LITHIA — George Jenkins continued its flawless defensive play and captured its first region championship with a 3-1 victory over Newsome.
Brittaney Alderman kept the Wolves' potent offense in check, not allowing a run until Newsome (20-8) was down to its final out.
Alderman slowed an offense that was scoring 10 runs a game by mixing her changeup and fastball, striking out 10 and allowing just four hits.
For Eagles coach Mike Powell, he was more impressed with what his team was able to do once the ball was put into play.
"For the last eight games, we've made only one error," Powell said. "That's what we preach: pitching and defense. And to make one error in eight games, that's playing ball right there."
Newsome started its rally when it was down to its final out. Pitcher Bailey Schinella lined a single to right, scoring Nicollette Levine, but was stranded as the final batter struck out.
"Errors early in the game is really what hurt us," Newsome coach Jessica Kowal said. "We didn't hit like we did and we didn't play defense like we did earlier in the regions. When you're not on top of your game, this is exactly what happens."
Plant falls short of final four in 1-0 loss
Plant had its chances.
But every time the door opened slightly for the Panthers, Venice pitcher Stephanie Sullivan slammed it shut, and the result was a heartbreaking 1-0 loss on the road that kept Plant from making its first final four appearance in eight years.
"We fought well and did the best we could," Panthers senior outfielder Grace Slone Collins said. "It just didn't come out our way. They were a very solid team."
Plant (23-5) twice had runners on second and third. Another time, it loaded the bases. But Sullivan, who entered with 261 strikeouts, worked her way out of every jam as the Indians improved to 30-0.
Keith Niebuhr, Times staff writer
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