By Wes McCurtis
2017 Southern California Regional Bracket
The Cypress College softball team (40-0, 21-0 OEC) is entering the postseason with a perfect record for the first time in program history. The Chargers were rewarded with a No. 1 seed and will host No. 18 Allan Hancock in a best-of-three CCCAA Southern California Regional Series this Friday/Saturday.
The Chargers are no stranger to the postseason, making their 29th consecutive appearance under back-to-back OEC and 3CFCA Coach of the Year, Brad Pickler.
Cypress finished the regular season as Orange Empire Conference champions for the third consecutive year with outstanding talent all over the field. 3CFCA Pitcher of the Year Destiny Vasquez is undefeated in the circle this season with a 1.20 ERA. OEC Player of the Year and All-State selection Sydney McCollum leads the team with 43 RBI, while batting .430 on the year. All-State selection Melanie Okazaki has made big plays in the outfield all season, while adding 38 RBI and a team-high 31 walks with a .460 AVG. 2016 OEC Pitcher of the Year and 2017 All-State selection Vanessa Ledesma adds depth to the Chargers' pitching rotation with a 1.62 ERA.
Allan Hancock (28-13, 19-5) is coming off an upset victory on the road over No. 15-seeded Fullerton College in Tuesday's play-in-game, 4-1. The Bulldogs finished the regular season tied for 2nd place in the Western State Conference. They are led by All-State selection Bailey Killough.
Cypress has a 21-6 all-time record against Allan Hancock. However, the Bulldogs were victorious in their last match-up back in 2015.
Game 1 of the best-of-three series is scheduled for Friday, May 5 at 2:00 p.m. Game 2 will take place on Saturday, May 6 at 12:00 p.m. with game 3 immediately following if necessary. Tickets to the CCCAA postseason event are $12 for general admission and $8 for faculty, staff, students, seniors, and children.
Stay connected with the Chargers through social media. Follow Cypress College Athletics on Twitter @CypressChargers. Check in with the Chargers on Facebook/CypressChargers and on Instagram @CypressChargers.
