Six-run inning helps JSerra softball defeat Esperanza in Division 1 playoffs – Orange County Register

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO — Every starter on the JSerra softball team had a hit in the Lions’ 11-1 win over Esperanza Thursday in the wild-card round of the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs at JSerra High.

The game was stopped in the sixth inning due to JSerra (16-13) having a 10-point lead after the fifth inning.

It was the first Division 1 playoff victory in school history for JSerra. The Lions won two Division 2 playoff games last season.

“We’ve come a long way the last few years,” JSerra coach Katie Stith said. “This is a testament to their hard work and the support we receive through the program. There is much more to come. We are raising the level and these girls want to win.

Esperanza (15-13) was the Crestview League’s third-place representative. The Aztecs were trying to win their first CIF-SS softball championship since 2021, when they won the Division 1 title.

JSerra broke the game open in the fourth inning as the team battled back and scored six runs.

Reese Ferrel hit an RBI single to extend the Lions’ lead to 4-1.

Kaylee Layfield hit a two-run double and was driven in by a triple from Zena Edwards.

Mia Krueger hit an RBI single to left field to give JSerra an 8-1 lead.

Krueger, a Cal Baptist signee, led JSerra’s offense going 4-for-4 with two doubles and four RBIs.

“I haven’t been great all season, but I was here today and it was pretty cool,” Krueger said. “Hitting is definitely contagious, especially when leaders and upperclassmen start and instill confidence in the rest of the team.”

JSerra’s offense displayed a good mix of small balls and big power shots. The Lions had five bunts and six extra-base hits.

“We can run a little bit, so I like to get runners moving to put pressure on the defense,” Stith said. “The right people step up in the middle of the lineup to provide the long ball. When we are multifaceted like this, we are difficult to defend.

Layfield went 2 for 3 with two doubles and two RBIs. Ferrel had three hits with two RBIs. Brooke Stephens had two hits with a triple and two runs scored.

The run support was enough for JSerra freshman pitcher Abby Ford, who allowed just three hits and one unearned run in six innings with three strikeouts.

Esperanza’s offense struggled against Ford. Madison Page had two hits, including a double. Juliette Beltran had an RBI single for the Aztecs.

University of Florida signee Taylor Shumaker, a strong candidate for Orange County Player of the Year, went 0 for 2 with a walk.

“I have a lot of respect for Taylor. We play against her all the time on the road,” Ford said. “I just tried to get around her the best way possible.”

Shumaker finished his senior season with a .605 batting average and 18 home runs, just two short of the county record.

“We basically didn’t let her get close,” Krueger said of Shumaker. “She’s probably the best hitter the area has ever seen and I’m surprised she didn’t take a yard from us.”

JSerra will face La Mirada on Tuesday in the first round at Glenn High.

The Lions lost to La Mirada 7-1 in the 1st Pitch Challenge Showcase on February 10.

“It’s good that we saw them because we know what we’re going to get,” Stith said. “Division 1 is tough and I think anyone can beat anyone at any time. I have confidence in the situation of our daughters. If we do what we need to do and don’t make the game too big, I think we’ll be competitive.