The562’s high school softball coverage for the 2023 season is sponsored by Long Beach City Councilwoman Megan Kerr.
The562’s coverage of Millikan athletics in the 2022-23 school year is sponsored by Curtis Boyer.
The562’s coverage of Lakewood Athletics is sponsored by J.P. Crawford, Class of 2013.
It’s quite simple drawing parallels between this season and last in Moore League softball.
Last season, a walk-off comebacker to the circle gave Lakewood a victory in its first meeting with Millikan. The Lancers then lost to Long Beach Poly, setting up a league championship game at Lisa Fernandez Field that the Rams won in dramatic fashion.
This season, a walk-off comebacker to the circle gave Millikan a victory in its first meeting with Lakewood. The Rams then lost to Long Beach Poly, setting up a league championship game at Lisa Fernandez Field tonight. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
“I think we’re definitely ready,” Lakewood’s Cat Calzada said. “That last game left a bad taste in our mouths and we have a lot more determination in us and we’re not leaving that field without a win.”
Lakewood (15-9-1, 10-1) set up this chance to steal the title back by beating Long Beach Poly 4-3 last week.
“Our team is ready and prepared to go to battle,” Lakewood coach Andy Miramontes said. “You can bet that every Lakewood team member will be playing with enthusiasm, passion and grit… With one goal, to win for each other.”
Millikan (20-7, 10-1) has won six of its last seven games and want to send their accomplished senior class off with their third league title.
“The girls had a great week of practice and are locked in,” Millikan coach Michelle Lehr said. “Win or lose, this is the perfect game to get the girls ready for CIF playoffs. The atmosphere will be electric tonight.”
This is the final game of the regular season. The CIF playoff brackets will be announced Saturday morning.
