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Sweeney, Palo Verde win pair, move into Spring Jamboree semifinals

Before Friday, Kelsea Sweeney had pitched in parts of only two games for Palo Verde’s softball teams.

The junior had been nursing foot and ankle injuries for the first month of the season, but she triumphantly announced her return Friday.

After going the distance and helping the Panthers to a win over nationally ranked El Camino Real (Calif.) in the first game, Sweeney tossed six scoreless innings of relief to lead Palo Verde to a 4-1 win over Cantwell-Sacred Heart (Calif.) in a Gold Bracket quarterfinal of the Spring Jamboree at Majestic Park.

“I feel good,” said Sweeney, who struck out seven in the 4-3 win over the Conquistadors early in the day, then fanned two more in the nightcap. “I’m just happy to be back and helping my team.”

El Camino Real is ranked as high as No. 9 in online rankings.

Sweeney broke her right foot and sprained her ankle in a freak accident at home and was in a walking boot early in the season. She’s pitching now with a brace on her leg but feels comfortable.

“I’m happy for her because she’s healthy now,” Palo Verde coach Kelly Glass said. “It breaks my heart to see kids injured. It’s just nice to see her back and having fun. This is what she loves to do, and we love having her on the mound.”

Sweeney’s return gives the Panthers four viable options in the circle. Senior Rachel Williams and freshman Haylee Lupinetti have shouldered most of the load this season, with senior Melissa Lacro also seeing some work.

“Not many teams can say they have that,” Glass said. “We feel blessed.”

The Panthers defense did plenty to help Sweeney get through the second game.

Rachel Williams made two diving catches in center field, and second baseman Melissa Lacro ranged into short right field to make a diving catch.

“My team had my back,” Sweeney said. “I had a real good connection with (catcher) Brooke (Stover). I like to come out and just work hard for my team.”

Breanna Beatty supplied plenty of offense, going 3-for-3 with two doubles, a solo home run and three RBIs. Beatty’s double in the fourth broke a 1-1 tie.

Lacro had an RBI single in the fifth.

Palo Verde will face Fallbrook (Calif.) in the semifinals at 11 a.m. Saturday. The championship game is scheduled for 3 p.m.

“They’re having fun playing softball,” Glass said. “It’s just nice to see.”

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