PACIFICA defeated Cypress and that set up a key clash with El Modena (Shutterstock).

Pacificas’s come-from behind behind win over Estancia on Thursday set up a clash on April 8 between two of California’s best softball teams.

The Mariners (11-6 overall) scored twice in the bottom of the third inning and held on for a 2-1 win over Cypress (now 10-5).

Pacifica only managed four hits in the game but was led by pitcher Raquel Pineda, who worked seven innings, yielding six hits and one earned run. She walked two batters and struck out four.
With the win, the blue, black and white are 2-1 in Crestview League play, tied with El Modena (7-6 overall, 2-1 in league). The Vanguards are ranked 25th in the state; the Mariners are 27th by MaxPreps.

In other softball action on Thursday, La Quinta continued to bounce back from a 0-7 start with its second consecutive win, defeating Estancia 17-7 after a 15-4 win over Samueli Academy on Monday.

Ariana Gutierrez starred for the Aztecs, hitting two triples. Valeria Sanchez had two hits, two walks, scored four times and drove in two runs.

In baseball action on Friday, Garden Grove defeated Westminster 11-4 to remain in a tie for first place in the Orange Coast League.

The Argos are 4-1 in league (tied with Valencia) and 7-5 overall.

The battle for first may be settled when Grove faces the Tigers on April 14 and 17.

Huntington Beach posted its seventh straight win besting Mira Costa 9-4 on Thursday in a non-league contest. The Oilers are 8-2-1 overall and 6-0 in the Sunset League.

They lead the league over second place Los Alamitos (7-1 in league and 10-4). The two will likely settle the championship with three games on April 21, 22 and 24.

La Quinta fell 8-0 to Estancia in a Coast League game. The Aztecs are 3-10 overall and 1-3 (fourth) in conference play.