Santana High senior catcher Brittany Fenn, named MVP of the Hilltop Tournament. (Photo by Jeff Grennan)

© East County Sports.com
CHULA VISTA (3-30-08) -- Santana High junior JESSIE OWENS is about to surpass her older sister, MELISSA, for an East County career record after equaling a CIF-San Diego Section record. The performance helped lift the Sultans to the championship of the annual Hilltop Tournament.

On Saturday (Mar. 29), Owens tied the section mark by slugging three home runs in a single contest, as Santana downed El Centro-Southwest, 14-6, in the tournament quarterfinals. The Sultans went on to blank Mater Dei, 12-0 in five innings, and Francis Parker, 4-0, to claim the first-place trophy.

With her blasts, Owens now owns 19 career homers, one short of her older sister’s career mark of 20, which ranks tied for sixth place in section history. Among the standouts the younger Owens surpassed include Lisa Dodd (UCLA; U.S. National Team) and Megan McAllister (Univ. of Georgia All-America, school-record 47 HRs; NPF Philadelphia Force).

Senior AMBER BEEBE added a grand slam in the 1st, while Balough led-off the 4th with a solo homer.

In game two, AMANDA CARPENTER registered a pair of home runs to romp over the Crusaders, who earlier upset El Capitan, 4-1, in the quarterfinals.

And the long ball continued in the title game, as Beebe and Balough went back-to-back with homers in the 4th. Balough added an RBI single in the 5th for a key insurance run, then capped her triumph with the final of her 10 strikeouts.

Along with Fenn, the all-tournament team included Santana's Owens, Balough, Carpenter and senior KELSEY McILONIE.

Mater Dei 4, El Capitan 1 -- Natalie Erb, a player not even listed on the Crusaders' opening day roster, hit a 3-run homer to highlight a 4-run, 4th-inning rally to drop the Vaqueros, which scored in the 7th to avoid the shutout.

© East County Sports.com
TIERRASANTA (3-29-08) -- Ever since a setback to top-ranked Escondido, the Helix Highlanders can't be stopped. The Scotties captured their eighth straight contest Friday (Mar. 28) by whipping Serra for the second time in a week, posting a 7-0 verdict in Falcon Fiesta tournament action.

Helix, which owns an East County best 10-1-1 record, created offense from nearly every segment of the lineup to back the pitching of TERESE DIAZ. The senior struck out 14 batters in six innings of work, while NATALIE SMITH pitched a perfect 7th inning in the combined 1-hit shutout of the Conquistadors (8-5-1).

Almost every starter either scored or drove in a run for the Scotties., featuring a booming, 2-run homer to straightaway centerfield by Diaz to give Helix a 5-0 in the 5th inning.

While Diaz has been one of the team's top performers in both pitching (8-1 record) and batting (5 homers), the depth of the Highlanders should allow the team to stay with Granite Hills and Steele Canyon for the team's first shot at a Grossmont South League pennant since current Eagles coach ERIN COYNE and current Cougars coach JULIE BOHE wore the Scotties green.

A good example is Smith, now the backup pitcher to Diaz after serving as the co-No. 1 starter in the circle for Helix last season.

Highlanders pitcher Terese Diaz. (Helix High courtesy photo)

Fri., Mar. 28

Falcon Fiesta SCOTTIES 7, Q'S 0 Helix (10-1-1) Serra (8-5-1) 020 031 1 - 7 10 1 000 000 0 - 0 01 1 Diaz, NSmith (7) and Martin Del Campo Ryan, Washington (7) and Olafsen. W-Diaz (8-1). L-Ryan. HR-Diaz, 5th, 1 on.

Serra managed just one hit against Diaz and Smith after Diaz tossed a no-hitter against the Conquistadors last week. Meanwhile, the Helix offense battered the pitching of the Q's.

"You need to play against your opponent's weaknesses as well as play to your own team's strengths," added Smith. "That's one of the reasons we're having such a good season so far."

Included was going with small ball on offense to score twice in the 2nd, as the bottom of the batting order delivered. Included was a lead double by SHALEY MADRUGA, a walk to KAILAH CANO-RUE, then RBI singles by JESSICA FERNANDEZ and ANDY MARTIN DEL CAMPO.

