BURBANK — The local high school softball teams were knocked out of the postseason more than a week ago.
Burbank, Burroughs, Bellarmine-Jefferson and Providence did all qualify for the CIF Southern Section playoffs, but the teams combined to go 0-4.
Although no local teams were able to win any games in the playoffs, some area players are still enjoying a fine postseason run as members of Village Christian.
Six residents have helped the Crusaders put together an impressive season, as the team advanced to the CIF Southern Section Division V semifinals with a 4-0 win Thursday in a quarterfinal contest against host San Jacinto.
“We just played small ball and took advantage of the opportunities that we had,” said Crusaders Coach Mike Delaney, whose team scored two runs in the fourth and sixth innings Thursday. “It was a matter of taking whatever we could get.”
Residents Jenna Martin (15-1) and Emily Seidel combined for a three-hitter in the circle against San Jacinto (18-6), which features Ohio State-bound pitcher Melanie Nichols.
Another resident, Megan Merz, led Village Christian at the plate, going two for three with a double and three runs batted in.
Along with winning the Olympic League title, Village Christian also notched playoff wins against Pasadena Poly, 9-1, and South Hills, 4-2.
Against South Hills on Tuesday, Martin and Seidel combined to pitch the Crusaders to a win. Martin got the victory and Seidel (11-4) got the save.
Seidel was also two for three with a run batted in.
The other locals on the team are Michelle Stansbury, Dani Phillips and Katie Gates.
The Crusaders (26-5) will take on host San Dimas (24-4) at 3:15 p.m. Tuesday in a semifinal game.
