CIF-SS Softball Semis | 15 Ks by Morris, pair of homers lead Riverside Prep
Riverside Prep is the last High Desert team remaining in the CIF-Southern Section softball playoffs after a thrilling victory over Dos Pueblos.
Lila Morris threw 167 pitches, and recorded the final five outs by strikeout to send Riverside Prep to the CIF-Southern Section Division 3 softball championship game. Morris’ 15-strikeout performance, and a pair of home runs in the ninth inning lifted the Silver Knights to a 4-2 victory in the semifinals on Saturday afternoon. The freshman allowed six hits and walked five batters.
Morris was matched up against fellow freshman Emily Morici, who struck out eight batters and allowed four runs on nine hits. AOTW: Riverside Prep’s Jake Wilhoit is the Joe Orthodontics High School Athlete of the Week Track & Field: Nine High Desert athletes qualify for the CIF-SS Track and Field Masters The pitchers entered the game with a combined 454 strikeouts this season. “I knew going into the game it was gonna be a battle, especially knowing how legit the opposing pitcher was,” Morris said.
“Knowing that meant it was gonna be a close game and come down to whichever pitcher could hold it most. My team was able to come up big in big moments, especially with the two big home runs in the ninth. Having each other’s backs both defensively and offensively is what gave us the edge to take the victory.
” Dos Pueblos got on the board in the bottom of the third on a double from Kacey Hurley, which scored Anastacia Brunner. Riverside Prep struck for a pair of runs in the top of the sixth inning. Sadie Martinez hit a lead-off single.