In the 5th, Helix turned to its power hitters, which reached Serra's short porch in centerfield with a series of drives.

The only hit by Serra was a lead single by sophomore catcher Jessica Olafsen in the 2nd inning.

Conquistadors pitcher Leix Ryan delivers against Helix. The Highlanders downed Serra for the second time in 2008. (Photo by Kim Gotfredson)	Scotties pinchhitter Chanel McNutt is barely out at 1st. (Photo by Kim Gotfredson)

"We need our bats to pick it up a little bit," said Christian coach ROMA DAWSON. "We just need one more bat to get hits for us to get untracked."

Scott, a sophomore, was left stranded following a lead single in the 2nd. Then in the 7th, she slugged a triple, followed by an AMANDA PLUM walk to place runners on the corners with no one out. However, University City escaped on a line drive which went for a double pkay, then a pop out.

Catcher Allie Scott with the catch at home plate, leaving a runner at third. (Photo by Jeanne Royce)	Second baseman Nicole Marcos races up the middle to backhand a short pop fly. (Photo by Jeanne Royce)

Mar. 26: Patrick Henry at Granite Hills (Slideshow by Chris DeRosier) DOUBLE-CLICK PHOTO FOR ENTIRE SLIDESHOW

Granite Hills pitcher Jenny Lahitte earned her fifth consecutive shutout vs. Patrick Henry. (Photo by Chris DeRosier)

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-27-08) -- Granite Hills High sophomore JENNY LAHITTE is anything but missing in action. Despite not getting much respect in a recent poll by not even being listed among the contenders, Lahitte responded by delivering her fifth consecutive shutout, punishing 4th-ranked Patrick Henry, 7-0, in non-league action Wednesday (Mar. 26).

Lahitte finished with a 1-hitter, now allowing just four total hits in five outings this season. Her stat of 0.82 isn't an earned-run average, it's Lahitte's earned-HIT average after running her scoreless string to 34 consecutive innings.

"I practiced a lot to give myself a better start than I did last season," said Lahitte. "It's been a lot more (success) than I expected."

Lahitte owns a perfect 4-0 record facing many of the county’s best. Along with Wednesday's (Mar. 26) triumph over the Patriots, she's defeated ranked ballclubs in Poway and West Hills, plus a scoreless tie with No. 3 Scripps Ranch.

"Jenny's been just stepping it up -- offensively and defensively," said Eagles coach ERIN COYNE. "She's setting the tone out there for the rest of the girls to step up and play at her level."

The lone hit off Lahitte was a blooper over the shortstop's head by Henry right-fielder Maggie McCormick with one out in the 5th. Otherwise, Lahitte would've finished with her third consecutive no-hitter of the season.

"I've lost a few of those on little bloopers," added Lahitte. "As long as they're not good hits, you're still proud of yourself."

Lahitte was also aided by solid defense, including a pair of nice grabs and throws by shortstop BRITTANI BERTUSSI, who shares pitching duties with Lahitte."

Lahitte also powered the offense by going 2-for-3, driving in runs with each hit.

In the 1st, her double to deep center scored MEGAN BELIO, and when the outfielder booted the ball, JESSIE SCHATZ also came around to score for a 2-0 lead.

Lahitte added an RBI single in the 3rd for a 3-0 lead, then the Eagles doubled the advantage in the 5th on singles by third baseman AMANDA OMAHEN and left fielder KYLEE WILSON, plus a bases loaded walk to right fielder SHAYLA ZETSCH.

Madruga registered run-scoring hits in both the 1st and 5th innings when the Highlanders scored four times each to whip the Tigers in non-league action Wednesday (Mar. 26).

Madruga's first hit tied the contest after Morse opened with a quick 1-0 lead, then ALYSSA BRITSCHGI followed with a go-ahead basehit. The next two runs came home on errors.

Morse moved to within 3-2, but Madruga again delivered. Following a sacrifice fly by TERESE DIAZ to score SIERRAH MOORE for a 4-2 lead, Madruga's low liner brought home NATALIE SMITH.

Moore collected the victory, going a designated three innings, then Diaz tossed four shutout innings of relief for the save in the combined 3-hitter.

