Hartnell-MPC softball

While the two teams won't meet until April 20, the game could be epic as it should decide who wins the Coast Conference South title.
 The Panthers and MPC are locked in a tie at the top with a handful of games remaining. Both have at least 20 wins, which should warrant playoff consideration, even as a runner-up.
 The Lobos are 9-1 in their last 10 games while Hartnell is 8-2.
 Four players are hitting over .400 for the Panthers, including North Salinas product Kaitlin Shipman, who sits at .433 with five homers and a team high 30 runs batted in.
 Freshman Danielle Caoili has a team high eight homers and a team high 10 wins in the circle for the Panthers with a 2.99 earned run average.
 As a team, the Panthers have stolen 53 bases, with Angelina Ruiz among the conference leaders with 24.
 While Hartnell has ripped 23 homers this year, the Lobos have six, all off the bat from North Salinas graduate Serena Castaneda.
 Castaneda has also driven in a team high 36 runs while Seaside product Malia Usrey has knocked in 30. Carmel grad Lauren Salvati is hitting a team high .478.
 Pitching has carried the Lobos throughout the season as Sally Bowles has 16 wins and a 1.23 earned run average.