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CIF So. Cal. Semifinals: Highlander Magic Continues
- Updated: June 5, 2026
2026 EAST COUNTY PREP SOFTBALL
CIF – Southern California Regional – Semifinals
By Adam Paul
LA MESA (6-6-26) – Despite trailing early on and late the second seed Helix Highlanders worked their magic on offense as they scored six runs over the fourth and fifth innings to rally not once but twice as they claimed the Division III semifinal over the visiting third seeded Grace Lancers on Friday afternoon.
Early on the Grace Lancers in the top of the second inning would take a 2-0 lead thanks to an error by the Highlanders and an RBI double by Rosy Salazar.
Helix would wind up tying the game in the bottom of the fourth inning thanks to a sacrifice fly by Sophie Plunk (RBI) and an RBI single by Lea Moya (1-3, RBI).
With the score tied and the momentum back with the Highlanders the Lancers struck back and would take it right back as Salazar hit a long ball to center field to retake the lead 3-2 in the top of the fifth inning.
However, the bats for the Highlanders once again came alive in the bottom half of the fifth inning as LaNiah Broom (1-3, 2 R, 3 RBI, HR) jacked a three run blast which was her first of the season to left field to give them a 6-3 lead. Previous to the big bomb by Broom the Highlanders tied the game at 3-3 when the Lancers committed an error which led to Riley Adams (1-3, R) coming into score.
Starting the game for the Highlanders was sophomore Moya who looked anything but like a sophomore as she went struck out six while giving up three runs (one earned) on eight hits over seven innings of work to pick up victory number twelve of the season.
Helix with the victory continues their hot streak as they will take a 7 game winnings streak into the CIF Division III Southern California regional final against fourth seed Hanford West who beat the eight seed Mission College Prep 5-4.
Overall the Helix Highlanders with the win also have tied the school record for victories in a season as they are now 26-4 which ties the 2021 season when they finished with a 26-6 overall record finishing runners-up in Division II as they lost 4-0 to Otay Ranch.
Also, with the top seed Venice losing to Mission College Prep in the first round of the regional playoffs the Regional championship game home field advantage will be given to the Helix Highlanders which will be Saturday at 4pm.
