With George Laase
Three of Culver City High School’s spring teams begin their second season in the CIF playoffs and the CIF track and field finals this week. The baseball, softball, and track and field teams hope that their success in the regular season put them in a good position to make a run deep into the playoffs.
The girls softball team started the playoffs at home with an 11-0 victory over Gabrielino High School last Monday. They advanced to the second round of the playoffs last Tuesday when traveled to the Santa Barbara area to take on a good Dos Pueblos team, 20-6 overall and 10-2 as Channel League champions.
The Lady Centaurs are 15-9, and their 6-4 Ocean League record placed them third, behind Santa Monica and Hawthorne. in the Ocean league.
Their Monday win featured t their senior stars Jessica Faber, who pitched the shutout, and Lisa Kamba, who hit a three-run home run. “The girls are hungry,” said Coach John Sargent. “They love this game.”
Others who played well were Mary Bilbao, Natalie Capa, Melody Rodriquez, Dominique Powell and Sabrina Perez. “We have had a lot of injuries, but we have continued to compete,” said Sargent. “I am proud of this team.”
Next Baseball Date
Culver City’s baseball team travels to the Lancaster area to battle Quartz Hill on Friday at 4 in the first round of the playoffs. The Rebels are 19-9 and 13-1 in the Golden League. The Centaurs, second in the Ocean League at 7-3, are 17-10.
They had an opportunity to win the league last week but they lost twice to champion Santa Monica. Their second loss, 1-0, was heartbreaking because star pitcher Jay Sterner threw a no hitter. Sterner will be on the mound again Friday. “Jay is peaking at the right time,” said Coach Rick Prieto. A junior, Sterner is one of the best hitters on the team.
Lack of timely hitting and injuries hurt the Centaurs against Santa Monica. Although coach Prieto said he hates to use injuries as an excuse, three of his top four seniors have not been able to play consistently all season because of injuries.
“I don’t use injuries as an excuse,” said Prieto. “Every player we have should be able to step up if someone gets hurt. Our biggest problem is not being able to drive runners in when they are in scoring position. We need to get the job done.”
Track and Field
Culver City’s senior track and field stars will compete in the CIF finals Saturday at Cerritos College in Norwalk. Kevin Beacham and Kyndahl Carter will be representing Culver City. Beacham, one of the best in the state, will compete in the long jump. “Kevin is a great athlete who has trained hard to be in this position,” said coach Jahmal Wright. Beacham, who won the Division II long jump with a leap of 23 feet last Saturday, is in position to advance to the state in two weeks.
Carter will run the 100 hurdles and the 300 hurdles in the CIF finals. Last Saturday she placed seventh in the 300 and ninth in the 100 hurdles at Moorpark High School. “Kyndahl has a better chance in the 300 hurdles but she is good in the 100 hurdles, too,” said coach Rayfield Beaton. The field events start at 10:30 and the first running event is at 1.
Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com
Mr. Laase may be contacted at GMLaase@aol.com
