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Beasley honored as EA Sports All-American
Henry's Kerr also on first team

© East County Sports.com
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (7-21-07) -- Nine players from California highlight the second annual EA Sports High School All-America fastpitch softball teams, including a pair of CIF San Diego Section standouts in Steele Canyon's SAM BEASLEY and Patrick Henry''s Donna Kerr. They were rated among 30 players named to the first team, as selected by the editors of Student Sports.

Florida prep Kelsi Dunne was tabbed EA Sports' national player of the year,while Diane Laffey of Michigan was the coach of the year.

Beasley was honored among the utility players for both her pitching and hitting abilities.

The San Diego State bound Beasley went undefeated in two seasons of playoff action, leading the Cougars to consecutive CIF-SDS Division III championships. She also collected 61 hits this past season, the second-highest total in section history, helping her gain Player of the Year honors by the San Diego Hall of Champions and an All-California state berth from CalHiSports.

She also finished with seven homers, 24 RBI, and an ERA of 1.11 with 148 strikeouts.

Meanwhile, Kerr, one of three first-team honorees headed for UCLA, did not go unnoticed even after the Patriots for disqualified from participating in the CIF playoffs.

Kerr as another EA Sports All-American who represented the U.S. in the Netherlands this summer as part of the Jr. National team.

Last summer, Kerr was the winning pitcher for her club team, the OC Batbusters, at ASA Gold Nationals. She continued her success in her senior season at Henry, throwing several no-hitters and one-hitters with a season high 17 strikeouts against Madison. She ended her career with 914 strikeouts.


Five Inlanders gain All-State honors
Beasley, Bass, among Elite 30

© East County Sports.com
TORRANCE (6-29-07) -- Five East County fastpitch players are among a list of 14 standouts from San Diego County honored on various All-California teams announced Friday (June 29) by CalHiSports.com.

Included on two all-state lists are Steele Canyon's SAM BEASLEY and LORENA KLOPP. Both were tabbed to the all-state team among medium-size schools, of which Beasley was tabbed player of the year earlier in the week. Beasley also ranked among the top overall players on the All-State Elite 30, while Klopp, a finalist for freshman of the year honors, was a second-team pick on the All-Underclass team.

Also gaining an All-State citations was Santana High pitcher SHAE BASS. Like, Beasley, the Michigan State bound Bass was on the all-star roster for medium-size schools.

Meanwhile, JESSIE OWENS of Christian and KELLY MAJAM of Mountain Empire were honored among the 30 best in the All-State Small Schools division.

Other CIF-San Diego Section players honored were junior pitcher Jessica McDermott and senior catcher Chelsea Bemis, who both led Mt. Carmel to its first section championship. Each were named to the All-State second-team. Bemis will play for Louisville next season.

Also named to the second team was Vista catcher Audrey Roderfeld and Oceanside shortstop Trina Harrison-Doublet.

Escondido junior pitcher Lisa Akamine was named to the All-State Underclass first team along with McDermott and Harrison-Doublet. Akamine committed to Penn State prior to last month's CIF playoffs.

Patrick Henry pitcher Donna Kerr (UCLA) was selected to the All-State first team along with Beasley (San Diego State). Mira Mesa pitcher Melissa Tillett (Northern Iowa) was on the second team, although she out-polled Kerr for Eastern League pitcher of the year laurels..

Joining Owens and Majam on the All-State Small Schools Team was sophomore infielder Lauren Tomey, who helped Francis Parker to the CIF Div. IV crown over Christian.

This 'n' data -- Klopp (101) and Beasley (99) did establish an East County record for total bases, while the Cougars' team total of 530 breaks the existing state record listed in the CalHiSports record book... Steele Canyon also set CIF-SDS records for home runs (36) in a season and triples (5) in a game... Beasley's 62 hits were one short of the section mark set by Lisa Dodd (University City), who now plays for UCLA.


Beasley named State Player of the Year
Teammate Klopp to receive All-Underclassmen berth

© East County Sports.com
TORRANCE (6-24-07) -- San Diego State bound pitcher SAM BEASLEY of Steele Canyon High became just the second fastpitch athlete from San Diego County to be named one of CalHiSports' California State players of the year.

Beasley headed the publication's All-State team for medium size schools, joining former University City standout LISA DODD (UCLA) to earn the honor since teams were first selected following the 1981 season.

Meanwhile, Steele Canyon teammate LORENA KLOPP, who played first base when not spelling Beasley in the pitching circle, is expected to be selected to state all-underclassmen team when CalHiSports makes its announcemenyt later this week. Plus, the Cougars were selected the top Division III ballclub in California under the direction of head coach JULIE BOHE.

Beasley capped her high school career with dominant performance in the CIF San Diego Section championships. She capped a 6-0 postseason run over two seasons by whipping Cathedral Catholic and Santana en route to a second straight second title.

Against Catholic, she equaled a second record with three homers while striking out 15 in a complete-game shutout victory. Beasley capped her career with a victory over the Grossmont Conference rival Sultans, posting a 15-4 record with 1.12 ERA with 148 strikeouts, along with slugging a solid .521 batting average.

Earlier, Beasley was named CIF-SDS player of the year by both the media (San Diego Hall of Champions and San Diego Union-Tribune) and coaches (CIF Division III player of the year).

Klopp led all East County batters with a .531 average this past season, including nine homers and an East County record 60 RBI (second-best in section history). She compiled 101 total bases, which is believed to be a record, while amassing a 7-2 pitching record. CalHiSports is expected to announce that Klopp was one of the finalists for the State Frosh of the Year award.

The last state freshman of the year from San Diego was Monte Vista's KELLY HOWARD (now Kelly Howard Warren) in 1989. Later a two-time All-America at UCLA, she served as an assistant coach at San Diego State until being named the head coach at Cal State San Marcos last month.

The numbers -- During the Cougars' team banquet, Bohe announced that Beasley's uniform No. 7 will be retired.


Steele Canyon senior pitcher Sam Beasley -- the
2007 East County Fastpitch Player of the year.
(Photo by Susan Cooper Photography)
Beasley tabbed
East County's
Player of the Year
Also named county's best
by San Diego Hall of Champions

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (6-8-07) --The CIF Division III playoffs didn't serve as a tiebreaker to determine East County's player of the year, it only served as validation.

Following a 3-homer hitting performance in the semifinals, Steele Canyon pitcher SAM BEASLEY out-dueled her opponent with a shutout in the final to gain the school's second straight San Diego Section championship. And when you throw in a season batting average hovering above .500, the multifaceted Beasley was the selection to top the 2007 All-East County fastpitch team.

With a scholarship to San Diego State in her pocket, Beasley is also a leading finalist for the player of the year award for the entire county. The All-County Team, as selected by the media through the San Diego Hall of Champions, will be released Saturday.

San Diego Hall of Champions'
2007 All-CIFSDS Team
Sam Beasley
CIF Player of the Year
First Team
Sam Beasley, Steele Canyon
Shae Bass, Santana
Lorena Klopp, Steele Canyon

Second Team
Jazmin Daigle, Steele Canyon
Jessie Owens, Christian
Nicole Rivera, Granite Hills
(Complete Team Listed Below)

Three other Cougars joined Beasley on the first team, including freshman first baseman LORENA KLOPP, who accumulated more than 100 total bases en route to both the batting and home run titles this season. The others were corner infielder JAZMIN DAIGLE and catcher HANNAH ROST.

Obviously, Klopp was tabbed Rookie of the Year, too. Steele Canyon's JULIE BOHE was named Coach of the Year after winning a second straight section crown.

With Beasley taking the overall player award, Santana senior SHAE BASS won the pitcher of the year citation. The Michigan State bound righthander led the region with 19 victories while batting a solid .387.

The Unsung Hero Award went to a player not named among the 30 on either the first or second team. Outfielder ANDREA NEDDEN of Grossmont overcame a mediocre start to the season with a blazing finish, stroking homers over three consecutive games, then a week later registering late, key hits three times to deliver the game-winning RBI each time to keep the Foothillers in contention.

KYLEE KRINGS of West Hills, the coaches' North League pitcher of the year, captured the ERA title at 0.60. The senior posted an 11-2 record. Bass was the North's overall player of the year, barely capturing the strikeout title with 150, nipping Christian's JESSIE OWENS (149) and Beasley (148).

In the South, Beasley (pitcher) and NICOLE RIVERA, who plans to walk-on at San Diego State, were honored by league coaches.

Other first team selections on the All-East County team included: Santana's Kelsey McIlonie and Amanda Carpenter; West Hills' Brianna LaChusa and Krings; Christian's Owens and school valedictorian Sarah Seymour; Granite Hills' Rivera and Brittani Bertussi; Grossmont catcher Cammi Moore and Mount Miguel pitcher Laura Nelson.

2007 All-East County Fastpitch Team
Selected by East County Sports.com staff
FIRST TEAM
Name.....................
School.............
..Pos...
Yr.
Shae BassSantana
P-SS
12
Sam Beasley Steele Canyon
P
12
Brittani Bertussi Granite Hills
P-SS
10
Amanda Carpenter Santana
CF
10
Jazmin Daigle Steele Canyon
3B-1B
10
Lorena Klopp Steele Canyon
1B
9
Kylee Krings West Hills
P
12
Brianna LaChusa West Hills
RF
12
Kelsey McIlonie Santana
3B
11
Cammi MooreGrossmont
C
12
Laura Nelson Mount Miguel
P-1B
10
Jessie Owens Christian
P-SS
10
Nicole Rivera Granite Hills
SS-3B
12
Hannah Rost Steele Canyon
C
10
Sarah SeymourChristian
1B
12
SECOND TEAM
Name
School..................
Pos.
Yr.
Danielle BaloughSantana
2B
12
Britty BaloughSantana
P
11
Sharlana Burner West Hills
CF
12
Alyssa Dronenburg Helix
SS
11
Rosie Gonzales Mount Miguel
SS
12
Megan Green Grossmont
SS
12
Jayme Jarvis Steele Canyon
OF
11
Faith Koria West Hills
2B
9
Mandy Obney Granite Hills
DP
12
Amanda Plum Christian
3B
11
Amber Reardon Valhalla
SS
11
Brenna Sandberg West Hills
P
12
Jessie Schatz Granite Hills
C
11
Kelley Seitz Valhalla
C
11
Kristina Wynns Christian
OF
10
Player of the Year
Sam Beasley, Steele Canyon
Pitcher of the Year
Shae Bass, Santana
Rookie of the Year
Lorena Klopp, Steele Canyon
Unsung Hero Award
Andrea Nedden, Grossmont

Coach of the Year
Julie Bohe, Steele Canyon

All-Freshmen Team
Brianna Austin, West Hills
Aly Gunter, Christian
Lorena Klopp, Steele Canyon
Faith Koria, West Hills
Jenny Lahitte, Granite Hills
Brittany Wright, Monte Vista

San Diego Hall of Champions All-CIF San Diego Section Team
(Selected by media panel with input from coaches)

Player of the Year
Sam Beasley, Steele Canyon

Coach of the Year
Ruby Chavez, Mt. Carmel

First team
Pitchers: Lisa Akamine, Escondido, Jr.; Shae Bass, Santana, Sr.; Sam Beasley, Steele Canyon, Sr.; Alexa Datko, Scripps Ranch, Sr.; Donna Kerr, Patrick Henry, Sr.; Jessica McDermott, Mt. Carmel, Jr.; Whitney Orellana, Mission Hills, Sr.; Melissa Tillett, Mira Mesa, Sr.;
Catchers: Chelsea Bemis, Mt. Carmel, Sr.; Justeen Maeva, Mira Mesa, Jr.; Audrey Roderfeld, Vista, Sr.;
Fielders: Jennie Auger, Rancho Bernardo, Sr.; Trina Harrison-Doublet, Oceanside, Jr.; Lorena Klopp, Steele Canyon, Fr.; Jace Williams, La Costa Canyon, Sr.

Second team
Pitchers: Courtney Craig, El Camino, Jr.; Jessie Owens, Christian, So.; Brooke Petty, Vista, Sr.; Kristina Pickett, Mar Vista, Sr.; Alex Villalobos, San Pasqual, Sr.;
Catchers: Chelsea Troupe, El Camino, Jr.; Kristina Wright, Escondido, Jr.;
Fielders: Jazmin Daigle, Steele Canyon, So.; Mary Episcopo, Torrey Pines, Sr.; Kellie Fox, Mt. Carmel, Fr.; Vanessa Perez, Mission Hills, Jr.; Felicia Reifschneider, Morse, Jr.; Nicole Rivera, Granite Hills, Sr.; Katie Sigler, Scripps Ranch, Sr.; Jessica Vasser, Mt. Carmel, Jr.


All-CIF San Diego Section Teams by Divisions
(Selected by coaches)

DIVISION I
First team–
Ashley Lane (Escondido) So.; Lisa Akamine (Escondido) Jr.; Melissa Tillett (Mira Mesa) Sr.; Martina Galinato (Mira Mesa) Jr.; Courtney Craig (El Camino) Jr.; Jace Williams (La Costa Canyon) Sr.; Donna Kerr (Patrick Henry) Sr.; Jennie Auger (Rancho Bernardo) Sr.; Mary Episcopo (Torrey Pines) Sr.; Brook Petty (Vista) Sr.

Second team–Megan Lerma (Escondido) Sr.; Justine Mauva (Mira Mesa) Jr.; Mariah Gearhart (Bonita Vista) Sr.; Christy Cavano (Poway) Sr.; Teryn Kennan (La Costa Canyon) Sr.; Erin Doyle (Torrey Pines) Jr.; Audrey Roderfeld (Vista) Sr.; Taylor Hensley (Patrick Henry) Jr.; Leslie McDaniel (Carlsbad) Sr.; Nicole Rivera (Granite Hills) Sr.

Player of the Year–Lisa Akamine (Es).
Pitcher of the Year–Melissa Tillett (MM).
Team champion–Escondido.

DIVISION II
First team–Kylee Krings (West Hills) Sr.; Cammi Moore (Grossmont) Sr.;
Whitney Orellana (Mission Hills) Sr.; Jessica McDermott (Mt. Carmel) Jr.; Chelsea Bemis (Mt. Carmel) Sr.; Katie Sigler (Scripps Ranch) Sr.; Alexandra Villalobos (San Pasqual) Sr.; Lauren Gellerman (Westview) So.; Kellie Fox (Mt. Carmel) Fr.; Kristen Pickett (Mar Vista) Sr.
Second team–Chelcy Klingfuss (Point Loma) So.; Vanessa Perez (Mission Hills) Jr.; Alexa Datko (Scripps Ranch) Sr.; Ashley Estepa (Westview) Jr.; Brianna LaChusa (West Hills) Sr.; Jessica Vasser (Mt. Carmel) Jr.; Danielle Smith (San Pasqual) So.; Sharlana Burner (West Hills) Sr.; Debbie Burnett (Mar Vista) Sr.; Ashley Walkup (Hilltop) Sr.
Player of the Year–Chelsea Bemis (Mt. Carmel).
Pitcher of the Year–Jessica McDermott (Mt. Carmel).
Team champion–Mt. Carmel.

DIVISION III
First team–Danielle Balough (Santana) Sr.; Shae Bass (Santana) Sr.; Samantha Beasley (Steele Canyon) Sr.; Jazmin Daigle (Steele Canyon) So.;
Aliko Eddow (Cathedral Catholic) Jr.; Lorena Klopp (Steele Canyon) Fr.; Kelsey McIlonie (Santana) Jr.; Amber Reardon (Valhalla) Jr.; Hannah Rost (Steele Canyon) So.; Kristina Wright (Ramona) Jr.
Second team–Rachel Faila (Santana) Jr.; Natalie Farias (Our Lady of Peace) Jr.; Kelly Flanagan (University City) Jr.; Victoria Halshaw-Wade (Our Lady of Peace) Jr.; Nicole Jones (Madison) Jr.; Sarah Miller (University City) Sr.; Laura Nelson (Mount Miguel) So.; Cortney Reynaga (San Dieguito Academy) Sr.; Alyssa Rosales (Cathedral Catholic) Sr.; Lauren Walsh (Cathedral Catholic) So.
Player of the Year–Samantha Beasley (SC).
Pitcher of the Year–Shae Bass (Sa).
Team champion–Steele Canyon.
DIVISION IV
First team–Kelly Majam (Mtn. Empire) Jr.;
Cassidy Coleman (Horizon) Fr.; Amye McIntyre (Francis Parker) So.; Samantha Berenter (La Jolla Country Day) Jr.; Lauren Tomey (Francis Parker) So.; Jessie Owens (Christian) So.; Mandy Hoskins (Horizon) Jr.; Allie Scott (Christian) Fr.; Mari Majam (Mtn. Empire) Fr.; Caschjen Davis (Imperial) Sr.

Second team–Rachel Ortiz (Horizon) Jr.; Kristina Wynns (Christian) So.; Amanda Plum (Christian) Jr.; Sarah Seymour (Christian) Sr.; Kierstie Svatos (Francis Parker) So.; Ali Adelman (San Diego Jewish Academy) Jr.; Rosie Harris (Coronado) Jr.; Rene Delagrammaticas (Santa Fe Christian) Sr.; Ari Sanders (Francis Parker) Jr.; Natalie Camarda (The Bishop's) So.
Player of the Year–Kelly Majam (ME).
Pitcher of the Year–
Amye McIntyre (FP).
Team champion–Francis Parker.

Grossmont Conference All-League Teams (Selected by the coaches)
All-Grossmont North League
First Team

Danielle Balough Santana 2B Senior
Shae Bass Santana P-SS Senior
Sharlana Burner West Hills CF Senior
Rachel Failla Santana 1B Junior
Faith Koria West Hills 2B Frosh
Kylee Krings West Hills P Senior
Brianna LaChusa West Hills RF Senior
Kelsey McIlonie Santana 3B Junior
Cammi Moore Grossmont C Senior
Kindra Myers Grossmont 1B Senior

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Shae Bass, Santana
PITCHER OF THE YEAR: Kylee Krings, West Hills

Second Team
Britty Balough Santana P Junior
Michelle Bramlage Santana LF Junior
Amanda Carpenter Santana CF Soph.
Amanda Combs El Capitan C Senior
Megan Green Grossmont SS Senior
Melissa Hill West Hills SS Senior
Stasia Holdman West Hills 3B Soph.
Adriana Nau Grossmont LF Junior
Andrea Nedden Grossmont RF Senior
Brenna Sandberg West Hills P Senior

Honorable Mention
El Cajon Valley - Jessica Cope.(12), Desiree Garcia (10), Corey Rainey (11).
El Capitan - Leslie Kohne (10), Julianna Duncan (11), Ashley Whitmore (12).
Grossmont - Kierstin English (12), Brittney Fishtrom (10),
Amber Lovelady (12), Ashley Renaldi (11).
Santana - Brittany Fenn (11), Bree Padilla (12), Sarah Smith (12).
West Hills - Cassidy Baggett (10), Jayleen Bush (12), Kristy Valles (11).
All-Grossmont South League
First Team

Samantha Beasley Steele Canyon P Senior
Nicole Rivera Granite Hills SS Senior
Laura Nelson Mount Miguel P-1B Soph.
Lorena Klopp Steele Canyon 1B Frosh
Alyssa Dronenburg Helix SS Junior
Amber Reardon Valhalla SS Junior
Hannah Rost Steele Canyon C Soph.
Brittani Bertussi Granite Hills P-SS Soph.
Christine Jacobites Helix P Senior
Jazmin Daigle Steele Canyon 3B-1B Soph.

PITCHER OF THE YEAR: Sam Beasley, Steele Cyn.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Nicole Rivera, Granite Hills

Second Team
Kelley Seitz Valhalla C Junior
Rosie Gonzales Mount Miguel SS Senior
Jessie Schatz Granite Hills C Junior
Natalie Smith Helix P Soph.
Jayme Jarvis Steele Canyon OF Junior
Mandy Obney Granite Hills C-DP Senior
Celina Cruz Valhalla P-OF Junior
Jodie Schmehr Valhalla 2B Junior
Vanessa Adame Steele Canyon 2B Junior
Andi Martin Del Campo Helix C Junior

Honorable Mention
Granite Hills - Megan Belio (10), Jenny Lahitte (9).
Helix - Jessica Fernandez (10), Beth Amann (12), Candice Krom (12).
Monte Vista - Whitney Mullins (11), Jesika Perea (10), Brittany Wright (9), Amanda Ward (12).
Mount Miguel - Catrina Jones (12), Gabby Naidas (10), Sonia Ram (9).
Steele Canyon - Lisa Mongelli (12), Erika Beasley (11), Nicole Randel (9).
Valhalla - Kyla Bransford (11), Meagan McGirr (11), Toni Rosacker (12), Angela Uy (10).
All-Eastern League
First team –
Melissa Tillett (Mira Mesa) Sr.; Donna Kerr (Patrick Henry) Sr.; Alexa Datko (Scripps Ranch) Sr.; Katie Sigler (Scripps Ranch) Sr.; Justeen Maeva (Mira Mesa) Jr.; Taylor Hensley (Patrick Henry) Jr.; Felicia Reifschneider (Morse) Jr.; Jessie Owens (Christian) So.; Martina Galinato (Mira Mesa) Jr.; Ciera Ashman (Patrick Henry) Jr.

Second team – Rachel Brown (Scripps Ranch) Jr.; Tori Schaefer (Patrick Henry) Jr.; Kayla Calarese (Morse) Jr.; Isela Mohr (Serra) Jr.; Shannon Tillett (Mira Mesa) So.; Danielle Smith (Mira Mesa) Sr.; Melanie Goff (Mira Mesa) Jr.; Allie Scott (Christian) Fr.; Amanda Plum (Christian) Jr.; Jackie Nguyen (Scripps Ranch) Jr.

Player of the Year – Katie Sigler (SR). Pitcher of the Year – Melissa Tillett (MM).


Dawson retires from Christian

© East County Sports.com
ALPINE (6-4-07) -- Much is known about the coaching success of Christian High School's ROMA DAWSON, featuring 11 berths to the CIF-San Diego Section softball championship game, including last week's Division IV finale.

