Sports
Samohi Softball Is No. 1 in CIF Poll
The Vikings top D4; also, Pacifica Christian and New Roads are ranked in baseball.
The softball team is ranked No. 1 in Division 4 in the first CIF-Southern Section Top 10 Coaches' Poll, released earlier this week. The team opens the season Friday afternoon against South Torrance.
The Vikings are the defending Southern Section Division IV champions but have a new coach in . They are coming off a 28-5 season under previous coach that included an undefeated Ocean League campaign and a 20-game winning streak to end the season.
's team has lost seven players to graduation, including All-League shortstop , who hit .500, scored 43 runs and drove in 36 runs last season.
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In Division 5, is in the "others" category, just outside the Top 10, but the Mariners could crack the list next week after beginning the season with three impressive victories. In Monday's 10-0 mercy win over Venice, had a solo home run, had five RBIs, including a triple and a homer, and pitched a three-hitter with nine strikeouts.
The Mariners host Immaculate Heart in their own tournament Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Beverly Hills High.
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In baseball, is ranked third and fourth in the initial CIF-SS poll. The Seawolves opened against Lennox Academy on Thursday, while New Roads is off to a 2-0 start. The Jaguars beat Milken Community 8-4 last week and routed Wildwood 12-0 Thursday.
is in the "others" category in Division 5, having begun the season 3-1. They beat Los Angeles University, Port of Los Angeles and Sherman Oaks Buckley but suffered a 3-2 loss Thursday to Playa del Rey St. Bernard at .