© East County Sports.com
CHULA VISTA (3-26-08) -- Christian High produced plenty of baserunners, but knocking them in proved both problematic and dubious. And that left the door open for host Hilltop High, which rallied with five runs in the 5th inning to upend the Patriots, 6-2, in non-league action Tuesday (Mar. 25).

"We certainly gave ourselves lots of chances," said Pats coach ROMA DAWSON. "I reminded the girls we have two rounds of league games coming up soon, so we better take advantage of our opportunities when we get them."

Christian catcher ALLIE SCOTT did delivery early with an RBI single in the 1st, but the rally ended when ALY GUNTER was thrown out at the plate.

An inning earlier, Lancers freshman catcher Monica Arnas hit a leadoff homer to tie the game at 1-all. Sophomore pitcher Jordan Rhudy collected the victory, despite allowing eight hits.

Christian High's Aly Gunter. (Photo by Jeanne Royce)	The Patriots' Ricki Gentry. (Photo by Jeanne Royce)

© East County Sports.com
POINT LOMA (3-25-08) -- Helix High senior TERESE DIAZ already survived one close call to register a complete-game no-hitter against Serra last week. And now, it went down to scorer's decision to record her second straight no-hitter.

Aided by a 7th-inning call which was ruled an error, Diaz struck out 15 batters and smacked a home run to power the Highlanders past host Point Loma, 5-0, in Monday's (Mar. 24) lone East County contest.

"It was another outstanding game by Terese," said Helix coach MARK PAULE. "She just threw hard."

Following six innings without shutout ball, Pointers sophomore Marissa Reyes led-off the 7th by hitting a roller to the right side of the infield. The Helix second baseman took two steps to her left, got a glove to the ball, but failed to field it cleanly.

And following the guideline that the first hit, when late in the contest, should be clean in nature, the Scotties' coaching staff hung an error on their own defender.

"That's a play that has to be made," noted Paule. "The call could've gone either way -- it definitely was close."

Three days earlier, with two outs in the 7th, a similar ground ball went through the Helix infield between first and second. However, Highlanders right-fielder NATALIE SMITH charged hard on the ball and threw to first baseman KAILAH CANO-RUE to cap Diaz' no-hitter against Serra.

With her two no-hitters, Diaz now owns four for her career, plus a shared no-hitter with SIERRAH MOORE. Helix (8-1-1) is ranked 12th in the CIF-San Diego Section according to the latest San Diego Union-Tribune poll, which was released this morning (Mar. 25).

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (3-22-08) -- Owners of the second-best record among Grossmont Conference fastpitch squads, the Helix Highlanders made a case to gain a berth in the county rankings -- slated for release on Tuesday -- with their best performance of the season.

Headed by pitcher TERESE DIAZ, who tossed East County's 10th no-hitter in as many days of competition, and another home run by ALYSSA DRONENBURG, the Scotties trounced a highly respected ballclub in Serra, 7-1, in night action Friday (Mar. 21) at Helix.

"The South League pitchers this year are bringing it," said Diaz on the wave of no-hitters. "We're really competitive and everyone's working really hard."

"I've been working really well with my catcher, ANDI (MARTIN DEL CAMPO), and the defense behind us is working just as well," added Diaz, who will play for the University of Buffalo next spring. "Coach (MARK) PAULE and I are on the same path -- we're both in-tune with my pitches."

Unlike seasons past, Helix has faced few distractions in mounting a 7-1-1 mark, second only to Santana's 8-1 ledger. And each individual player is taking advantage to blossom in order to contribute to the team.

"It's been great - I love that I moved; I'm glad that I changed schools, and everyone is coming together as a family."

While Diaz has been dominating opponents with her drop-curve, team unity assists in creating a winning atmosphere.

"There's a lot of great pitching in East County, so it's going to come down to a lot of 1-run ballgames," said Paule. "There's a lot of tough teams, but we're coming around -- it's been a lot of hard work, but Terese takes a lot of pressure off."

"We emphasize family here at Helix softball and the girls are buying into it.

It's a credit to all of our girls, who are solid, well-rounded individuals."

The Highlanders scored in five of their six trips to the plate, using both speed and power to light-up the scoreboard.

