Telepeer

Freshman Raquel Pineda leads Pacifica softball past Cypress in pitchers duel

March 27, 2026

Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now

Pacifica second baseman Natalie Pacheco, right, tags out Cypress’ Callie Kissell as she tries to advance to second in a Crestview League softball game in Garden Grove on Thursday, March 26, 2026. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)

1 of 20

Expand

GARDEN GROVE — Pacifica’s title aspirations in Crestview League softball received a few encouraging signs Thursday in another duel with Cypress.

Freshman pitcher Raquel Pineda impressed in the circle, the defense produced several sparkling plays and the Mariners showed their resolve to edge Cypress 2-1 at Pacifica High.

Pineda, who made her first start since March 7, scattered six hits and struck out four in a complete game to outduel Chach Stamper.

Ranked third in Orange County, Pacifica (11-6, 2-1) scored on a fielder’s choice and sacrifice fly in the third to beat No. 11 Cypress (10-5, 1-1).

The Mariners bounced back from a 9-4 loss at No. 6 La Habra on Tuesday and a 1-0 defeat in nine innings at Cypress last season in the final game of league.

“It feels real good to come back and get a win,” said Pacifica center fielder Mattea Stern, who drove in a run and stole two bases. “It’s really important for us (to bounce back) because if we want to get first or win the league or be up there, we have to keep winning. We can’t fall down early like that.”

Cypress took a 1-0 lead in the second inning as Aubrey Lopez plated a run after being hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.

Pineda escaped the jam by forcing an inning-ending double-play with a grounder to third baseman Serena Antillon.

It was Pacifica’s second double-play in as many innings and added to a collection of defensive gems.

Senior catcher Leyla Ayres caught two foul balls, including a sliding grab just before the backstop in the fourth. Freshman left fielder Jenna Valladares recorded five putouts, including one near the fence in the sixth.

“Our defense was a pretty big factor in this game,” said Valladares, who drove in Abigail Amezquita with the winning run on a sacrifice fly.

Pineda (5-2) also played a major role. In her first start since the semifinals of the Dave Kops Tournament of Champions in Bullhead City, Ariz., she retired the final five batters she faced. She walked two in the first two innings but didn’t issue another over the next five innings.

“I have to have confidence in myself,” Pineda said. “(Ayres) motivates me all the time and helps me behind the plate (framing pitches).”

Pacifica coach Tony Arduino said Pineda threw a “great bullpen” on Wednesday.

“She’s been working on a lot of stuff and she showed it today,” Arduino said. “Every (Crestview) game is going to be like that. All 12 games. We just got to be ready for it. We’re going to get tested.”

Stamper (10-2), a junior, scattered four hits and struck out four. Sophomore Taylor Bishop added two hits for Cypress, which stranded two runners in the fifth and sixth.

“We need to make adjustments on our end, and that starts with me,” Cypress coach Terry Thompson said. “Should have probably played a little bit more small ball on them but we had our opportunities.”

Freshman Raquel Pineda leads Pacifica softball past Cypress in pitchers duel Orange County Register

News Details

Freshman Raquel Pineda leads Pacifica softball past Cypress in pitchers duel

News

CONTACT INFO

QUICK LINKS

SERVICES

CURRENT NEWS