Del Oro blanks Willow Glen, reaches 2nd straight NorCal final

Coming off a run-rule victory over Walnut Creek-Northgate in the opening round of the CIF NorCal Regional Division II Softball Tournament, Del Oro wasted little time carrying that momentum into the semifinals. The second-seeded Golden Eagles (22-8) scored five runs in the first two innings Thursday afternoon and cruised to a 6-0 victory over No. 3 San Jose-Willow Glen to advance to the NorCal championship game for the second straight season. For coach Sean Erickson, Del Oro's return to the NorCal final was less a surprise than a reflection of a group that refuses to let its season end. Battle-tested by years of postseason experience, the Golden Eagles have developed the toughness and confidence necessary to thrive when the stakes are at their highest. "Getting back to a NorCal final is incredibly difficult, and I think it speaks to the determination of this group. The section title has been elusive for us, and every time we get there, it feels like there's so much pressure because of what that championship means and all the history behind it," said Erickson. "For whatever reason, when we get into regionals, we seem to settle in, play cleaner and make adjustments. I think these kids just don't want the season to end. When a team wants to keep playing as badly as this one does, that tells me they have a chance to win it all." Caelyn Campos drew a leadoff walk and scored on a two-run homer by sophomore slugger Emma Johnson to build a first-inning lead. The surge continued in the second, as Kate Brown and Chloe Champas drove in runs to extend the lead to 5-0. Champas totaled three RBIs. Erickson pointed to Champas' big afternoon and contributions from Brown and Macey Davis as the driving forces in the second-inning rally. "I loved seeing those seniors come through in big moments. Kate and Macey have been part of this program for basically their entire high school careers. They've experienced championships, they've experienced success, and they've also had to endure some tough losses," said Erickson. "What stands out about them is their leadership and maturity. They carry themselves the right way and represent what it means to be a Golden Eagle every day. I'm really happy to see that success come their way because they've earned it." In the circle, the duo of Cal commit Mikayla Finn and freshman Katherine Popovski was steady again. Finn held Willow Glen to three hits and one walk while striking out two in five innings. Popovski struck out three in two perfect innings. "The system has worked really well for us. Mikayla likes knowing she has someone behind her who can come in and help finish games, and Katherine has embraced that role," said Erickson. "Honestly, this week I probably would have liked to get Katherine even a few more innings because we wanted her prepared for the regional final. We anticipated having this opportunity, and now we're fortunate to be here." Erickson said Popovski is ready to embrace the challenge of pitching in the regional final. "For a freshman to have that kind of confidence and mindset is impressive, and I've been thoroughly pleased with everything she's done for us," Erickson said. The Golden Eagles will visit No. 1 Alameda (24-5) on Saturday, as they try to secure their second consecutive NorCal title after winning the Division I crown last season.