For the Reporter

The Tacoma Stars clinched the eighth and final spot in the MASL Ron Newman Cup playoffs by virtue of the Ontario Fury’s 8-4 loss to the San Diego Sockers on Thursday night.

This sets up a matchup between the Stars and the Pacific Division-leading Sockers (18-3).

Tacoma (10-11) hosts San Diego for its leg of the home-and-home series on Thursday, March 8, with a 7:35 p.m. kickoff at the accesso ShoWare Center. The series shifts to San Diego on Saturday, March 10.

San Diego swept the Stars during the regular season with a pair of 8-3 wins in San Diego and 4-3 in Kent on Dec. 1. The Sockers took the final matchup 10-3, also in Kent, on Feb. 9.

The Stars wrap up their regular season Friday against the Kansas City Comets on Fan Appreciation Night. Kickoff is 7:35 p.m., and hundreds of prizes will be given out during the game.

Legendary Tacoma Star Ralph Black will be on hand for the ceremonial first kick.

Tickets for the home playoff game are on sale. For tickets call 1-800-STARS-84 or go to tacomastars.com.