Culver City High School’s softball season ended last week when St. Anthony of Long Beach beat the Centaurs 11-4 in the CIF quarterfinals.

After a 7-3 Ocean League season, the Centaurs 15-13.

St. Anthony broke open a close game in the late innings.

“It was nerve wracking playing Culver City,” said St Anthony Coach Adrian Ponce. “They had us during those first four innings.”

Making it to the quarterfinals was a big accomplishment for the young Centaurs.

Coach Gabby Chacon’s team featured right freshmen.

“All eight can play different positions,” he said. “We have a good junior varsity program so the future looks good.”

The future must wait.

This loss hurts.

“Not the way we wanted to end the season,” said Coach Chacon.”

There is consolation – the impressive progress they have made.

“I told the girls is to look back and see where the journey began,” said Coach Chacon.

“Months ago we had early morning workouts, conditioning, practice, all of the ups and downs.

“We all want to win a CIF championship. But the ultimate goal is to produce a program we can be proud of.”

Changing the Subject

A new season has begun.

Last weekend football started with passing leagues in action all over Southern California.

Culver City played five games against outstanding teams.  They made it to the quarterfinals after posting a 2-1 record.

In the winner’s bracket, the Centaurs  beat the Valley’s Cleveland High 52-19 and lost to Alemany 25-21 in the quarterfinals.

Athlete of the Year awards were handed out last week. The girl Athletes of the Year were Amanda Jaramillo in soccer and Krista Hernandez in volleyball.

The boys Athlete of the Year was Ruben Soria in soccer.

Scholar Athletes of the Year were Max Sterner in baseball and Mariko Rooks in water polo and softball.

Angela Caton won the Dr. George Collosimo Award.

More than 50 students won the Dave Sanchez Award for earning a 3.5 or higher grade point average for four years.

Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com