Dronenburg did most of the damage early.

In the 1st, lead-off batter SIERRAH MOORE was hit by a pitch. She stole second, went to third on a wild pitch, then Dronenburg lined an RBI single to centerfield.

Two innings later, Dronenburg gained some elevation with her next shot to center, easily clearing the fence for her second homer of the season and a 2-0 lead.

"I've been working on waiting on the pitch and working on outside pitches," noted Dronenburg, who sat on a change and drilled it. "I'm thinking center (field) and that's what I'm working on right now."

Her work habits have carried over to the younger players.

"Everyone works really hard in practice, then we play like we practice -- we come out here and work, and as you can see in the games, it's been working out."

In the 3rd, BECKY ALMERAZ took advance of a start in center to register an RBI single.

An inning later, a bases-loaded pop by SHALEY MADRUGA landed beyond the shortstop. Although the left-fielder recovered the ball and threw to third for the fielder's choice force out and rob Madruga of a basehit, the Helix left-fielder still registered an RBI as NATALIE SMITH scored.

Serra ruined the shutout bid in the 7th.

Following a lead walk, the Conquistadors put down a successful sacrifice bunt. Helix got the out at first, but when an ensuing throw behind the runner at second base skipped past everyone to the left-field fence, Bree Partow would score Serra's only run.

So how far can the Highlanders go?

"We work on being a family -- we're all like sisters and that is our motto," noted Dronenburg, who is being looked at by several Division II and NAIA programs. "Before every practice, we say, 'family,' and before we walk into the dugout before every game we say, 'family.'"

"If we push as hard as we can, I think we can win league. From our showing at Kit Carson (Park for the Cougar Classic), I think we can do great in this league."

Steele Canyon 2, La Costa Canyon 1 (9 inn.) -- In another contest which should severely effect next week's release of the county rankings, this Falcon Fiesta contest remained scoreless until the International Tiebreaker went into play, with all of the runs in coming in the 9th inning.

After the Mavericks scored on a squeeze bunt, the Cougars (6-1-1) answered with four of their six hits, including RBI singles by NICOLE RANDEL and LORENA KLOPP to gain the victory.

With MICHELLE BEASLEY placed on second base, MICHELLE CASH reached on a bunt single to place runners on the corners. Randel lined to left to tie the game, GABRIELLE BEASLEY bunted her way on to load the bases, then Klopp went to right-center with the game-winning hit.

Meanwhile, Klopp struck out 14 La Costa Canyon batters in spinning a 1-hitter. The lone hit came in the 4th, as the Mavs ITB run came on a stolen base and a fielder's choice play to the plate which was late to the plate on a bunt.

"The key for Lorena was to get the first batter out every inning," said interim coach QUINN RENFRO. "That took the pressure off her and the defense all game."

The only hit was a leadoff single in the 4th, but Klopp escaped with two of her strikeouts.

Granite Hills 9, Castle Park 0 (5 inn.) -- The Eagles should also receive consideration in the county rankings after raising their record to 7-2-1 after polishing off the Trojans in Falcon Fiesta action after mounting an 8-0 lead through two innings.

BRITTANI BERTUSSI completed the third strong pitching effort of Friday's (Mar. 21) action by tossing a 1-hit shutout. She struck out eight without issuing a walk; the lone hit led-off the 5th.

Bertussi also batted 2-for-3 with a double, while JENNY LAHITTE went 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles, including a 2-run shot in the 1st.

However, the top Eagles slugger was junior JILL SCIARRI, who earned a rare start at catcher while JESSIE SCHATZ took a day off from behind the plate and started at second base.

Sciarri failed to disappoint in a 3-for-3, 4-RBI performance, which also featured a pair of doubles. Included was a 2-run double in the 1st for a 5-0 lead, then a 2-run single in the 2nd.

