Sutter Buttes, O-L softball teams rally back for tourney wins

Sutter Buttes’ junior softball all-star team took its first step toward reaching the Little League World Series on Saturday afternoon, coming from behind to record a 12-7 victory over the state champion from Oregon in the opening round of the West Regionals in Tucson, Arizona.

Sutter Buttes showed some nerves early while falling behind 6-1 in the first inning before roaring back for the win.

Sophia Tyler led the charge at the plate by going 3 for 5 with a double, triple, three RBIS and four runs scored for Sutter Buttes, which won the Northern California championship last weekend.

Harmony Balchus also went 3 for 5 to go with a triple and two RBIS, and Kaylee Duncan and Payton Mcginnis both had two hits, an RBI and a run scored. Lauryn Fagan and Adriana Villapando also helped the cause in the comeback as the pair scored two runs each.

Samantha Flores picked up the win in the circle, striking out eight over the full seven innings.

Sutter Buttes will continue the tourney against the Washington state champion today at 7:30 p.m.

MAJOR SOFTBALL Olivehurst-linda 8, North Natomas 6 Kendall Harris and Rylie Gillespie both drove in two runs, and Olivehurst-linda bounced back from a 2-0 deficit to beat District 6 champion North Natomas and advance to the title game of the Northern California championship tournament.

Harris finished 2 for 2 and scored twice, Hallie Prather, Maia Spallino and Alauna Kelly each had RBIS and Morgan Heggstrom scored two runs in the victory.

Danni Farris earned the win by striking out nine and allowing six hits and four earned runs in a complete-game effort.

Olivehurst-linda will face Martinez to open the championship round at 10 a.m. today. O-L beat Martinez 8-6 when the teams met on Friday night.