Dow to Start Playoff Opener for Moorpark

De Dow’s next pitching victory for Moorpark College would be an important one: It would give her school records for wins in a season and a career.

And, more importantly, it would bring the Lady Raiders a step closer to a state junior college softball championship.

Dow (27-7) will be Moorpark’s starter this afternoon at 2 when the Lady Raiders play West Valley College of Saratoga, Calif., in the first round of the state tournament at Golden West College in Huntington Beach. The sophomore right-hander is 45-13 over the past two seasons.

If Moorpark wins, it will play either Palomar or Fresno City College at 8 p.m. If the Lady Raiders lose, they will next play Saturday at 10 a.m. The championship game of the double-elimination tournament will be played at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Moorpark (35-10) advanced to the state tournament by defeating El Camino College in a best-of-three series last week. The Lady Raiders are seeded third among four teams from the southern half of the state. West Valley (37-13) is seeded second from the north.

“I think we have as good a chance as anybody to win the title,” said Will Thurston, Moorpark’s coach. “We’re in this tournament because we’ve worked hard and we have the type of quality team that deserves to be here.”