The 1964 ASA National Champion Erv Lind Florist softball team of Portland, Ore., featuring second baseman Roma Dawson (front row, far right).
(Contributed by teammate Carolyn Fitzwater,
an ASA Hall of Famer)
But few recall her days as a second baseman, playing in the ASA Women's Open Division at a young age.

"There wasn't much out there at the time for girls in sports," said Dawson. "But softball was one of the few sports organized at the local and national level, so I was playing Women's Open Division at 14."

Fortunately for Dawson, her hometown of Portland, Ore., featured one of the nation's top club programs. The sponsor was Erv Lind Florist, with the owner serving 26 years as the team's head coach.

"They won a championship back in 1944," noted Dawson. "And when I joined the team, I was a shortstop, but was soon moved to second base."

To capture a national title back then, one must beat the perennial power Raybestos Brakettes of Stratford, Conn., a club which owns a record 27 ASA national crowns from 1958 through last season's title.

In 1963, the teams met in the final, which the Brakettes hosted and won. But at a neutral site in 1964, Dawson 's team earned a national championship.

"To come so close to winning on their field in 1963 was something," Dawson noted. "But in 1964, we became U.S. champions by winning the whole thing the next year in Orlando, Fla."

Dawson's championship ballclub was so good, it was inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame and Museum's Class of 1993, which also featured a Rose Bowl champion football team from the University of Oregon.

Eventually, Dawson married and relocated to San Diego County, where all three of her daughters -- Amy, Sarah and Ruth -- were among the top players in San Diego County history -- and the reason Dawson became involved in coaching.

"Rene Palafox was the head coach at Christian at the time, and I became the JV coach when Amy was a freshman in 1986," noted Dawson. "And when the varsity made the playoffs, Rene allowed me to join the varsity coaching staff. I was so happy Rene allowed me to play a small part in winning CIF that year.'"

Three seasons later, Palafox moved on to Valhalla High, leaving Dawson in charge of a Patriots program which captured five section titles in a span of 17 seasons. However, there will not be a sixth championship under her tutelage, as late last week, Dawson turned in her papers to the Christian High staff to announce her retirement from the program.

"There were a lot of great players and a lot of great teams while I was coaching here, but coaching my daughters is what I'll remember most," said Dawson . "But I hope all my players learned that life's lessons were about more than softball only."

Sarah has been the most successful in the sport since leaving Christian. She is currently head coach at Louisiana Tech after an All-America career at UL-Monroe, still holding several NCAA Division I records. In 1997, she was named MVP of the women's pro league (now known as National Pro Fastpitch).

"Amy was always very competitive -- not that my other daughters weren't," noted Dawson . "Sarah had to pitch every game because we didn't have any other pitcher until Ruth joined the team as a freshman, so we used her a little bit just in case Sarah got hurt."

Pitching has always been the backbone with Christian softball

The 1986 CIF champs featured SDCIF player of the year MICHELLE WESSON. Sarah received the same honor in the 1993 season, then Ruth gained the award for 1994.

Since then, other Patriots to gain Player of the Year laurels under Dawson include: ALY DUNN (1996), RENE HENSON (2000-'01), JENNY RAY (2002) and three-time winner MELISSA OWENS (2003-05), who now stars for San Diego State.

Dawson still plans to attend games and assist the program when needed when not tending to her 90-year old mother. The new coach will inherit a ballclub which loses just one senior in first baseman SARAH SEYMOUR, the school's co-valedictorian.


CIF FINALS
PHOTO GALLERY

Now Posted!
CIF PLAYOFFS -- Championships

Beasley carries Steele Canyon
to second straight CIF crown

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (5-27-07) — For Steele Canyon's SAM BEASLEY, the senior's final foray in a high school fastpitch contest featured an appearance on her future diamond playing for San Diego State. And she made a quick delivery to the Aztecs coaching staff.

In her first at-bat, Beasley smacked a pitch off the yellow line at the top of the centerfield fence, directly in front of the coaching staff which will mentor her for the next four years.

Not that she will need any assistance.

Carrying the Cougars (27-6-1) upon her shoulders, Beasley dominated an opponent for the second straight outing, slugging a pair of doubles and pitching a 6-hit shutout to lift Steele Canyon past Grossmont Conference rival Santana, 8-0, to capture back-to-back San Diego CIF Division III fastpitch championships.

"My seniors certainly went out with a bang, but I will especially miss Sam for several reasons," said Cougars coach Julie Bohe. "She, above all, deserved that (CIF) Sportsmanship Award today."

Beasley struck out seven, including two to escape jams after Santana placed two runners in scoring position in the 2nd and 5th innings. And her two hits gave her 62 for the season, one shy of the section record set by University City's Lisa Dodd, the state player of the year in 2004.

Steele Canyon catcher Hannah Rost (right) is checked out by the coaching staff, including head coach Julie Bohe (in red), after getting hit by a pitch in the ankle. Moments later, Rost stole her second base of the championship.
(Photo by Adolfo Villanueva)
"It was crunch time and
we crunched -- that's how it is."
-- Cougars catcher Hannah Rost

“It’s nice to go out with a big win like this,” said Beasley. "I was just ready to come here and play and hit. I wasn't trying to do anything big, just get on base and help my team out."

The player with the best view of Beasley's talents may be catcher HANNAH ROST, who helped her capture eight consecutive victories to close the season.

"Sam is an amazing player and she always will be -- Sam will never be forgotten at our school, " Rost said. "She's the strongest hitter on this team, so when she hit the top of the wall, we all knew we had the momentum up and we got it done."

"We started focusing a lot more on hitting and that's what we accomplished. It was crunch time and we crunched -- that's how it is."

While the focus was on Beasley, who nearly smashed five consecutive home runs over the course of Thursday's 12-0 semifinals demolition of Cathedral Catholic and Saturday's (May 26) licking of the Sultans in the title contest, several other Cougars stepped forward with big contests, too.

"Our team stepped it up when they needed to,"added Bohe of a team which established a CIFSDS record for team homers. "We've got some good hitters and they proved it."

STEELE CANYON HIGH SCHOOL "COUGARS"
2007 CIFSDS FASTPITCH CHAMPIONS

Included was first baseman LORENA KLOPP, who slugged a 2-run single in the 1st inning, giving her 59 RBI for the season -- the second-highest total in San Diego Section history.

"I was kind of under pressure, but when Sam hit the double, we all got pumped up and knew we could hit SHAE (BASS, the Santana pitcher)," said Klopp. "It's really exciting to come through like that and drive in two runs at the beginning of the CIF final."

The East County home run champion failed to go deep over the final month of the season due to injury woes, so the freshman adjusted and batted for average upon her return to continue her RBI count, helping Steele Canyon close the season riding a 14-game winning streak.

"Sam's is amazing, so it was a good opportunity for me to play with her this year," Klopp added. "I heard a lot about her and everything I heard was true, whether it was her hitting or pitching, or her leadership and how she helps everyone out."

Third baseman LISA MONGELLI added a two-run basehit in the 4th for a 4-0 advantage, then JAZMIN DAIGLE knocked runners home in the 5th and 7th, as the Cougars scored twice each time in their second wire-to-wire triumph over Santana (28-4) this season.

Sat., May 26
CIF Division III -- Championship
COUGARS 8, SULTANS 0

Steele Canyon
ab r h bi
Santana
ab r h bi

Adame cf
SBeasley p
Rost c
Klopp 1b
Scranton pr
Daigle 3b
Larson pr
Jarvis lf
Randel dp
Blumenstock 2b
Mongelli ss
KCash rf

4 0 0 0
4 2 2 0
3 3 1 0
4 0 3 2
0 0 0 0
3 1 2 2
0 1 0 0
2 1 0 1
4 0 0 0
4 0 0 1
4 0 1 2
0 0 0 0
DBalough 2b
Carpenter cf
Bass p-ss
Brzeczek pr
McIlonie 3b
Failla 1b
Bramlage lf
BBalough dp-p
Padilla rf
Fenn c
SSmith ss
4 0 1 0
4 0 3 0
3 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
3 0 0 0
3 0 0 0
3 0 2 0
1 0 0 0
2 0 0 0
3 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
Totals 32 8 9 8
Totals 26 0 6 0

Steele Canyon (26-6-1)
Santana (28-5)

200 220 2 - 8 9 0
000 000 0 - 0 6 2

GWRBI-Klopp.
E-McIlonie, DBalough. LOB-Steele Canyon 6, Santana 8. 2B-SBeasley 2. SB-Rost 2. S-Padilla.

Steele Canyon

ip

h

r

er

bb

so

SBeasley W,15-4
7.0
6
0
0
3
7
Santana
Bass L,19-4
4.0
8
6
5
1
4
BBalough
3.0
1
2
1
2
3

Bass faced 4 batters in the 5th.
WP-SBeasley. HBP-by BBalough (Rost).
T-1:50.

"Everyone seems to get big hits for our team," noted Mongelli. "But it all comes down to Sam -- she's an amazing player and all she asks is for you to work hard for us to win."

Along with two shutouts this season, Beasley posted a 6-0 postseason pitching record over the past two seasons.

"Even I was getting a little nervous, but working hard outside of school practice helped, then my team was there to back me up," added Beasley, who plans to major in keniseiology at SDSU.

For Santana, the only players to solve Beasley were centerfielder AMANDA CARPENTER (3-for-4) and left fielder MICHELLE BRAMLAGE (2-for-3) -- all on singles -- plus a basehit by DANIELLE BALOUGH.

"They're just a much more talented ballclub than we are," said first-year Sultans coach MIKE BASS. "We had a great season, but we have to work so much harder than Steele Canyon does. They are easily the better team."

It was the fourth straight Final Four appearance by Santana, which includes winning the 2004 championship, followed by a pair of difficult setbacks in the semifinals the previous two seasons.

Brittany Fenn, the catcher, won the CIF Sportsmanship Award for Santana.

Sat., May 26
CIF Division IV -- Championship
LANCERS 4, PATRIOTS 2

Christian
ab r h bi
Parker
ab r h bi

Owens ss-p-ss
KWynns lf-ss-lf
Plum 3b
Seymour 1b
Scott c
Graul rf
NWynns cf-lf
Gunter p
Marcos 2b
Royce p-cf
Gentry pr
Cartwright ph

3 1 1 0
3 1 1 0
3 0 0 1
3 0 1 1
3 0 0 0
2 0 0 0
1 0 0 0
1 0 0 0
3 0 1 0
2 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0

ArSanders cf
Tomey 2b
Svatos c
McIntyre p
Ahern pr
Polese 1b
Lambell ss
Rapopost lf
Gross 3b
LSanders 2b
4 0 0 0
4 2 3 2
4 0 3 1
3 0 1 0
0 0 0 0
3 0 1 1
3 0 2 0
2 1 0 0
2 1 0 0
2 0 0 0
Totals 23 2 4 2
Totals 27 4 10 4

Christian (20-9)
Francis Parker (18-8)

000 002 0 - 2 04 2
120 001 x - 4 10 1

GWRBI-Svatos.
E-Seymour, KWynns, McIntyre. DP-Christian 1, Parker 1. LOB-Christian 7, parker 8. 2B-Tomey, Svatos. SB-Owens 2, KWynns. SF-Plum, Polese.

Christian

ip

h

r

er

bb

so

Royce L,5-2
0.1
2
1
1
1
0
Owens
2.2
3
2
2
3
3
Gunter
3.0
5
1
1
0
2
Francis Parker
McIntyre W
7.0
4
2
2
5
3

WP-Owens.
T-1:58.

Division IV
Francis Parker 4, Christian 2 --
This championship may have been decided in Thursday's semifinals, when Patriots pitcher JESSIE OWENS hyper-extended her knee on the next-to-last play of a narrow victory over Horizon Christian.

Although not starting as the pitcher, Owens entered in relief for 2 2/3 innings, but more was needed on several fronts by second-seeded Christian.

"We were playing to go with JENNA (ROYCE) and see how long she could last, and if Parker got any hits, I would go it and see how long I could last," noted Owens. "I tried my best, but my knee starting hurting me early on, so I had to be taken out -- I didn't want that, but it had to be done."

"I proud of our team for not giving up. We did come back, which was great."

Meanwhile, the defending champion Lancers stormed from the No. 5 position to close the season with eight straight victories, including decisions over the top two seeded teams -- No. 1 Imperial and the Patriots -- in the Final Four to repeat as section titlists.

Lauren Tomey paced Parker by batting 3-for-4, including a double in the 1st when the Lancers took a 2-0 lead after Christian stranded a pair of runners in the top of the inning.

Owens entered late in the 1st, but Tomey got to her, too, adding a 2-run single in the 2nd for a 4-0 advantage. Tomey also singled and scored in the 6th for an insurance run after Christian trimmed the deficit to 3-2.

"The girls had a great season, fought hard and to keep that victory on Thursday evening," said Patriots coach ROMA DAWSON, who was making her 8th title game appearance. "We just came out and gave it our best."

The Patriots comeback included consecutive basehits by Owens and KRISTINA WYNNS, a sacrifice fly by AMANDA PLUM, then a run-scoring single by first baseman SARAH SEYMOUR, the lone senior on the Christian roster.

Win Pct. -- FINAL
PlayerSchool
W-L-S
Britty Balough Santana
9-1-2
Chelsea Velovich West Hills
6-1-0
Kylee KringsWest Hills
11-2-0
Shae Bass Santana
19-4-0
Sam BeasleySteele Canyon
15-4-1
Lorena KloppSteele Canyon
7-2-0
Jessie OwensChristian
10-6-1
Jenny LahitteGranite Hills
5-3-0
Brenna SandbergWest Hills
7-5-1
Brittani BertussiGranite Hills
6-4-0
Megan McGirrValhalla
5-4-1
Brittney FishtromGrossmont
7-5-1
Megan BelioGranite Hills
4-4-0
Ashley RenaldiGrossmont
9-9-0
Christine Jacobites Helix
8-9-0
Others:  
Erika BeasleySteele Canyon
5-0-0
Aly GunterChristian
5-1-1
Jenna RoyceChristian
5-2-1
Other saves -- N.Smith (H) 2, Blumenstock (SC) 1, Maldonado (MV) 1, K.McMillan (MV) 1.

Shutouts (complete games) -- Bass (S) 9, S.Beasley (SC) 7, B.Balough (S) 6, Sandberg (WH) 4, Bertussi (GH) 3, Duncan (EC) 3, Fishtrom (G) 3, Grohamn (EC) 3, Klopp (SC) 3, Krings (WH) 3.
Shutouts (CGs and shared) -- Bass (S) 12, B.Balough (S) 9, S.Beasley (SC) 9, Krings (WH) 5, Sandberg (WH) 5, Jacobites (H) 4, D.Smith (H) 4.

Home Run Leaders -- FINAL
PlayerSchool
HR
Lorena KloppSteele Canyon
9
Hannah RostSteele Canyon
8
Sam BeasleySteele Canyon
7
Jayme JarvisSteele Canyon
7
Cammi MooreGrossmont
7
Laura NelsonMount Miguel
7
Jessie OwensChristian
7
Stasia HoldmanWest Hills
5
Kelley SeitzValhalla
5
Danielle BaloughSantana
4
Shae BassSantana
4
Brittani Bertussi Granite Hills
4
Kelsey McIlonieSantana
4
Andrea NeddenGrossmont
4
Jodie SchmehrValhalla
4
Sarah SeymourChristian
4
Adriana NauGrossmont
3
Amanda PlumChristian
3
Amber ReardonValhalla
3

"We had so many people sick or injured that couldn't play, but our team never gives up," said Seymour. "I'm very proud of our team and I couldn't have asked for a better season. We played really well and all these girls are amazing and I love them all."

Seymour was the Christian High selection for the CIF Sportsmanship Award, given to one member of each team advancing to the finals in every division.

"Since I was the only senior, no one's won a CIF title except me, there were nerves to deal with, but the team still played very well," added Seymour, who plans to major in biology or Pre-Med while playing both basketball and softball at Dordt College (Iowa).

We're only losing Sarah and getting some good players (Christian) Junior High," Owens added. "So we should again do well in our (CIF) division and we'll be good in league, too -- I think we might even win both.

The decision on whether to fill the pitching void or the one at shortstop didn't occur until minutes before the first pitch.

"We had to wait right up until this morning to see who would be ready to go," Dawson recalled. "Part of it was our shortstop (KARA CARTWRIGHT) came down with a virus or soemthing, so we had to decide which hole to plus."

"Jenna's stepped up big for us all season long, but she didn't get the support that I though she deserved in that 1st inning, maybe 1st-inning jitters, I don't know."

The coaching staff elected to start Owens at shortstop and Royce in the circle, but the backup lan was soon vacated. Nevertheless, the Patriots trimmed a 3-run deficit to a single run, with the potentioal tying and go-ahead runners on base in the 6th and 7th innings.

"They kept fighting back, while Parker had a terrific year and showed what they're made of," added Dawson. "Give them credit."

"And Sarah's a great senior leader. I know she wanted to go out with that title, but I couldn't have asked for anything more from a senior than what she's shown this season. She's ready for the next step."

Parker catcher Kierstie Svatos went 3-for-4, with an RBI double in the 1st, as the Lancers out-hit the Patriots, 10-4.

"We may have been a low seed, but I don't think there were too many Division IV teams that really wanted to draw us early," said Parker coach Jim Tomey. "We played some tough teams throughout the year, but our luck wasn't too good in the middle of the season, but by the end, we were locked in and playing really sharp ball, and I felt real good about our chances."

Parker features four East County products, including three starters: leftfielder Hannah Rapopost of La Mesa, and El Cajon residents Lindsey Gross, the third baseman, and centerfielder Ari Sanders.


CIF PLAYOFFS -- Semifinals

Beasley goes homer-homer-homer;
Cougars in position for Div. III repeat

© East County Sports.com
POWAY (5-25-07) -- It's been four years since the graduation of All-American LISA DODD, the 2003 California State Player of the Year, since San Diego has witnessed an effort which combined both outstanding hitting and pitching by a single player.

San Diego State bound pitcher SAM BEASLEY placed her name among exclusive company by equaling a CIF-San Diego Section mark by blasting three home runs while also tossing a 3-hit shutout, allowing defending Division III champion Steele Canyon to steamroll Cathedral Catholic, 12-0, in Thursday's (May 24) section semifinals.

The wipeout propelled the top-seeded Cougars (26-6-1) into position to repeat as champions, only if they can stop Grossmont Conference rival Santana in Saturday's (May 26) championship contest, slated for San Diego State at 12:30 p.m. The second-seeded Sultans overcame a sluggish start to whip Dodd's old team from University City, 11-6.

DID YOU KNOW?
According to the CalHiSports state record book, Sam Beasley became the 6th player in California history to hit two homers in an inning.
Beasley, who hit her homers in consecutive at-bats to give her seven for the season, included a pair in a dramatic 10-run rally in the 4th inning. She narrowly missed making it four consecutive bombs as her line drive to centerfield in the 7th was easily above the barrier, but Lady Dons outfielder Aliko Eddow, who just switched from left to center an inning earlier, stabbed the ball before it raced past her to prevent history.

Thurs., May 24
CIF Division III -- Semifinals
COUGARS 12, LADY DONS 0

Steele Canyon
ab r h bi
Cathedral
ab r h bi

Adame cf
Blumenstock ph-cf
SBeasley p
Rost c
Mahoney rf
Klopp 1b
Larson pr
Daigle 3b
Fuentes pr
Jarvis lf
Randel dp
KCash rf-c
Mongelli ss
EBeasley 2b

4 2 2 3
1 0 0 0
5 3 3 4
2 1 0 0
1 0 0 0
4 0 2 1
0 1 0 0
4 1 0 0
0 0 0 0
2 1 1 0
4 1 2 2
4 1 0 1
4 1 1 1
0 0 0 0
Eddow lf-cf
Ramirez rf
Gallando ph-rf
NRosales 2b
Agre c
Walsh cf
McBrayer lf
Fischer 1b
ARosales 3b
Gonzales ss
Conlon dp
3 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
1 0 0 0
3 0 0 0
3 0 0 0
2 0 0 0
1 0 0 0
3 0 1 0
3 0 0 0
3 0 0 0
2 0 2 0
Totals 35 12 11 12
Totals 24 0 3 0

Steele Canyon (26-6-1)
Cathedral (20-11)

000 (10)20 0-12 11 1
000 000 0-00 03 2

GWRBI-SBeasley.
E-EBeasley, Gonzales, NRosales. LOB-SC 6, Cath 5. 2B-Mongelli. HR-SBeasley 3 (7), 4th, lead, 4th, 1 on, 5th, b2b; Adame (2), 5th, solo. SB-Randel, Rost.

Steele Canyon

ip

h

r

er

bb

so

SBeasley W,14-4
7.0
3
0
0
1
15
Cathedral
Boccia L
3.1
7
10
9
3
2
Byrne
3.2
4
2
2
2
1

WP-SBeasley.
T-2:00.
Note: Sam Beasley equaled CIF-San Diego Section record with 3 home runs; equaled CIF State record with 2 homers in an inning.

"That was a really good catch, but I don't feel bad about it," said Beasley. "We got the win as the team was ready to play."

Still, Beasley holds court with a choice group whom all advanced to NCAA Division I programs. The list features Kristin Goodall (Mission Bay HS; Cal State Fullerton), Jennette Franco (Francis Parker; So. Methodist in volleyball), Megan McAllistar (Carlsbad; Georgia) and Kelsey Quist (Calvin Christian; Princeton), who twice hit three homers in a single ballgame.

"I was just ready to hit when I got up there -- I wasn't thinking about it, even after I hit my third one," added Beasley. "I was just worried about putting the ball in play."

The Cougars' four homers lifted their team total to 36 for the season, eclipsing the section mark of 34 set by McAllistar's Lancers ballclub in 2003.

Beasley dominated a Cathedral (19-10) side which downed Madison then upset 4th-seeded Ramona to advance to the Final Four, only to again fall to the Cougars. Beasley also blanked the Lady Dons in last season's title contest, 6-0, on a 4-hitter.