Valhalla pitcher Celina Cruz tosses her perfect game against Las Vegas' Cimarron-Memorial, 10-0 in 4 innings. (Photo by Sherry McGirr) No-hitter streak remains alive © East County Sports.com EL CAJON (3-20-08) -- The no-hitter streak isn't over, it just took a day off. Following seven consecutive days of no-hitters by East County pitchers, the streak ended Tuesday, so Granite Hills' JENNY LAHITTE and Valhalla's CELINA CRUZ made up the difference by each tossing no-hitters Wednesday (Mar. 19) to make it nine no-hitters in as many days of competition. After starting the string of great pitching performances on Mar. 10, Lahitte came back to fire her second no-hitter of the season by halting Carlsbad, 5-0, in Falcon Fiesta pool play action at Granite Hills. Meanwhile in Las Vegas, Cruz registered a perfect game against Cimarron-Memorial, as the Norsemen breezed to a 13-0 decision in the Fred Davison Memorial Tournament. Cruz faced only 12 batters as the Nevada run (mercy) rule is applied following four innings instead of five like in California. For Lahitte, a change in attitude may be the reason why eight of the no-hitters have been tossed by teams from the Grossmont South League. "The girls might be more competitive," said the sophomore, who struck out eight Lancers. "I don't know how they feel, but I know I want to be better than I was last year." Lahitte opened strong, setting down the first 11 Carlsbad batters, including six on strikes, before Carlsbad gained the first of two walks for the ballgame. It's the third no-hitter by Granite Hills pitchers this season -- the other belongs to BRITTANI BERTUSSI, who stopped Morse. "We're both completely different pitchers," noted Lahitte. "Brittani goes more with screwballs, while I go up-and-down with drop balls and curveballs." Holding a narrow 2-0 lead, Lahitte helped the Eagles score three times in the 7th by smashing a 2-run homer to left-center field to cap a 3-RBI performance. In the 1st, Bertussi singled and stole a base, scoring on an AMANDA OMAHEN basehit. Omahen then stole second and scored on Lahitte's sharp roller through the infield. MEGAN BELIO followed the same game plan in the 7th with a lead single and a stolen base. Bertussi drove Belio home with a single, following by Lahitte's homer. For Cruz, it was just her second start of the season -- both shutouts; she earlier blanked Point Loma in a 6-inning contest. "There were really no difficult plays for the defense," said Valhalla coach DOUG HARTUNG. "They hit a couple of deep fly balls, but we easily got under them for outs. Otherwise, it was a one-hopper up the middle which Celina gloved that was the closest they got to a hit." Cruz, a transfer from El Capitan in 2006, struck out two in retiring every Spartans batter en route to her abbreviated perfect game. The Norsemen scored five times in the 1st, featuring a 3-run homer by KELLEY SEITZ. Meanwhile, TORREY ROOK extended her hitting streak to 10 consecutive games. The victory gave the Norsemen (8-5) the Copper Division title of the Davison. Earlier in the day, Valhalla blanked Santa Rosa-Ursuline, 13-0, in semifinals. This game was also called after four innings on runs. JODI SCHMEHR slugged a 2-run homer in the 1st, then the Norsemen scored 10 times in the 3rd. Included was a 2-run double by CORA CORDOVA, who registered four RBI by going 2-for-3 in the contest.

2008 EAST COUNTY NO-HITTERS 9 no-hitters over 9 consecutive days -- March 10-19

Date Pitcher(s) School Opponent Score(Inn.) Mar. 10 Jenny Lahitte Granite Hills West Hills W 3-0 (6) Mar. 11 Laura Nelson Mount Miguel La Jolla W 4-0 (7) Mar. 12 Terese Diaz (4 inn.) & Sierrah Moore (3 inn.) Helix Chula Vista W 7-1 (7) Mar. 13 Kayla Houston Valhalla Clairemont W 5-1 (7) Mar. 14 Laura Nelson Mount Miguel Hoover W 16-0 (5) Mar. 15 Jessie Owens Santana Mar Vista W 8-0 (5) Mar. 17 Brittani Bertussi Granite Hills Morse W 16-0 (5) Mar. 19 *Celina Cruz Valhalla Cimarron-Memorial W 10-0 (4) Mar. 19 Jenny Lahitte Granite Hills Carlsbad W 5-0 (7) *Perfect Game Ballgames can not be played on Sundays.

© East County Sports.com
LAS VEGAS (3-20-08) -- The anticipated pitchers' duel turned into a slugfest in the championship of the Fred Davison Memorial Tournament. So the pitcher who did the most with the bat finally decided the champion Wednesday (Mar. 19), when Mira Mesa scored three times in the 6th and twice in the 7th to stun previously undefeated Santana, 7-6, at West Flamingo Park.

