SOFTBALL: Carson girls open playoffs vs. Damonte

Carson High opens the Northern 4A softball playoffs against Damonte Ranch today at 1 p.m. at Bishop Manogue High School.

In other games, top-seeded Reed plays No. 8 McQueen at 1 p.m., while No. 2 Bishop Manogue faces No. 7 Douglas at 3 p.m. Spanish Springs, seeded third, plays No. 6 Galena, also at 3 p.m.

The Senators, seeded fifth, snapped a four-game losing streak with a 12-inning win over Douglas last weekend.

Carson was swept by Damonte Ranch during the season, 7-5 and 9-1. Until the last weekend of the season, the Senators had expected to open with Spanish Springs. Carson swept the Cougars at home in Carson earlier this year.

"I expect to see them all at some point in time," Carson coach Scott Vickrey. "One of the (Damonte) games we beat ourselves and the other game they beat us."

Carson blew a 5-3 lead in the first meeting against the teams. In the second meeting Kalyn Paque pitched a five-hitter, allowing just an unearned run.

The top six in Carson's lineup is formidable with Emily Collins (.427, 0 HR, 15 RBI), Jen Purcell (.430, 6-36), Christa McGahuey (.409, 10-34). Lindsey Ashbaugh (.320, 4-14), Danielle Morrow (.326, 3-27) and Ellise McGowan (.315).

What the Senators will need is some production from Morgan Kleine, who is back from a knee injury, Kandis Tuttle and Rebecka Breuer.

Vickrey said he's undecided who will throw. He said it depends on how McGahuey and Ashbaugh warm up prior to the game.