This time, the senior right-hander more than doubled her strikeout total, escalating from 7 to 15 punchouts, collecting 14 of the Dons' first 16 outs on 'K's.

Cathedral starter Kiara Boccia started strong, too, carrying a no-hitter into the 4th inning. But the sophomore found no answers in the second go-round through the Steele Canyon line-up -- nine of the 10 runs were earned.

Beasley started the explosion with a leadoff homer which carried an estimated 240 feet. Following an out, the next nine Cougars reached base, featuring a 2-run single by NICOLE RANDEL and an RBI ground-rule double by LISA MONGELLI.

THE CIFSDS SOFTBALL
RECORD BOOK
You've heard about it.
Read it HERE
(Note: .pdf format)

Beasley added a second home to the identical spot just right of straightaway center, but much deeper, as the first two shots by the left-handed hitter carried a combined 500 feet. Both came on 1-1 counts.

An inning later, VANESSA ADAME belted what turned out to be a solo homer to set the section team record.

Her drive hit the top of the temporary outfield fence at Sportsplex USA , then flipped over. However, the field umpires each signaled different rulings. One indicated a homer, but the other called for a ground-rule double.

Following a pow-wow among all three officials, Adame was awarded her second homer of the season, then Beasley followed with back-to-back shots for her third home run to etch her name in the record book.

Adame finished 2-for-4 with two runs and three RBI, while Randel and LORENA KLOPP added two hits each in an 11-hit attack (11 earned runs).

Meanwhile, the heart of the Cathedral lineup was kept off the board, as No. 9 hitter Brooke Conlon, the designated player, garnered two of the Dons' three basehits.

Steele Canyon (26-6-1) now meets a Sultans ballclub which won the SDCIF crown in 2004, then suffered heartbreak losses in the semifinals during the past two seasons. The teams met on Mar. 26 in the Grossmont Conference Tournament, as the Cougars claimed a 5-1 decision on a 3-hitter by Beasley.

"We played them earlier in the season, and we know they'll be ready to play," noted Beasley."So we have to come to play -- we better be ready."

Santana 11, University City 6 -- When Michigan State bound pitcher SHAE BASS had a rare poor outing, BRITTY BALOUGH entered to not only prevent giving up the lead, she tossed three shutout innings to gain the victory in relief and advance Santana to the San Diego CIF Division III championship game after rallying late to sedate the Centurions.

Balough is now 9-1 this season with three complete-game shutouts.

Thurs., May 24
CIF Division III -- Semifinals
SULTANS 11, CENTURIONS 6

Santana
ab r h bi
University City
ab r h bi

DBalough 2b
Carpenter cf
Bass p-ss
Brzeczek pr
McIlonie 3b
Failla 1b
Bramlage lf
BBalough dp-p
Padilla rf
Cook pr
Brzeczek pr
Fenn c
Ocen-odoge pr
SSmith ss

4 1 3 3
5 0 3 2
3 1 1 1
0 0 0 0
4 1 0 0
5 1 0 0
5 2 2 1
5 1 1 0
3 0 1 0
0 1 0 0
0 1 0 0
3 1 3 1
0 1 0 0
0 0 0 0
Clement 3b
Taniyama cf
SFryer 2b-p
Flanagan 1b
Coleman dp
Miller c
Girdner rf
Hamme ss
Harvey lf
NFryer lf
Wood p-2b
3 2 1 0
3 2 1 0
4 1 1 0
4 1 2 4
3 0 1 0
3 0 0 0
4 0 1 0
4 0 0 0
1 0 0 0
2 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
Totals 37 11 14 8
Totals 31 6 7 4

Santana (28-4)
University City (17-9)

030 125 0 - 11 14 4
200 040 0 - 06 07 4

GWRBI-Carpenter.
E-Failla, SSmith, Carpenter 2, Flanagan, Hamme 2, Harvey. LOB-San 10, UC 8. 2B-Carpenter, Fenn. HR-Flanagan, 6th, two on. SB-Flangan. S-Taniyama. SF-DBalough.

Santana

ip

h

r

er

bb

so

Bass
4.0
5
6
4
3
2
BBalough W,9-1
3.0
2
0
0
0
5
University City
Wood L
5.2
14
11
7
3
3
SFryer
1.1
0
0
0
1
0

Bass faced 6 batters in the 5th.
WP-Bass, Wood. PB-Miller 2.

Bass failed to get out of the 5th inning, failing to register an out against six batters, of which four scored to knot the game at 6-6. The big blow featured a game-tying, 3-run homer by University City first baseman Kelly Flanagan, who plays for the East County based 3rd Degree club program.

But Balough, entering with two runners on and no one out, registered a pair of strikeouts and a routine grounder for an out to escape. The momentum swing was apparent and immediate, as the Sultans (28-4) responded with five markers in the 6th to punch their ticket to the final.

Key hits included the go-ahead basehit by MICHELLE BRAMLAGE to score Bass, who utilized her bat to started the game-winning rally when her pitching arm failed her. She opened with a lead walk, followed by a KELSEY McILONIE basehit.

DANIELLE BALOUGH and AMANDA CARPENTER later added consecutive RBI singles for the Grossmont North League titlists. The duo also moved the Sultans in front after trailing 2-0 after one inning. In the 2nd, a Balough basehit tied the contest, then she scored on a Carpenter double for a 3-2 advantage which later climbed to 6-2.

The tandem collected three hits each in the Sultans' 14-hit attack. Now they get ready for Steele Canyon .

"With our defense, we have a lot support, so we shut a lot of teams out," noted Carpenter, a sophomore centerfielder. "It'll help that we've played them already, because we know what to expect and we know what Sam's pitching is like."

Santana is among the section leaders with 16 shutouts. Bass owns nine of them, while sharing four others with Britty Balough. And with such lofty numbers, no one on the Sultans believes Bass will be anything but ready in preparation for the All-East County final.

Thurs., May 24
CIF Division IV -- Semifinals
PATRIOTS 6. PANTHERS 5

Christian
ab r h bi
Horizon Chr.
ab r h bi

Owens p
Royce p
Cartwright ss
Plum 3b
Seymour 1b
Scott c
Gunter pr
KWynns cf
Graul rf
NWynns lf
Gentry dp
Marcos 2b

3 2 1 1
0 0 0 0
2 1 1 0
4 0 0 0
4 1 0 0
1 1 0 0
0 0 0 0
4 0 1 1
2 0 0 1
4 1 0 0
4 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
Robinson 2b
Walls ss
Ortiz 3b
Hokins c
Coleman p
Sikes dp
Hall rf
Lubben-Halverson ph
Tirk cf
Egbuna 1b
Roderick 1b
3 1 2 2
4 1 0 0
4 0 1 1
4 0 0 0
3 0 1 0
2 0 1 0
2 0 0 0
1 1 1 0
3 1 1 0
3 1 1 0
0 0 0 0
Totals 30 6 3 3
Totals 29 5 8 3

Christian (20-8)
Horizon Christian (22-3)

400 200 0 - 6 3 5
001 000 4 - 5 8 4

GWRBI-Owens.
E-Graul 2, Marcos, Cartwright, Owens, Ortiz, Hall, Walls 2. LOB-Chr 9, Hor 5. HR-Owens (7), 1st, lead. SB-Robinson, Walls. CS-Ortiz. S-Cartwright, Robinson.

Christian

ip

h

r

er

bb

so

Owens W,10-6
6.2
8
5
1
1
9
Royce S,1
0.1
0
0
0
0
0
Horizon Christian
Coleman L,12-2
7.0
3
6
3
7
8

WP-Owens 2. PB-Hoskins, Scott.
T-1:54.

"Shae is really strong mentally," added Carpenter. "So she'll be ready for Steele Canyon ."

Some of the players believe Santana may be better prepared to challenge for the title, thus a bounce back will be forthcoming.

"We've been progressing along since we got a new coach (MIKE BASS, Shae's father)," explained Bramlage, a junior leftfielder, who went 2-for-4 and scored twice. "We've been practicing a lot more to get ready for days like this."

Christian 6, Horizon Christian 5 -- The postseason aspirations of the Christian Patriots nearly blew up in a frightening 7th inning. Or did their hopes actually vanish, with the effects not taking place for another 48 hours?

After failing to reach the championship game last season following six straight finals appearances (including three Division IV crowns), the Patriots are back -- but at what cost?

Four errors allowed Horizon Christian to score four times in the bottom of the 7th inning to trim a 6-1 deficit down to a single run, but Patriots pitcher JESSIE OWENS thought she was going to catch a short popfly in front of the plate for the final out.

However, catcher ALLIE SCOTT also charged to the ball and the players, both calling for the ball, collided. Owens dropped the ball while injuring her leg, as people realized the season hopes for the Patriots could be dashed.

While Jessie Owens was being tended to with
her injury, players and coaches from both
ballclubs, including Rachel Ortiz (above) of
Horizon Christian, take to their knees in prayer.
(Photo by Dan Dangel)
On this day, JENNA ROYCE entered from off the bench and collected the final out, but the status of Owens could determine if Christian can add to a list of six SDCIF crowns, including four under current head coach ROMA DAWSON.

"The trainer said I only hyper-extended my knee," said Owens. "But I'll be in there no matter what."

The determined Owens, who is known "for going at only one speed, and that's at her very best all of the time," according to Dawson , was carried off the field in the arms of an assistant coach. But she was gingerly walking un-aided following the ballgame to the relief of Patriots followers.

Owens opened the contest with a leadoff home run to left, as Christian scored four times in the 1st, including RBI singles by outfielders KRISTINA WYNNS and ALYSSA GRAUL, before the sophomore entered the pitching circle.

She breezed along by spinning a 4-hitter through six innings, then struckout her 9th batter to open the 7th. However, the defense was charged with four errors, capped by Owens' drop on the collision, leaving the Panthers with the potential tying and winning runs on base.

Royce came in and collected two quick strikes, but her third pitch was in the dirt and rolled about 10 feet behind the catcher. However, Scott recovered the ball and fired to third baseman AMANDA PLUM to nail the runner to end the contest and advance Christian to the championship round.

The second-seeded Patriots (20-8) will meet defending champion Francis Parker, which upset top-seeded Imperial, 2-1 in 8 innings. The Lancers seek to become the first team to repeat as Division IV titlists since the divisions were revamped in 1994. First pitch is slated for 10 a.m. from SDSU.

Thurs., May 24
CIF Division II -- Semifinals
GRIZZLIES 2, WOLF PACK 1

Mission Hills
ab r h bi
West Hills
ab r h bi

Perez ss
Orellana p
Vlahes 3b
Parsons 2b
Alvarez c
DBlackwood cf
Jenski 1b
Provencher rf
Erickson dp
Burns dp
Rodriguez lf

3 1 1 0
3 0 0 0
3 0 1 0
3 0 1 1
3 0 0 0
3 1 1 0
2 0 0 0
3 0 0 0
1 0 0 0
2 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
Burner cf
Iavelli cf
MKoria dp
LaChusa rf
Baggett 3b
Valles 2b
FKoria lf
Bush 1b
Cobb c
MelHill ss
2 0 0 0
1 0 0 0
3 0 1 0
3 1 1 0
3 0 2 1
3 0 0 0
3 0 2 0
3 0 0 0
2 0 0 0
3 0 0 0
Totals 26 2 4 1
Totals 26 1 6 1

Mission Hills (19-13)
West Hills (25-9)

000 001 1 - 2 4 1
000 001 0 - 1 6 1

GWRBI-none.
E-Perez, Hill. LOB-MH 4,WH 5. 2B-Baggett. SB-Perez, FKoria. CS-Burner. S-Jenski, Cobb.

Mission Hills

ip

h

r

er

bb

so

Orellana W,16-12
7.0
6
1
1
0
12
West Hills
Sandberg L,7-5
7.0
4
2
1
1
12

WP-Sandberg.
T-1:48.

Mission Hills 2, West Hills 1 -- The Wolf Pack again got bit in the semifinals as the 7th-seeded Grizzlies posted another upset to reach the Division II final. The San Marcos based ballclub will get a chance to win its second title in three years after downing – and no-hitting – 2nd-seeded Scripps Ranch in the quarterfinals, and now the 3rd seeds from West Hills.

Starting pitchers BRENNA SANDBERG of the Wolf Pack and the Grizzlies' Whitney Orellana both carried shutouts into the 6th inning, including a 1-hitter by Sandberg.

However, Mission Hills collected a pair of infield singles, then a line basehit to left field by clean-up hitter Jordan Parsons to score Vanessa Perez and snap the pitchers' duel.

West Hills answered back in the home half of the 6th when BRIANNA LaCHUSA dropped a single over the head of the second baseman, then sophomore CASSIDY BAGGETT drilled an RBI double to the fence in right-centerfield to level the contest.

The Grizzlies also responded immediately, parlaying an error, a sacrifice bunt and a wild pitch to score Donna Blackwood.

The final chance for West Hills saw FAITH KORIA reach on a lead infield single, then stealing second base, but Orellana coaxed a popout to shortstop then recorded two of her 12 strikeouts to end it. Sandberg also struck out 12 batters.

"I'm still glad because we were able to come back from a really, really rough beginning to our season," said Baggett of the team's 1-5 start, yet finishing with 24 victories in the final 28 starts. "We were able to come back and kick butt."

"You can not get down, and we learned to stick up for each other and stay up. It's the only thing you can do to be successful."

Baggett, the third baseman, batted 2-for-3, matching Koria's effort.

West Hills was also hampered by the loss of several players during its playoff run.

BRIANNA AUSTIN was lost in the quarterfinals after breaking a finger, STASIA HOLDMAN missed the last 10 days with an ankle, then SHARLANA BURNER came out after the 3rd inning after getting roughed up when caught attempting to steal second base.


Santana's Amanda Carpenter slugged a 2-run
homer in the 1st inning, jump-starting the Sultans to a 2-0 lead in besting Monte Vista in Tuesday's CIF Division III softball quarterfinals.
(Photo by Sheila Bass)
CIF PLAYOFFS -- Quarterfinals
Sultans, Cougars remain on track in Div. III

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (5-23-07) -- The Santana Sultans play the part of the underdog much better than the favorite's role, so when the San Diego CIF Division III fastpitch seedings came out listing them behind defending champion Steele Canyon, it may be all that is needed to propel the Sultans to their first section title since 2004.

Santana took the first step by taking control in what proved to be the decisive opening inning, rolling past Grossmont Conference rival Monte Vista, 6-1, in Tuesday's (May 22) SDCIF quarterfinals.

AMANDA CARPENTER smacked a 2-run homer and MICHELLE BRAMLAGE powered a 2-run triple in the opening frame for a 4-0 cushion after preventing the Monarchs from scoring moments earlier.

Singles by BRITTANY WRIGHT and LYDIA VENIEGAS, plus a stolen base, placed Monte Vista runners at 2nd and 3rd. However, Santana pitcher SHAE BASS escaped the logjam with two of her seven strikeouts, then coaxed a short flyball to prevent the Monarchs from scoring.

Bass, moments after being told she would move to shortstop, then utilized her stick for some insurance. She opened the 5th with a solo homer just to the left of dead-centerfield for a 5-0 lead.

"A lot of people thought we were down on ourselves after losing to West Hills," noted Santana third baseman KELSEY McILONIE. "But we played a solid game, so we weren't feeling bad."

"We came into this game without a big head and stayed focused on what we needed to do."

The Sultans' Britty Balough tossed the final
two innings to complete a 6-1 victory over
Monte Vista in the CIF Dov. III quarterfinals.
(Photos by Sheila Bass)
The Usual Suspects
After holding Monte Vista scoreless in the 1st, DANIELLE BALOUGH started the rally with a lead walk, then Carpenter went deep. Bass followed with a basehit, then stole second, with RACHEL FAILLA walking to set the table for Bramlage's blast.

The other Santana run came in the 6th as BRITTANY FENN doubled off the fence in left-center, missing a homer by just over a foot, with Bass collecting her second RBI with a double to the opposite field in right.

Monte Vista , which played solid despite the 1st inning shortcoming, never rolled over and played a solid contest. The Monarchs punched through in the 7th to avert the shutout by an RBI single by pinchhitter SHANNON WRIGHT, scoring pinchrunner MARIZA MALDANADO.

Following the contest, Santana's opening for a berth in the Div. III final grew a touch wider. Instead of meeting third-seeded Brawley, the Sultans will instead meet University City, which traveled to the desert to upset the Wildcats, 2-1.

Steele Canyon 7, Valhalla 1 -- One could appreciate the position Cougars coach JULIE BOHE faced after her side committed three errors in the 1st inning, allowing Valhalla's JODIE SCHMEHR to score for a 1-0 lead.

"I was ready to take a Valium," said Bohe of the tension relief medication. "We were shaking in our boots."

However, the defending SDCIF Division III titlists quickly regrouped, answering three times in the home-half of the 1st en route to an easy triumph in a sloppy contest featuring five errors by both ballclubs.

Steele Canyon's Jazmin Daigle strokes
a 2-run double, part of a 4 RBI outing.
(Photos by Chris Edwards)
"Fortunately, after Valhalla got a run and still had the bases loaded, SAM (BEASLEY) got us out of it by striking out the next two batters," added Bohe.

Beasley finished by striking out eight Norsemen without issuing a walk in tossing a 2-hitter to start another playoff run for the Cougars. The senior also delivered with the bat, going 4-for-4 to raise her season average to .580. Meanwhile, third baseman JAZMIN DAIGLE drove in four runs, including a two-run line single in the 1st to claim the lead for keeps.

"Jaz made it another big game," added Bohe. "Every time she comes up with runners on base, she always seems to knock someone in."

VANESSA ADAME opened by getting hit by a pitch, a Beasley single and an error put two runners in scoring position, then catcher HANNAH ROST singled home Adame to tie the contest. Daigle followed with a drive to left-centerfield for the lead, then later added a two-run double in the 5th for a 5-1 advantage.

Rost and LORENA KLOPP added run-scoring basehits in the 6th to cap the scoring.

"Sam, Jaz and Hannah were our studs," added the coach. "And when Sam pitches like she did today, you can't beat her."

Steele Canyon will get a championship rematch in the semifinals by meeting Cathedral Catholic, which upset fourth-seeded Ramona in a 10-8 slugfest up on the mountain. The Cougars downed the Lady Dons in the 2006 finale, 6-0.

Christian 12, San Diego Jewish 3 -- Despite a few knocks from opponents in the Eastern League, a circuit mainly composed of large Division I and II schools, the Patriots delivered a few blows of their own to finish in the upper half of the standings.

So meeting a team with a gleaming record, but against second-string competition, allowed Christian to clearly demonstrate how fastpitch is really played. Indeed, it's a role the Pats relish year after year to advance deep into the SDCIF Division IV playoffs.

On Tuesday (May 22), sophomore JESSIE OWENS clearly was the superior pitcher, needed for just the first five innings to dominate the supposedly indomitable Lions. And when you throw in Owens' afternoon at the plate -- 3-for-4 with a home run and a pair of doubles -- the Patriots punched their ticket to their seventh straight Final Four appearance.

But it was more than just Owens. KARA CARTWRIGHT and ALLIE SCOTT also batted 3-for-4, as Christian accumulated 16 hits --the ballclub's third-highest total of the season.

"We were focused on driving the ball better," noted coach ROMA DAWSON, who's troops rebounded from a 2-hit performance in a victory in Saturday's first round. "We had some hard hit balls all game."

Owens opened the stretch with a two-out double in the 3rd, as the Pats pieced together five consecutive hits to mount a 4-1 lead. Owens scored on a basehit by Cartwright, who came home on a double by AMANDA PLUM. SARAH SEYMOUR and ALLIE SCOTT added to the rally with singles.

Owens, who scored three times, opened the 5th with a solo home run -- her sixth of the season -- then Christian completed the rout with four runs in the 6th. In the frame, ALY GENTRY stroked a two-run single, while Seymour blasted a two-run triple, one of six extra-base hits by the Patriots.

For the contest, Christian pitchers struck out 16 batters, with Owens collecting 10 in her five frames, then JENNA ROYCE garnered all six of her outs on strikes in relief.

West Hills 2, Mar Vista 1 (8 inn.) -- Twice during the final week of the regular season, KYLEE KRINGS entered in relief to collect victories to lift the Wolf Pack to a share of the Grossmont North League pennant. But the roles were reversed in Tuesday's (May 22) SDCIF Division II quarterfinals.

Krings tossed four solid innings in a starting assignment, getting tagged for just one unearned run, then BRENNA SANDBERG entered as the change-of-pace pitcher, helping keep visiting Mar Vista off-balance and give the Wolf Pack the opportunity to rally.

West Hills holds recent success over the Mariners, including a 1-hit shutout by Krings at the Hilltop Tournament two seasons ago.

"Our group of seniors beat them as 10th-graders, and against their pitcher who was also a 10th-grader," noted Pack coach STEVE SUTTON. "Take away our error and we win this one easily, too."

Tue., May 22
CIF PLAYOFFS -- Quarterfinals
DIVISION II
WOLF PACK 2, MARINERS 1 (8 inn.)

Mar Vista (21-11)
West Hills (25-8)

001 000 00 - 1 3 3
000 010 01 - 2 7 1

No out when winning run scored.
Pickett and Anderson; Krings, Sandberg (5) and Austin, Cobb (4). W-Sandberg (7-4). L-Pickett. HR-none.

DIVISION II
SUNDEVILS 8, FOOTHILLERS 2

Grossmont (15-14-1)
Mt. Carmel (27-3)

003 000 0 - 3 9 3
300 302 x - 8 7 0

Fishtrom, Renaldi (4) and Moore; McDermott and Vasser, Bemis (3). W-McDermott (23-3). L-Fishtrom (7-5). HR–Fox (MtC) 1st, two on; Doremus (MtC) 6th, one on.

