KING CITY — It was just last week that the King City Mustangs softball team was playing Gilroy for a spot in the Central Coast Section playoffs. Fast forward to Thursday, and the Lady Mustangs are now the fourth seed in the Division III bracket, getting ready to host their first-ever home playoff game on Saturday.
After beating Gilroy 11-9 on May 13, King City secured their spot in the CCS playoffs.
In the first round set for this Saturday, May 21, the Lady Mustangs will host the Soquel Knights, who they beat earlier this year by 8-5. The game begins at 4 p.m. at the King City High School softball fields.
The first time these ladies met was in the Monterey Peninsula Softball Invitational. In the first matchup, Soquel got off to an early 5-0 lead, but in typical King City fashion, the Mustangs scored seven runs in an inning to help them win.
Soquel Knights
What We Know: Since losing to King City, the Lady Knights have gone 12-2-1. During their hot streak, Soquel won the SCCAL and their postseason tournament with a 7-6 victory over Scotts Valley.
Players to Watch: Looking at the Lady Knights’ stats sheet, you’ll see Carmela Muccilli’s name pop up a lot. She leads the team in home runs, hits and RBIs. On the mound for Soquel will be Sophie Seese, who pitched in both of their postseason tournament games.
King City Mustangs
What We Know: There is no secret how the Lady Mustangs plan to win a CCS title by double digit runs every game. When King City faces Soquel, they will be getting a boost. Senior Victoria Hamilton didn’t play in their first meeting due to a knee injury.
Players to Watch: The Lady Mustangs are filled with great hitters, but it’s sophomore star Lisa Villanueva who leads the Pacific Coast Athletic League in home runs (15) and RBIs (55). Sophomore pitcher Malaya Carrillo will have to be good for King City if they are going to make a run at a CCS title.
Final Thoughts and Prediction: Talent isn’t the problem when it comes to the Lady Mustangs. The problem all year for them is they commit too many errors that lead to big innings. It’s always hard to beat a good team twice, but King City’s offense has too much firepower. Lady Mustangs win 12-9 in the final inning.
