BY MATT JOCKS
HEMET Last year, the Hemet Bulldogs took a freeway with no speed limit signs to a CIF softball title. This season, it appears however far the Bulldogs travel, it will be on the bumpy back roads. Hemet launched its drive to claim another title Tuesday, scratching and clawing its way to a 12-10 triumph over Hesperia in a Division 4 game. The Bulldogs (19-8), last year’s Division 5 champs, will face Lake Elsinore Temescal Canyon or Whittier Christian on Thursday. In rolling to the championship last season, Hemet allowed just four runs in five postseason games. On Tuesday, the Bulldogs allowed twice that in the first two innings. Hemet’s bats, however, were up to the call. The Bulldogs belted out 14 hits. The heart of the order – Taylor VanZee, Ivy Campbell and Jade Gandara – were a combined 7 for 12, scoring six runs and driving in four. Leading the way was Campbell who appeared to be experiencing more fun than pressure. She hit a two-run home run in the first inning, doubled to open the go-ahead rally in the fourth and doubled again in the fifth. “It’s definitely fun,” Campbell said. “People have underestimated us all season. They think we’re not the same old Hemet team. We may not have been completely together earlier this year, but usually, when we hit the playoffs, we really come together as a team.” Spurred by Campbell’s homer and a two-run double by Lauren Bridge, the Bulldogs batted around in the first inning to grab a 7-2 lead. There was little time to enjoy it. Hesperia came back with six runs in the top of the second, fueled by Corinna Moreno’s two-run single and Carlie Galvez’s threerun home run. Down 9-8, Hemet took the lead for good in the fourth. After Campbell’s leadoff double, Gandara followed with a single and Selena Silva added a two-run single. The Bulldogs added two in the fifth, including a solo homer by VanZee.