Dos Pueblos’ run to a second straight CIF softball title came to end Thursday at La Habra.
The Chargers dropped a 2-1 decision to La Habra in the Division 4 quarterfinals.
The host Highlanders (23-8) broke a scoreless tie in the fourth off Fresno State-bound Hannah Harris. Maleena Esparza, a Northern Illinois recruit, drew a one-out walk and scored on a deep double to the gap in left-center field by Michigan State-bound Shanin Thomas. Raquel Manzo followed with a single to score Thomas for a 2-0 lead.
Dos Pueblos was frustrated by La Habra pitcher Vanessa Ciocatto. She stranded Charger baserunners at second base in the first two innings by recording strikeouts.
Kai Uyesaka got the Chargers back into the game with a lead-off homer off Ciocatto in the sixth.
La Habra made a pitching change after the homer, bringing in Taylor Pierce. Pierce hadn’t pitched much this season because of an injury but she was sharp against the Chargers. She kept batters off balance with her high heat.
Dos Pueblos finishes a stellar season with a 25-4 record.
