CIF: Romeka’s record, Winchester pace FC

By Nick Pellegrino
Updated: May 19, 2025

2025 EAST COUNTY PREP SOFTBALL
F-San Diego Section Championships

By Nick Pellegrino
ECS Senior writer

Division 3

Foothills Christian 7, Maranatha Christian 4 (11 inn.)

4-S RANCH – Foothills Christian pitcher Emma Romeka established a school postseason recorfd by registering 15 strikeouts, while Reese Winchester rifled a solo home run in the 11th inning, leading the Knights past host Maranatha Christian in a spevial Division 3 play-in game to the CIF- San Diego Section softball championships.

The Knights (9-10 overall) were the No. 12 seed, but since Maranatha Christian was a league chasmpion not listed among the top 12 in the division’s computer power index, a play-in contest was required.

Romeka’s only struggle in the third inning, allowing three Eagles runs. But ehren she settled in to 8.2 shutout frames, the Knights pulled even in the sixth, then outscored the hosts 4-1 in the decisive 11th.

The game-tying rally saw catcher Brooklyn “Fabulous” Fabulic stroke a two-run double to center field with two down. Scoting were Gabby Woglford (single) and omeka (sinlge).

In the 11th, Win hester send a liner beyond the barrier in left field for the lead on a 3-2 pitch with one down.

The Knights then mounted tree additional ruyns for a 7-3 cushion.

Romeka followed with a line double to left, moving to third on a Fabulic basehit.

Center fielder KKKK Gomez answered with an RBI single. A sacrfifice bunt from Kylie Mathistad advanxed the runner, then right fielder Kenidi Phoenix doubled for a 7-3 advatage.

The Eagles were given a run in the 11th by exchange a run for a pair of ground outsbeforfe Romeka capped the victory with another strikeout.

Foothills Christianb advances to an eliminationb game at El Camino on Tuesday, with the winner moving on to the double-elimination ortion of the bracket.

Chula Vista 10, Liberty Charter 0 (5 inn.)

ALPINE – Liberty Charter, champions of the Summit League, received little respect from the CIF.

Two years ago, the Lions were simply a Divisdion 5 ballclub, but did well enough to move to Division 4.

In 2024, another strong season meant elevation to Division 3 for the first time ever.

However, despite the league title, the Lions were not among the Top 12 in Division 3, so would not have been considered for a postseason berth except for a rule that states every league champions automatically advances.

On Monday (May 19), Liberty Charter looked every bit like a legitinate playoff contendder, staying with Chula Vista for four innings.

However, the Spartans busted loose from a timid 1-0 lead by posting nine runs in the fifth inning, gaining a 10-0 run-rule verdict in the D-3 Play-in game held at Joan MacQueen Middle School.

Chula Vista pitcher Mia Guzman spun a 3-hit shutout. The senior struck out eight Lions batters without a walk.

Liberty Charter pitcher Leah Urias was almost as strong through four, only allowing a second-inning run.

However, the Spartans turned into an avalache in the fifth, as the first six batters hit safely, part of eight basehits and an error in the rally.

Chula Vista (12-8 overall) next travels to meet fifth-seeded Tri-City Christian at Lake Park in Oceanside.

Liberty Charter closes with an identical mark of 12-8.