© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-5-08) -- The most successful season in Grossmont College women's fastpitch history couldn't end in more disappointing fashion.

The Tigers (31-19) gained a berth in the Southland super regional, with the hope of gaining a state championship berth -- Riverside is this season's host school for the COA Women's Fastpitch Championship at Orange Terrace Park.

Meanwhile, there was plenty of blame to go around.

Decisions by the Grossmont coaching staff to take extra bases saw the Griffins (27-12) run themselves out of the ballgame. Then a decision not to change pitchers as originally planned for the 5th inning backfired when Riverside scored five times to cap the series by run rule.

"That's been something we've been doing all season -- take advantage of other teams' mistakes," said Tigers first baseman Christian Dunn, an all-Southern California selection who walked three times. "Even though they pitched around me, someone is always there to pick someone else up."

Unlike Grossmont's 8-0 shutout loss in Saturday's opener, the offense was able to capitalize, scoring in both the 1st and 3rd innings.

Sophomore catcher ASHLEY KOOPMAN, who closed out her G-House career with a solid 2-for-3 outing, slugged a double over the head of the left-fielder, scoring STEPHANIE BYRNE for a 1-0 quick lead -- Grossmont was the visiting team based on a coin flip.

"This was my last game and I wanted to go out with a bang and help the team," said Koopman, who was obviously distraught following the setback. "Yes, I had some hits, but I don't feel any (personal) satisfaction right now because we lost."

In the 3rd, shortstop ASHLEY MARX, who went 2-for-2 with a double and a sacrifice bunt, registered a lead single. Third baseman KATIE THOMAS was hit by a pitch for a second time by Tigers pitcher Mandy Mesa, then Koopman again delivered with a basehit over the Riverside second baseman to score Marx.

However, every time Grossmont hit the scoreboard, Riverside would do better.

In the Tigers' 1st, centerfielder Amber Lozano recorded a 2-run single for a 2-1 lead, followed by the first of two RBI of the contest by catcher Jenn Grutz, who pushed a run across on a ground ball.

After Grossmont scored in the 3rd, Riverside scored twice for a 5-2 lead, one on an error, then an RBI double by third baseman Erika Fisher.

The 5th inning saw the Griffins blow a chance at a big inning.

First, a runner was thrown out attempting to steal second base in a one-out situation with the team's hottest hitter in Byrne at the plate and Grossmont more in need of baserunners while trailing 5-2. Byrne eventually singled anyway, but was sent home on a double to left by Marx. However, the relay throw by shortstop Valerie Brown was a strike to Grutz, the catcher, who easily cut down Byrne by more than 20 feet.

The over-aggressive coaching mistakes turned into a momentum killer, carrying over to the players in the home-half of the 5th when the Griffins committed three errors after one of their team leaders was inexplicably removed from the ballgame.

The final error came on a throw into the dugout following a basehit by second baseman Jessica Martinez, who was credited with one RBI, with a second run coming home on the dead ball to allow the decisive run to score to institute the run rule.

"We were all focused -- it just wasn't us out there," noted Koopman. "Our defense is much better than what showed. We've got a couple of players who are normally sure-handed, but it wasn't there today."

Elsewhere -- All three Pacific Coast Conference playoff participants were eliminated in the first round. No. 5 seeded Saddleback again ran over 12th-seeded San Diego City, this time 8-1, for a sweep. Meanwhile, No. 7 Fullerton needed to go three games to eliminate 10th-seeded Palomar, winning the third game, 7-0. It was the only series among the eight in the South to need a tie-breaker game.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-4-08) -- The brilliance of the regular season by Grossmont College was quickly dashed by the reality that the Orange Empire Conference is the top community college women's fastpitch circuit in the nation.

Riverside (30-19), the No. 9 seeds in the South region, leads the best-of-3 series, with Game Two slated for Sunday (May 4) at noon. Grossmont (27-11) will need a victory to force a tiebreaker which would immediately follow.

Tigers catcher Jenn Grutz, who helped lead RCC to the state women's water polo championship, proved equally adept out of the water. The sophomore, ticketed to transfer to Cal Baptist in a few weeks, whipped Grossmont pitching by going 3-for-4, including a double and a mammoth, 7th-inning solo homer to cap the scoring.

"We knew we could come back after Grossmont didn't score in the first few innings," said Grutz, who also threw out a Griffins runner on a stolen base attempt. "We just stayed positive and kept working hard."

"That's how we try to come out and play every game, so it was a good win for us."

Meanwhile, Riverside pitcher Afton Williamson finished with a 4-hit shutout, despite several line drive outs by Grossmont batters.

"We hit the ball hard quite a few times, but they were right at defenders," said Griffins head coach RICK TRESTRAIL. "But we had those errors and Riverside took advantage of them like a winning ballclub should. It's up to us to correct those mistakes and come back out here Sunday more focused to take two games."

Grossmont first baseman STEPHANIE BYRNE paced the offense by collecting half of the team's four hits. But when she was handcuffed on a wide throw on a close play at the bag on a Diana Torrez grounder in the 3rd -- the play was a ruled a throwing error -- the Tigers' Erika FIsher took an extra base and scored from third.

Two plays later, a routine fly ball by Christine Dunn was misplayed, allowing two additional runs to score, forcing the 8th-seeded Griffins into position to sweep the next day.

Dunn later added a 2-run homer to left field in the 7th inning for a 7-0 lead. Grutz then clouted a blow which not only cleared the fence in centerfield, it carried over a Maintenance Dept. fence some 20 feet beyond the barrier and a tractor -- a shot which went an estimated 245-250 feet.

"I was just seeing the ball well today," added Grutz, the OEC player of the year in water polo, who also landed a berth on the all-Southland and all-state teams. "We just need to keep it up."

Beyond Byrne, the only other Grossmont hits were basehits by third baseman KATIE THOMAS and shortstop ASHLEY MARX. For Riverside, DianaTorrez and Jessica Martinez each went 2-for-4, while Erika Fisher stroked a run-scoring triple, scoring on a Leesa Fisher basehit in the 4th.

Player Introductions of the Grossmont Griffins (Photo by Lenny Gemar) Complete 88-photo slideshow HERE

© East County Sports.com
SAN MARCOS (4-26-08) -- Grossmont College sophomore ASHLEY MOTTOLA and head coach RICK TRESTRAIL were honored by the Pacific Coast Conference, respectively, as its women's fastpitch pitcher and coach of the year.

Mottola, a product of Santana High, led the PCC in victories and ranked among the leaders in earned-run average all season. Meanwhile, Trestrail shared his coaching award with Bob Aguilar of Southwestern.

It was a near sweep of top laurels for the Griffins, as outfielder MARISSA UTLEY was nosed out by one vote for player of the year award to Erika Rangel of San Diego City.

Mottola and Utley were also two of the four Griffins among the first-team honorees, as voted by conference coaches. The others included first baseman STEPHANIE BYRNE (Camarillo) and catcher ASHLEY KOOPMAN (West Hills).

Second-team selections were third baseman KATIE THOMAS (Santana) and left-fielder LeeANN STROUD (Patrick Henry).

