By Wayne Harrison wharrison@theacorn.com

The Royal softball improved to 4-1 in the Marmonte League by defeating visiting Moorpark last week, 4-0. The Highlanders jumped to 7-2 overall while the Muskateers dropped to 2-3 in the league.

Mercedes Lovato pitched a complete game three-hit shutout and Veronica Heteniak drove in two runs for Royal.

"It’s always a big win when you win," said Royal head coach Bill Dishon. "The girls played sharp today. Everything went right. They executed very well. We’ve had good fortune and we’re getting some good breaks."

Lovato and fellow starter Jordan McPherson have been pitching well this season, the coach said.

"Mercedes Lovato pitched a good game today," Dishon said after the win over Moorpark. "We’re going to continue to mix them up a little bit, not necessarily use either one for a whole game. We’re going to utilize them both as best we can."

Royal is close to playing its best softball, said the coach.

"The girls are starting to gel and come together," Dishon said. "They’re getting ready to peak. It’s not quite there yet, but they’re coming alive. They put the whole game together today. If we keep doing what we did today, every game, we’re going to be tough."

The Royal roster includes Heather Erickson, Erica Andrews, Andi Ramirez, Devon Hofland, Liz Prieto, Kris Lesovsky, Brittney Barrett, Caralea Burk, Devin Maxwell, Jen Irvine, Danielle Maxwell Jen Troncave and Bev Lamphiear.

Moorpark head coach Geoff Combe said his team didn’t play its best softball against Royal.

"We’re doing well," Combe said. "Today was no indication of it. We had two bad innings, made some stupid plays, but we’re playing well, a lot better this year than last year. I can wait for them (Royal) to come over to our place and play them again."

The rematch between the two teams will be May 6 at Moorpark.

The Musketeers had beaten first-place Westlake prior to the loss against Royal.

"We didn’t make any mistakes against them (Westlake) and that’s the name of the game," Combe said. "If we didn’t make any mistakes in this ball game (vs. Royal), it’s still 0-0."

The Moorpark coach said his team’s schedule looks favorable during the second half of the Marmonte League season.

"We’re 2-3 right now, but we have six home games in the second half," Combe said. "If we win our next two going into break I think we’re fine, we’re right in the thick of things. It’s probably going to be four losses that wins league, so if we can stay in the mix, who knows what will happen."

Making the playoffs would be a huge improvement over last year.

"I’d love to make CIF," Combe said. "We finished 1-13 last year in league, so making the playoffs would be a tremendous step. Plus, we have everybody back, basically, the following year."

Combe added, "I’m very proud of this team this year and I know we’re going to keep going and do well and we’re going to do even better next year."

The Moorpark roster includes: Elizabeth Chacon, Candance Christmann, Christyna D’Agati, Cassie DeLeon, Jamie Duclos, Brittney Garcia, Courtney Harrington, Emma Ideal, Rachel Nash, Jonae Perez, Kristine Priebe, Trisha Remund, Ashley Smith, Jennifer Terrill and Heather Yaller.