Cypress Beats Saddleback in Showdown

Cypress moved within one victory of its third consecutive community college state softball championship by defeating Saddleback, 4-0, in the winners’ bracket final Saturday in Clovis.

Mandy Rockwell gave up one hit and had seven strikeouts in the first five innings to get the victory for Cypress (57-7). It was the third consecutive time Cypress and Rockwell (34-1) had defeated Saddleback and pitcher Tara Kroener (31-12).

Ro Lutz had a two-run single in the first for Cypress, which got another run on a fielder’s choice by Heidi Lockwood.

Saddleback plays Long Beach at 10 today and the winner advances to a noon meeting with Cypress.

“I don’t care who we play,” said Cypress Coach Brad Pickler. “If someone beats us twice then they deserve the title.”