DIVISION III
COUGARS 7, NORSEMEN 1

Valhalla (13-17)
Steele Canyon (25-6-1)

100 000 0-1 02 5
300 022 x-7 11 5

Uy, Houston (3), McGirr (6) and Seitz, Gonzales (6); S.Beasley and Rost. W-S.Beasley (13-4). L-Uy (4-7). HR-none

DIVISION III
SULTANS 6, MONARCHS 1

Monte Vista (12-19-1)
Santana (27-4)

000 000 1-1 05 0
400 011 x-6 11 2

Mullins and Pera, Ward (2); Bass, B.Balough (6) and Fenn. W-Bass (19-3). L-Mullins (9-14). HR-Carpenter (S), 1st, one on; Bass (S), 5th, lead.

DIVISION IV
PATRIOTS 12, LIONS 3

SD Jewish (20-2-1)
Christian (19-8)

100 002 0 - 03 06 4
004 224 x - 12 16 0

Adelman and Luther; Owens, Royce (6) and Scott. W-Owens (9-6). L-Adelman (17-2). HR-Sheela (SDJ), 1st, solo; Owens (C), 5th, lead.

DIVISION IV
LANCERS 3, RED HAWKS 1

Francis Parker (16-8)
Mtn. Empire (17-6)

200 001 0 - 3 6 2
000 010 0 - 1 4 1

McIntyre and Svatos. K. Majam and S. Daniels. W-McIntyre (14-8). L-K.Majam (15-6).

A gamble in the outfield turned a single into a runner at third base when a dive for the ball came up short, as Mar Vista cashed-in the misjudgment for a run in the 3rd. However, Krings and Sandberg dominated the whole contest, as only one other baserunner ever reached scoring position.

Meanwhile, West Hills answered with runs in the 5th and 8th innings to secure the rally.

MOCHERIE KORIA opened the 5th with a single, moved to second on a JAYLEEN BUSH grounder to the right side, then stole third base. MELISSA HILL followed with a potential inning-ending grounder toward second base, but the fielding error allowed Koria to level the contest.

Another error doomed the Mariners in the 8th.

SHARLANA BURNER and FAITH KORIA opened the inning with bunt singles, with a throwing error on the second bunt moving both runners into scoring position. Senior BRIANNA LaCHUSA followed with the walkoff, RBI single to score Burner, advancing West Hills into the semifinals.

The third-seeded Wolf Pack (25-8), winners of 24 of their last 27 outings, will avoid meeting second-seeded Scripps Ranch in one of Thursday's (May 24) final four pairings, instead meeting Mission Hills (18-13), which scored twice in the 7th to upset the Falcons, 2-0.

Mt. Carmel 8, Grossmont 3 -- In the past, the Foothillers has reached Mt. Carmel junior Jessica McDermott, the reigning Palomar League pitcher of the year, who paced the Sundevils to the top of the Division II bracket as the top seed. And Grossmont tagged her again early, answering Mt. Carmel 's 3-run effort in the 1st with three of its own to tie the contest in the 3rd.

But that would be all the runs McDermott (23-3) would allow, despite yielding nine hits to the Hillers in the round-of-8 contest in Rancho Penasquitos.

Since falling in the final of the North County Tournament to Mission Hills back on Mar. 22, the Sundevils have gone exactly two months without a setback in stringing together 19 consecutive victories.

Grossmont's season ends at 15-14-1, yet can take some solace in scoring the most runs off Mt. Carmel since the Devils yielded five markers to Granite Hills in Cougar Classic play way back on Mar. 9.

Kellie Fox smacked a 3-run homer for the quick Mt. Carmel lead. Maggie Doremus (3-for-4) put the Sundevils back in front with a 2-run single in the 4th, followed by an RBI on a fielder's choice by Chelsea Bemis, who later smacked a 2-run homer in the 6th.

Grossmont scoring details were not reported.


Christian freshman
Aly Gunter gained the
victory in relief.
(Photo by Jeanne Royce)
CIF PLAYOFFS -- First Round
Plum places pressure for the Patriots

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-20-07) -- With the proliferation of small, private schools springing up throughout the county -- many offering high school sports activities -- a full field of 16 teams comprised the San Diego CIF Division IV playoff bracket, unlike pools of 12 schools in the remaining divisions. Thus, there are no longer any byes for the top seeds, including No. 2 Christian, which came out flat against The Bishop's, the next-to-last team to gain a postseason berth.

However, third baseman AMANDA PLUM put on the pressure which finally undid the Knights, helping the Patriots score three times in their final at-bat to secure a 3-2 victory in Saturday's (May 19) opening round of the SDCIF playoffs.

Plum placed a perfect bunt which left The Bishop's defense with no play except a desperate attempt to get KARA CARTWRIGHT at the plate. And when the toss was too late, the game was tied, as the Knights would commit four errors in the inning for all three (unearned) runs to advance Christian to Tuesday's (May 22) round-of-8.

"We just needed to play with more energy," said Plum , who surprised the defense with a rare bunt by the ballclub's No. 3 hitter. "I don't bunt very often, but we needed to do something to get the run in, then Kara did a great job running from third."

For five innings, The Bishop's sailed along on a 1-hit shutout by Natalie Carmarda, who struck out 11 in her six innings of work.

Christian High's Amanda Plum (3) is ruled safe after
taking the extra base following her game-tying bunt
single in the 6th inning. The No. 2 Patriots downed
The Bishop's School, 3-2, in Saturday's CIF opener.
(Photo by Jeanne Royce)
"I think a lot of people thought we'd walk over them, just expecting to win," added Plum. "But she had a good changeup, which is why we didn't hit her."

JESSIE OWENS opened the inning with a short popfly to shortstop, but the ball was dropped and the hustling Owens raced to second base. Cartwright followed with a bunt to sacrifice Owens, but the throw went to right field and Christian halved the deficit to 2-1.

Plum's bunt left her at second base, moving to third on a dropped third strike for The Bishop's' third error, then a fly ball by catcher ALLIE SCOTT was dropped to score the go-ahead run.

Meanwhile, freshman ALY GUNTER gained the pitching victory in relief.

Gunter entered a 1-0 game with the bases loaded and no one out in the 5th. However, she walked in a run on a series of tight pitches which didn't go her way.

"That was interesting," Gunter explained about the calls. "But I learned from Jessie not to let the umpire know you're upset with a call."

"So I turned to Jessie (at shortstop) and made a face -- she knows how I feel."

Owens went the first 4-plus innings, striking out five and walking four. Two of the free passes plus an error allowed the Knights to break the scoreless game in the 4th.

"But we played really solid defense after we scored," added Gunter. "They knew we got a second chance after we messed up their defense by putting pressure on them with our bats."

Valhalla's Amber Reardon gets full extention
on what proved to be the game-winning
homer -- a two-run shot in the 3rd inning --
to power the Norsemen past Clairemont, 4-2.
(Photos by Chris Edwards)
Gunter did get one break. Trailing 2-0 and the bases still loaded, the frosh apparently hit a batter with a pitch, forcing home a run.

However, the home plate umpire asked the base umpire if the batter had checked her swing -- long after the runner from third was in the dugout celebrating with teammates. The outside official said she had not checked, thus the call became a strike and erased the hit-by-pitch.

Carmarda finished with a 2-hitter despite the setback. The only other hit Christian had was a 2nd-inning single by ALLYSSA GRAUL.

Knights catcher MICHELLE BRUNKER went 3-for-4.

Valhalla 4, Clairemont 2 -- For the fourth consecutive season, Clairemont's Chieftains were eliminated from the playoffs by an East County school, as the Norsemen took the honors for the second time in three seasons.

This go-round, it was AMBER REARDON who sent the Chieftains packing, snapping a 2-2 deadlock with her third home run of the season. The junior drilled a 2-run shot to left-centerfield in the 3rd, with catcher KELLEY SEITZ (single) scoring in front of the shortstop.

MEGAN McGIRR then entered the contest and tossed four shutout innings to gain the pitching victory in relief. She yielded just three basehits and never was threatened.

"Megan got a ton of ground balls," noted Norsemen coach DOUG HARTUNG. "She just came in and shut them down."

The Norsemen jumped to a 2-0 lead during their first at-bat.

JODIE SCHMEHR hit a one-out double to left, reaching third on a single by Reardon. CELINA CRUZ answered with a sacrifice fly to left to score Schmehr, then KYLA BRANSFORD went the opposite way with a single to right-center to bring home Reardon.

Clairemont tied the game in the 2nd on a double by sophomore second baseman Shelby Turner.

Adriana Nau (top)
and Cammi Moore
(center) each belted
2-run homers, then
Andrea Nedden hit
a grand slam to
power Grossmont.

Grossmont 11, Hilltop 3 -- Although most observers were pleased with the new CIF playoff procedures to determine seeds and brackets, this was one pairing which left more than a few people scratching their heads.

Hilltop received the 8th seed, thus, were able to host the 9th seeded Foothillers, but a closer look questions how the decision was made between teams with similar records.

The Lancers own quality victories over, well, we couldn't find any unless you count three wins over teams which barely qualified for the postseason.

Meanwhile, Grossmont played, arguably, one of the toughest schedules in the San Diego Section, with 10 of the Hillers' losses coming against teams seeded among the top three in their respective divisions (3-Santana, 2-Scripps Ranch, 2-Mt.Carmel, 2-West Hills, 1-Steele Canyon), plus triumphs over four playoff teams -- all higher rated then those defeated by Hilltop.

So it came as no surprise when the Foothillers sojourned to the South Bay and placed the lumber on Hilltop. Grossmont equaled a season high by clouting three home runs to race to a quick 10-0 lead after just 2 1/2 innings.

Included were 2-run bombs by ADRIANA NAU and CAMMI MOORE for a 5-0 lead through two frames, then ANDREA NEDDEN continued the assault with a grand slam in the 3rd. The trio drove in all 11 of the Hillers' runs.

"I hope the bats stay alive for Tuesday," noted Grossmont coach JERRY LERUD of his team's upcoming meeting with top-ranked Mt. Carmel . "If we keep them hot, then we'll be ready to play."

Nedden finished with five RBI on 3-for-5 hitting. Along with the slam, she opened the ballgame with an RBI double in the 1st, then added a triple in the 7th to fall just a single short of a cycle.

Nau and Moore added three RBI each. Nau went 4-for-4, driving home Nedden in the 7th. Moore 's other RBI came on a bases-loaded walk.

Meanwhile, while the offense was shooting fireworks, almost overlooked were the pitching of ASHLEY RENALDI and BRITTNEY FISHTROM. Renaldi tossed four shutout innings for the victory, then Fishtrom lasted the final three frames for her first save of the season.

Monte Vista 8, Our Lady of Peace 1 -- WHITNEY MULLINS stayed strong while waiting for the Monarchs' offense to awaken, carrying a shutout into the 6th to defeat the host Pilots at Serra Mesa Recreation Center.

Mullins struck out five, then went 3-for-4 at the plate with an RBI.

"Whitney's been the mainstay of our pitching staff, especially with ROSIE ABEYTA playing hurt all season," said Monte Vista coach SIG CHABROWSKI. "Whitney came in and takes care of business."

For the long time, it looked like a single run in the 1st would hold up, but the Monarchs finally erupted for five runs in the 6th to make quick work of the 7th seeds.

The key hit was a bases-loaded double by second baseman SHAAKIRAH RANSOM. The sophomore sent a shot to the fence-less, left-centerfield gap, easily clearing the bases. Ransom, who earlier doubled, had a shot at a grand slam, but was ruled out at third for missing the bag.

Sat., May 19
CIF PLAYOFFS
DIVISION I
FALCONS 6, EAGLES 4

Granite Hills (15-11)
Torrey Pines (17-13-1)

000 130 0-4 7 1
101 400 x-6 9 1

Bertusii and Schatz; Ratchuk and Schubert. W-Ratchuk (11-9). L-Bertussi (6-4). HR-Episcopo (TP, 4) 3rd, solo.

DIVISION II
FOOTHILLERS 11, LANCERS 3

Grossmont (15-13-1)
Hilltop (15-13)

325 000 1-11 16 0
002 001 0-03 06 1

Renaldi, Fishtrom (5) and Moore, Escalante (5); Vila, Rhudy (3) and Valen. W-Renaldi (9-9). L-Vila. S-Fishtrom (1). HR-Nau (G,3), 1st, one on; Moore (G,7), 2nd, one on; Nedden (G,4), 3rd, slam.

DIVISION III
NORSEMEN 4, CHIEFTAINS 2

Clairemont (10-16-1)
Valhalla (13-16)

020 000 0 - 2 7 0
202 000 x - 4 7 1

Nicolet, Douglas (6) and L.Wood; Cruz, McGirr (4) and Houston. W-McGirr (5-4). L-Nicolet. HR-Reardon (V,3), 3rd, one on.

DIVISION III
MONARCHS 8, PILOTS 1

Monte Vista (12-18-1)
Our Lady/Peace (23-5)

100 005 2-8 12 0
000 001 0-1 06 3

Mullins and Perea; Farris and Pinnell. W-Mullins (9-13). L-Farris. HR-none.

DIVISION IV
PATRIOTS 3, KNIGHTS 2

The Bishop's (6-15)
Christian (18-8)

000 110 0 - 2 4 4
000 003 x - 3 2 2

Camarda and Brunker; Owens, Gunter (5) and Scott. W-Gunter (5-1). L-Camarda. HR-none.

BRITTANY PORTER added a pair of RBI with run-scoring hits in the 6th and 7th, while AMANDA AGUON and centerfielder LYDIA VENIEGAS went 2-for-4 each.

With the triumph, Monte Vista gains a quarterfinals date with 2nd-seeded Santana, slated for 3:30 p.m. Tuesday (May 22).

Torrey Pines 6, Granite Hills 4 -- The site of the Eagles' greatest triumph this season was also the location of their ultimate demise. Returning to Torrey Pines, where they earlier captured the Falcon Fiesta tournament championship, the battle to see which side would gain a shot at top-ranked Mira Mesa went to the hosts, which held on after mounting a 6-1 advantage.

Mary Episcopo, who went 2-for-3 for Torrey Pines, started a 4-run rally in the 4th with a solo homer. She also earlier knocked in a run for a 2 RBI outing.

The inning featured just a single hit, as the Falcons parlayed a pair of walks and four bunts, including squeeze bunts for runs by Episcopo and Shannon Smoot. The last two runs then scored on a wild pitch, as one runner scooted home, but when a throw targeted to nail a runner at third base sailed to the outfield, another runner also scored.

However, Granite Hills made things interesting.

After Falcons pitcher Kelly Ratchuk limited the Eagles to two hits through four innings, the visitors answered in the 5th, which opened with a pair of singles and a walk to load the bases.

Torrey Pines catcher Wendy Schubert registered one out on a throw to the plate on a fielder's choice, but NICOLE RIVERA followed with a two-run double, then another runner came home on a wild pitch.

Rivera finished batting 2-for-4, also scoring in the 4th following a walk and a stolen base, one of her two thefts on the day. Granite Hills got on the scoreboard on a strange, two-out play, where Schubert caught a short popup, but when runners were unsure whether she had caught the ball, she fired to second base resulting in a rundown to get another baserunner.

Rivera finished batting 2-for-4, while MEGAN BELIO went 2-for-2, as the pair collected more than half of the Eagles' seven hits.


CIF FASTPITCH PLAYOFFS
Div. I
Div. II
Div. III
1. Mira Mesa
2. Vista
3. Escondido
4. Rancho Bernardo
5. Poway
6. La Costa Canyon
7. El Camino
8. Torrey Pines
9. Granite Hills
10. Bonita Vista
11. Rancho BV
12. Carlsbad
1. Mt. Carmel
2. Scripps Ranch
3. West Hills
4. Westview
5. San Pasqual
6. Mar Vista
7. Mission Hills
8. Hilltop
9. Grossmont
10. Point Loma
11. Eastlake
12. EC-Southwest

1. Steele Canyon
2. Santana

3. Brawley
4. Ramona
5. Cathedral
6. University City
7. Our Lady of Peace
8. Valhalla
9. Clairemont
10. Monte Vista
11. San Dieguito Aca.
12. Madison

Saturday's Games
Granite Hills at Torrey Pines, 10 a.m. (winner vs. Mira Mesa)
Carlsbad at Poway (winner vs. Rancho Bernardo)
Rancho Buena Vusta at La Costa Canyon (winner vs. Escondido)
Bonita Vista at El Camino (winner vs. Vista)
Saturday's Games
Grossmont at Hilltop, 10 a.m. (winner vs. Mt. Carmel)
EC-Southwest at San Pasqual (winner vs. Westview)
Eastlake vs. Mar Vista (winner vs. West Hills)
Point Loma at Mission Hills (winner vs. Scripps Ranch)
Saturday's Games
Clairemont at Valhalla, 10 a.m. (winner vs. Steele Canyon)
Madison at Cathedral (winner vs. Ramona)
San Dieguito Aca. at University City (winner vs. Brawley)
Monte Vista vs. OLP at Serra Mesa Rec. Ctr., 2 p.m. (winner vs. Santana)
Div. IV
SCHEDULE

1. Imperial
2. Christian
3. Horizon Christian
4. Mountain Empire
5. Francis Parker
6. Marian Catholic
7. San Diego Jewish Academy
8. Coronado
9. Holtville
10. La Jolla Country Day
11. Palo Verde
12. Guajome Park
13. Santa Fe Christian
14. Borrego
15. The Bishop's
16. Julian

Saturday's Games
Holtville at Coronado
Julian at Imperial
Guajome Park at Franics Parker
Santa Fe Christian at Mountain Empire

Palo Verde at Marian Catholic
Borrego at Horizon Christian
LJCD at SD Jewish A.
The Bishop's at Christian, 2 p.m.

First Round
Sat., May 19
Home Sites

Quarterfinals
Tue., May 22
Home Sites, 3:30 p.m.

Semifinals
Thurs., May 24
Sportsplex USA, Poway

Championships
Sat., May 26
San Diego State

Dates, sites, subject to change

Game Times to be announced.


In the middle of the celebration is West Hills junior Kristy Valles
(light blue helmet, hugging No. 5) following her game-winning hit
in the bottom of the 8th to nip Santana, 1-0, to share the GNL crown.
(Photo by Adolfo Villanueva)
Wolf Pack provides turnabout for GNL title

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (5-17-07) -- West Hills High started a lap down to open the season, with the engine smoking, yet they were once again in contention at the finish line when the games really counted.

Playing catch-up to Santana all season long in both the county rankings and the Grossmont North League standings, the Wolf Pack roared back to grab a share of the title on the final day of the regular season Wednesday (May 16) after nipping the Sultans, 1-0 in 8 innings. The decision allowed the teams to finish in a dead heat with 10-2 records in league play.

KRISTY VALLES provided the game's lone run with a soaring double over the left-fielder's head, allowing FAITH KORIA (walk, stolen base) to score on the walk-off blast to the fence.

The Wolf Pack tap and slap hands and gloves to prepare for action.
(Photo by Adolfo Villanueva)
"It just showed the composure of the girls," said West Hills coach STEVE SUTTON of his team which staggered out of the gate at 1-5, but has captured 23 of 26 ballgames to close the season. "We always knew we were a good team."

Santana took the teams' first meeting, but the Wolf Pack posted consecutive shutouts of the Sultans, this time on a combined 2-hitter by BRENNA SANDBERG and KYLEE KRINGS.

Sandberg completed her Senior Day performance with five strikeouts in five frames of no-hit ball. Krings then gained two outs on strikes over the final three innings to collect the victory.

Valles finished with a pair of stolen bases, while CASSIDY BAGGETT batted 2-for-2 plus a walk for the Wolf Pack.

REGULAR SEASON FINAL
Win Pct.
(Min. 7 decisions; thru May 16)
PlayerSchool
W-L-S
Britty Balough Santana
8-1-2
Shae BassSantana
18-3-0
Chelsea Velovich West Hills
6-1-0
Kylee KringsWest Hills
11-2-0
Lorena KloppSteele Canyon
7-2-0
Sam BeasleySteele Canyon
12-4-1
Brittney FishtromGrossmont
7-4-0
Brittani BertussiGranite Hills
6-3-0
Jenny LahitteGranite Hills
5-3-0
Brenna SandbergWest Hills
6-4-1
Jessie OwensChristian
8-6-1
Megan BelioGranite Hills
4-4-0
Megan McGirrValhalla
4-4-0
Christine Jacobites Helix
8-9-0
Ashley RenaldiGrossmont
8-9-0
Others:  
Erika BeasleySteele Canyon
5-0-0
Jenna RoyceChristian
5-1-0
Other saves -- Blumenstock (SC) 1, Gunter (C) 1, Maldonado (MV) 1, McGirr (V) 1, K.McMillan (MV) 1, N.Smith (H) 1.
Home Run Leaders (Thru May 16)
PlayerSchool
HR
Lorena KloppSteele Canyon
9
Hannah RostSteele Canyon
8
Jayme JarvisSteele Canyon
7
Laura NelsonMount Miguel
7
Cammi MooreGrossmont
6
Stasia HoldmanWest Hills
5
Jessie OwensChristian
5
Kelley SeitzValhalla
5
Danielle BaloughSantana
4
Sam BeasleySteele Canyon
4
Brittani Bertussi Granite Hills
4
Kelsey McIlonieSantana
4
Jodie SchmehrValhalla
4
Sarah SeymourChristian
4
Shae BassSantana
3
Andrea NeddenGrossmont
3
Amanda PlumChristian
3
2 -- Dronenburg (H), Hill (G), Lahitte (GH; both slams), Nau (G), Nedden (G), Perea (MV), Renaldi (G), Schatz (GH), Scott (C).
With the victory, West Hills (24-8) hopes to climb in the seedings for the CIF Division II championships, perhaps reaching as high as the No. 3 slot behind Mt. Carmel and Scripps Ranch. Meanwhile, Santana (26-4), the top-ranked Division III school by both of the county's major media polls, will now be in a dogfight for the top seed with Steele Canyon.

The complete pairings in all division are slated to be released Thursday (May 17) night by the CIF-San Diego Section office.

The same situation resulting in a co-championship occurred two years ago, but the roles were reversed when Santana also took a 1-0 decision in 8 innings to forge the deadlock.

El Capitan 3, Grossmont 0 -- The Vaqueros, an obvious bubble team in an attempt to secure a CIF Division III playoff berth, gave it their best shot of the season in downing the visiting Foothillers behind a 5-hit shutout by junior JULIANNA DUNCAN. It was El Cap's second straight shutout victory to close the regular season.

