seventh-seeded Monterey broke open a close game with four runs in the sixth and four more in the seventh to knock off Soquel 9-1 in the championship game of the CCS Division 2 playoffs Saturday afternoon at San Jose City College.
With the win, the Toreadors (16-10) captured their third Division 2 title in the last five years. Next up is a trip to NorCal Division 3 playoffs, where Monterey is the No. 1 seed awaiting the winner of the matchup between No. 4 Chowchilla and No. 5 Chico.
Junior Nicole Seal was dominant in the circle, striking out 12 and allowing just two hits in a complete-game victory. Senior Denae Lee went 1-for-1 with a home run, three walks and three runs scored and senior Bella Berry was 2-for-4 for a triple, two runs and three RBIs to lead the offense.
Junior Emma Niizawa hit a game-tying home run in the fourth inning for Soquel, whose only other hit came on a single from freshman Sophia Kilby. The Knights, who finished the season 20-8, reached the final by defeating Woodside 4-2 on a complete-game two-hitter from freshman Kiyomi Dunlap, who took the loss in the final. Monterey hammered Burlingame 10-3 in the other semifinal as junior Jenna Deese went 3-for-3 with a triple, two walks and four runs scored.
