Calvary Chapel prepares to defend 1A baseball title

Calvary Chapel's baseball team has made many of its games look easy this season.

The Lions (25-7) haven't lost to a team in Class 3A or below, and they have won the bulk of their games via the 10-run mercy rule.

Still, the Lions will have to play well if they're to successfully defend their Class 1A state title in the tournament that begins today in Wells.

"We can't think we've won it before we get there," Calvary Chapel coach Glen Evans said. "We have to go up and play the way we have this year and not overlook an opponent."

Calvary Chapel, which won all three of its Southern Region tournament games by 10 or more runs, opens play against Smith Valley today. Pahranagat Valley, the runner-up in the Southern Region, faces Virginia City in the other semifinal of the double-elimination tournament.

The Lions have excelled at the plate and on defense this year, creating a combination that most other small schools can't come close to matching.

As a result, the Lions expect to win every game they play.

"It's been a huge struggle for us and our parents trying to keep the whole picture in perspective," Evans said.

The team has put up huge run totals, but Calvary Chapel also boasts a three-headed monster on the mound. Sophomores Cory Welch, Cameron Harper and Nick Kingham have shown they can dominate a game.

The Lions allowed only four runs in three games in the region tournament.

"Our pitching is very deep for the 1A (level)," Evans said. "Our pitchers are all very close. They push each other."

The Meadows will compete in the Class 2A state tournament beginning Friday in Lovelock. Virgin Valley is in the 3A tournament, which starts today in Reno and Carson City.

Mountain View's softball team is hoping for a better fate at state after losing two one-run games to Pahranagat Valley in the Class 1A Southern Region tournament.

The Saints open the tournament today at Wells against Carlin. Pahranagat Valley plays Wells in the other semifinal.

Pahrump Valley is hoping to add another state title to its collection in the Class 3A softball tournament, which begins Friday at Bishop Manogue in Reno.

The Trojans ended a run of three straight state crowns in 2005 and finished third last year.

The Class 2A tournament starts Friday in Lovelock.