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El Modena’s softball team navigated past multiple challenges Thursday to beat visiting Poway 8-6 in the Division I semifinals of the CIF Southern California Regional.

Catcher Parker Mayes hit two home runs, including a two-run shot off the scoreboard in center field in the ninth inning, to lift the Vanguards (23-9) to their first regional final.

Mayes, a sophomore, went 3 for 3 with three RBIs.

Ranked No. 1 in Orange County, El Modena will play host to Mater Dei Catholic of Chula Vista (26-7) in the championship Saturday at 4 p.m.

The Vanguards won after three of their players opted out of the regional, Coach Bobby Calderon said.

El Modena, the CIF-SS Division 1 runner-up, showcased its depth in adjusting to the absences.

Junior Ashley Driskill started in the circle and pitched 5 2/3 innings. Calderon then turned to freshman Jules Vega to toss 3 1/3 innings of relief.

Vega, who was called up from the junior varsity, earned her first victory.

In other adjustments, Calderon moved Kaitlyn Galasso to shortstop from second baseman and inserted Kylie Campana at second base.

“Got to find a way (to win),” Calderon said. “The community is so excited to be part of this.”

El Modena adjusted most of the season after center fielder Jocelyn Alatorre suffered a knee injury.

In her second start since returning from injury, Alatorre went 3 for 3 with two doubles and three RBIs. Monica Garcia added a home run.

Mater Dei Catholic edged Buena Vista 5-4 in the other semifinal.

In Division IV, No. 2 seed Woodlake erupted for 11 runs in the sixth inning to beat visiting University 18-8 in a mercy-shortened semifinal.

University (17-11) scored five runs in first inning as it took the field for the third time in as many days.

The Trojans’ first round game against visiting Marquez on Tuesday was suspended in the first inning because of weather. University collected a 5-3 win Wednesday after the game resumed.

University made its regional debut after winning Division 6 for its first section title.

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