Steele expectations soar in late openers

By Adam Paul
Updated: March 4, 2023

2023 EAST COUNTY PREP SOFTBALL

ECS staff report

ESCONDIDO – Despite the early pair of runs scored by the Mira Mesa Marauders, the Steele Canyon Cougars would use a six-run second inning and not look back in the convincing victory on Saturday (Mar 4) morning in what would be their first game of the day in Cougar Classic action.

Cougars senior Jazmin Williams would drive in three runs, while Emma Shellstrom, Kamea Seuranine, Janea Wilson and Isabella Alvarado all would knock in two runs each.

Shellstrom not only would help her cause offensively but in the circle fire a one hitter along with striking out seven on the day.

Steele Canyon 7, Rancho Buena Vista 5

An early lead by the Steele Canyon Cougars would all they would need as they would hold off a late rally and prevail 7-5 over the Rancho Buena Vista Longhorns in the first game of the day of Cougar Classic action on Saturday (Mar 4) afternoon.

Cougars senior Jazmin Williams would lead things as she had three hits in her perfect day at the plate on the day including a pair of doubles and scoring a run and driving in a run.

Other contributors were Kamea Seunarine who not only doubled in a run but would also pick up the pitching victory as well.

Steele Canyon 15, Mira Mesa 2

Despite the early pair of runs scored by the Mira Mesa Marauders the Steele Canyon Cougars would use a six run second inning and not look back in the convincing victory on Saturday in the second game of the day.

Santana 13, Canyon Crest 4 (4 inn)

Sophomore Emma Schneider had the big day at the plate as she had a pair of hits while driving in four runs as the Sultans easily defeated the Canyon Crest Ravens in their first of three contests on Saturday (Mar 4).

Other Sultans to have multiple hits in the contest were freshman Kaitlyn Ruckle and Delanney Smith.

Kyleigh Aeson picked up the victory

As she worked three and two-thirds innings, allowing four runs on six hits while striking out two on the day. The contest was ended early due to time constraints..

Santana 1, San Marcos 1, tie (6 inn.)

Emma Schneider would drive in the only run for the Sultans and Delanney Smith would lead the day with a pair of hits as the San Marcos Knights would belt a solo home run in the bottom of the second inning to tie the game.

Neither team would do anything else as each had four hits on the day.

Senior Gracie Johnston would get the start and she went all six innings in which she allowed the one run while fanning four in the contest.

Santana 1, La Costa Canyon 0

Strong pitching by Santana Sultans pitcher Aurelia Dawson who went the distance as she struck out a pair in the shutout victory over the La Costa Canyon Mavericks in the final game of the day for them on Saturday (Mar 4).

The Sultans lone run and what would be of the game came in the bottom of the second inning when senior Marley Ridgels doubled to left field that would allow Delanney Smith to come into score.

Dawson would make the lone run stick as she shut down the Mavericks offense the rest of the contest.

Granite Hills 6, San Dieguito 5 (5 inn.)

A five run spurt in the bottom of the third inning would lead to a come from behind victory by the Granite Hills Eagles as they trailed 5-1 and would hold onto the one run victory on Saturday (Mar 4) afternoon over the Mustangs of San Dieguito Academy.

Kamryn Flath would double in a pair of runs in the third, Peyton Wells would drive in a run and Sofia Mujica would also drive in a run in the big inning.

Wells would pick up the victory as she tossed three and a third innings in which she allowed five runs on four hits while striking out two on the day.

Granite Hills 3, Brawley 2

Another late inning victory by the Eagles as this time they would score what proved to be the game winning run in the top of the seventh inning on a fielders choice by Audrey Smale that scored Ariana Heninger and claim the victory over the Wildcats on Saturday (Mar 4) afternoon.

Early on the Wildcats would lead 2-0 which included an RBI double by Abbey Ruiz.

Later in the third inning the Eagles would score a run and in the fourth inning tie things up thanks to an RBI double by Makayla Tileia.

Kailey Baugher for the Eagles struck out five as she went the full seven innings to pick up the victory.

Earlier in the day in the first contest the Eagles would be held to one hit and shut out 8-0 by the Del Norte Night Hawks.

Valhalla 6, Cathedral Catholic 6, tie (5 inn.)

The Cathedral Catholic Dons would rally with three runs in the top of the fifth inning to pull even and tie the Valhalla Norsemen in the first contest of the day in the Cougar Classic on Saturday (Mar 4).

Valhalla though would break the 2-2 tie in the bottom of the second inning with four runs to lead 6-2 which included a two-run double by Naomi Villalva.

Avery Voth of the Norsemen also drove in a pair of runs in the contest.

Villalva also tossed four innings that would see her strike out three on the day.

Carlsbad 3, Valhalla 1

Valhalla’s Elise Nishimura would drive in a run in the top of the third inning but it wouldn’t be enough as the Carlsbad Lancers would keep the Norsemen in check the rest of the way to preserve the victory on Saturday (Mar 4) afternoon.

Poway 5, Valhalla 0

The Valhalla Norsemen offense would be held in check as they were only able to muster three hits on the afternoon.

Avery Voth, Naomi Villalva and Cadyn Ruffer each had a hit for the Norsemen.

Patrick Henry 3, Mt. Carmel 3

Trailing 3-2 in the fifth inning the Mt Carmel Sun Devils with two outs score what would end up being game tying run on an error by the Patrick Henry Patriots.

Early on the Sun Devils would lead 2-0 after one inning of play but the Patriots would chip away and eventually take a one run lead.

Jenna Mallari of the Patriots would pull them within 2-1 in the top of the third inning when she drove in Brooke Tucchi. They would later tie the game in the top of the fifth when Izzy Irvin drove in McKenna Geiger and Brooke Taylor in the inning would come into score on a passed ball by the Sun Devils.

West Hills 12, EC-Southwest 3
Helix 2, Mar Vista 1
EC-Southwest 7, Helix 2
Cathedral Catholic 9, Ramona 0
No games reports

Scoreboard

Granite Hills 6, San Dieguito 5 (5 inn.)
Granite Hills 3, Brawley 2
Helix 2, Mar Vista 1
EC-Southwest 7, Helix 2
Santana 13, Canyon Crest 4 (4 inn.)
Santana 1, San Marcos 1, tie (6 inn., time limit)
Santana 1, La Costa Canyon 0
Steele Canyon 15, Mira Mesa 2
Steele Canyon 7, Rancho Buena Vista 5
Valhalla 6, Cathedral Catholic 6, tie (5 inn.)
Carlsbad 3, Valhalla 1
Poway 5, Valhalla 0
West Hills 12, EC-Southwest 3
Cathedral Catholic 9, Ramona 0
Patrick Henry 3, Mt. Carmel 3
Patrick Henry vs Hilltop