High school softball: Clovis North claims Central Section D-I title in convincing win

There was a time midway through the season when the Clovis North softball team couldn’t figure out where to go.

It was somewhat of a slump when the Broncos lost to Selma and Madera. Then there was a three-game losing streak in the Tri-River Athletic Conference.

After that skid, Clovis North found its groove in a big way.

The Broncos went on to win the next five games, including a 5-0 victory over Central in the Central Section Division I high school championship at Margie Wright Diamond on Saturday night.

“We regrouped and talked about our goals and what we wanted to accomplish,” Clovis North Courtney Dale said. “They played the game strong at the end and came out here relaxed.”

The Broncos broke open the game in the seventh inning, scoring four runs.

That was more than enough for Clovis North pitcher Jocelynn Gonzalez, who pitched a three-hitter.

She was backed by Emma Blea, who had a double and three RBI.

“It was a big win,” Blea said. “You can see on the board 13 hits like we all just came together. Jocelynn threw an amazing game.”

Woodlake wins on an unthinkable way

It was an unusual way to win for Woodlake, but the Tigers will take it.

Especially when it meant winning a section championship.

The Tigers scored three runs on two errors in the bottom of the seventh inning for a 5-4 victory over Porterville in the Division V title game.

“We put the ball in play all game and the one ball we didn’t hit hard to the ground ... changed the game completely,” Woodlake coach Ramon Lara said.

Scoring the winning run was Giselle Valencia.

“It feels really good,” she said. “We have one senior that’s going to be gone and we did it for her.”