Griffin Graffiti -- Former Grossmont all-conference standout KYRSTIN GEMAR reports from South Dakota that her re-hab from rotator cuff surgery is going well as she red-shirts at Dickinson State University. Gemar was named all-PCC after batting .444 last season.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-23-08) -- Sophomore Day turned into a microcosm of the entire season for Grossmont College, along with visiting Southwestern College.

The Griffins found another way to pull out a late victory, while the Jaguars failed to find the answer late even after scoring twice in the 6th inning to take the lead.

Nevertheless, STEPHANIE BYRNE came through with the walk-off basehit to score NIKKI SESSIONS in the bottom of the 7th, lifting Grossmont to a 3-2 victory in Pacific Coast Conference action.

Of course, Tuesday (Apr. 22) was Green Day, so of course the green and gold clad Griffins were destined to win. It was the Grossmont's 13th consecutive triumph over Southwestern -- a streak which dates back over five seasons.

"I hate getting behind in the count to her, because she's a great pitcher," said Bryne on collecting her game-winning hit on an 0-2 pitch off Southwestern pitcher Becky Galindo. "I tried to battle and poke the ball through somewhere. It was an inside pitch, but I got it over the infield."

Two batters earlier, MARISSA UTLEY lifted a fly ball to right field, but REBECCA OSBORNE realized she couldn't tag up and score, so she retreated back to third base. Jaguars catcher Vanessa Baldiviez got Osborne in a rundown. But when the third baseman threw the ball away, Osborne scored to tie the contest, while Sessions advanced to third.

Byrne then sent a flare over the second baseman's head to give Grossmont a 4-game winning streak (and 7-out-of-8) to cap a 27-10 season -- the most victories by any PCC ballclub this season.

Sessions broke the scoreless pitcher's duel in the 5th, After Osborne singled and stole second base, Sessions (2-for-3) doubled off the base of the fence in right-centerfield for a 1-0 lead.

For Osborne, the last three innings were a wild rollercoaster ride. After playing hero in the 5th with the game's lone run, she slipped into goat status which led to a pair of unearned runs for Southwestern in the 6th before stepping back into the spotlight to win it in the 7th.

"I was so mad at myself," admitted Osborne. "We didn't have to play the bottom of the 7th if not for me."

With the bases loaded, the second baseman's throw to the plate landed at the feet of the Grossmont catcher and bounced to the backstop, allowing both AMBER LOVELADY (her former teammate at Grossmont High) and Autumn Hammer to score.

"I just spiked it -- I was in such a hurry because I really wanted to get her out."

Osborne quickly redeemed herself by reaching base to leadoff the 7th when the Jaguars shortstop did her own spike job, as her throw across the diamond couldn't be scooped at first base.

"The team needed me on, so I did what I had to do," added Osborne. "Then the rest of the team did it -- I'm proud of them."

"This will pick us up for the championships (COA playoffs) -- boost our confidence."

Byrne and Sessions each recorded two of Grossmont's seven hits off Galindo.

"Everyone makes mistakes, but the great thing about our team is we truly play like a team," noted Byrne. "Some days some people are off, and it balances out."

"So everyone was rooting for Rebecca and wanted her to do good for the team."

Meanwhile, Griffins pitcher ASHLEY MOTTOLA finished with a 4-hitter, as both runs allowed were unearned. Mottola struckout four to run her record to 19-6. Galindo fell to 17-16, as Southwestern finishes in fourth place, placing in the conference's second division for the seventh time in eight seasons.

Pairing for the postseason are scheduled to be announced over the weekend.

Back-stops -- Grossmont's 27 wins equals their best single-season total this decade (27 in 2002)... Palomar, which finished in a tie for second place with San Diego City , posted six PCC losses this season. The Comets lost six games combined from 2001-07.

© East County Sports.com
SAN MARCOS (4-21-08) -- Grossmont College’s Marissa Utley (fastpitch) and Vanessa Reibstein (tennis) are Pacific Coast Conference Women’s Athletes of the Week.

Utley, a sophomore centerfielder out of El Cajon Valley High, played a key role as the Griffins won the conference softball championship, ending Palomar’s 22-year reign as PCC champions.

Utley went 2-for-3 with two steals in an 8-0 win over Southwestern, then went 2-for-3 with two runs scored in a 12-2 victory over Palomar. Utley is batting .389 on the season, including a .442 mark in PCC ballgames to help lead the Griffins to the conference crown.

Reibstein, a freshman from Westview High School, won the singles championship and teamed with Joanna Mova to win the doubles title at the Pacific Coast Conference Women’s Tennis Championships. In the singles finals, Reibstein defeated Griffins teammate Danielle Bryan, 6-3, 6-0.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-19-08) -- The past few months have been fantastic, the build-up over the past few weeks was dramatic, and winning a championship was certainly emotional. However, the greatest single moment in Grossmont College women's fastpitch history might be Friday's (Apr. 18) sixth inning against Palomar College.

It may not be the most runs scored, the most hits registered, or any other significant statistic. It was simply the reaction when the umpires suddenly walked off the field and the realization set it.

"It was surreal," said Griffins assistant coach ANA LANDEROS. "Then everyone in the dugout erupted."

Two days earlier, Grossmont won the Pacific Coast Conference championship. But it wasn't until nine players crossed the plate in the fateful 6th, that each member of the Griffins truly felt like champions after evoking the run-rule to paste the Comets, 13-2.

It was the most runs -- in both a ballgame and a single inning -- allowed by Palomar since Cypress turned the trick more than a year ago (Mar. 24, 2007).

"The stress of the season broke in that inning," added Landeros. "And everyone wanted a piece of it."

Four hits and an error led to four Grossmont runs to take the lead, 4-2. Included were run-scoring basehits by LeeANN STROUD and KATIE THOMAS. A wild pitch scored NIKKI SESSIONS, while a fly ball by MARISSA UTLEY was misplayed for another run.

Following a walk and an error, Sessions drilled the base of the fence in centerfield for two runs. And when ASHLEY KOOPMAN, batting for the second time in the inning, drilled a 2-run single, the contest was called and the celebration began.

The Griffins (26-10, 12-2 PCC) complete the regular season at home Tuesday (Apr. 22) against Southwestern. The Sophomore Day contest begins at 3 p.m., with the entire East County softball community -- including all high school players – invited to attend.

© East County Sports.com
CHULA VISTA (4-17-08) -- Just like when Shoemaker-Levy 9 disappeared into Jupiter in 1994 -- the largest intergalactic, non-Earth collision witnessed by humans -- the women's softball version of the comet has also vanished.

Following an incredible 22-year reign as Pacific Coast Conference champions, Palomar College's Comets will not hang a banner this season after Grossmont College officially wrapped up the 2008 PCC title outright Wednesday (Apr. 16) after whipping Southwestern College, 4-0.

Palomar's winning ways started two years before Mottola, 20, was even born, when the Pacific Coast Conference was created.

"It's amazing that they won for 22 years straight," said Mottola, who ran her season record to a PCC best 17-5. "But that streak is over because of the "G-House.'"