"It was probably Julianna's best performance of the season," noted Vaqueros coach JOE COTA. "She frustrated Grossmont by hitting her spots -- she did a great job."

The possible invitation to the postseason will not be determined until Thursday night, but there was additional motivation for the Vaqueros.

"If we won, I agreed to let them dye my hair any color they want," added Cota, who is no longer endowed with a thick, wavey mane from his youth.

El Capitan (7-15) captured 3 of its last 5 ballgames after making several changes on defense.

"One of them was moving CATHERINE BROWN to shortstop," Cota noted. "But she was unsure about playing there, but told her, 'You're the one.' So she goes out there and made some nice plays -- she did a great job, too."

While the pitching and defense held true, the offense did just enough by posting three runs in the 3rd inning for the game's lone scoring.

Following consecutive basehit by PAIGE BORRAS and SARAH GROHMAN, LESLIE KUHNE made it three straight singles to drive home Borras. An error knocked in another run, then AMANDA COMBS slugged a double to complete the team's biggest single-inning outburst of the month.

Steele Canyon 5, Helix 1 -- The Cougars became the first Grossmont Conference school to post an undefeated ledger in either league this decade by completing a 10-0 slate in the Grossmont South League after topping the host Highlanders. Steele Canyon outscored its GSL opponents by a 78-5 count, including five shutouts while allowing just a single run in the remaining five contests.

East County's top home run hitting team added to three more to their totals, including back-to-back shots by VANESSA ADAME and SAM BEASLEY to open the scoring in the 3rd inning. It would be all the offense needed by Beasley, who tossed a 2-hitter and struckout five in raising her season pitching record to 12-4.

Helix shortstop ALYSSA DRONENBURG immediately responded with an RBI single to center, scoring BETH AMANN, who was hit by a pitch, then advanced into scoring position on an error.

However, the Cougars' big bats answered back when JAYME JARVIS led off the 4th with her seventh homer of the season. LISA MONGELLI followed with a basehit, coming around the diamond on a pair of stolen bases and a throwing error.

Steele Canyon placed the finishing touches on its league title when LORENA KLOPP doubled in the 5th, racing home on an RBI single by JAZMIN DAIGLE. The Cougars (24-6-1) closed the regular slate with an 11-game winning streak, plus win in 14 of their last 16 outings.

Wed., May 16
Grossmont North League
WOLF PACK 1, SULTANS 0 (8 inn.)

Santana (26-4)
West Hills (24-8)

000 000 00 - 0 2 2
000 000 01 - 1 7 1

No out when winning run scored.
Bass and Fenn; Sandberg, Krings (6) and Cobb. W-Krings (11-2). L-Bass (18-3). HR-none.

VAQUEROS 3, FOOTHILLERS 0

Grossmont (14-13-1)
El Capitan (8-15)

000 000 0 - 0 5 1
003 000 x - 3 8 1

Fishtrom, Renaldi (6) and Moore; Duncan and Combs. W-Duncan (5-7). L-Fishtrom (7-4). HR-none.

Grossmont South League
EAGLES 1, MATADORS 0

Granute Hills (15-10)
Mount Miguel (7-21)

100 000 0 - 1 2 0
000 000 0 - 0 5 0

Belio and Schatz; Fabela, Nelson (1) and C.Jones. W-Belio (4-4). L-Fabela (0-10). HR-none

NORSEMEN 2, MONARCHS 0

Monte Vista (11-18-1)
Valhalla (12-16)

000 000 0 - 0 2 2
000 000 2 - 2 6 0

Mullins and Perea; Uy and Seitz. W-Uy (4-6). L-Mullins (8-13). HR-Seitz (V), 7th, one on, walk-off.

COUGARS 5, HIGHLANDERS 1

Steele Canyon (24-6-1)
Helix (11-14)

002 210 0-5 10 1
001 000 0-1 02 1

S.Bealsey and Rost; Jacobites, Diaz (4) and Martin del Campo. W-S.Beasley (12-4). L-Jacobites (8-9). HR-Adame (SC), 3rd, solo; S.Beasley (SC), 3rd, b2b; Jarvis (SC), 4th, lead.

Valhalla 2, Monte Vista 0 -- Sophomore pitcher ANGELA UY carried a perfect game into the 7th inning, but it wasn't until the bottom of the 7th when this game was decided when junior catcher KELLEY SEITZ bombed a 2-run, walkoff homer to power the Norsemen past the Monarchs.

Uy retired 18 consecutive batters, then survived a Monte Vista rally in the 7th, when the visitors registered its lone hits.

Monarchs third baseman BRITTANY WRIGHT snapped Uy's streak with a double, then a roller by LYDIA VENIEGAS barely skipped into left field. And with the Norsemen defense more concerned about Wright, a heads-up Veniegas slipped into second base to place a pair of runners into scoring position.

However, Uy escaped by converting a double play and coaxing a lazy fly ball for an out.

"Angela caught a soft liner right at her feet," said Valhalla coach DOUG HARTUNG. "Then she threw to CELINA CRUZ at 3rd base for the second out."

Senior Day at Valhalla saw KAYLA DeSTEFANO gain a rare start in centerfield. But she contributed heavily.

"Kayla's only had a few hits all year," added the coach. "But she came through despite sitting on the bench all season."

DeStefano, who went 2-for-3, reached base on a two-out error in the 7th. Sietz followed with her 5th homer of the season, sending a no-doubter over the fence in left-centerfield.

Granite Hills 1, Mount Miguel 0 -- The Eagles needed just four batters to score, then rode the pitching arm of MEGAN BELIO to blank the Matadors to secure second place all to themselves in the South League.

Designated player MANDY OBNEY provided one of just two hits allowed by the Matadors all afternoon, but it would be enough.

Following a pair of one-out walks to JESSIE SCHATZ and Belio, Obney laced a double to the fence in left, scoring Schatz.

Mount Miguel then switched pitchers, as LAURA NELSON tossed 6 2/3 innings of 1-hit ball. However, Belio (4-4) struck out eight batters in her 5-hit shutout in her first start in two weeks when she fell to the Matadors. It was also her first victory since Apr. 19 against Helix.


Santana clinches, but exclusivity sought

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (5-16-07) -- The Santana Sultans staved off a late Grossmont rally, but the pressure only just began.

Even with the clinching of at least a share of the Grossmont North League championship following Tuesday's (May 14) 4-3 victory over the defending champion Foothillers, the Sultans now hope to avoid a feat they performed to share the 2005 title.

Trailing West Hills by one game heading into the final week of the season, Santana nipped the Wolf Pack on the next-to-last day of the season, 1-0 in 8 innings, to forge a co-title. Now the roles are reversed as West Hills hosts the Sultans in Wednesday's (May 16) regular season finale.

A victory by West Hills means a fourth crown in six seasons, while preventing Santana from its first outright title in a decade.

Santana 4, Grossmont 3 -- Sultans senior SHAE BASS pitched six strong innings, leaving with a 4-2 lead, then reliever BRITTY BALOUGH left the potential tying and winning runners on base to guarantee no worse than the school's second GSL crown in three seasons. Santana shared the 2005 title with West Hills.

Balough allowed a pair of basehits, with an error allowing an unearned run to score to halve the lead. Then it was decision time for Sultans coach MIKE BASS. With Grossmont catcher CAMMI MOORE, who had earlier bombed her 7th homer of the year, coming to the plate, the intentional walk was issued to place the potential winning run on base.

Tue., May 15
Grossmont North League
WOLF PACK 8, BRAVES 1

West Hills (23-8)
El Cajon Valley (3-17)

010 160 0 - 8 11 2
000 001 0 - 1 00 3

Krings, Sandberg (4), Velovich (6) and Fenn; Wilson and Garcia. W-Krings (10-2). L-Wilson (3-17). HR-none.

SULTANS 4, FOOTHILLERS 3

Grossmont (14-12-1)
Santana (26-3)

010 001 1 - 3 6 0
002 110 x - 4 6 1

Renaldi, Fishtrom (5) and Moore; Bass, B.Balough (7) and Fenn. W-Bass (18-2). L-Renaldi (8-9). HR-Moore (G), 2nd lead; D.Balough (S), 4th, solo.

However, Balough escaped with a groundout to Shae Bass at shortstop to cap Senior Day in eastern Santee.

Grossmont took an early 1-0 lead in the 2nd.

ANDREA NEDDEN walked, Moore started her 3-for-3 outing with a basehit, then ADRIANA NAU walked to load the bases. ANGELA LOVELADY followed with a ground ball to the right side for a fielder's choice and the run.

Santana then posted four runs over the next three innings to mount a 4-1 advantage.

Consecutive doubles by KELSEY McILONIE and RACHEL FAILLA produced a run in the 3rd, then Failla scored on a basehit by MICHELLE BRAMLAGE.

DANIELLE BALOUGH followed with a one-out, solo homer in the 4th, then Britty Balough singled home a run in the 5th.

West Hills 8, El Cajon Valley 1 -- There's no telling who will pitch Wednesday's (May 16) game for the Wolf Pack after all three of their starters saw work in a combined no-hitter of the Braves.

KYLEE KRINGS gained the win after going the first (designated) three innings, striking out four batters. BREANNA SANDBERG struck out three in her two innings, then CHELSEA VELOVICH struck out three over the final two frames, although tagged for an unearned run on a trio of miscues.

EMILY RAULS reached on an error in the 6th, advancing to second on an illegal pitch, then took two bases on a wild pitch which bounded around the backstop.

By then, the Wolf Pack had already mounted an 8-0 lead, including six runs in the 5th.

With the bases loaded, a basehit by MELISSA HILL scored MICHERIE KORIA, Sandberg doubled to score KRISTY VALLES and KAITLIN COBB.

The rally continued when CASSIDY BAGGETT doubled to score Sandberg, with Baggett coming home on a basehit by BROOKE COWAN.

El Cajon Valley,which opened the season with a 3-1 mark, closes its year with a 3-17 overall record.
Diaz' return marked by no-hitter

© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (5-15-07) -- As far as TERESE DIAZ is concerned, just throw the results from her first game back pitching for Helix High in the trash heap. Instead, place her second game for preservation in her trophy case.

Diaz captured her first victory wearing Scotties green, tossing a no-hitter at Monte Vista in Monday's (May 14) 3-0 Grossmont South League decision. It was the junior's second no-hitter of the season, having blanked Valhalla in a Cougar Classic contest back on March 8 -- a contest which was halted after 5 innings.

However, her second no-hitter didn't become official until minutes after the ballgame had ended, as both coaches came together to discuss the scoring on a grounder to the left-side of the infield in the 4th inning.

"LYDIA VENIEGAS hit a sharp grounder, but the throw pulled the first baseman two feet off the bag," said Monarchs coach SIG CHABROWSKI. "It was an error all the way."

And since the home team's scorebook is the official book, Helix coach MARK PAULE was more than pleased that there would be no controversy for his player who has been the subject of speculation when the CIF ruled she was eligible for a midseason transfer.

"It was all about softball today," noted Paule. "And Terese was on. She had great stuff -- both her command and her location -- and we played good defense behind her."

Unlike Diaz' debut against Granite Hills, when five errors led to six unearned runs, the Scotties' defense made the plays, with both coaches noting there were no single great plays with the glove needed to keep the no-hitter alive -- it was pretty routine... at least for a no-hitter.

Following the error, Monte Vista placed runners on the corners because of a dropped third strike, but Diaz escaped the jam with another strikeout. For the ballgame, she fanned 13 batters without issuing a walk. She also slugged a 1st-inning solo homer to left-center for all the offense she would need.

Helix later single runs scored in the 4th and 7th innings, both times by barely beating throws to the plate.

JESSICA FERNANDEZ made it 2-0 with a double, a steal of third, and when the throw scooted into left field, she barely beat the throw home from the outfield.

CHANEL McNUTT also barely made it from third. The senior was checked back on a ground ball to the left side, but the throw to first skipped past the defender. McNutt streaked for home, but the Monarchs second baseman backed up the play and fired home, but a split-second too late.

Diaz is now 5-4 for the season, 1-1 with the Scotties.

West Hills 5, Grossmont 4 -- Moments after the host Foothillers scored three times in the 6th to complete a rally from a 3-0 deficit, the Wolf Pack answered with a pair of markers in the 7th to eliminate the Hillers from Grossmont North League title consideration.

KAITLIN COBB came through with the big, two-out hit, lining a drive to the gap in right-centerfield. FAITH KORIA, who reached on a bloop single to left, easily scored, but third base coach STEVE SUTTON kept pumping his arm to signal MELISSA HILL (walked) to also race home from first base, barely beating the throw for the go-ahead run.

KYLEE KRINGS, who entered in relief in the 6th after Grossmont took the lead, set the Hillers down in order in the 7th to gain the triumph. Krings raised her record to 9-2, now ranking third among East County pitchers in victories.

West Hills started fast with two quick runs in the 1st. BRIANNA AUSTIN scored from third by beating the throw from shortstop on a grounder by CASSIDY BAGGETT. With the bases still loaded, JAYLEEN BUSH registered an RBI single to plate BRIANNA LaCHUSA.

In the 4th, the Pack's advantage went to 3-0 on three consecutive walks to SHARLANA BURNER, Austin and LaChusa, followed by a slow roller to third base by KRISTY VALLES for another run.

Grossmont's bats finally awoke in the 5th when KINDRA MYERS doubled and stole third base, eventually scoring on a single to centerfield by ANGELA LOVELADY.

One inning later, CAMMI MOORE drilled a 2-run double to score CORAL CASDEN and ANDREA NEDDEN to tie the contest. Moore then scored the go-ahead run on a double to left-centerfield by ADRIANA NAU.

"This one was a tough one to lose," said Hillers coach JERRY LERUD. "And now we have to play Santana, so we've got 24 hours to turn it around."

Steele Canyon 5, Mount Miguel 1 -- The Matadors hung tight with the Grossmont South League champions for most of the contest before the Cougars snapped a 1-1 deadlock by posting four runs in the 5th inning.

However, it was an unorthodox way of getting the offense rolling, as the first three batters all reached on bunts for basehits.

"We weren't doing much with the bats, so we tried to do something to get us going," said head coach JULIE BOHE, who saw SAM BEASLEY, VANESSA ADAME and NICOLE RANDEL all do their best impression of San Diego Padres pitcher GREG MADDOX -- one of the Majors League's top bunters.

LORENA KLOPP just missed her second grand slam of the week, this time settling for a sacrifice fly to left to score Beasley to break the tie. JAZMIN DAIGLE broke the ballgame open with a 2-run double, followed by an RBI single by KELLY CASH.

Mount Miguel took a 1-0 lead in the 2nd behind COREE MOLINA. GIGI RAMIREZ started the frame by reaching on an error, with a failed fielder's choice and a hit batter loading the bases. Molina followed with a solid single to left to score Ramirez.

The Cougars immediately got even when LISA MONGELLI walked, eventually scoring on a Beasley single. Meanwhile, younger sister ERIKA BEASLEY moved her pitching record to 5-0 by tossing a 4-hitter at the Matadors. However, an unusual double play in the 6th saved her.

After allowing a triple to Ramirez, a grounder to third base forced Ramirez to stay when the defender checked the baserunner, but she took off for home on the throw to first. The relay came home to catcher HANNAH ROST. However, Rost missed the tag, but Ramirez also missed home plate, but a second effort by Rost allowed her to make the tag to end the inning.

Mon., May 14
Grossmont North League
VAQUEROS 4, BRAVES 0

El Cajon Valley (3-16)
El Capitan (7-15)

000 000 0 - 0 1 1
002 002 x - 4 8 0

Wilson and Garcia; Grohman and Combs. W-Grohman (3-7). L-Wilson (3-16). HR-none.

WOLF PACK 5, FOOTHILLERS 4

West Hills (22-8)
Grossmont (14-11-1)

200 100 2 - 5 6 1
000 013 0 - 4 5 3

Velovich, Krings (6) and Cobb; Fishtrom, Renaldi (4) and Moore. W-Krings (9-2). L-Renaldi (8-8).HR-none.

Grossmont South League
HIGHLANDERS 3, MONARCHS 0

Helix (11-13)
Monte Vista (11-17-1)

100 100 1 - 3 5 3
000 000 0 - 0 0 1

Diaz and Martin del Campo; Mullins and Perea. W-Diaz (5-4; 1-1). L-Mullins (8-12). HR-Diaz (H), 4th, solo.

COUGARS 4, MATADORS 1

Mount Miguel (7-20)
Steele Canyon (23-6-1)

010 000 0 - 1 4 6
010 040 x - 5 8 1

Nelson and C.Jones; E.Beasley and Rost. W-E.Beasley (5-0). L-Nelson (5-9). HR-none.

EAGLES 3, NORSEMEN 0

Valhalla (11-16)
Granite Hills (14-10)

000 000 0 - 0 2 1
101 010 x - 3 5 1

Cruz and Houston; Lahitte and Schatz. W-Lahitte (5-3). L-Cruz (3-5). HR-Bertussi (GH), 1st, solo.

Granite Hills 3, Valhalla 0 -- BRITTANI BERTUSSI jumpstarted the Eagles with a 1st-inning solo home run, the only offense needed by pitcher JENNY LAHITTE, who spun a 2-hitter in sinking the Norsemen.

After Bertussi collected her 4th homer of the season, Lahitte overcame some early wildness to strikeout six batters for her shutout. She walked four.

MEGAN BELIO was the focal points for the other Granite Hills runs.

In the 3rd, Belio singled, moved to second on a passed ball, then while stealing third she came home and scored on a throwing error. Two innings later, Belio was credited with the RBI by bringing home KYLEE WILSON, who doubled to left, moved to third on a LAUREN HAGEMANN sacrifice bunt, then after walk to JORDAN CONWAY came home on Belio's low liner to left field.

El Capitan 4, El Cajon Valley 0 -- Sophomore SARAH GROHMAN tossed her third shutout of the season, helping the Vaqueros maintain their playoff aspirations in the CIF Division III pool.

Grohman was effectively wild in tossing a 1-hitter. She walked eight batters, but kept El Cajon Valley batters on their toes all day while striking out 12, allowing only a single basehit to MEGAN HILL with one out in the 6th inning.

Grohman also delivered at the plate, stroking an RBI double to right field in the 6th, when El Capitan doubled its lead. They opened the scoring with a pair of runs in the 3rd, when a passed ball allowed CARINA HALE to score, then a ground ball to the right side by CATHERINE BROWN allowed LESLIE KUHNE to trot home.

JULIANNA DUNCAN hit a one-out single to open the 6th, scoring on Grohman's hit. El Capitan then received consecutive basehits by Hale, Kohne and Brown to chase Grohman home.

In Division III, there are seven teams with winning records, following by four others with double-digit victory totals. That leaves the Vaqueros (7-15) in a battle with Mount Miguel (7-20), Madison (9-15) and four others teams with six wins for the division's final postseason berth.


Higher goals set by GSL champion Cougars

© East County Sports.com
JAMUL (5-11-07) -- On a day when Steele Canyon High clinched its first outright Grossmont South League softball crown, Cougars coach JULIE BOHE made it known there are more lofty goals yet to achieve.

Steele Canyon senior Sam Beasley
(Photo by Adolfo Villanueva)
"After we blew it last year and had to share the league title, everyone knew we wanted to win the title by ourselves this year," said Bohe. "But we also wanted to go undefeated in league, too."

The Cougars -- the defending CIF Division III titlists -- sit just two victories away from a perfect GSL slate after whipping second-place Granite Hills, 9-0.

In one of several outstanding pitching performances throughout the East County on Thursday (May 10), senior SAM BEASLEY was in control throughout in spinning a 2-hit shutout at the Eagles. Beasley struck out six and allowed just two harmless singles all afternoon.

"Sam put a serious hurt on them -- they never touched her," added Bohe. "She pitched a great game."

Freshman LORENA KLOPP, the heir apparent as starting pitcher upon Beasley's graduation, remains perfect at the plate since returning from injury. For the second time this week, Klopp reached base on all four of her at-bats (8-for-8, 3 hits, 5 walks), including a 2-run homer to give Steele Canyon a 3-0 lead in the 1st inning.

VANESSA ADAME opened the inning with a single, stole second, went to third on a Beasley single, then scored on a wild pitch. Klopp followed with a shot that handily cleared the fence in left and rolled to The Great Wall for her East County leading 9th shot of the season.

Steele Canyon head coach Julie Bohe (in red) holds a quick meeting with her Cougars, which clinched the South League
crown. At far left is shortstop Lisa Mongelli, followed by Bohe,
corner infielder Jazmin Daigle and left fielder Jayme Jarvis.
(Photo by Adolfo Villanueva)
Klopp is within two homers of the East County record, set in 2005 by KASEY MYTINGER of West Hills.

Adame finished with a 3-for-4 performance, while team captain JAYME JARVIS went 2-for-4 and reached base on all four trips to the plate.

The only Eagles hits were recorded by catcher JESSIE SCHATZ to lead the 2nd,
and shortstop NICOLE RIVERA in the 4th.

Monte Vista 7, Mount Miguel 1 -- Coaches always seem to forget that they take losses a whole lot harder than the playersdo. So the Monarchs' staff had to be more than pleased by coming back from an unsightly, double-digit wipeout to storm back and defeat the Matadors.

"Everyone assumed we were dead in the water," explained Monte Vista coach SIG CHABROWSKI. "After the Steele Canyon game, we could've been demoralized. But we came back hard in practice and took care of business, then we came out today and produced."

Four times, the Monarchs scored a pair of runs in an inning to slowly stretch the lead to move within a game of second-place Granite Hills.

BRITTANY WRIGHT led the charge by going 4-for-4, including RBI singles in the 3rd and 5th innings. The freshman also stole a pair of bases.

In between Wright’s run-scoring hits, KAITLYN McMILLAN hit her first homer of the season, a 2-run shot in the 4th.

Catcher JESIKA PEREA batted 3-for-4 and scored three times, while AMANDA AGUON added a pair of hits. Both are sophomores.

