Realizing it has little competition in the Ocean League, the Santa Monica High softball team is often seen in high-caliber non-league games.
The Vikings, who have won the Ocean League the last five years, took on powerful opponents in the El Segundo Tournament on the weekend ending April 20 and advanced to the semi-finals.
By defeating North Torrance, 3-2, and Banning, 1-0, Samohi qualified for a semi-final game against Torrance on Saturday, April 26.
“These were great wins for us,” said Coach Debbie Skaggs.
Holly Elander and Emma Woo hit home runs against North Torrance, the latter breaking a 2-2 tie in the sixth inning.
Shortstop Kylie Nakao, who had missed significant time due to mononucleosis, hit a single that led to the game’s only run against Banning.
Second baseman Yaneth Guzman executed two unassisted double plays.
Celiska Walker, a newcomer to the team this season, has quickly established herself as the Vikings’ primary pitcher and was the winner in both games.
Samohi’s overall record is 14-6, including 4-0 in the Ocean League. The Vikings’ two most recent league games were a 4-0 victory over Hawthorne followed by a 22-0 win over Morningside.
