PREP SOFTBALL ROUNDUP : Ortega Strikes Out 14 in La Habra Victory

Danielle Ortega’s pitching weighed heavy on the shoulders of Foothill batters Thursday.

Ortega (7-2) struck out 14 and gave up four hits and a walk to lead La Habra to a 2-0 nonleague victory over Foothill at Hillview High School in Santa Ana.

“We had enough hits, but we didn’t get them at the right time,” Foothill Coach Joe Gonzalez said. “(Ortega is) a great pitcher and she’s certainly the difference.”

But last week was a different story for La Habra (7-2).

“Last week, we hit rock bottom in a 2-1 loss to Brea-Olinda,” La Habra Coach Sue Briquelet said. “We decided it’s OK to lose as long as we’re playing all out.”

Coming off a 1-0 victory Tuesday over Mater Dei, Briquelet said, “That was a good game, but this was a better game and we’ll keep on getting better.”

La Habra scored its first run when right fielder Brooke Koehler doubled to center in the fourth inning, scoring Stefanie Bakke.

Angie Calabretta, who was two for three, scored in the fifth when left fielder DeeDee Miranda singled to center.

Foothill (6-5) was anchored by sophomores Dawn Davidson and Carley Rutledge, who each were two for two.

Losing pitcher Jessica Lindquist (2-3) walked four and struck out one in 3 1/3 innings before being relieved by Amy Tessman.