Cermak Hurls Moorpark to WSC Title

Nancy Cermak pitched her ninth shutout Wednesday to lead Moorpark College over Cuesta College, 2-0, and the Raiders’ second straight Western State Conference softball championship.

Cermak (21-9, 7-2) struck out five, walked three and allowed just three hits.

Moorpark (8-2, 27-14) needed the win over host Cuesta (6-4, 16-10) to avoid a possible three-way tie with Cuesta and Taft.

Moorpark scored in the fourth inning on a single by Rose Messina, a passed ball, and single to right center by Benjie Ashmore. The Raiders added an insurance run in the fifth when Francis Reed was safe on an error with two out. Michelle McCaslin beat out a bunt and Reed headed for third. The Cougars’ first baseman threw wildly to third and Reed scored.

Second-year coach Will Thurston must wait until Friday to find out who the Raiders will play in the Southern California Regionals that begin May 17 at Golden West College.