Marauders senior Melanie Goff, who was finally pulled after getting tagged for six runs on 11 hits, delivered the winning hit. Moments after Jennifer Nelson tied the contest with an RBI single, Goff legged out an infield single with two out as the winning run crossed the plate.

The lead went back-and-forth, with the Sultans (8-1) taking command in the 3h on home runs by AMANDA CARPENTER and KELSEY McILONIE. Carpenter's solo shot tied the game at 2-all, then McIlonie belted a 2-run shot for the lead, which eventually grew to 6-2.

Carpenter finished with a 3-for-3 performance, while BRITTANY FENN and AMANDA GRABLE each registered RBI triples. In addition, senior CHARISSE GRENNAN batted 2-for-2.

Santana advanced to the title contest after whipping Cathedral Catholic, 6-1, in the semifinals. BRITTY BALOUGH scattered nine hits to gain the pitching victory.

Senior AMBER BEEBE and sophomore CARLA CERRILLO took advantage of the fence-less conditions in the outfield with run-scoring triples. McIlonie went 2-for-4 with an RBI, while freshman EMILY SCHISLER scored twice as a courtesy (pinch-)runner,

The Dons found head coach Margaret Monroe in the third-base coaching box, although she was ejected from a ballgame earlier in the tournament.

According to CIF-San Diego Section rules, ejected personnel (players and coaches) are required to attend a hearing before a CIF panel prior to resuming on-field action.

Steele Canyon 5, Poway 4 -- The Titans thought they escaped a bases-loaded threat in the bottom of the 6th, but an error allowed NICOLE RANDEL to score the go-ahead run for the Cougars.

Following walked to KELLY CASH and Randel, Poway pitched around LORENA KLOPP to face IRENE BLUMENSTOCK, who was batting clean-up in place of the absent JAZMIN DAIGLE, who is in Europe -- as is head coach JULIE BOHE -- for the holiday.

"Irene hit the ball hard, but right at the third baseman," said acting manager QUINN RENFRO. "She threw home for the out, but the catcher's throw to first sailed down the right-field line."

Klopp then retired Poway in order in the 7th to gain the win. Included was a nice diving stop by Randel at first base, tossing the ball to GABRIELLE BEASLEY covering the bag for the second out. Klopp finished with four strikeouts.

Poway scored twice in the 1st, but the Cougars answered with three runs in the 2nd, including consecutive run-scoring hits by Cash (who went 2-for-3), Randel and Klopp.

Helix 17, Bonita Vista 11 -- The Highlanders mounted a 12-0 lead through 3 1/2 innings, but when the Barons scored nine times in the 5th, the starters were quickly reinserted to score five more times in the Scotties' 20-hit massacre of the Bonita Vista pitching staff.

"We gave everyone a chance, but didn't handle things well on defense,": said Helix coach MARK PAULE on six team errors. "But we regained control right back."

Shortstop ALYSSA DRONENBURG recorded four hits for the Scotties, while third baseman ALYSSA BRITSCHGI went 3-for-4 and drove home four runs. Second baseman SIERRAH MOORE and left-fielder SHALEY MADRUGA added three hits each.

La Costa Canyon 6, Christian 0 -- The Mavericks' Kayla Anderson tossed five innings of no-hit ball at the Patriots in Falcon Fiesta tournament action in Carlsbad.

However, when LCC coach Mike Hill removed his starter, ALY GUNTER ruined the no-hit bid with a lead single in the 6th for the only hit by Christian (6-4).

Next up for the Patriots is a huge ballgame with important playoff implications when they play at Francis Parker at 3 p.m. Monday (Mar. 24). The contest could decide the top-seed in Division V.

Monte Vista 5, Clairemont 1 -- WHITNEY MULLINS was touched for 10 hits, but clutched up when the Chieftains placed runners in scoring position to gain the victory for the Monarchs.

Catcher JESIKA PEREA staked Mullins to an early lead with a 2-run homer in the 1st, her East County leading fifth homer of the season.

