Carmel-Santa Catalina softball

Central Coast Section Division II Finals
Saturday's game
No. 5 Carmel (18-6) vs. No. 2 Santa Catalina (20-1) at PAL Stadium, San Jose, 10 a.m.
 How fitting that the only coach to lead the Cougars to a section softball title is now on the other side trying to do that same for Carmel.
 Adding to the movie script is that Padres coach Jim Pingree's daughter Alex, is looking to become the first known individual in this county to play and coach the same program to a section title.
 Alex Pingree was in the circle in 2012 when her dad guided Santa Catalina to a 5-3 win over Soquel in the then Division III finals.
 Daughter has had the upper hand on dad this year, as Santa Catalina swept its three games with the Padres to capture the Mission Trail Athletic League title.
 The Cougars erased a 1-0 deficit in the first meeting to post a 5-1 win. They needed 11 innings to secure a 6-3 decision, then pounded Carmel 11-2 in the final meeting.
 Carmel, however, has been a different team since that last setback on May 7. In fact, it hasn't lost a game, advancing to the section finals with a 6-3, 11 inning win over top seed Hillsdale.
 Of course, the Cougars have rattled off a school record 18 straight wins, with their last loss coming on March 12 in a non-league game to Salinas.
 Santa Catalina, which has trailed in all three postseason games, took advantage of 11 walks, coupled with 11 hits to erupt for 11 runs in beating Half Moon Bay.
 If you're looking for edges, there's more experience in the circle for Carmel with Jessica Pavloff. It's hard to argue, though, with Cougars freshman Emma James and her 20 wins.
 Santa Catalina has a little more power at the plate, as displayed Tuesday when it racked up four extra base hits, including a pair of doubles from Abby Gunter.
 Emily Hayes has been sizzling at the plate throughout the postseason while Katie Fraley has come up big on offense and defense, helping turn a pair of double plays on Tuesday.
 Rachael Carroll followed up her three-hit effort in the quarterfinals by doubling home three runs in the 11th in the Padres win.
 She's been the catalyst in the leadoff spot, setting the table for the likes of Jocelyn Bruno, Kendra Hyles and Anna Buzan.