Fullerton Hosts Top College Softball Teams

The 16-team Kia Classic, which attracts some of the nation’s top college softball teams each year, begins today at the Cal State Fullerton softball complex. The host Titans begin pool play at 7 p.m. against North Carolina.

Pool play continues through Friday afternoon before the championship rounds begin that evening and continue through Sunday. The championship game is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday.

Fullerton (20-6), ranked 10th in the National Fastpitch Coaches Assn. poll, is in the same pool with Arizona State, North Carolina and DePaul. The Titans will play ninth-ranked Arizona State at 5 p.m. Thursday and 11th-ranked DePaul at 3 p.m. Friday.

The tournament also includes second-ranked Arizona, fifth-ranked Oklahoma, seventh-ranked Fresno State, No. 13 Washington and No. 14 Notre Dame.

Ticket prices are $5 for both games on Wednesday; $25 for adults and $20 for youth tournament passes for games Thursday through Sunday; $10 for adult and $7 for youth for one-day pass, and $5 for daily twilight pass for games beginning after 5:30 p.m.

BASEBALL

Santa Margarita High has suspended its baseball coach, Tip Lefebvre, while it conducts an investigation involving “alleged inappropriate comments,” according to Monsignor Lawrence J. Baird, director of communications for the Diocese of Orange.

In a statement, Baird said that “following established school procedures, the coach was placed on administrative leave while [school] authorities have the opportunity to sort out the truth of the matter.”

Lefebvre, who teaches science and health, was placed on administrative leave Thursday and has has not taught or coached since.

“These things have to take their course, and when they do, things work out the best for everybody concerned,” Lefebvre said Tuesday. “It’s delicate, and it has to be taken slowly. . . . There’s a misunderstanding and everything will work out.”

Lefebvre has coached the Eagles since 1991. Assistant Mike Borowski is coaching the team in Lefebvre’s absence.

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