"I have to give major props to my defense. They busted it and did a good job, always giving me their 100 percent."

The coaching staff, however, points to the return of Mottola as the key component to winning the pennant. Following the Harris Fire last fall, no one was sure if Mottola would return for the college's spring semester.

The Mottola's home, located in the backcountry of eastern San Diego County near Dulzura, was destroyed, leaving eight people packed inside another house on the property belonging to her uncle.

"We have 400 acres out there, but the houses were only about 100 feet apart," she noted. "Somehow, one house was saved while the other burned down."

Fortunately, the family will soon have a new modular home constructed on the site. More importantly, none of her relatives were injured.

"Now, I have my dad (Steve) as one of my biggest fans," noted the pitcher. "He was screaming for the team -- more than he usually does -- keeping me and the team pumped up. He's kept my hopes high all season."

Mottola kept the contest scoreless until the Griffins broke loose with four runs in the 4th inning for the ballgame's only scoring.

"We were nervous coming into the game because we just lost to Palomar, then Southwestern beat Palomar, so we didn't really know what to expect," Mottola noted. "But we wanted it really bad, so we came out strong and we took it."

There really wasn't much of a rally after KATIE THOMAS walked, a strike out, then a fielder's choice for a second out with a runner at first base.

But then the bats exploded.

ASHLEY MARX lined a triple over the head of the Southwestern right-fielder for a run. Marx then scored on an infield single by REBECCA OSBORNE, which turned into a nightmare for the host Jaguars.

The throw by the shortstop sailed toward the first-base dugout, sending Osborne to second. But when the first baseman retrieved the ball and misfired it into left field, Osborne circled the bases for a 3-0 lead.

NIKKI SESSIONS then matched Marx with another triple over the right-fielder. MARISSA UTLEY walked, then LeeANN STROUD singled to right to score Sessions.

Meanwhile, Mottola handled the Jags easily, allowing just three basehits, a walk and striking out three.

"Ash was very good -- light's out, basically," said Griffins assistant coach ANA LANDEROS. "We are so glad she came back and played this season."

Grossmont also turned a double play, raising their record to 25-10 (11-2 PCC).

The Griffins complete the regular season with a 2-game homestand, hosting Palomar on Friday (Apr. 18), then a rematch with Southwestern on Tuesday (Apr. 22). Both contests start at 3 p.m.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-12-08) -- Grossmont College waved good-bye to visiting Imperial Valley College, completing another season series sweep of the Arabs following Friday's (Apr. 11) easy 9-1 drubbing.

For the Griffins, the real news of the day came a few hours later.

"One of my best friends, ANDREA NEDDEN, sent me a text message," said Grossmont centerfielder MARISSA UTLEY of the former Grossmont High standout who now plays for Palomar College. "All it said was, 'Palomar beat S.W. in 9th.'"

"It didn't really hit me what it meant."

Utley contacted assistant coach ANA LANDEROS, who was originally disappointed with news of the outcome.

"Then Ana called me back like a minute later," noted Utley. "All of the sudden, it was great news -- we wanted Palomar to win."

Showing how much respect Palomar receives, everyone forgot the Comets were actually in third place, not second, so their 3-1 victory in extra innings actually meant that the second-place team -- Southwestern -- had lost.

And with Southwestern and Palomar both now saddled with five conference losses, Grossmont (24-10, 10-2 PCC), with just three PCC contests remaining, were guaranteed a second consecutive Pacific Coast Conference championship.

Suddenly, cell phone companies throughout San Diego County turned profitable as numerous text messages and phone calls between the players were exchanged with congratulations for each other.

"At first, I didn't clearly understand what the situation was -- I really do try to play them one game at a time," noted Utley. "After finishing in the tie last year with Palomar and (San Diego) City, we had to raise the bar. It was a shocker."

Grossmont needs just one additional victory to claim the title outright, which will prevent Palomar from winning or sharing the PCC crown for the first time in conference history.

"And I know we're too good of a team to lose all of our last three games, so we'll go to the playoffs playing up a level, not down a level -- we'll be on our game."

Unlike the previous ballgame with Imperial Valley, when Grossmont allowed three unearned runs, the defense was ready from the first pitch. The featured play was turned in by left-fielder LeeANN STROUD, who made a leaping, juggling grab to rob an IVC batter.

"We were playing shallow and the ball was hit over LeeAnn's head," explained Utley. "It seemed like she was running backwards, then got completely vertical to get her glove on the ball. She made a really difficult play."

The ball bounced 3-4 times before Stroud hauled in the ball. Grossmont then broke open a 1-1 deadlock by scoring four times in both the 4th and 5th innings to make a winner of starting pitcher JANELLE HAVENS.

An Utley double tied the ballgame in the 3rd, then the offense unloaded over the following innings.

With the bases loaded in the 4th, NIKKI SESSIONS placed down a squeeze bunt. However, Sessions ended-up with a basehit and an RBI on the roller down the first-base line, scoring ASHLEY MARX

"The ball just followed her," said Landeros. "It couldn't be a more perfect bunt."

A grounder to the right side by Utley brought home KATIE THOMAS, then Stroud cleared the bases with a 2-run triple.

In the 5th, pinchhitter KINDRA MYERS sent a single through the hole at shortstop for two runs, scoring Marx and pinchhitter LAURA SMITH (walk). Utley then capped a four RBI outing by lining a 2-run single to right field, plating Thomas and Myers.

The Griffins can clinch the PCC crown outright on Wednesday (Apr. 16) at Southwestern. The difficult closing portion of the schedule then features their final two ballgames at home against Palomar and then a rematch with the Jaguars.

© East County Sports.com
SAN MARCOS (4-10-08) -- Palomar College welcomed the return of injured pitcher Alex Hutchinson, helping the Comets' desperate attempt to scratch back into the Pacific Coast Conference pennant race.

After ending the 36-game winning streak of top-ranked Cypress over the weekend, Hutchinson bounced right back to spin a 4-hit shutout Wednesday (Apr. 9), as Palomar (23-12, 7-5 PCC) downed first-place Grossmont College, 8-0, at Palomar.

Hutchinson struck out seven batters to even the teams' season series at 1-1. However, time is still on the side of the Griffins, who remain on track to snap Palomar's streak of 22 consecutive PCC titles. Grossmont (23-10, 9-2 PCC) still holds a 2-game lead with four contests remaining, with the G-House hosting winless Imperial Valley (10-20, five wins by forfeit; 0-11 PCC) at 1 p.m. Friday (Apr. 11).

The two teams, plus San Diego City , all shared the crown following last season's 3-way dead heat.

The close ballgame tipped Palomar's way after the Comets scored six times in the 6th inning. The big hit was a 3-run homer by former San Diego City catcher Christy Kearney.

For Grossmont, first baseman STEPHANIE BYRNE went 2-for-3 with a double among the ballclub's four hits.

Note -- In Palomar's win over No. 1 Cypress, former Grossmont High standout ANDREA NEDDEN batted 2-for-3, including a lead double in the 6th which started a 3-run rally in the Comets' upset victory. Palomar completed the upset of the Chargers by turning a triple play.

