Newport Harbor also had chances. Lopez's hit was the last of three straight innings that Newport Harbor got a runner to second base. In the bottom of the second, Hope Noakes was hit by a pitch with two outs and went to second when Zoey Myers worked a full-count walk. In the bottom of the third, Jenny Raya led off by reaching on an error and took second on passed ball.
But the Sailors never could get that key hit.
"We try everything we can," Hartman said. "We've brought pitchers in to throw live to us in batting practice, we've rented batting cages. We're trying it all, and nothing's worked so far. I'm assuming it's just in our head. At this point, it's just in our head."
Lauren Gandi and Hanna Van Voorhis did make very solid contact on two line outs to the outfield. Van Voorhis was also busy at second base, making eight putouts without an error.
