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    JSerra softball receives confidence boost after run at Dave Kops tournament
    • March 17, 2026

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    JSerra’s softball team showed resiliency and improvement in a key area during its run to the finals of the recent Dave Kops Tournament of Champions in Bullhead City, Ariz.

    Not only did the Lions advance from the play-in round to take second place, they averaged 3.5 runs in the tournament to support their strong pitching staff.

    Last season in finishing as the CIF-SS Division 2 runner-up, JSerra went 17-1 when it scored at least three runs. The Lions lost seven games by one run, including four by 3-2 margins.

    “We’re swinging it a little bit,” JSerra coach Katie Stith said after the Kops tournament. “I’d like to hit a little more but comparatively to where we were last year, they’re scoring more than a run or two a game and that’s probably the most promising thing.”

    “The message was definitely that I’m very proud of what they’ve accomplished and how they’ve worked together,” the eighth-year coach added.

    Ranked No. 1 in Orange County for the second straight week, JSerra (11-1) will need more persistence and offensive production this week as it faces No. 13 Aliso Niguel (6-8) on Tuesday and opens the Woodbridge tournament on Saturday.

    Last season, the Lions lost to Aliso Niguel 3-2.

    JSerra raised its scoring average this spring by defeating Oaks Christian 6-1 on March 14.

    Catcher Annabel Raftery went 2 for 2 with two home runs, three RBIs and two walks.

    The sophomore has raised her average to .425. She leads the team in hits (17), doubles (five), home runs (four) and RBIs (10).

    JSerra’s offense also has received contributions at the top of order from freshmen Magenta De Arte and Ava Born.

    De Arte, who has mostly batted third, enters the week hitting .324 with four doubles. She hit .368 in Bullhead City.

    Junior Brooklyn Lamb, who plays left field, is hitting .364 from the cleanup spot.

    Senior right fielder Zena Edwards has two home runs to rank second behind Raftery. She had a two-run double in a 2-0 win against Norco in the quarterfinals of the Kops.

    JSerra pitcher Liliana Escobar knows how to capitalize on run support. The Florida signee is 7-1 with 0.27 ERA and 98 strikeouts in 51 1/3 innings.

    “What Liliana is doing right now is pretty special,” Stith said of the reigning O.C. pitcher of the year.

    JSerra opens the Woodbridge tournament on Saturday against Edison and Los Altos.

    Next week, the Lions begins the Trinity League.

    “(Bullhead City) gave the kids that confidence I think we’ve lacked,” Stith said. “We have the pitching staff and we’re scrappy.”

    “Different people have stepped up at different times,” she added. “That’s what will help prepare us for league.”

    NOTES

    Other O.C. teams at the Woodbridge tournament include Brea Olinda, Mater Dei, San Juan Hills and Capistrano Valley. …

    The Crestview League opener between Cypress and host La Habra on Tuesday was rescheduled for April 3 because of heat concerns, La Habra coach Vince Peralta said. …

    Cypress freshman utility player Callie Kissell is hitting .514 with five home runs. …

    Pacifica senior Leyla Ayres is hitting .462 as a first-year starting catcher. The former outfielder and designated player waited her turn to play catcher behind Delaina Ma’ae and Cat Benitez, both of whom are now at UC Santa Barbara.

    ​ Orange County Register 

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