Bay League Notebook: Peninsula’s Impressive Run Ends

Peninsula was the final Bay League team to be eliminated in the softball playoffs, dropping a 7-0 decision to top-seeded Oaks Christian on Tuesday.

Peninsula coach Tim Hall said the Panthers (13-14) simply got beat by a better team.

“When that game ended, we weren’t down on ourselves,” said Hall, who led Peninsula to a share of the league title with Mira Costa. “The playoffs are about finding out who is the best and we played one of the best. They’ve got a bunch of girls who know how to hit. Their pitching and defense are incredible. They just made plays.”

Hall said the Panthers though have given him as much joy this season as any team he’s coached in 17 seasons at the school.

“The journey from being down to being up and the setbacks were all really fun,” said Hall, referring to Peninsula’s 3-11 start before the Panthers changed their fortunes and won 8 of 10 in the Bay League. “This was a fun season. I’m proud of these girls and this team, regardless of the record. It doesn’t reflect our success. They worked hard from beginning to end. I can’t say enough about how proud I am of all of them. They’re just a good group of girls you’re proud to be around.”

At Peninsula’s softball banquet earlier this week, slugging third baseman Allison Blackman was awarded the team’s MVP. Blackman set school records this season in homers (six) and RBI (30) and was one of the top hitters in the South Bay. Her average was a robust .429. She also was one of the Panthers’ anchors on defense.

“Allison had just an incredible year,” Hall said. “She was in the hunt to set another school record for batting average, but just fell short. And one of the greatest things about her was that she played every inning of every game. Imagine that.”

The coach’s award went to junior Ashley Gonzalez and winner of the most inspirational player award was sophomore Camille Zuliani. Sophomore pitcher Andie Siegel received the most improved player honor.

Sea Kings fall short of title

The Palos Verdes boys tennis team made another great run, but came up short in a CIF Division I semifinal Tuesday against Harvard-Westlake.

The Sea Kings dropped an 11-7 decision, ending their unbeaten run at 17-1.

No. 1 singles player Jeff Hawke was as impressive as usual, sweeping swept his three matches, 6-1, 6-1, 6-1. But No. 2 Erik Lim and freshman Jake Douglas were only able to win one of their three matches.

The doubles team of Chase Ruth and Tony Dellovade, who have played well all season, claimed the only win for Palos Verdes in doubles.

Hawke and Lim will pair together and compete in the upcoming CIF Individuals in doubles. They won their matches last week to advance to Friday’s round.