To count the number of CIF San Diego Section softball titles Point Loma High School had won coming into the season required no fingers or toes. Not only had the Pointers not won a title, they’d never reached a championship game.
“Hadn’t come close,” said coach Bill Hunyady.
History was made late Friday afternoon at San Diego State as the Pointers came from behind to beat West Hills 3-2 and win the Division 2 section title.
Said Hunyady: “It’s just magical.”
“It’s amazing because we were able to fulfil our dream,” said first baseman Leyton Maherson.
As they did in every playoff game, the Pointers (25-6-1) did it the hard way, coming from behind. West Hills (20-10-1) led 2-0 when Point Loma came up in the bottom of the fourth. Until then, the Pointers had one hit and had struck out six times.
Then Annika Isaacson led off the inning with a double that one-hopped the left-field fence. Avery Maherson lined a single off the pitcher’s leg. After courtesy runner Isabella Giaquinto stole second, Leyton Maherson went the other way, lining a two-run double down the left-field line to tie the game.
Freshman Siena Balisteri put Point Loma ahead 3-2 with an RBI double one inning later.
Another freshman, Ella Poulin, overcame some wildness (four hit batters and four walks) to earn the win for the Pointers. Poulin improved to 12-4.
“The best thing about Ella is she’s got a lot of fight in her,” said Leyton Mherson.
The game ended on an odd play.
With a runner on first and two outs, West Hills’ Lili Leija hit a hard ground ball between first and second that looked like it might be a hit. But the ball bounced off West Hills’ Gianna Burgin, leading to an automatic out. The game was over and Point Loma flooded the field.
As part of the celebration, someone blew bubbles amidst the throng of Pointers.
“Ain’t no party like a Pointer party,” said Leyton Maherson.
On a team loaded with underclassmen, Point Loma figures to be good for some time.
“This,” said Balistreri, “is the first of many. I’ll say that.”