© East County Sports.com
KEARNY MESA (4-5-08) -- Mired in a mild batting slump, Grossmont College infielder ASHLEY MARX went to a familiar face to solve a problem with her mechanics.

"She was at our home game the other day to say hi, and watch us play" said El Capitan High coach softball JOE COTA. "And we talked about her hitting a little bit, too."

Marx took the advice and blossomed.

The former Vaqueros standout batted 3-for-3 and scored the game-tying run on a squeeze bunt by LeeANN STROUD, helping the Griffins move another step closer to a second straight Pacific Coast Conference crown after pasting host San Diego Mesa, 6-3, on Friday (Apr. 4). The G-House now holds a 3-game lead with five contests remaining.

"We talked about the position of her hands and getting her to move her bat quicker, too," noted Grossmont assistant coach ANA LANDEROS. "I guess everyone understands what needs to be corrected, but if Coach Cota was able to say something to help, I'm sure the entire team appreciates it."

After the Olympians scored three times in the 3rd to overcome an early 2-0 deficit, Grossmont bounced back to immediately reclaim the lead in the 4th -- with Marx in the middle of the action

The Griffins added two insurance runs in the 6th when a deep drive by Stroud went off a glove of a Mesa outfielder, bouncing over the fence for a 2-run homer.

The call wasn't as controversial as the liner which accounted for Mesa's runs. A drive by former Grossmont High pitcher ROXY HESHMATY also hit the glove of a Grossmont defender as she crashed into the fence.

Although Grossmont thought the ball then bounced onto the playing surface before going over the fence for a ground-rule double, the umpires ruled the ball landed beyond the point of where the temporary fence was situated.

The Griffins scored early on an ASHLEY KOOPMAN double in the 1st, bringing home STEPHANIE BYRNE, who reached on an error then stole second base. An inning later, LILY ISAACSON tripled deep to right, coming home on Marx' first hit -- a basehit to center.

Grossmont caps its brief roadtrip on Wednesday (Apr. 9) with a 3 p.m. contest at Palomar, then hosts Imperial Valley at 1 p.m. Friday (Apr. 11).

Notes -- In non-league action Saturday, Palomar defeated previously undefeated Cypress, 5-3, snapping the Chargers' 36-game winning streak.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-3-08) -- Grossmont College gained ground on its two nearest contenders Wednesday (Apr. 2), moving another step closer to gaining a second consecutive Pacific Coast Conference title.

While the Griffins took care of business by busting second-place San Diego City College, 4-1, third-standing Southwestern was upset by San Diego Mesa, 7-1, making Grossmont's three closest rivals -- including Palomar (a 17-0 winner over Imperial Valley) -- all three games behind in the loss column with six ballgames remaining for the Griffins.

Grossmont pitcher ASHLEY MOTTOLA, who moved into a virtual tie for the PCC lead in earned-run average after allowing just one nearned run against the Knights, survived a major SDCC threat in the 1st after the first two batters moved into scoring position with no one out.

"We got a little bit lucky there, but then we were able to score right away which kept us relaxed," said Griffins assistant coach ANA LANDEROS. "In fact, City had a lot of chances, but we somehow kept getting out of jams."

The Knights initial rally was trumped when a pair of line drives found Griffins leather, followed by a popout to end the inning. Grossmont immediately answered on an RBI single by ASHLEY KOOPMAN, which scored MARISSA UTLEY, then KATIE THOMAS lifted a sacrifice fly to right field, allowing NIKKI SESSIONS to tag-up and score.

The Knights halved the lead in the 4th on a sollo homer by Erica Rangel, but one inning later, Utley reached second base on what was ruled a double when the SDCC centerfield dove to reach Utley's sinking liner, only to have the ball bounce off her head and roll away.

A Sessions grounder moved Utley to third, then PCC batting leader STEPHANIE BYRNE bunted Utley home on a safety squeeze.

In the 6th, designated player LILY ISAACSON singled, moved to second on a ground ball, then scored when REBECCA OSBORNE scorched a liner which hit the fence in center.

San Diego City had two runners on base in the 6th and 7th, but Mottola escaped both jams to avenge her only conference defeat of the season and give Grossmont the season series, 2-1.

The Griffins open a brief 2-game roadtrip Friday (Apr. 4) at Mesa, then next Wednesday at Palomar -- both at 3 p.m. The ballclub returns home for a special 1 p.m. Friday afternoon special against Imperial Valley.

Imperial Valley College’s Jennifer Sanchez (left) tags out Grossmont’s Ashley Mottola at third base in Pacific Coast Conference action Wednesday. (Photo by Todd Krainin; Courtesy, Imperial Valley Press) Mistakes costly for Arabs By Ryan Leon, Staff Writer Courtesy, Imperial Valley Press IMPERIAL -- The Imperial Valley College softball team had two tough innings against the Grossmont and fell to the Griffins 12-4 in Pacific Coast Conference play at IVC on Wednesday. “We only really had two bad innings … that’s the only time they were able to score and most of their runs were off our errors,” IVC head coach Jill Lerno said. “It was not a bad game but without our errors, you can take away four of their runs in the first and three runs in the sixth and we have a 6-4 game.” The Griffins opened the game with seven first-inning runs on four hits. After that, Arabs pitcher Jennifer Lopez was able to settle down and keep the game close. “Jennifer pitched really well after she settled down a little bit. I just wish we could have helped her out a little more,” Lerno said. The game remained 7-0 until the bottom of the fifth when the Arabs got on the board. IVC’s April Aldrete knocked a one-out triple down the left field line and later scored on a passed ball. Grossmont was able to strike right back scoring five runs in the top of the sixth, putting the Griffins up 12-1. The Arabs didn’t go quietly. Lopez opened the inning with a single, then was brought home on a double by Denise Cepeda. The Arabs scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth but it was not enough. The game ended via the eight-run rule after six innings. “We need to work on our hitting, but I see a lot of improvement so far this year since we began,” Lerno said. “This is a young team and hopefully we can come together … we are just hitting some bumps in the road.”

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-25-08) -- Cypress College, the No. 1 ranked women's fastpitch team in California, needed to make-up contest last by February rains, so the Chargers called Grossmont College and was willing to make the drive south to play the 21st-ranked Griffins.

Maybe, next time, Grossmont should refuse the call as Cypress swept a non-conference doubleheader from the Griffins, 7-1 and 6-0. In the second game, it was just the second shutout loss suffered all season by Grossmont.

Despite the setbacks, the Griffins (20-9) collected valuable power-rating points which will assist the team should they advance to the CCCAA playoffs. Grossmont, which leads the Pacific Coast Conference by two full games over Palomar and San Diego City, returns to conference action Wednesday at Imperial Valley, starting at 1 p.m.

© East County Sports.com
MIRA MESA (3-19-08) -- The San Diego City College Tournament turned into a circus for the Griffins.

One day after pasting Saddleback, 11-2, Grossmont needed to play the 4th-ranked Gauchos again, so they went with their No. 2 pitcher in JANELLE RAVENS. However, the freshman out of El Cajon Valley High saw her defense collapse in the 8th inning during the International Tiebreaker.