Woodland Hills-El Camino Real 5, El Capitan 1 -- The Vaqueros' HEATHER BREWER slugged a game-tying, solo homer with two out in the 5th, but the Conquistadors answered with two runs in the 6th and 7th to claim this Davison consolation contest.

West Hills 2, Point Loma 1 -- The Wolf Pack (6-4) scored a pair of 1st-inning runs on passed balls,which winning pitcher KRISTI VALLES made standup to punt the Pointers in the Gold consolation final.

Birmingham 7, Mount Miguel 3 -- Mount Miguel failed to report.

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (3-19-08) -- Seven no-hitters in seven days -- impressive. But the quest for No. 8 fell just a few batters short after Helix High senior TERESE DIAZ carried a no-hitter into the 7th inning until a one-out single ended East County's incredible string.

Still, Diaz finished with a 1-hitter on 10 strikeouts as the Highlanders raced to a 7-2 triumph over Torrey Pines in Tuesday's (Mar. 18) pool play contest of the Falcon Fiesta.

With their only hit, Torrey Pines parlayed a walk and a couple of errors into a pair of unearned runs. However, Helix (6-1-1) already staked Diaz to a 7-0 lead by scoring three times in the 4th, then four more in the 5th.

Helix collected three straight doubles by ALYSSA DRONENBURG, KAILAH CANO-RUE and Diaz, then the second rally was capped on a 3-run homer by ALYSSA BRITSCHGI.

SHALEY MADRUGA, SIERRAH MOORE and Dronenburg posted two hits each.

Santana whipped Lake Balboa-Birmingham , 10-0, in 4 innings to complete pool play, then out-slugged Sylmar, 9-5, in the quarterfinals.

KELSEY McILONIE belted a 3-run homer when the Sultans scored 7 times in the 4th to call the game early by run (mercy) rule. JESSIE OWENS (3-0) earned the pitching victory, allowing just four hits.

It was the team's fourth straight shutout opening a span of 26 innings. The streak lasted an additional inning until the Slymar Spartans scored 5 times in the 2nd to take a 5-2 lead. But Santana answered with seven unanswered runs to give Balough (4-0) the win.

Owens opened the ballgame with a leadoff homer, then freshman AMANDA GRABLE started the comeback with a solo homer in the 3rd.

Owens scored three times, while BRITTANY FENN and Balough registered three RBI each.

Santana will meet Cathedral Catholic in the semifinals, but the Dons will be without their head coach, who was ejected from an earlier pool play contest and must sit out until a CIF-San Diego Section hearing, which can't be held until at least next week.

West Hills -- The Wolf Pack also advanced to the Gold Division after completing a sweep of their pool with 14-2 pasting of Santa Rosa-Ursuline. But in the quarterfinals, Mira Mesa gained a measure of revenge from last week's loss in Santee to nip the Pack, 6-5.

The game was tied after 6 innings when the time limit clock forced the contest to an International Tiebreaker, as West Hills scored once in the ITB, but the Marauders answered with two runs to pull out the victory.

Mira Mesa senior catcher Justeen Maeva, who earlier homered, reached on an error as the winning run scored.

CASSIDY BAGGETT was the hitting standout for West Hills (5-4), going 2-for-3 in both ballgames. Baggett scored on a STASIA HOLDMAN triple in the opener, then belted a double and an RBI triple in game two.

Freshman TAYLOR HALLAHAN batted 3-for-3 with three RBI for West Hills against Mira Mesa, while sophomore MICHELLE THILLE went 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored.

El Capitan -- The Vaqueros registered a pair of victories to gain a Silver Division semifinals berth. In pool play, they topped Las Vegas-Valley, 11-3, then downed Las Vegas-Sierra Vista, 6-2, in the quarterfinals.

CATHERINE BROWN, who went 4-for-4 in Monday's late victory over Lake Balboa-Birmingham, carried a shutout into the 3rd inning in a rare start, then moved back to catcher, yielding to SARA GROHMAN, who gained the win.

El Capitan busted the game open with nine runs in the 4th, then KARA HOSTETLER lifted a leadoff, walkoff homer in the 5th to impose the run rule.

