THE PACIFICA HIGH softball team beat Norco 6-1 for the Dave Kops tournament title (Pacifica Softball photo).

The Pacifica High School softball team successfully defended its status as the number one team in the nation with a 6-1 victory over Norco in the championship game Saturday of the Dave Kops Tournament of Champions at Bullhead City, Arizona.

Brynne Nally struck out seven batters as the Mariners improved their record to 9-0. She yielded five hits and walked two batters.

The Mariners had 11 hits, led by Mattea Stern (2-for-4, with an RBI and a run scored), Catherine Benitez (2-for-3, one RBI and a run scored), and Annika Sogsti (2-for-3).

Los Alamitos took third place with a 7-0 victory over O’Connor High of Arizona.

The Mariners advanced to the finals with a 7-3 win over  O’Connor.

Pacifica will be back in action on Friday against Esperanza. Empire League play starts on March 18 against Crean Lutheran of Irvine.