Goleta Valley South Little League scored early and often in a 17-7 five-inning, mercy-rule win over Port Hueneme in an elimination game of the 10-Under Section 1 Tournament on Monday.
Goleta Valley South earns a rematch with Santa Maria Southside on Wednesday for the title. GVS lost to Southside 11-9 last weeekend. A GVS win on Wednesday would force a second title game on Thursday.
Ian Cope scored four runs, Luke Roberts went 2-for-3 with four runs and two RBIs and Jack Johnson went 2-for-4.
Andrew Guardino, Johnson, Roberts and Chris Abbott pitched for Goleta Valley.
Manager Ross Cope said Johnson played two days after being diagnosed with pneumonia.
“Jack refused to come out of the game and was instrumental on both offense and defense,” Cope said. “He is the quiet leader of this team and truly has the heart of a lion.”