Immediately after Grossmont scored to take a 2-1 lead on STEPHANIE BYRNE's second RBI of the contest, two unearned was allowed on a pair of errors to give Saddleback a 3-2 triumph at Hourglass Field.

The loss gave Grossmont a split on the day. Earlier, the Griffins reached the 20-victory plateau by stopping Oxnard, 4-1.

Right-fielder NIKKI SESSIONS went 3-for-4, while centerfielder MARISSA UTLEY and catcher ASHLEY KOOPMAN registered two hits each. Included was a 2-runs single by Koopman in the 5th, while REBECCA OSBORNE added a sacrifice fly.

© East County Sports.com
MIRA MESA (3-18-08) -- Grossmont College broke a scoreless contest by erupting for five runs in the 4th inning, then six more in the 7th, as the 13th-ranked Griffins stunned No. 4 Saddleback, 11-2, in Monday's (Mar. 17) opening round of the San Diego City College Tournament at Hourglass Field.

ASHLEY MOTTOLA shutout the Gauchos (18-8) over 6 1/3 innings before the south Orange County opponent broke through, but it was too late as Grossmont (19-6) won for the 12th time in 13 outings.

"The Saddleback coach talked to me after the game and said that Ashley pitched way better than she did during the fall," said Griffins assistant coach ANA LANDEROS. "It was a nice compliment."

The first big rally was capped by a 2-run double by Mottola, then the second outburst was capped on a 3-run double by ASHLEY MARX, one of a pair of 2-base hits by the El Capitan High product.

Sophomore catcher ASHLEY KOOPMAN also registered RBI singles in both frames.

The Griffins continue tournament play with a 9 a.m. contest against Oxnard , followed by ballgames at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on yet-to-be determined opponents.

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (3-15-08) -- Grossmont College 's opportunity to make the Pacific Coast Conference pennant race a blowout instead blew up in the Griffins' collective faces Friday (Mar. 14). Looking like a team more ready for spring break than one willing to play full tilt for seven full innings, the Griffins blew a late 2-0 lead to fall to host San Diego City College, 3-2, at Hock Field.

Coupled with Southwestern's 1-0 triumph over San Diego Mesa, Grossmont's lead was trimmed to 1 1/2 games over both Southwestern and SDCC.

Griffins pitcher ASHLEY MOTTOLA carried a 1-hit shutout into the 6th inning, but the Knights struck for three runs, capped by a sacrifice fly by reserve catcher Nadia Rangel.

The crash began on a leadoff walk to the No. 9 hitter, followed by an RBI double by Erica Rangeo, who would score on a Alexis Coronado triple. Both extra-base hits came on the first pitch of each at-bat.

Grossmont had a chance to extend the game in the 7th after the Knights allowed a pair of walks, but the Griffins couldn't get the timely hit. They also failed to bust the game open early on when they loaded the bases with no outs in the 5th, but managed just a single run on a sacrifice fly by KATIE THOMAS.

The first G-House run came in the 4th when ASHLEY KOOPMAN singled to right, then KINDRA MYERS doubled to left-center to open the scoring.

For the contest, the Griffins stranded eight baserunners in seeing their 11-game winning streak snapped. City has now won 8-of-9.

Notes (Updated) -- Grossmont will play in the San Diego City Tournament, starting at 3 p.m. Monday (Mar. 17) at Hourglass Field in Mira Mesa. The Griffins will meet Saddleback, the 4th-ranked team in Southern California. On Tuesday, GC will play three consecutive contests, starting at 9 a.m.

© East County Sports.com
CHULA VISTA (3-13-08) -- Everything seems to be coming second-nature to the Grossmont Griffins.

"It's all been so automatic -- it's making the coaches nervous," said Griffins assistant coach ANA LANDEROS. "Just watching the demeanor of the girls, it's like nothing can go wrong."

Grossmont continues its cruise-control trek to the top of the Pacific Coast Conference standings, capturing its 11th consecutive ballgame after downing second-place Southwestern, 6-1. Winning pitcher ASHLEY MOTTOLA tossed a 3-hitter, getting staked to an early 4-0 advantage.

Despite the ballgame being a battle of the top two teams in the conference, the difference was evident. The Griffins (18-5, 6-0 PCC) now hold a commanding 2 1/2 game lead, as the Jaguars -- winners of less than 25 percent of their games over the previous three seasons (25-76) -- fell into a second-place tie with San Diego City.

Mottola ended any comeback hopes of the Jags by retiring the home side's final 12 batters in a row. The sophomore finished with five strikeouts, with the one run allowed being unearned.

"Ashley's in such control right now -- she just knows that every throw will be right where it's supposed to be," added Landeros. "The same with the defense. It's just free and easy out there for everyone -- the girls are laughing and smiling, having a great time out there."

The offense is doing the job, too.

Following an RBI double by LeeANN STROUD in the 1st, the Griffins posted three additional runs in the 2nd for a 4-0 lead.

REBECCA OSBORNE boomed a run-scoring triple to left, scoring ASHLEY MARX, who started the rally with a leadoff walk. Osborne then scored on an RBI single by MARISSA UTLEY, who later stole second and came home on a STEPHANIE BYRNE basehit.

Grossmont added two more runs in the 7th, as KATIE THOMAS doubled and scored on a Koopman single. Marx later added a sacrifice fly.

Utley, Stroud and Thomas all finished with two hits each.

The Griffins final contest before spring break is Friday (Mar. 14) at 3 p.m. on the road at San Diego City in a must-win situation for the Knights.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-11-08) -- Hours after learning of landing a berth in the COA rankings, the Grossmont College women's softball team wasted little time. The Griffins scored three runs in the 1st inning, racing to a 6-1 victory over visiting San Diego Mesa to expand their lead in the Pacific Coast Conference.

It was the 10th consecutive victory for Grossmont (17-5, 5-0 PCC).

Earlier on Monday (Mar. 10), Grossmont learned it was ranked 11th in Southern California and among the honorable mention in the state poll, although the team believes it should be higher due to triumphs over teams -- Fullerton and Santa Ana -- ranked higher than the G-House.

So the Griffins took some of their frustrations out on the Olympians' pitching staff, tagging it for 10 hits, as a quarter of players -- LeeANN STROUD, KATIE THOMAS, ASHLEY KOOPMAN and NIKKI SESSIONS -- all went 2-for-4 with an RBI.

The scoring was almost immediate,

MARISSA UTLEY opened with a lead walk and stole second base, scoring on a Stroud basehit to right field.

STEPHANIE BYRNE singled to place runners on the corners, then Thomas grounded a single through the right side for a 2-1 lead.

KINDRA MYERS reached on an error, then Koopman delivered a run-scoring single.

Grossmont placed the finishing touches on the victory with three additional runs in the 6th, ignited when Koopman short-hopped the fence in centerfield for a lead double.

REBECCA OSBORNE reached on a dropped third strike to place runners on the corners, then Sessions put down a squeeze bunt to score Osborne. Utley then drove in two more runs with a booming double.

Meanwhile, pitcher ASHLEY MOTTOLA tossed blanks at Mesa , holding the Olympians scoreless over the final 6 1/3 innings.