Trailing 6-0, Mount Miguel gained its lone run in the 6th. COREE MOLINA slugged a double to centerfield, then pinchrunner KELSEY QUIJADA moved to third on a GABBY NAIDAS single past the second baseman, then scored on a sacrifice fly to left by catcher CATRINA JONES.

It was the lone blemish on the pitching line of Monarchs starter WHITNEY MULLINS, who yielded just five hits.

Helix 8, Valhalla 0 -- Senior pitcher CHRISTINE JACOBITES spun a 3-hit shutout to lead the Highlanders past the free-falling Norsemen. It took most of the season, yet Jacobites was finally able to level her pitching record, which now rests at 8-8 heading into the final week of the regular season.

The Scotties' triumph also made a mess of the Grossmont South League standings. While Steele Canyon has clinched the title, Granite Hills sits in second place at 4-4, while the four remaining ballclubs are all at 3-5 in GSL play.

Jacobites took the place of mid-season transfer TERESE DIAZ, whose return to Helix was most inhospitable after getting hit around Tuesday by Granite Hills. So a motivated Jacobites took control early, carrying a no-hitter into the 4th inning.

"Christine threw a fantastic game," said Helix coach MARK PAULE, who also acknowledged that Diaz was cleared to play by both CIF and school administrators. "And she got a lot of solid defensive support behind her."

Included were several stops by shortstop ALYSSA DRONENBURG to aid with Jacobites' shutout.

The Highlanders jumped on Valhalla by scoring seven times in their first trip to the plate.

Dronenburg opened the assault with a basehit, followed by a walk to JESSICA FERNANDEZ. Helix then registered four consecutive singles -- by Diaz, NATALIE SMITH, BAILEY REID and Jacobites -- for a 3-0 lead, then ALYSSA BRITSCHGI bombed a 2-run double to break it open.

Smith (2-for-2) added another RBI hit in the 4th to cap the scoring.

Patrick Henry 8, Christian 0 -- According to sources -- except the offices of the SDCIF -- Patrick Henry senior Donna Kerr tossed her final game as a high school pitcher -- and she went out in style, striking out 19 in tossing a no-hitter at the visiting Christian Patriots.

Reports from Patrick Henry coaches, players and parents indicate that the team played its final contest after self-reporting a rules violation by using an ineligible player for six contests. However, San Diego Section officials still have not officially ruled on the violation.

A section rule, implemented for the 2006-07 school year, states a team will be prevented from participating in the playoffs if it forfeits too many contests. In the case of softball that number is four ballgames -- the Patriots are reporting six games in question. However, only two are league games – four are tournament games. The problem here is the CIF’s foggy interpretation of their own guidelines has left the Henry Patriots in limbo.

(Editor's Note -- When Henry reported this game result to local media outlets, they stated the team's overall record at 15-11-1, which includes the forfeits).

Thus, if Kerr completed her season on Thursday (May 10), it may be the space needed by Mira Mesa pitcher Melissa Tillett to be the section's all-time strikeout artist with as many as three extra games in the postseason in which to pitch.

Christian head coach ROMA DAWSON, who has seen both pitchers throughout their careers, is more than familiar with standout strikeout performers. Included is her daughter, former record-holder SARAH DAWSON, a former collegiate All-American who now is coaching at Louisiana-Monroe.

"Let me just say that both (college) teams will be really pleased with their selections," said Roma Dawson. "Donna pitched a great game today, but Melissa gave us fits, too. Just when we thought we had either of them figured out to get some hits, they adjust and are unhittable once again."

"They both get the job done."

Kerr is ticketed for UCLA on scholarship, while Tillett is heading for Northern Iowa.

Meanwhile, Christian pitcher JENNA ROYCE saw her perfect record get clipped. However, knowing your lone loss in a 5-1 ledger was against one of the best takes some sting out of the wound -- making for some fancy story-telling in years to come.

With the City Conference season ending a week before the Grossmont Conference does, Christian will have about 12 days to prepare for the CIF playoffs. The Patriots are in contention with defending champion Francis Parker and '06 runner-up Imperial for the top seed.

Imperial defeated Christian in last season's semifinals, then nipped the Pats in a 5-inning, time-limit shortened contest at the Valley Center Tournament in March.

Thurs., May 10
Grossmont North League
WOLF PACK 7, VAQUEROS 0

El Capitan (6-15)
West Hills (21-8)

000 000 0 - 0 01 0
021 400 x - 7 10 0

Grohman and Combs; Sandberg and Cobb, M.Koria (5). W-Sandberg (6-4). L-Grohman (2-7). HR-none.

SULTANS 15, BRAVES 0 (6 inn.)

Santana (25-3)
El Cajon Valley(3-15)

2(10)0 003-15 15 0
000 000-00 02 3

Bass, B.Balough (6) and Fenn, Carillo (2); Wilson and Garcia. W-Bass (17-2). L-Wilson (3-15). HR-none.

Grossmont South League
COUGARS 8, EAGLES 0

Granite Hills (13-10)
Steele Cyn (22-6-1)

000 000 0 - 0 02 1
301 014 x - 9 11 0

Bertussi and Schatz; S.Beasley and Rost. W-S.Beasley (11-4). L-Bertussi (6-3). HR-Klopp (SC, 9), 1st, one on.

MONARCHS 8, MATADORS 1

Monte Vista (11-16-1)
Mount Miguel (7-19)

002 220 2 - 8 14 0
000 001 0 - 1 05 0

Mullins and Perea; Nelson and C.Jones. W-Mullins (8-11). L-Nelson (5-8). HR-K.McMillan (MV), 4th, one on.

HIGHLANDERS 8, NORSEMEN 0

Valhalla (11-15)
Helix (10-13)

000 000 0 - 0 03 2
700 100 x - 8 12 1

McGirr, Cruz (1) and Seitz; Jacobites, D.Smith (7) and Martin del Campo. W-Jacobites (8-8). L-McGirr (4-4). HR-none.

Eastern League
PATRIOTS 8, PATRIOTS 0

Christian (17-8)
Patrick Henry (15-11-1)

000 000 0-0 00 5
030 014 x-8 10 1

Royce, Gunter (5) and Scott; Kerr and Hensley. W-Kerr. L-Royce (5-1). Notable: Donna Kerr (PH), no-hitter, 19 Ks.

Non-League
FOOTHILLERS 1, MUSTANGS 0 (8 inn.)

Grossmont (14-10-1)
Otay Ranch (19-9)

000 000 01 - 1 3 1
000 000 00 - 0 3 1

Renaldi and Moore; Galindo and Marin. W-Renaldi (8-7). L-Galindo (3-3). HR-none.

Grossmont 1, Otay Ranch 0 (8 inn.) -- In an important, non-league contest which could determine if either side gains a home game in the opening round of the playoffs, the Division II Foothillers finally found a gap in the massive outfield of their South Bay opponent's field to outlast the Division I Mustangs.

ANDREA NEDDEN continued her recent assault at the plate, belting a triple to right-centerfield to score MEGAN GREEN for the game's only run in the 8th inning. Nedden's hot streak began three weeks ago when she hit homers over three consecutive games, and has continued with either extra-base hits or key basehits for runs to keep Grossmont in contention.

"She's just seeing the ball real well," said Hillers coach JERRY LERUD. "It can be a 2-strike count, yet she's still hitting the ball hard every time."

The rally started when AMBER LOVELADY walked, then Green reached on a fielder's choice. Nedden then pounded the ball to the gap and circled the bases. However, she was sent home in an effort for an inside-the-park homer, but was out at the plate.

"Stupid coach," admitted the skipper.

Meanwhile, pitcher ASHLEY RENALDI was hardly touched by Otay Ranch to collect the victory. She allowed just three soft singles, striking out eight and gaining four assists on tappers back to the circle.

The Hillers also turned a pair of early double plays to keep the game scoreless.

In the 1st, one of Renaldi's assists led to a pitcher-to-shortstop-to-first twin-killing, as Green made a strong throw to KENDRA MYERS. An inning later, catcher CAMMI MOORE quickly moved laterally to collect a short popfly, then fired to second baseman DESIREE OLSON to beat the Mustangs runner back to the bag.

The only time Renaldi was in trouble came in the 4th when the Mustangs collected two of their hits, loading the bases with no one out. But she preserved the shutout with a pair of strikeouts, then a grounder to Green at shortstop.

Otay Ranch pitcher Rebecca Galindo also yielded just three hits, yet took the loss.

West Hills 7, El Capitan 0 -- Senior pitcher BRENNA SANDBERG spun a 1-hit shutout to lift the Wolf Pack to another 20-victory season. Sandberg struck out 14 Vaqueros to register a season-best performance.

MELISSA HILL stroked a double and a triple, including a key double to score a pair runs in the 4th. West Hills scored four times in the inning, including an RBI single by catcher KAITLIN COBB.

CASSIDY BAGGETT and SHARLANA BURNER added two hits each as part of a 12-hit attack, including a double by Baggett, while JAYLEEN BUSH had an RBI double in the 2nd to open the scoring.

Santana 15, El Cajon Valley 0 -- The Sultans scored 10 times in the 2nd inning to bury the Braves in a contest called after six innings.

Winning pitcher SHAE BASS struck out eight batters in her 2-hit shutout, and went 2-for-2 at the plate. NICOLE BRZECZEK batted 2-for-3 for Santana (25-3).


Granite Hills back on the up swing

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-9-07) -- First-year Granite Hills High coach ERIN COYNE doesn't care what the reason is except to note her Eagles are back to their winning ways.

Coyne's troops scored in five of their six at-bats Tuesday (May 8), pulling away for an easy 7-1 sautéing of visiting Helix. The triumph gives Granite Hills sole possession of second place in the Grossmont North League, enhancing the ballclub's playoff possibilities.

"We're finally putting our hits together," noted Coyne. "And you can look to BRITTANI (BERTUSSI) and NICOLE (RIVERA) for leading us there."

Bertussi and Rivera have been the constants on a team which scalded the ball all season, yet found difficulty in driving home runs.

But not against the Highlanders. In almost every inning, when there was a runner in scoring position, someone stepped forward to garnish the inning with a run-scoring hit.

"It's nice to see the team putting things together," added Coyne. "It's been a real up-and-down year."

Bertussi, Rivera and catcher JESSIE SCHATZ each posted two hits, as Rivera collected two RBI. Included was a squeeze bunt to score CHAYLAH ZETSCH in the 2nd, then brought home Bertussi with a basehit in the 4th.

Granite Hills' Nicole Rivera (top) awaits the ball
at shortstop, while pitcher Brittani Bertussi
makes the pitch in the Eagles' 7-1 decision.
(Photos by Adolfo Villanueva )
Bertussi and Schatz also had one RBI each, along with KYLEE WILSON and JORDAN CONWAY. Bertussi also pitched a 4-hitter to collect the victory, allowing Helix' lone run without a basehit.

Meanwhile, Helix welcomed the reacquisition of junior TERESE DIAZ, who was the pitcher for her hometown school of Ramona High during the Cougar Classic earlier this season, including a shutout of Valhalla.

Diaz was a second-team All-Valley League performer while batting .384 last season as a sophomore for the Bulldogs after earning second-team honors in the Grossmont South League as a freshman in 2005.

Although she struggled in the circle in her return with the Scotties, she did collect the team's lone RBI on a bases-loaded walk to cut the deficit to 4-1 in the 3rd.

Santana 5, El Capitan 1 -- Trailing early, the Vaqueros once again moved to within a run against a team above them in the standings, only to again be frustrated in a loss to the 3rd-ranked Sultans.

Down 2-0, SARAH GROHMAN led-off the 3rd with a single, then came all the way around to score when LESLIE KUHEN tripled deep.

However, Santana immediately answered with three additional runs to halt the comeback efforts of El Capitan.

SHAE BASS got the rally started with a double, with a KELSEY McILONIE single placing runners at the corners. RACHEL FAILLA brought Bass home on a fielder's choice, while a grounder by MICHELLE BRAMLAGE was misplayed for another run.

Tue., May 8
Grossmont North League
SULTANS 5, VAQUEROS 1

El Capitan (6-14)
Santana (24-3)

001 000 0 - 1 03 3
203 000 x - 5 11 0

Duncan and Combs; B.Balough and Fenn. W-B.Balough (8-1). L-Duncan (4-7). HR-D.Balough (S), 1st, solo.

FOOTHILLERS 7, BRAVES 3

El Cajon Valley (3-14)
Grossmont (13-10-1)

000 001 2 - 3 7 2
240 010 x - 7 7 0

Wilson and Garcia; Fishtrom, Renaldi (6) and Moore, Escalante (2). W-Fishtrom (7-3). L-Wilson (3-14). HR-none.

Grossmont South League
MATADORS 4, NORSEMEN 2

Mount Miguel (7-18)
Valhalla (11-14)

000 003 1 - 4 6 3
200 000 0 - 2 2 0

Nelson and C.Jones; Uy, Cruz (7) and Seitz. W-Nelson (5-7). L-Uy (3-6). HR-Reardon (V), 1st, one on; Nelson 2 (MM), 6th, lead, and 7th, solo; Sutton (MM), 6th, one on.

COUGARS 26, MONARCHS 0

Steele Cyn (21-6-1)
Monte Vista (10-16-1)

318 (14)0-26 26 0
000 00-00 04 5

E.Beasley and Cash, Rost (3); Mullins, Maldonado (3), Abeyta (3), Mullins (4) and Perea. W-E.Beasley (4-0). L-Mullins (7-11). HR-Jarvis 2 (SC), 3rd, two on, and 4th, two on; Rost (SC), 4th, slam.

EAGLES 7, HIGHLANDERS 1

Helix (9-13)
Granite Hills (13-9)

001 000 0 - 1 4 5
121 102 x - 7 9 0

Diaz and Martin del Campo; Bertussi and Schatz. W-Bertussi (6-2). L-Diaz (0-1). HR-none.

Eastern League
PATRIOTS 10, TIGERS 4

Christian (17-7)
Morse (7-16)

150 022 0 - 10 12 0
100 002 1 - 04 06 1

Owens and Scott; Tirado and Calabrese, Reifschneider (7). W-Owens (8-6). L-Tirado. HR-none.

Santana raced to a quick 2-0 advantage. DANIELLE BALOUGH opened the 1st with a solo homer, following by singles from AMANDA CARPENTER, Bass and McIlonie for another run.

McIlonie finished with a 3-for-3 outing, while Balough went 2-for-4 including a double. Meanwhile, BRITTY BALOUGH pitched a 3-hitter for the Sultans, lifting her record to 8-1 to match Bass (16-2) for the best winning percentage among East County pitchers.

Santana is now 1 1/2 games in front of 9th-ranked West Hills in the Grossmont North League standings, but the Wolf Pack has an extra game still to play before the ballclubs complete the regular season with a head-to-head showdown on Wed., May 16, at West Hills.

Christian 10, Morse 4 -- The Patriots moved into position for a first-division finish in the Eastern League after breaking a tied ballgame by scoring five times in the 2nd inning to tap out the Tigers.

JESSIE OWENS provided much of the offense and all of the pitching for Christian. Along with her seven strikeouts, the sophomore batted 3-for-5, including a two-run single in the 2nd to help increase the margin to 6-1.

Senior first baseman SARAH SEYMOUR, freshman catcher ALLIE SCOTT and sophomore outfield KRISTINA WYNNS each aided a 13-hit attack with two hits each.

Seymour provided an RBI single in the 2nd, then led-off the 5th with a basehit, eventually scoring for a 7-1 advantage. Scott doubled and later scored on a KARA CARTWRIGHT knock in the 5th, then Wynns completed the scoring by driving home a pair -- ALLISON GUNTER and Owens -- with a double to left-centerfield in the 6th.

Christian retained its hold on fourth place in league play, but may be elevated into third place if and when the CIF makes a ruling on the Patrick Henry situation.

Although the CIF office failed to return the communication efforts of East County Sports.com, officials at Henry, in a self-policing action, turned itself in for use of an ineligible player in six contests. Included were a pair of league contests, with the ensuing forfeitures -- if and when declared by the CIF -- would drop the Henry Patriots in the standings and completely out of the section playoffs.

Helix catcher Andi Martin del Campo (top)
frames a pitch from Ramona High transfer
Terese Diaz, who is pictured in discussion
with Scotties head coach Mark Paule.
(Photos by Adolfo Villanueva )
Grossmont 7, El Cajon Valley 3 -- ANDREA NEDDEN stroked run-scoring singles in both the 1st and 2nd innings, as the Hillers jumped to a quick 6-0 lead to baste the Braves.

Nedden, a senior, followed an RBI single by ADRIANA NAU in the 1st with one of her own for a 2-0 lead. An inning later, Nedden capped a 4-run outburst with another drive to left field.

The rally also included a run-scoring double to the fence in centerfield by MEGAN GREEN to score MADDY HILL, while AMBER LOVELADY reached base for the second time in the ballgame on an error, yet was credited with the RBI when the only play would've been to first base.

A year ago, MARISSA UTLEY was the lone diamond in the rough for the Braves. She just completed a solid season as one of the state's batting leaders for Grossmont College. This season, the gemstone is JESSICA COPE, who now has hits in 8 of her last 11 outings with another RBI single for El Cajon Valley.

Cope scored in the 6th when she singled, took second on a wild pitch, stole third, then scored on a basehit by MEGAN HILL. An inning later, Cope singled again to drive home COREY RAINEY, followed by an RBI basehit by catcher DESIREE GARCIA to plate KARI SATROM.

Mount Miguel 4, Valhalla 2 -- Matadors pitcher LAURA NELSON tossed a 2-hitter and slugged a pair of home runs, leading Mount Miguel to its third triumph in five starts while keeping the Norsemen reeling with their fourth consecutive setback.

Nelson was tagged early on a 2-run homer by AMBER REARDON in the 1st inning, then settled in by allowing just one basehit the rest of the way. She struck out four batters.

The Matadors didn't commence their comeback until the late innings.

In the 6th, Nelson parked a solo shot to halve the lead, then Mount Miguel took the lead on a basehit by SONIA RAY, followed by a 2-run homer by SHANICE SUTTON to left-centerfield.

Nelson completed the comeback by belting her 7th homer of the season -- a two-out shot -- to move into third place among the East County leaders.

The Norsemen tried to comeback with their only other hit of the afternoon in the home-half of the 7th, but Nelson stranded the runner to move her season record to 5-7 after opening the campaign with a 1-6 ledger.

Ray finished with two hits for the Matadors, while CATRINA JONES posting the team's other basehit.

Steele Canyon 26, Monte Vista 0 -- The 5th-ranked Cougars went with their third-string pitcher, but it was more than enough to paste the struggling Monarchs.

ERIKA BEASLEY only struck out three batters, but scattered five hits to run her record to 4-0. Three of the victories were by shutout by the junior.

The offense featured a pair of home runs by JAYME JARVIS -- a pair of 3-run shots -- to move into fourth place among the East County leaders. Jarvis finished batting 3-for-5 and scored five times in addition to her six RBI.

Meanwhile, catcher HANNAH ROST, in her first start since returning from a rib injury, smacked a grand slam, catching teammate LORENA KLOPP for the region lead with her 8th homer of the season.

Rost's slam came in the 4th inning, when Steele Canyon posted 14 runs against three pitchers to expand the lead from 12-0 to 26-0. Four errors aided the big inning.

Centerfielder VANESSA ADAME registered four hits, scoring four times and driving in a pair. Corner infielder JAZMIN DAIGLE and left-side infielder LISA MONGELLI also recorded four hits each.

The result could've been worse, as Klopp marked her return to the line-up by just missing a grand slam on a line drive which hit near the top of the fence. Klopp was officially 1-for-1 while being intentionally walked three times -- once to lead-off an inning!

Needless to say, Monte Vista was steaming following the contest, believing the Cougars ran up the score, citing several examples, including Steele Canyon stealing after the whisking was well-established. Steele Canyon noted that the team's only steal came when the score was still just 4-0.


North League headed for another photo finish

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (5-8-07) -- Santana High is heading down to the wire for the third straight season in the race for the Grossmont North League fastpitch title. Only the Sultans are hoping for a repeat of the 2005 season and not last season's disappointment.

With a chance to wrap-up its second championship in three seasons Monday (May 7), the GNL campaign will instead come down to the final week of the season after West Hills pitcher KYLEE KRINGS shutout the visiting Sultans, 2-0, at Wolf Pack Field.

Krings struck out seven batters without issuing a walk, escaping jams in the 2nd and 7th innings to move West Hills to within a game of the league leaders entering the third round of league play.

Two years ago, the Sultans posted shutouts of Grossmont and West Hills during the final week of the regular season to forge a co-championship with the Wolf Pack, but saw the title slip from their hands with late losses in 2006.

This go-round, West Hills made a 2-run rally in the 1st inning stand-up, escaping a 2nd-and-3rd situation with a strikeout in the 2nd, then capping the triumph with a groundball out to again strand a pair of Santana baserunners in the 7th.

"Kylee got out of it every time Santana got runners on base," said Wolf Pack coach STEVE SUTTON. "One of those innings we made an error, but she still made some nice pitches to get out of it."

The Pack were able to chase Sultans starter SHAE BASS following four innings of work, including a trio of major scoring threats. But they only scored during their team's first at-bat.

MICHERIE KORIA started by getting hit by a pitch, one of two plunkings she absorbed to reach base. BRIANNA LaCHUSA and KRISTY VALLES followed with basehits to load the bases, then STASIA HOLDMAN drove home Koria and LaChusa with a single to the gap in right-centerfield.

Holdman and LaChusa each went 2-for-3 for West Hills, along with MELISSA HILL.

West Hills again loaded the bases in the 2nd, then had two runners aboard with no out in the 4th and 5th, but Bass kept the hosts off the scoreboard the first two times, then BRITTY BALOUGH prevented any additional scoring in the 5th.

Grossmont 7, El Capitan 2 -- Like West Hills, the Foothillers were facing elimination Monday (May 7), but staved off a Vaqueros rally by scoring four times in the 7th to break open a close contest. Included were 2-run singles by CORAL KASDEN and MADDIE HILL to keep Grossmont in title contention.

