Kennedy Beats Corona in 12 Innings

Jennifer McCard scored on Nikki Haines’ grounder to shortstop in the bottom of the 12th inning Friday to give La Palma Kennedy a 1-0 victory over Corona at Cypress Park in the first round of the Southern Section Division II softball playoffs.

UCLA-bound Michelle Turner (20-4) pitched her 13th consecutive shutout and her 20th of the season. She extended her consecutive scoreless-innings streak to 99, getting toughest in the 11th inning, when runners were at first and second with no out. After a sacrifice bunt, Turner got one of her seven strikeouts, followed by a popup.

“She beat us,” Corona Coach Jo Ann Byrd said. “When the game’s on the line, she’s toughest. We would like to have seen her in the quarterfinals, at least.”

Kennedy (21-5-1), No. 9 in The Times’ regular-season rankings, will play Hemet (16-9), a 7-5 winner over San Gorgonio, in the second round on Tuesday. Corona, ranked No. 20, ends its season 19-9.

Turner gave up only five hits in outdueling Corona freshman Brittney Bargar (11-3), and took the victory on Haines’ bases-loaded, grounder to shortstop with none out.

“I just didn’t charge it,” said Corona’s Dena Tyson, whose throw to home plate was late.

Martin Henderson

Anaheim Loara 5, Anaheim Canyon 0--Lauren Lappin drove in two runs and Alicia Owen pitched a three-hitter to help Loara (21-11) upset No. 3 Canyon (23-9) in a Division II first-round game at Canyon High.