Through the first round of conference play, the Griffins now hold a 1 1/2 game lead over surprising Southwestern. The teams meet at 3 p.m. Wednesday in Chula Vista in what turns out to be a prime early-season encounter to determine the PCC champion.

No, it wasn't a double no-hitter. For reasons unknown, Imperial Valley always requests that the hits and errors portions of the scoreboard not be used. The Arabs didn't use the runs area either after the Griffins posted a 12-0 triumph. (Photo by Lenny Gemar)

Mar. 7: Imperial Valley at Grossmont (Slideshow by Lenny Gemar)

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-8-08) -- Grossmont College sophomore ASHLEY MOTTOLA granted the request from the management of the Imperial Valley College softball team.

The Arabs, in their annual request when visiting the G-House, wanted portions of the scoreboard -- the game totals for hits and errors -- not to be used. So Mottola did one better.

She placed a sequence of zeroes on the IVC half of the ledger in spinning a 1-hit shutout at the Arabs during Friday's (Mar. 7) 12-0 Pacific Coast Conference victory by the first-place Griffins (16-5, 5-0 PCC).

Grossmont backed Mottola with its single-biggest inning of the season, scoring 10 times in the 3rd inning. The Griffins sent 15 batters to the plate, featuring RBI single during both at-bats by STEPHANIE OSBORNE.

Also knocking in runs were NIKKI SESSIONS, MARISSA UTLEY, LeeANN STROUD, STEPHANIE BYRNE, ASHLEY MARX and ASHLEY KOOPMAN. Nine of the runs were unearned (10 for the ballgame), as the Griffins expanded their lead to a full game over second-place Southwestern.

Mottola struck out three, losing her no-hit bid on a 4th-inning single. However, the Arabs baserunner was quickly erased on one of two double plays turned by the Griffins.

© East County Sports.com
SAN MARCOS (3-7-08) -- Grossmont College women's fastpitch pitcher ASHLEY MOTTOLA was honored as Pacific Coast Conference female athlete of the week, for the period ending Mar. 2.

Mottola, a sophomore out of Santana High, pitched the Griffins to the top of the PCC standings.

First, the right-hander tossed a 1-hit shutout against San Diego City, striking out 7 in a 1-0 victory. Then she set down the final 11 batters in order to preserve a 4-3 triumph over San Diego Mesa.

Mottola ranks among the PCC leaders in victories and earned run average.

© East County Sports.com
SAN MARCOS (3-6-08) -- After 23 consecutive Pacific Coast Conference titles, the end could be near, finally, for the incredible streak of Palomar College.

On Wednesday (Mar. 5), Grossmont College took advantage of four Comets errors and a passed ball to register six unearned runs, as the Griffins posted their biggest margin-of-victory over the perennial titlists after posting a 7-1 triumph.

The decision left Grossmont (15-5, 3-0 PCC) as the lone undefeated team remaining in the conference, while Palomar (10-7, 1-2 PCC) slipped under the .500 mark in conference play for perhaps the first time since competing in the old Mission Conference in the early 1980s.

The Griffins scored in clusters, posting three runs in the 2nd, then four more in the 4th. Meanwhile, starting pitcher ASHLEY MOTTOLA limited Palomar to just five hits, striking out four, with the lone run against her also coming unearned.

The first rally started innocently enough, as ASHLEY MARX reached on a two-out walk and moved to second on a passed ball. ASHLEY KOOPMAN followed with a base hit to center, but REBECCA OSBORNE followed with an inning-ending ground ball to shortstop. But when the ball bounded through the third baseman’s legs, things went from bad to worse for the Comets.

NIKKI SESSIONS lead off with a walk to load the bases, then MARISSA UTLEY followed with another ground ball to shortstop. And when the converted third baseman saw the ball skip past her again, two additional runs scored.

In the 4th, Osborne, one of seven Griffins listed among the 21 PCC batters with an average of .300 or better, collected a one-out single to left. Sessions put down a sacrifice bunt, but beat the throw for a single. And when the throw raced down the right-field line, Osborne scored and Sessions reached third base.

LeeANN STROUD followed with a successful squeeze bunt to plate Sessions for an RBI, then STEPHANIE BYRNE and KATIE THOMAS, the team's top batter with a .411 average, slugged consecutive singles to center, the latter for an RBI.

Grossmont returns to action Friday (Mar. 7), hosting Imperial Valley at 1 p.m. in the only conference contest of the day. The other games have been rescheduled so ballclubs may participate in the Golden West Invitational.

© East County Sports.com
KEARNY MESA (3-1-08) -- Grossmont College pitcher ASHLEY MOTTOLA was facing a difficult predicament after San Diego Mesa had already scored twice and still had the bases loaded to trim the Griffins' lead to 4-3.

"I wasn't tired, I was just a little bit out of my zone," explained Mottola. "Things were a little bit bumpy, so I just showed them what I had."

Mottola promptly said good night to the host Olympians, setting down the final 11 Mesa batters in order -- although one reached on a dropped third strike -- preserving Grossmont's 4-3 decision over Mesa on Friday (Feb. 29), and maintaining its share of first place in the Pacific Coast Conference.

"We just got pumped up -- I felt we were doing well," added Mottola, who struck out five while surviving a pair of 4th-inning walks, including one with the bases loaded. "When we do the little things we're a pretty good team."

Good enough to string together a 7-game winning streak for a 14-5 overall mark, including 2-0 in PCC action heading into Wednesday's (Mar. 5) showdown at Palomar.

The only mistake from Mottola was yielding a solo home run to Grossmont High product ROXY HESHMATY in the 2nd inning, countering an RBI single from KINDRA MYERS in the top of the frame.

Grossmont added two runs in the 3rd on consecutive run-scoring basehits by KATIE THOMAS and STEPHANIE BYRNE. Then in the 4th, ASHLEY KOOPMAN reached on an error, coming home when ASHLEY MARX slammed a pitch off the fence in left, missing a homer by less than two feet to wind up at third base.

Marx also shined with the glove.

Moments after Mesa trimmed the deficit to a single run, Marx made a nice diving stab at a potential go-ahead grounder up the middle, flicking the ball to second baseman REBECCA OSBORNE for the forceout to maintain the lead and ending the inning.

Byrne, Myers and MARISSA UTLEY each registered two of Grossmont's 9 hits.

Mesa fell to 9-8 (1-1 PCC).

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-28-08) -- Grossmont College pitcher ASHLEY MOTTOLA struck out seven batters, including three straight in the 7th inning after the leadoff batter reached base via an error, perserving the Griffins" 1-0 verdict over visiting San Diego City College in the Pacific Coast Conference opener Wednesday (Feb. 27).

Mottola finished with a 1-hit shutout in easily her best outing of the season. "Ashley was simply lights out," said Grossmont assistant coach ANA LANDEROS. "Every time she needed a big pitch, she came up with something big."

Mottola also carried her defense, which committed four errors.

The pitchers" duel saw Grossmont go down in order through three innings, but finally got to the Knights during the second time through the order in the 4th inning for the game"s lone run.

