DOWNEY - The San Pedro High softball team played host Downey close and tight for four innings, played great defensively and matched them hit for hit offensively, but just couldn't get over the hump before finally falling, 2-0 to the host Vikings in a Downey Tournament semifinal.

The Guillen sisters proved to be the downfall of the Pirates (3-2 overall) in this confrontation.

With two outs in the bottom of the fifth inning, senior pitcher Ale Guillen belted a first-pitch towering double that just landed six inches fair down the right field line to drive home junior right fielder Cassie Grana to break a scoreless tie, and then junior center fielder Karen Guillen belted a double off the left-center field fence to plate junior second baseman Rachel Rodriguez with two outs in the bottom of the sixth for Downey's two runs.

Ale Guillen also pitched a solid seven-inning shutout, scattering seven hits and striking out seven with no walks for the Vikings (3-2), who advance to the Downey Tournament championship game against either Downey Cavalry Chapel or Sonora of La Habra at a date to be determined.

Despite the setback, San Pedro remained undaunted in defeat.

Defensively, junior shortstop Angelina Boskovich and sophomore second baseman Johnie Cortez combined for two inning-ending 4-6-3 double plays which ended the second and fourth innings. Junior pitcher Jaclyn Rivera would allow two earned runs on eight hits, with no walks, striking out one for San Pedro.

San Pedro was able to put a runner on base in all seven innings, but no one reached beyond second base, with the Pirates leaving runners on first and second base in the third and seventh innings. Boskovich went 2-for-3 at the plate, while junior center fielder Doreen Corella went 2-for-4 for the Pirates. Junior catcher Armida Roman smacked a towering double off the right-center field fence with two outs in the top of the fourth, but was left stranded.

Roman also had a hard hit ground ball with two outs in the top of the sixth that was snatched by a fine diving stop by Downey junior third baseman Alexis Zavala, who just got Roman out at first by two steps with a strong throw to first.

The Pirates will play for third place in the Downey Tournament at a later date to be determined, but they will next face Sylmar for the first of two Whittier Tournament games on Saturday at Cantwell Sacred Heart of Montebello.