The Hillers' ASHLEY RENALDI and the Vaqueros' SARAH JO GROHMAN battled through four innings of scoreless action before the visitors from Grossmont finally broke through.

ANDREA NEDDEN tripled to deep right to bring home ANGELA LOVELADY, who reached on a one-out single. Nedden then scored on a squeeze bunt by AMBER LOVELADY, who later stole second base, then came home when a pickoff throw sailed into centerfield.

El Capitan swiftly came back to keep things interesting.

PAIGE BORRAS struck a one-out single, then freshman right fielder KELSEY MOODY blasted her first career homer, sending a shot to left-centerfield to trim the deficit to 3-2.

Mon., May 7
Grossmont North League
FOOTHILLERS 7, VAQUEROS 2

Grossmont (12-10-1)
El Capitan (6-13)

000 030 4 - 7 6 0
000 020 0 - 2 6 5

Renaldi and Moore, Escalante (6); Grohman, Duncan (7) and Combs. W-Renaldi (7-7). L-Grohman (2-6). HR-Borras (EC), 5th, one on.

WOLF PACK 2, SULTANS 0

Santana (23-3)
West Hills (20-8)

000 000 0 - 0 5 1
200 000 x - 2 8 1

Bass, B.Balough (5) and Fenn; Krings and Cobb. W-Krings (8-2). L-Bass (16-2). HR-none.

However, Grossmont scored four late runs to remain in third place, resting just two games behind front-running Santana.

Amber Lovelady walked and went to third on a single by Nedden, who promptly stole second. KASDEN plated both on a sharp basehit to left for a 5-2 lead.

Later in the inning, CAMMI MOORE and KENDRA MYERS both stroked basehits, a fielder's choice advanced Moore and erased Myers, then Hill went deep to center for a pair of additional runs.

Renaldi struck out three while blanking El Cap in six of her innings of work, leveling her season record to 7-7. The Vaqs didn't help their cause with five errors.

The GNL's top three teams avoid each other this week, then meet head-to-head all next week to determine a titlist. The slate includes West Hills at Grossmont (Mon., May 14), Grossmont at Santana (Tue., May 15), and Santana at West Hills (Wed., May 16), each slated for 4 p.m. starts.


Steele Canyon senior Sam Beasley tossed a 1-hit
shutout at Valhalla, striking out six and facing just
one batter over the minimum in a 3-0 triumph.
(Photo by Chris Edwards)
Another portrait of a champion

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (5-4-07) -- With two brisk brush strokes, Steele Canyon all-but-mathematically captured a second straight Grossmont South League fastpitch title Thursday (May 3), utilizing home runs by senior SAM BEASLEY and freshman IRENE BLUMENSTOCK to subdue host Valhalla, 3-0.

A year ago, both ballclubs shared the GSL title, but the Cougars were determined to make sure history would not repeat.

"That was one of our goals all year -- win the title outright," said Steele Canyon coach JULIE BOHE. "Someone new always seems to step forward and hit a home run for us."

Steele Canyon senior Sam Beasley
rips her third homer of the season,
sending a shot over Valhalla's
championship banner in center
despite the effort of Norsemen
outfielder Kayla DeStefano. Both
teams shared the 2006 Grossmont
South League title, but in 2007,
the Cougars' magic number is 1.
(Photos by Chris Edwards)
DOUBLE-CLICK ON PHOTOS
TO ENLARGE

More Action Photos HERE
Beasley tagged her third homer of the season with two out in the 3rd inning, then Blumenstock followed a walk to JAYME JARVIS with her two-run shot to left-centerfield in the 6th.

The production of power was all Beasley needed to become East County's second pitcher to reach the 10-win plateau in tossing a 3-hit shutout. She struck out 6 Norsemen to run her season ledger to 10-4.

"A couple of good things happened," added Bohe. "Although we didn't get many hits, we made the most of what we did get. And the defense was solid behind Sam."

Following a pair of clunkers, Valhalla was solid, too. They utilized three pitchers in the staff's 4-hitter, then the Norsemen also displayed some good glovework, including turning a double play when leftfielder JESSIE APPLEBAUM caught a line drive, then firing to first base for the second out. It was Applebaum's sixth outfield assist of the season to rank among the East County leaders.

"We played very well, too," said Valhalla coach DOUH HARTUNG, despite dropping its third straight. "We made some really good plays on defense in both the infield and the outfield or it could've been a lot worse."

Two of Valhalla 's three hits were collected by first baseman KYLA BRANSFORD, who sent liners to left field for a double and a single.

Added Hartung, "The last two games were horrible, but we showed we can still play with the top teams in our division. Our season is anything but over."

Granite Hills 3, Monte Vista 2 -- The host Eagles needed just two batters to get on the scoreboard when BRITTANI BERTUSSI pumped a 2-run homer to centerfield. But it took 6 2/3 innings before they hit the scoreboard again, when MANDY OBNEY drew a bases-loaded walk for the walk-off run to nip the Monarchs.

The triumph made a complete mess of the South League standings, as Granite Hills moved into a second-place deadlock with Valhalla, with three other schools just one game back in a 5-horse race to finish second behind Steele Canyon with two weeks remaining in the regular season.

Despite results as irregular as a heartbeat, the Eagles don't seem concerned and believe they can beat out the rest of the pack for the runner-up tag.

"We're hitting the ball and the defense played good -- we didn't make any errors," said Eagles pitcher JENNY LAHITTE. "So we're happy to be winning again."

It was a severe about-face for the Eagles, but the team doesn't believe they have been as inconsistent as their ledger shows.

"Our offense isn't really stagnant -- we've been hitting, but just not putting those hits together," explained Bertussi, who had two hits while striking the ball solid in all four at-bats. "It's just a mental thing. We just need to practice hard and keep winning."

The winning run in the bottom of the 7th was setup on a miscue on an easy groundball which was booted. Following a lead single by JORDAN CONWAY, LAUREN HAGEMANN sacrificed her to second, MEGAN BELIO reached on the error, then Bertussi lined a sharp single, but Conway was forced to hold at third.

Monte Vista pitcher WHITNEY MULLINS, like she twice accomplished in the 5th, coaxed another popout for the second out. But four pitches below the strike zone to Obney forced home the deciding run.

Trailing 2-0 early, the Monarchs drew even in the 4th. Catcher JESIKA PEREA walked with one out, Mullins bombed a double which short-hopped the fence in left for the first run, then Mullins scored on a two out single by AMBER McMILLIN.

However, the Eagles nailed McMillin attempting to take an extra base, then turned a double play in the 6th when a baserunner took off for second base on a strikeout, but was nailed on a strong throw by catcher JESSIE SCHATZ.

Bertussi and Mullins were the lone players with multiple hits, gaining two each.

Helix 7, Mount Miguel 0 -- Something needed to give in this pairing of ballclubs rising on the confidence scale, as the Highlanders used a pair of pitchers to stop the visiting Matadors on just three hits.

CHRISTINE JACOBITES went the first four innings to earn the win for Helix, striking out three, then NATALIE SMITH pitched the final three frames to collect her second save of the season.

The Scotties scored six times on six hits in the 3rd to break the game open, creating a 3-way tie between the schools plus Monte Vista for fourth place, yet just one game out of second place.

The breakout inning opened on consecutive doubles by ALYSSA DRONENBURG and BETH AMANN. Later, Smith and ALYSSA BRITSCHGI posted run-scoring singles, then MELISSA FARRIOR capped the outburst with a 2-run double down the left-field line.

Helix catcher ANDI MARTIN DEL CAMPO batted 3-for-4, while Dronenburg, Smith and JESSICA FERNANDEZ added two hits each as part of a 13-hit attack.

Santana 3, Grossmont 0 -- Sultans senior SHAE BASS faced just one batter above the minimum, flattening the Foothillers with a dominating 1-hit shutout. Bass struck out nine batters, as the only hit was a line single to center by Grossmont catcher CAMMI MOORE in the 4th.

With its second win in the head-to-head series, Santana pushed the Hillers on the brink of elimination for title consideration in the Grossmont North League, with the Sultans in position to do the same to West Hills in Monday's (May 7) showdown in western Santee.

Santana forged four hits into a pair of 1st-inning runs.

DANIELLE BALOUGH (left-center) and AMANDA CARPENTER (right field) both singled, with KELSEY McILONIE driving home Balough with a basehit to center, then Carpenter scoring on a double-steal with K-Mac.

The other Sultans run came home on a single to right field by MICHELLE BRAMLAGE in the 6th, scoring McIlonie, who singled then advanced on a walk to RACHEL FAILLA.

Meanwhile, Bass only needed one strong effort on defense all afternoon, as BREE PADILLA ran down a drive to the gap in left-center field in the 4th.

Thurs., May 3
Grossmont North League
SULTANS 3, FOOTHILLERS 0

Grossmont (11-10-1)
Santana (23-2)

000 000 0 - 0 1 1
200 001 x - 3 8 0

Fishtrom and Moore; S.Bass and Fenn. W-S.Bass (16-1). L-Fishtrom (6-3). HR-none.

WOLF PACK 11, BRAVES 0

West Hills (19-8)
El Cajon Valley (3-13)

013 421 0-11 15 1
000 000 0-00 02 1

Velovich, Krings (7) and Austin, Cobb (3); Wilson and Garcia. W-Velovich (6-1). L-Wilson (3-13). HR-Holdman 2 (WH, 5), 2nd, lead, and 4th, two on.

Grossmont South League
HIGHLANDERS 7, MATADORS 0

Mount Miguel (6-18)
Helix (9-12)

000 000 0 - 0 03 1
006 100 x - 7 13 1

Nelson and C.Jones; Jacobites, D.Smith (5) and Martin del Campo. W-Jacobites (7-8). L-Nelson (4-7). S-D.Smith (2). HR-none.

COUGARS 3, NORSEMEN 0

Steele Canyon (20-6-1)
Valhalla (11-13)

001 002 0-3 4 0
000 000 0-0 3 0

S.Beasley and Cash; Uy, Cruz (4), MeGirr (7) and Seitz. W-S.Beasley (10-4). L-Uy (3-5). HR-S.Beasley (SC, 3), 3rd, solo; Blumenstock (SC), 6th, one on.

EAGLES 3, MONARCHS 2

Monte Vista (6-18)
Granite Hills (12-9)

000 200 0 - 2 6 2
200 000 1 - 3 8 0

Two out when winning run scored.
Mullins and Perea; Lahitte and Schatz. W-Lahitte (4-3). L-Mullins (7-10). HR-Bertussi (GH, 3), 1st, one on.

Eastern League
PATRIOTS 17, CONQUISTADORS 1

Serra (7-18-1)
Christian (16-7)

000 010 - 01 01 1
523 16x - 17 22 2

Called after 6 innings.
Ryan, Gotfredson (3), Cannan (5) and Olfasen; Owens, Royce (5) and Scott, Gentry (3). W-Owens (7-6). L-Ryan. S-Royce (1). HR-none.

West Hills 11, El Cajon Valley 0 -- Sophomore STASIA HOLDMAN slugged a pair of home runs to move among the East County leaders, adding a double and driving in five runs to power the visiting Wolf Pack over the Braves.

Holdman opened the scoring with a lead homer in the 2nd, then sent out a 2-run shot in the 4th to push the lead to 8-0. The third baseman now ranks in a tie for third place with five bombs for the season.

CHELSEA VELOVICH tossed six innings of 2-hit ball for the victory, then KYLEE KRINGS tossed a perfect 7th to keep the Wolf Pack in contact with Santana.

"Even with our loss to Grossmont, we still knew we have to beat Santana twice anyway," said West Hills coach STEVE SUTTON. "Monday is the big game for us."

Both El Cajon Valley hits were collected by catcher DESIREE GARCIA, who pounded a pair of doubles for the Braves. For West Hills, KAITLIN COBB and SHARLANA BURNER also posted two hits, including a 2-run double by Cobb.

Christian 17, Serra 1 -- The collapsing Conquistadors, who opened the season with a 5-1 record to gain a finals berth in the Friar Classic tournament, continued their freefall at the hands of the Patriots.

Christian dealt Serra its 12th straight setback -- 0-12-1 in last 13 -- by scoring in all five of its team at-bats in a contest mercifully called after six innings.

KARA CARTWRIGHT posted a career outing by going 4-for-4, including a bases-loaded triple in the 1st to mount a 5-0 lead. The sophomore finished with four RBI and four runs to pace a season-best 22-hit attack by the Patriots.

However, it was an early defensive stop which captured the Q's.

"ALLYSSA GRAUL made a key play for us," said Pats coach ROMA DAWSON. "It set the tone for the whole game and gave the defense some energy."

On a basehit to right, Graul collected the ball and fired home, nailing a player at the plate for the out to keep the game scoreless in the top of the 1st. The hit was the lone safety allowed by Christian pitchers, as JESSIE OWENS went the first four innings for the victory, then JENNA ROYCE went the last two innings without allowing a hit.

"The whole team is hitting the ball well -- not just one or two players, but the entire line-up," added Dawson. "Even against (top-ranked) Mira Mesa, we hit the ball well."

Leading the hit parade was KRISTINE WYNNS, who matched Cartwright with four hits, including a triple, while Owens and AMANDA PLUM added three hits each.

Along with her arm, Graul aided with her bat, driving home a season-best three runs, matching SARAH SEYMOUR with two hits each.

With the triumph, the Patriots moved to within a game of Patrick Henry, as the teams conclude the Eastern League schedule next Thursday (May 10) in San Carlos.


Monarchs, Matadors, escape the deep freeze

© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (5-2-07) -- Since the beginning of the season, young and inexperienced rosters at Monte Vista and Mount Miguel high schools displayed some promise with improving pitching and defense, but the offenses remained suspended in Ice Age conditions -- cold, cold, cold.

But maybe former Vice President Al Gore is correct -- there could be signs of warming in Spring Valley -- as both the Monarchs and Matadors started to heat up the bats Tuesday (May 1), leading to a pair of upset victories.

Monte Vista 7, Valhalla 0 -- "Maybe our bats were in the freezer," said Monarchs coach SIG CHABROWSKI on his team's hitting woes. "We stopped hitting after we got back from Vegas, so winning two straight games is great."

Claiming a second consecutive triumph is nice, but who they defeated was even better after WHITNEY MULLINS yielded just four hits in shutting out the second-place Norsemen.

And it wasn't just one or two players swinging the bats; the entire line-up chipped in. Led by 2-for-4 outings by LYDIA VENIEGAS, JESIKA PEREA and KAITLYN McMILLAN, eight of the Monte Vista starters registered basehits off a pair of Valhalla pitchers.

Following three scoreless frames, the Monarchs erupted for four runs on five hits in the 4th inning. Key blows included consecutive RBI basehits by AMANDA WARD and McMillan, then AMANDA AGUON scored both of them with a 2-run triple to straightaway centerfield.

AMBER "A-Mac" McMILLAN added an RBI single in the 5th to bring home Perea, then Veniegas powered a 2-run double in the 6th, although she was thrown attempting to extend her blow to a triple.

"They certainly had our number today," said Valhalla coach DOUG HARTUNG. "We had been playing so well to get above.500, but it's been a long two days for us."

The Norsemen, after buzzing to three straight vcitories, have dropped two straight to slip back under the .500 mark at 11-12 overall. Meanwhile, Monte Vista (10-14-1) forged into the first division of the Grossmont North League standings, resting in a 3-way tie for third place.

Mount Miguel 6, Granite Hills 5 -- The biggest victory by the Matadors in three seasons nearly slipped away in the bottom of the 7th, yet winning pitcher LAURA NELSON persevered for the team's second victory in three starts to join the Eagles and Monte Vista in a deadlock for third place.

Trailing 6-1, the Eagles pushed across four runs in their final at-bat and had the game-tieing runner on base, but Nelson coaxed a foul popup which was corraled by catcher CATRINA JONES to secure the victory.

A pair of Eagles errors -- part of a season-poor 8 committed by the hosts -- allowed Mount Miguel to snap a 1-1 deadlock by pushing across four unearned runs in the 5th.

With the bases loaded and no out, a hard grounder by SHANICE SUTTON was booted, allowing the go-ahead run to score. SONIA RAY was credited with an RBI on her fielder's choice grounder up the middle, then COREE MOLINA knocked in a run on her tapper to the pitcher, who went to first base for the out.

Although she didn't know it at the time, a 7th-inning run scored by ROSIE GONZALES on a single and three additional Eagles errors -- two on one play -- proved important when Granite Hills mounted a late, late comeback.

A wild pitch scored one run, with MANDY OBNEY later drilling a 2-run double to left-centerfield, eventually scoring on JENNY LAHITTE's single before Nelson closed the door on the frustrated, schizophrenic Eagles. A few weeks after capturing the Falcon Fiesta, Granite Hills is suddenly battling for its postseason lives with its three straight setback after holding a share of the early Grossmont South League lead.

Gonzales (San Diego Renegades) will play at NCAA Division II University of Mary (N.D.) of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference on scholarship next season.

Tue., May 1
Grossmont North League
VAQUEROS 15, BRAVES 0

El Capitan (6-12)
El Cajon Valley (3-12)

405 401 1-15 18 0
000 000 0-00 03 5

Grohman and Combs; Wilson and Garcia. W-Grohman (2-5). L-Wilson (3-12). HR-none.

FOOTHILLERS 2, WOLF PACK 1

West Hills (18-8)
Grossmont (11-9-1)

100 000 0 - 1 6 2
000 020 x - 2 3 2

Sandberg and Cobb; Renaldi and Moore. W-Renaldi (6-7). L-Sandberg (5-4). HR-none.

Grossmont South League
MATADORS 6, EAGLES 5

Mount Miguel (6-17)
Granite Hills (11-9)

100 040 1 - 6 06 2
001 000 4 - 5 11 8

Nelson and C.Jones; Belio and Schatz. W-Nelson (4-6). L-Belio (3-4). HR-none.

MONARCHS 7, NORSEMEN 0

Valhalla (11-12)
Monte Vista (10-14-1)

000 000 0 - 0 4 2
000 412 x - 7 9 1

Cruz, McGirr (6) and Houston; Mullins and Perea. W-Mullins (7-9). L-Cruz (3-4). HR-none.

COUGARS 2, HIGHLANDERS 0

Helix (8-12)
Steele Cyn (19-6-1)

000 000 0 - 0 03 0
000 101 x - 2 11 2

Jacobites and Martin del Campo; E.Beasley, S.Beasley (5) and Cash. W-E.Beasley (3-0). L-Jacobites (6-8). S-S.Beasley (1). HR-none.

Eastern League
MARAUDERS 7, PATRIOTS 3

Mira Mesa (26-1)
Christian (15-7)

030 010 3 - 7 10 2
000 100 2 - 3 08 2

M.Tillett and Maeva; Owens and Scott. W-M.Tillett. L-Owens (6-6). HR-S.Tillett (MM), 2nd, lead; Maeva (MM), 5th, lead.

Steele Canyon 2, Helix 0 -- Highlanders pitcher CHRISTINE JACOBITES played the role of magician, escaping difficult circumstances all contest long by stranding 11 baserunners in holding the Cougars to their poorest outing on offense since the Grossmont Conference Tournament more than a month ago.

But if your team doesn't score, it's hard to win after sisters ERIKA and SAM BEASLEY combined to blank the visiting Scotties on three hits. Erika went the opening four innings, running her record to 3-0 after her older sister mopped up with three innings of 1-hit ball for her first save of the season.

Sam Beasley was also at the center of both Steele Canyon rallies for runs. In the 4th, the senior walked with the bases loaded to force home a run, then she smacked a two-out triple down the left-field line in the 6th, scoring on JAZMIN DAIGLE's sharp single to right.

The opening run was set-up when NICOLE RANDEL and KELLY CASH recorded back-to-back basehits, then VANESSA ADAME walked to load the bases. Cash again played for injured starting catcher HANNAH ROST (ribs), while LORENA KLOPP (back) was also missing from the lineup card.

However, the rest of the Cougars assisted on defense by turning a pair of double plays.

Grossmont 2, West Hills 1 -- The Foothillers answered an early Wolf Pack run -- barely -- to forge a tie for second place between the teams in the Grossmont North League table.

Grossmont collected just three hits all afternoon, all coming in the 4th inning for the team's only sign of life on offense.

"Timing, timing, timing," noted Foothillers coach JERRY LERUD. "It was just one inning which got away from her, but it was enough to win."

CORAL KASDEN ended the no-hit bid by West Hills pitcher BRENNA SANDBERG with a lead single to left field, then CAMMI MOORE was struck by a pitch.

KENDRA MYERS and ADRIANA NAU followed with consecutive RBI singles -- Myers to right field, Nau to left -- before Sandberg regained control. She struck out 10 batters for West Hills in defeat.

Meanwhile, Hillers starter ASHLEY RENALDI struck out five, overcoming an unearned run in the 1st with 6 2/3 innings oif shutout ball to gain her second consecutive victory.

The lone run was scored by SHARLANA BURNER, who went around the bases on an error, a steal of second base, a wild pitch to third, then home on an RBI single to right by BRIANNA AUSTIN.

West Hills later placed two runners in scoring position in the 6th, but Renaldi escaped on a popout to second and a short flyball to the shortstop.

"This was a nice confidance builder," said Grossmont coach JERRY LERUD. "And it was nice to see a pitcher go the distance for us."

El Capitan 15, El Cajon Valley 0 -- Vaqueros pitcher SARAH GROHMAN earned her second victory of the season -- both by shutout -- in spinning a 3-hitter at the host Braves.

Grohman struckout a career-high 15 batters, then was backed by an 18-hit attack, including a perfect 5-for-5 outing by LESLIE KUHNE.

Centerfielder ASHLEY WHITMORE batted 3-for-5 with a triple, leftfielder SARAH LAFF also added a triple, and first baseman JULIANNA DUNCAN went 2-for-3, as El Capitan jumped out to a fast 4-0 lead, pushing the advantage to 13-0 through four innings.

El Cajon Valley received a double to left by DESIREE GARCIA, while EMILY RAWLS added a pair of solid singles.