NIKKI SESSIONS led off with a walk, then LeeANN STROUD laced a single to right, placing runners on the corners. Following a pop out, clean-up hitter MARISSA UTLEY saw the defense playing back, so she surprised everyone by putting down a bunt.

"City"s third baseman was playing behind the bag -- everyone thought Marissa was going to hit away," added Landeros. "But she surprised them by putting down a squeeze bunt."

KATIE THOMAS followed with a line single, and Stroud was out at the plate, but the run scored by Sessions was enough for Mottola.

The lone hit by the Knights came in the 5th, when left fielder Aslia Lopez slapped a basehit through the hole on the left side. Meanwhile, Grossmont collected five hits -- the others were by STEPHANIE BYRNE and KINDRA MYERS.

Grossmont next plays at San Diego Mesa, starting at 3 p.m. Friday.

Stroud finds her stride

© East County Sports.com
KEARNY MESA (2-24-08) -- Grossmont College centerfielder LeeANN STROUD put it upon herself to halt the comeback efforts of Glendale College, in Saturday's (Feb.23) three-way double-header held at San Diego Mesa College.

Twice the Griffins took 1-run leads, only to watch the Vaqueros -- who entered the day with an 8-1 record -- rally back. So Stroud placed the finishing touches on the Griffins' 3-2 victory, extending the team's winning streak to 5 straight ballgames.

After earlier giving Grossmont a lead with a squeeze bunt, Stroud, a sophomore out of Patrick Henry High, caught the Vaqueros outfield playing too shallow, blasting a triple to right-centerfield to open the 6th inning. But when the throw to third base bounded out of play, Stroud waltzed home with the game-winning run.

Meanwhile, Grossmont pitcher ASHLEY MOTTOLA struck out 5 and yielded just 4 hits to gain the victory. It also avenged a Feb. 1 loss to Glendale at the Vaqueros Classic, when the hosts won on a time-limit game which only lasted 3 1/2 innings after 25 of the contest 90 minutes were lost when the contest was delayed while tending to an injured player.

Grossmont took a 1-0 in the 2nd when MARISSA UTLEY walked, stole second base, then came home on an RBI single to left field by KATIE THOMAS.

After Glendale (which later lost to San Diego City to fall to 8-3 this season) tied the game, the Griffins scored again in the 3rd.

STEPHANIE BYRNE, Grossmont's weekend first baseman, "hootered" a lead double to left-center, then took third on a failed pickoff attempt by the catcher. Stroud then laid down a perfect squeeze bunt to plate Byrne for a 2-1 advantage.

The ballgame was moved to Mesa College after recent rains left the diamond at San Diego City College's Hock Field unplayable.

Grossmont (12-5) is slated to host Ventura Coillege at 11 a.m. Sunday (Feb. 24), weather permitting.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-22-08) -- Grossmont College second baseman REBECCA OSBORNE extended her hitting streak to 7 contests, in going 2-for-3 in both ends of Thursday's (Feb. 21) doubleheader to pace the Griffins to a non-conference sweep of visiting Mt. San Jacinto College. Game scores were 7-1 and 11-3.

Along with her hitting streak, Osborne also collected her third consecutive multi-hit outing.

In the opener, the sophomore out of Grossmont High erupted quickly with a bases-loaded triple in the 1st inning, lifting the Griffins to a fast 4-0 lead.

Meanwhile, cenrterfielder LeeANN STROUD batted 3-for-3 with a double and a pair of RBI, allowing winning pitcher ASHLEY MOTTOLA to waltz in her 5-hitter. Mottola equaled a career-high by striking out 11 Eagles.

In Game Two, Osborne drove home a run and scored twice, giving starter pitcher JANELLE HAVENS her first victory of the season.

Sophomore rightfielder NIKKI SESSIONS delivered the key hit, driving in a pair with a booming triple to right-centerfield in the 2nd. Sessions finished 2-for-3 and scored twice.

© East County Sports.com
ORANGE (2-20-08) -- Following a series of close calls against quality competition over the past 10 days, Grossmont College came through with what it hopes to be a breakthrough victory.

On Tuesday (Feb. 19), the Griffins erupted for three early runs, racing past host Santiago Canyon College, 9-1, in a non-conference contest at Hart Park. The Hawks entered the contest with a shining 12-3 record.

Winning pitcher ASHLEY MOTTOLA struck out four and yielded just three hits, only tagged for one unearned run in the 3rd inning. Grossmont then answered with six additional runs, as every member of the starting lineup registered at least one of the team's 15 hits.

Included were consecutive RBI doubles by LeeANN STROUD and ASHLEY MARX, pacing the Griffins to a 3-0 lead in the 1st inning.

After Santiago Canyon scored its unearned run, Grossmont (9-5) saw REBECCA OSBORNE and STEPHANIE BYRNE answer with 2 hits and 2 RBI each.

Also collecting a pair of hits were NIKKI SESSIONS, ASHLEY KOOPMAN, MARISSA UTLEY and KATIE THOMAS.

The Griffins return home for a Thursday (Feb. 21) doubleheader with Mt. San Jacinto , starting at 1 p.m.

© East County Sports.com
WINCHESTER (2-18-08) — For the second day in a row the Grossmont College Griffins earned a split of a doubleheader Sunday (Feb. 17) as part of Mt. San Jacinto College's Soboba Tournament at Winchester Park. The Griffins routed Rio Hondo, 12-3, in the nightcap after dropping a tough 1-0 decision to perennial state power Long Beach City.

KATIE THOMAS accounted for half of Grossmont’s runs against Rio Hondo, driving in 4 and scoring 2 on a pair of doubles.

STEPHANIE BYRNE was also 2-for-3 with an RBI and 2 runs scored for the Griffins (8-5).

Sophomore LAURA SMITH (2-0) pitched a complete game 5-hitter in a game that was halted after five frames by tournament run rule. She walked none and struck out 2 as Grossmont beat Rio Hondo for the second time this season.

Grossmont’s ASHLEY MOTTOLA pitched a 7-inning 4-hitter against the Vikings.

LBCC put together a walk and 2 hits for the only run of the game in the second inning. Third baseman Raelene Saldana rolled a single through the left side for the RBI.

Grossmont was limited to 3 singles – ASHLEY MARX in the first inning, Thomas in the second, and REBECCA OSBORNE in the fifth.

Vikings pitcher Sadie Barton struck out 15.

Next up for the Griffins is a non-conference game at Santiago Canyon College Tuesday (Feb. 19) in Orange County.

© East County Sports.com
ALTA LOMA (2-17-08) — Facing its toughest competition to date, the Grossmont College Griffins gained a split of a pair of games on Saturday (Feb. 16) at Chaffey College.

The Griffins (7-4) came from behind to edge Fullerton 5-4 in the opener, and then failed to hold a 3-0 lead in a 7-3 loss to the host Panthers.

“We haven’t really played good teams until this week,” said Griffins assistant coach ANA LANDEROS. “After beating Fullerton, we had a little more confidence.”

