Milpitas High School's varsity softball team has certainly managed to keep its season suspenseful. Heading into their final game of the season, the Trojans are 13-14 overall, and must reach .500 to be considered for an at-large bid to the Central Coast Section championship tournament. They were unable to capitalize on their first opportunity to clinch a .500 record last Wednesday at Homestead High School of Cupertino. Homestead is tied for first place in the De Anza Division of the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League.

Homestead pitcher Becca Gularte stymied Milpitas, allowing just one hit and striking out nine batters in a 3-0 victory over the Trojans. Milpitas only managed to get four runners on base, and only senior April De La Cruz advanced to second base. Though junior pitcher Melissa Guerra allowed an unusually high seven hits, including a home run in the third inning, she kept Milpitas within striking distance. The Trojans, however, never struck.

The team's final chance to qualify for at-large consideration was against Mountain View High School yesterday. Results were too late for press, but Coach Dan Atwell said he planned to start junior pitcher Cherlyn Trujillo in what might be the decisive game of the Trojans' season.

"If we win (against Mountain View) I think there's a good chance we will get in to the CCS tournament. I think we'll have enough points," Atwell said.

The CCS tournament committee selects at-large teams based on a points system of wins,

losses and ties, but also heavily weighs the strength of a team's schedule. Milpitas played competitive teams this season, which raises its chances of being selected in it qualifies.

"But first things first. We have to win the game," Atwell said. "We just had a long weekend, so hopefully we're rested and we can come out and take care of business."