Mater Dei Tops Crescenta Valley

Crescenta Valley pitcher Meredith Cervenka came into Tuesday’s playoff game with impressive numbers.

But none of it seemed to matter to host Mater Dei as they beat second-seeded Crescenta Valley, 3-0, in a Southern Section Division II softball second-round game at Mile Square Park. The Monarchs (20-8) will face Canyon in a quarterfinal on Thursday.

Cervenka hadn’t allowed an earned run all season entering Tuesday’s game. She had five perfect games, six no-hitters and a dazzling 25-1 record.

“Our shortstop, Christina Clark, played with Meredith in the summer,” Mater Dei Coach Ernie Rodriguez said. “She gave us the low-down on her and pumped us up.”

Marissa Becerra outpitched Cervenka, finishing with a four-hitter. She didn’t walk anyone and retired 15 consecutive batters, after allowing leadoff hitter Sarah Sherman’s double in the first inning.

Walks and stolen bases hurt Cervenka and Crescenta Valley (26-2) as the Monarchs turned those into runs in the second and fourth innings.

In the second with one out, Riki Paredes drew a walk, stole second and scored on Michelle Hoffmann’s single.

In the fourth, Paredes drew another walk, stole second, went to third on a wild pitch and scored on Sharee Zaleski’s single.

In the fifth, Sheila McCorkle bunted for a hit, stole second and went to third on an error by shortstop Tammy La Breche and scored on a wild pitch.