In the opener the Griffins staged a two-out, 3 run rally in the 4th inning. ASHLEY KOOPMAN ignited the comeback over the left fielder’s head. KINDRA MYERS singled sharply to left field, putting runners at the corners.

Then it was REBECCA OSBORNE’s turn as she scored both runners with a double over the centerfielder’s head, tying the game 4-4.

NIKKI SESSIONS gave the Griffins the lead for keeps when she singled to right to score Osborne.

Earlier in the contest Myers laced a 2-run double, which at the time gave the Griffins a 2-1 lead in the 2nd inning.

Things started out well in the nightcap for Grossmont. MARISSA UTLEY hammered a solo home run in the 2nd inning in a lead that held off for four innings.

The Griffins made it 3-0 in the 5th on RBI singles by Utley and KATIE THOMAS.

But Chaffey came back with 7 runs in its final two at-bats.

“In the second game, Mottola just ran out of steam,” said Landeros. “Chaffey’s No. 1 hitter, Valerie Martinez, went 4-for-4, with a home run and 6 RBI. She killed us.”

On Sunday (Feb. 17), the Griffins travel to Mt. San Jacinto to play in the Soboba Tournament against Long Beach City College at 11 a.m. and Rio Hondo at 2:15 p.m. Grossmont beat Rio Hondo, 5-2, earlier this season.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-14-08) -- Grossmont College bounded back from a 6-0 deficit to score three times in the 5th inning, eventually bringing the go-ahead run to the plate, but El Camino College reliever Ginger Martinez entered to escape the one-out, bases-loaded jam by coaxing a pair of popouts, leading the Warriors to Wednesday's (Feb. 13) 10-3 non-conference victory over the host Griffins.

El Camino (4-1) took advantage of a pair of Grossmont errors to score five unearned runs, but the Griffins (6-3) rallied back.

Following consecutive basehits to centerfield by LeeANN STROUD and ASHLEY KOOPMAN, REBECCA OSBORNE boomed a double over the head of the Warriors centerfielder for an RBI. And when the throw somehow found its way into the dugout, the umpires awarded an extra base for a second Grossmont run.

KINDRA MYERS followed with an RBI basehit to center to halve the score to 6-3, but after NIKKI SESSIONS and ASHLEY MARX singled to load the bases, Martinez got Grossmont batters to popup to second base and short right field to maintain the lead.

El Camino then busted the game open on another unearned run and an illegal pitch (balk) call to allow a runner to come home from third.

Grossmont managed 11 hits against El Camino, including three by Stroud, and two each from Marx, Koopman and Osborne.

The Griffins travel to Rancho Cucamonga to play both Fullerton and host Chaffey in a three-way doubleheader on Saturday. The ballclub will then participate in Mt. San Jacinto College's Soboba Tournament at Winchester Park in Hemet on Sunday, meeting Long Beach at 11 a.m., then Rio Hondo at 2:15 p.m.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-7-08) -- Grossmont College pitcher ASHLEY MOTTOLA overcame an unearned run by using her arm and her bat to lift the Griffins past visiting Rio Hondo College, 5-2, in Wednesday's (Feb. 6) non-conference contest. The triumph was Grossmont's fourth in its last five starts.

Mottola was tagged for an unearned run by the winless Roadrunners (0-3) in the 1st inning, but she was key in both Griffins rallies.

In the 4th, Mottola started a 3-run rally with a base on balls. Although she was eventually out on a fielder's choice, her teammates behind her kept the inning alive, capped by an RBI fielder's choice grounder by REBECCA OSBORNE, followed by a 2-run single by MARISSA UTLEY.

An inning later, ASHLEY MARX belted a double, coming home when KATIE THOMAS hit the ball to shortstop, but the throw by the Rio Hondo defender sailed past the first baseman. Mottola then followed with an RBI double to left for a 5-1 advantage.

Mottola finished with a 2-hitter, striking out 6 Roadrunners. Grossmont collected 10 hits, including a 3-for-4 outing by Marx.

The Griffins (4-2) will play a Friday doubleheader at Barstow , then return home to meet El Camino next Wednesday (Feb. 13).

© East County Sports.com
GLENDALE (2-3-08) — The Grossmont Griffins finished the Glendale Tournament on Saturday (Feb. 2) by blanking Los Angeles Pierce, 9-0, in the third-place contest.

Freshman STEPHANIE BYRNE hurled the 1-hit shutout, striking out 1. Meanwhile, ASHLEY MATTOLA, a sophomore out of Santana, drove in 5 runs with a pair of home runs against the Brahmas.

Grossmont (3-2) concluded the tournament with three wins in four starts, defeating the first-year program out of Oxnard 2-1; Victor Valley 9-2; losing only to host Glendale 3-1.

Next up for the Griffins is a non-conference contest at Saddleback in Mission Viejo on Monday (Feb. 4) at 3 p.m.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-1-08) -- In a battle royale between a pair of unyielding ballclubs, Santa Ana College broke through with a pair of 9th-inning runs, nipping host Grossmont College, 5-3, in the Griffins' 2008 season opener.

Dons first baseman Elyse Pass snapped a 3-all tie with a basehit, later scoring on an infield single by Jenny Kulp.

Thursday's (Jan. 31) see-saw affair, Grossmont was one out away from victory until Santa Ana designated player Breanna Dravis forged a 3-2 lead with a 2-run single in the 7th. However, the Griffins bounced right back to overcome the pair of unearned runs.

Sophomore centerfielder MARISSA UTLEY led-off with a single, then promptly stole second base. LeeANN STROUD advanced Utley to third on a grounder to the right side, then an ASHLEY MARX sharp grounder up the middle was knocked down by the Dons' shortstop, but there was no play and Utley came home to force extra innings.

Marx finished batting 2-for-5 and scored a run in her long awaited collegiate debut.

After being a part of the San Diego State fall roster, Marx received a scholarship from New Mexico Highlands University, an NCAA Division II school.

"But there were problems," noted Marx. "When I got there, they didn't have dorm space for me -- and I'm supposed to be a full-scholarship athlete."

The school did attempt to make some, shall we say, adjustments.

"They wanted me to room in the men's dorm," Marx added. "They wanted me to live and share a bathrooms with a bunch of guys!"

Needless to say, the former El Capitan High standout returned to her home in Lakeside and enrolled at Grossmont.

"Since then, they lost a bunch of players and the coach left. It's obviously not a program I would recommend to anyone," she deadpanned.

Santa Ana scored in the 2nd on an unearned run, but the Griffins took command on an RBI double by KATIE THOMAS in the 3rd, then NIKKI SESSIONS scored in the 4th when she stole third and came off on the catcher's errant throw to the outfield.

Utley finished with three of Grossmont's 10 hits.

In 2007, the team played only one extra-inning contest, a 7-6, 11-inning triumph over Palomar to clinch the regular season series, 2-1 over the Comets.

The Griffins will participate in the Glendale Tournament, with three round-robin contests on Friday (Feb. 1), then Saturday's single-elimination knockout phase.

The Usual Suspects... 2007 PCC Fastpitch Champions

Grossmont College -- 2007 Pacific Coast Conference women's fastpitch champions. (Photo by Lenny Gemar)