Mira Mesa 7, Christian 3 -- Unlike the teams' initial, one-sided meeting, the Patriots were able to tag Marauders pitcher Melissa Tillett for eight hits, although they still fell in the Eastern League contest to the San Diego Section's top-ranked ballclub.

Tillett added to her ever-mounting career strikeout total with 15 -- she ranks among the top five in CIF-San Diego Section history -- but Christian threatened several times to keep things interesting.

Included was an RBI by Kara Cartwright in the 4th, then SARAH SEYMOUR boomed a 2-run double to center in the 7th, scoring both ALY GUNTER (walk) and JESSIE OWENS (single), who moved into scoring position on a KRISTINA WYNNS single.

Owens struck out six Mira Mesa batters, but allowed leadoff homers to junior catcher Shannon Tillett (2nd inning) and junior catcher Justeen Maeva (5th).

© 2014 East County Sports
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2007 STANDINGS
Grossmont North League
School
W
L
W
L
T
Pct.
Santana
10
2
28
5
0
.848
West Hills
10
2
25
9
.0
.735
Grossmont
6
6
15
14
1
.517
El Capitan
4
8
8
15
0
.348
El Cajon Valley
0
12
3
17
0
.150

Grossmont South League
School
W
L
W
L
T
Pct.
Steele Canyon
10
0
27
6
1
.809
Granite Hills
6
4
15
11
0
.577
Helix
4
6
11
14
0
.440
Valhalla
4
6
13
17
0
.433
Monte Vista
3
7
12
19
1
.391
Mount Miguel
3
7
7
21
0
.250

Eastern League
School
W
L
W
L
T
Pct.
Mira Mesa
9
1
31
3
0
.912
Scripps Ranch
8
2
18
8
1
.685
Christian
5
5
20
9
0
.690
*Patrick Henry
4
6
15
11
1
.574
*Serra
2
8
9
18
1
.339
*Morse
2
8
8
16
0
.333
*Henry forfeits 6 games, including league games to Serra and Morse.

WEEK 1
Thurs., Mar. 1
Non-League
Christian 6, El Capitan 2

Sat., Mar 3
Non-League

Steele Canyon 24-18, High Tech 0-0
Point Loma 6, Mount Miguel 0
Mar Vista 3, Monte Vista 0

WEEK 2
Mon., Mar 5
Falcon Fiesta

Granite Hills 4, Mar Vista 1
Non-League
El Capitan 8, Morse 1
Sweetwater at Monte Vista, ppd., re-scheduled for Mar. 29

Tue., Mar. 6
Cougar Classic, Kit Carson Park
Steele Canyon 1, Mission Hills 0
Vista 8, Granite Hills 0
Friar Classic
Monte Vista 6, Mission Bay 2
Non-League
Christian 12, El Cajon Valley 2
West Hills 3, Point Loma 0
Madison 5, Mount Miguel 1

Wed., Mar. 7
Friar Classic
Monte Vista 2, Santa Fe Christian 2 (8 inn., darkness)
Christian 8, Mount Miguel 0
Cougar Classic, Kit Carson Park
Valhalla 4, Westview 3
Oceanside 5, Helix 4
Carlsbad 6, Grossmont 5 (5 inn., time limit)

Thurs., Mar. 8
Cougar Classic, Kit Carson Park
Granite Hills 4, San Pasqual 0
Ramona 8, Valhalla 0
Grossmont 7, Clairemont 1
Steele Canyon 2, Rancho Bernardo 2, tie (8 inn., time limit)
La Costa Canyon 5, Helix 2
Falcon Fiesta
Morse 4, West Hills 0
Non-League
El Cajon Valley 24, San Diego 6

Fri., Mar. 9
Cougar Classic, Kit Carson Park
Granite Hills 5, Mt. Carmel 1
Valhalla 7, Fallbrook 5
Steele Canyon 5, Cathedra Catholic 1
Scripps Ranch 2, Grossmont 0
Mira Mesa 4, Helix 1
Friar Classic
La Jolla 9, Christian 1
Mount Miguel 8, High Tech 0
Non-League
El Cajon Valley 10, Crawford 3


Sat., Mar. 10
Cougar Classic, Kit Carson Park

Quarterfinals
Gold Division
Patrick Henry 3, Steele Canyon 1
Silver Division
Granite Hills 3, Valhalla 2
Bronze Division
Grossmont 5, Oceanside 4 (8 inn.)
Copper Division
Clairemont 3, Helix 1
Non-League
Point Loma 9, Monte Vista 2
Friar Classic
Our Lady of Peace 3, Mount Miguel 1

WEEK 3
Mon., Mar. 12

Cougar Classic, Kit Carson Park
Silver Bracket semis
La Costa Cnayon 4, Granite Hills 2
Bronze Bracket semis
Mt. Carmel 8, Grossmont 1
Friar Classic
Christian 13, High Tech 1
Mar Vista 4, West Hills 3 (9 inn.)
Non-League
El Cajon Valley at Sweetwater, ccd. (by SuHi)

Tue., Mar. 13
Friar Classic

Monte Vista 14, San Diego 0
Morse 5, Mount Miguel 2

Wed., Mar. 14
Falcon Fiesta
Granite Hills 8, West Hills 0
Friar Classic
Serra 7, Monte Vista 5
Christian 7, Our Lady of Peace 4
La Jolla 8, Mount Miguel 0

Thu., Mar. 15
Hilltop Tournament
Santana 13, Chula Vista 0
Eastlake 4, El Capitan 0
Non-League
Patrick Henry 10, Steele Canyon 0
Scripps Ranch 5, Grossmont 0
Point Loma 6, Valhalla 0

Fri., Mar. 16
Falcon Fiesta
Steele Canyon 8, Clairemont 0
Non-League
El Cajon Valley 11, San Ysidro 1
Helix 7, Morse 0

Sat., Mar. 17
Hilltop Tournament

Santana 6, Mar Vista 0
Santana 14, Morse 0
El Capitan 6, Castle Park 0
El Capitan 3, Francis Parker 1
Friar Classic
Final: Serra 3, La Jolla 0
Third: Christian 8, Monte Vista 7
Seventh: Santa Fe Christian 3, Mount Miguel 0
Non-League
Mira Mesa 6-8, West Hills 0-6

WEEK 4
Mon., Mar. 19
Grossmont North/South Tournament

Grossmont 1, Granite Hills 0
Helix 3, El Capitan 2 (8 inn.)
West Hills 6, Monte Vista 0
Santana 12, Valhalla 3
Steele Canyon 17, El Cajon Valley 2
Mira Mesa 14, Mount Miguel 1
Non-League

Patrick Henry 17, Castle Park 0 (4 inn.)

Tue., Mar. 20
Grossmont North/South Tournament

Santana 1, Granite Hills 0
Valhalla 15, El Cajon Valley 0
El Capitan 1, Monte Vista 0
West Hills 13, Mount Miguel 0
Mira Mesa 13, Helix 1
Grossmont at Steele Canyon, ppd.

Thu., Mar. 22
Grossmont North/South Tournament

West Hills 3, Steele Canyon 0
Santana 2, Helix 1
Grossmont 6, Monte Vista 0
Mira Mesa 4, Valhalla 0
Granite Hills 19, El Cajon Valley 3, susp., 4th inn., lightning
Mount Miguel 1, El Capitan 0, susp., 5th inn., lightning
Valley Center Classic

Imperial 1, Chrisitan 0, susp., 4th inn., rain (to be completed Friday)

Fri., Mar. 23
Valley Center Clasic

Imperial 2, Christian 0 (completion of Thursday's suspended game)

Sat., Mar. 24
Valley Center Classic

Pool Play
Christian 3, Our Lady or Peace 2
Christian 4, Escondido JV 1 (does not count towards record or stats)
Quarterfinals
Oaks Christian 13, Christian 2
Hilltop Tournament
Quarterfinals
Otay Ranch 3, El Capitan 0
Santana 8, Bonita Vista 0
Semifinals
Santana 7, Eastlake 1
Championship
Santana 8, Mar Vista 1
Falcon Fiesta
Steele Canyon 6, Serra 0
Non-League
Monte Vista 12-6, Calexico 0-0

WEEK 5
Mon., Mar 26
Grossmont North/South Tournament

Steele Canyon 5, Santana 1
Valhalla 3, El Capitan 1
Helix 13, El Cajon Valley 1
Grossmont 6, Mount Miguel 1
West Hills 4, Granite Hills 2
Mira Mesa 8, Monte Vista 0

Tue., Mar. 27
Non-League

Christian 10, University City 9
Grossmont North/South Tournament
Steele Canyon 5, El Capitan 0
Grossmont 6, Valhalla 5
Santana 1, Mount Miguel 0
Monte Vista 6, El Cajon Valley 2
West Hills 9, Helix 0
Mira Mesa 8, Granite Hills 5

Wed., Mar. 28
Grossmont North/South Tournament
Steele Canyon 19, Grossmont 0 (make-up from Mar. 20)
Non-League
Santana 11, Otay Ranch 0

Thur., Mar. 29
Grossmont North/South Tournament

Championship: West Hills 4, Steele Canyon 1
Non-League
Christian 10, Hilltop 1
Monte Vista 11, Sweetwater 0

Fri., Mar. 30
Falcon Fiesta

West Hills 1, La Costa Canyon 0 (8 inn.)
Granite Hills 10, Morse 1
Non-League
Steele Canyon 11, Point Loma 2
Mount Miguel 11, Chula Vista 3

Sat., Mar. 31
Non-League

Christian 10-9, Holtville 0-4
Serra 4, Helix 3

WEEK 6
Mon., Apr. 2
Longhorn Tournament, at Rancho Buena Vista
Mt. Carmel 5, Grossmont 0
Fred Davison Memorial Tournament, Las Vegas

Valhalla 8, EC-Southwest 6
LV-Foothill 7, Valhalla 6
Santana 23, Coachella Valley 0 (2 1/2 inn.)
Santana 12, Henderson-Basic 11
Monte Vista 6, Cathedral Catholic 4
LV-Cimarron-Memorial 6, Monte Vista 0
West Hills 2, Mar Vista 1
West Hills 8, LV-Faith Lutheran 2
Mount Miguel 13, LV-Palo Verde 11
Imperial 5, Mount Miguel 4
Falcon Fiesta
Steele Canyon 11, Carlsbad 3

Tue., Apr. 3
Fred Davison Memorial Tournament, Las Vegas
Pool Play
Santana 2, Granada Hills 0
Valhalla 8, Pahrump Valley 4
Carson 6, Monte Vista 2
Birmingham 8, Mount Miguel 0
West Hills 7, LV-Durango 2
Quarterfinals
Gold: Santana 11, LV-Sierra Vista 0
Gold: West Hills 2, LV-Cimarron-Memorial 1
Silver: Valhalla 10, Imperial 3
Bronze: LV-Foothill 7, Mount Miguel 6
Copper: Monte Vista 6, Mar Vista 2
Longhorn Tournament, at Rancho Buena Vista
Mission Hills 5, Grossmont 1
Non-League
Helix 17, San Ysidro 2

Wed., Apr. 4
Fred Davison Memorial Tournament, Las Vegas
Semifinals
Gold: Mira Mesa 4, Santana 1
Gold: West Hills 13, EC-Southwest 8
Silver: Carson 9, Valhalla 3
Copper: LV-Palo Verde 3, Monte Vista, 2
Championships
Gold: Mira Mesa 3,. West Hills 1
Longhorn Tournament, at Rancho Buena Vista

Grossmont 3, El Camino 3, tie (time limit)
Grossmont 17, Orange Glen 0

Thu., Apr. 5
Falcon Fiesta

Granite Hills 2, La Costa Canyon 0
Poway 3, Steele Canyon 2

Fri., Apr. 6
Non-League

Helix 15, Montgomery 0

Sat., Apr. 7
Falcon Fiesta

Gold Bracket Semifinals
Granite Hills 2, Patrick Henry 1 (8 inn.)
Steele Canyon 6, Scripps Ranch 3
Gold Bracket Championship
Granite Hills 7, Steele Canyon 2
Silver Bracket Consolation
West Hills 3, Carlsbad 0

WEEK 7
Mon., Apr. 9
Non-League

Helix 1, Point Loma 0

Tue., Apr. 10
Eastern League

Christian 1, Scripps Ranch 0
Patrick Henry 8, Morse 0
Mira Mesa 3, Serra 0

Thur., Apr. 12
Eastern League

Mira Mesa 12, Christian 0
Patrick Henry 9, Serra 0
Scripps Ranch at Morse, no report
Non-League

Santana 4, Valley View 0
Grossmont Conference Tournament
Mount Miguel 2, El Capitan 1 (9 inn.) (completion of Mar..22 suspended game)

Fri., Apr. 13
Non-League

Helix 3, Serra 2

WEEK 8
Mon., Apr. 16
Grossmont North League

Santana 2, El Capitan 0
Grossmont 19, El Cajon Valley 2

Tue., Apr. 17
Grossmont North League

Santana 9, El Cajon Valley 0
West Hills 3, El Capitan 1
Grossmont South League

Steele Canyon 4, Valhalla 1
Granite Hills 11, Monte Vista 0
Helix 10, Mount Miguel 3
Eastern League

Christian 9, Serra 1
Scripps Ranch 1, Patrick Henry 0
Mira Mesa 15, Morse 0

Thu, Apr. 19
Grossmont North League

El Capitan 3, El Cajon Valley 0
West Hills 6, Grossmont 0
Grossmont South League

Granite Hills 8, Helix 1
Valhalla 7, Mount Miguel 3
Steele Canyon 11, Monte Vista 0
Eastern League
Christian 9, Morse 7
Mira Mesa 1, Patrick Henry 0 (9 inn.)
Serra at Scripps Ranch

Sat., Apr. 21
Non-League

Christian 7, Valhalla 2
Saugas Tournament
Santiago 3, Patrick Henry 1
Patrick Henry 5, Saugas 3

WEEK 9
Mon., Apr. 23
Grossmont North League

Santana 2, Grossmont 1
West Hills 3, El Cajon Valley 1
Non-League
Patrick Henry 1, Bonita Vista 0

Tue., Apr. 24
Grossmont North League

Grossmont 11, El Capitan 5
Santana 3, West Hills 2
Grossmont North League
Mount Miguel 5, Monte Vista 2
Valhalla 3, Helix 2
Steele Canyon 8, Granite Hills 1
Eastern League
Patrick Henry 4, Christian 3
Morse 7, Serra 6 (9 inn.)
Mira Mesa 1, Scripps Ranch 0

Wed., Apr. 25
Non-League

Valhalla 4, Clairemont 2
Eastern League
Patrick Henry 13, Morse 0

Thu., Apr. 26
Grossmont North League

Santana 6, El Capitan 1
Grossmont 6, El Cajon Valley 0
Grossmont South League

Monte Vista 3, Helix 2
Valhalla 7, Granite Hills 2
Steele Canyon 5, Mount Miguel 1
Eastern League
Scripps Ranch 11, Christian 4
Mira Mesa 12, Serra 0

Fri., Apr. 27
Non-League

Steele Canyon 6, University City 2

Sat., Apr. 28
Non-League
Our Lady of Peace 14, Serra 3
Scripps Ranch 8, Cathedral Catholic 0

WEEK 10
Mon., Apr. 30
Grossmont North League

Santana 12, El Cajon Valley 0
West Hills 5, El Capitan 1
Non-League

Bonita Vista 8, Valhalla 3

Tue., May 1
Grossmont North League

El Capitan 15, El Cajon Valley 0
Grossmont 2, West Hills 1
Grossmont South League

Steele Canyon 2, Helix 0
Monte Vista 7, Valhalla 0
Mount Miguel 6, Granite Hills 5
Eastern League

Mira Mesa 7, Christian 3
Scripps Ranch 14, Morse 0
Patrick Henry 10, Serra 0

Thu., May 3
Grossmont North League

Santana 3, Grossmont 0
West Hills 11, El Cajon Valley 0
Grossmont South League

Steele Canyon 3, Valhalla 0
Granite Hills 3, Monte Vista 2
Helix 7, Mount Miguel 0
Eastern League

Christian 17, Serra 1
Mira Mesa 6, Morse 0
Scripps Ranch 1, Patrick Henry 0

WEEK 11
Mon., May 7
Grossmont North League

West Hills 2, Santana 0
Grossmont 7, El Capitan 2

Tue., May 8
Grossmont North League

Santana 5, El Capitan 1
Grossmont 7, El Cajon Valley 3
Grossmont South League

Steele Canyon 26, Monte Vista 0
Mount Miguel 4, Valhalla 2
Granite Hills 7, Helix 1
Eastern League

Christian 10, Morse 4
Scripps Ranch 9, Serra 0
Mira Mesa 13, Patrick Henry 1

Thu., May 10
Grossmont North League

Santana 15, El Cajon Valley 0
West Hills 7, El Capitan 0
Grossmont South League

Steele Canyon 9, Granite Hills 0
Helix 8, Valhalla 0
Monte Vista 8, Mount Miguel 1
Eastern League

Patrick Henry 8, Christian 0
Serra 4, Morse 1
Scripps Ranch 5, Mira Mesa 1
Non-League

Grossmont 1, Otay Ranch 0 (8 inn.)

WEEK 12
Mon., May 14
Grossmont North League

El Capitan 4, El Cajon Valley 0
West Hills 5, Grossmont 4
Grossmont South League

Steele Canyon 5, Mount Miguel 1
Granite Hills 3, Valhalla 0
Helix 3, Monte Vista 0

Tue., May 15
Grossmont North League

Santana 4, Grossmont 3
West Hills 8, El Cajon Valley 1

Wed., May 16
Grossmont North League

West Hills 1, Santana 0 (8 inn.)
El Capitan 3, Grossmont 0
Grossmont South League

Steele Canyon 5, Helix 1
Valhalla 2, Monte Vista 0
Granite Hills 1, Mount Miguel 0
END REGULAR SEASON

CIF PLAYOFFS
Sat., May 19 -- First Round
DIVISION I

Torrey Pines (17-13-1) 6, Granite Hills (15-11) 4
Poway (18-10-1) 8, Carlsbad (13-15-1) 4
La Costa Cnayon (17-14) 7, Rancho Buena Vista (15-14) 1
El Camino (1811-1) 8, Bonita Vista (16-8) 2
DIVISION II
Grossmont (15-13-1) 11, Hilltop (15-13) 3
San Pasqual (18-8) 5, EC-Southwest (15-11) 2
Mar Vista (21-10) 8, Eastlake (13-14) 0
Mission Hills (17-13) 5, Point Loma (13-11) 0
DIVISION III
Valhalla (13-16) 4, Clairemont (10-16-1) 2
Cathedral Catholic (19-10) 2, Madison (12-15) 1
University City (16-8) 3, San Dieguito (13-14-1) 1
Monte Vista (12-18-1) 8, Our Lady of Peace (23-5) 1
DIVISION IV
No. 1 Imperial (21-6) df. Julian (10-9), forfeit
Coronado (8-16) 11, Holtville (11-15) 2
Francis Parker (15-8) 7, Guajome Park (12-25) 0
No. 4 Mtn. Empire (17-5) 12, Santa Fe Christian (10-10-1) 1
No. 3 Horizon (21-2) 14, Borrego (13-5) 0
Marian Catholic (14-11-1) 5, Palo Verde (14-15-1) 1
(Friday) San Diego Jewish Academy (18-1-1) 6, La Jolla Country Day (8-11) 5
No. 2 Christian (18-8) 3, The Bishop's (6-15) 2

Tue., May 22 -- Quarterfinals
DIVISION I
(1) Mira Mesa (30-2) 10, Torrey Pines (17-14-1) 0
(4) Rancho Bernardo (20-9-1) 5, Poway (18-11-1) 4
(3) Escondido (21-7) 4, La Costa Canyon (17-15) 0
El Camino (19-11-1) 1, (2) Vista (23-7) 0

DIVISION II
(1) Mt. Carmel (27-3) 8, Grossmont (15-14-1) 3
San Pasqual (19-8) 6, (4) Westview (18-11) 3
(3) West Hills (25-8) 2, Mar Vista (21-11) 1 (8 inn.)
Mission Hills (18-13) 2, (2) Scripps Ranch (19-8-1) 0

DIVISION III
(1) Steele Canyon (25-6-1) 7, Valhalla (13-17) 1
Cathedral Catholic (20-10) 10, (4) Ramona (16-12) 8
University City (17-8) 2, (3) Brawley (19-5-1) 1
(2) Santana (27-4) 6, Monte Vista (12-19-1) 1

DIVISION IV
(1) Imperial (22-6) 3, Coronado (8-17) 2
Francis Parker (16-8) 3, (4) Mountain Empire (17-6) 1
(3) Horizon (22-2) 2, Marian Catholic (14-12-1) 1
(2) Christian (19-8) 12, San Diego Jewish (18-2-1) 3

Thurs., May 24 -- Semifinals
At Sportsplex USA, Poway
DIVISION I

(3) Escondido (22-7) 6, El Camino (19-12-1) 5 (8 inn.)
(1) Mira Mesa (31-2) 7, (4) Rancho Bernardo (20-10-1) 0

DIVISION II
Mission Hills (19-13) 2, (3) West Hills (25-9) 1
(1) Mt. Carmel (28-3) 9, San Pasqual (19-9) 0

DIVISION III
(2) Santana (28-4) 11, Universirty City (17-9) 6
(1) Steele Canyon (26-6-1) 12, Cathedral Catholic (20-11) 0

DIVISION IV
Christian (20-8) 6, (3) Horizon Chr. (22-3) 5
Francis Parker (17-8) 2, (1) Imperial (22-7) 1 (8 inn.)

Sat., May 26 -- Championships
At San Diego State
DIVISION I

(3) Escondido (23-7) 2, (1) Mira Mesa (31-3) 1, (8 inn.)

DIVISION II
(1) Mt. Carmel (29-3) 3, Mission Hills (19-14) 0

DIVISION III
(1) Steele Canyon (27-6-1) 8, (2) Santana (28-5) 0

DIVISION IV
(5) Francis Parker (18-8) 4, (2) Christian (20-9) 2