HEATHER BREWER bombed a 2-run homer in game two, as the Vaqueros scored four times in the 5th to build a 6-0 lead to hand the victory to JULIANNA DUNCAN. Duncan also matched teammates KELSEY MOODY and PAIGE BORRAS with two hits each.

Valhalla -- KAYLA HOUSTON and MEGAN McGIRR combined on a 1-hitter, but the Norsemen dropped their final pool play game to Granada Hills, 4-1, as six walks, an error and several passed balls doomed them.

TORREY ROOK scored the lone Norsemen run in the 2nd by reaching on a dropped third strike, a passed ball and an error.

Valhalla bounced back in the Copper Division quarterfinals by sinking La Jolla, 12-1, as Rook gained her first-ever varsity pitching victory. Rook struckout eight Vikings.

Senior shortstop AMBER REARDON celebratred her 18th birthday by batting 3-for-4, including a 2-run homer in the 5th.

Monte Vista -- The Monarchs fell to Banning, 5-1, in pool play to drop to the Silver Division, where they lost in the quarterfinals to Granada Hills, 5-1, despite an RBI triple by JESIKA PEREA.

Mount Miguel -- Does not participate with East County Sports.com in softball. Contact the school for details on the Matadors.

Rancho Buena Vista Tournament
Grossmont -- The Foothillers split a pair of contests, downing host Rancho Buena Vista, 6-3, then falling to Mission Hills, 7-4, to finish pool play with a 1-2-1 record.

The Longhorns caught Grossmont at 2-all in the 5th, but the Hillers’ bats unloaded in the inning's bottom half on back-to-back home runs by seniors JAYME TALMICH and ASHLEY RENALDI. Talmich hit a 2-run shot to center, then Renaldi went to right field to clinch for herself the pitching victory.

In game two, the Grizzlies mounted a 7-0 lead, but Grossmont made it interesting late with four runs in the 5th inning.

KELSEY ALVAREZ registered the final of three consecutive singles to score Talmich. MADI HILL added an RBI double to score Alvarez, then ADRIANNA NAU went to right with a 2-run basehit before Mission Hills closed the door.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-18-08) -- For the seventh time in as many days, an East County fastpitch pitcher has tossed a no-hitter.

On Monday (Mar. 17), Granite Hills High junior BRITTANI BERTUSSI completed the feat, tossing a 5-inning no-no at visiting Morse in Falcon Fiesta tournament action. Bertussi struck out five Tigers without a walk, missing a perfect game when the lone Morse baserunner reached on an error.

"Brittani was just on -- working the corners and hitting her spots," said Eagles coach ERIN COYNE. "There are so many good pitchers here in the East County. We have two of them, with the defense to back them up."

The no-hitter was the second by a Granite Hills pitcher during the streak. Last Monday, Eagles sophomore JENNY LaHITTE turned the tables on West Hills in a 3-0 decision.

Bertussi also did some damage with her bat with a perfect 4-for-4 outing. Included were a pair of doubles and three RBI.

Meanwhile, five other Eagles -- SAGE WOODROW, JILL SCIARRA, AMANDA OMAHEN, SHAYLA ZETSCH and Lahitte -- all registered two hits. Lahitte collected three RBI in the 18-hit attack.

Davison Memorial
Monte Vista -- There are more teams from San Diego County participating in the Fred Davison Memorial Tournament than there are from southern Nevada. And the Monarchs downed two of them in first-day action at West Flamingo Park.

WHITNEY MULLINS gained the pitching victory in both contests Monday (Mar. 17), downing La Jolla, 11-0 in 4 innings, then going overtime to nip Coronado , 11-9 in 9 innings.

Mullins allowed just three hits to the Vikings in a contest shortened by Nevada 's run rule, which is four innings compared to five in California. She was backed by SHAAKIRAH RANSOM, who slugged a 3-run homer in the 3rd inning.

JESIKA PEREA marked her return in the second game with a solo homer in the 6th to tie the ballgame, then she scored the go-ahead run during the International Tiebreaker when the Monarchs scored three times to sink the Islanders.

Perea scored on a sacrifice fly by SHANNON WRIGHT, followed by run-scoring singles by AMBER McMILLAN and LYDIA VENIEGAS.

Santana -- Sultans pitchers BRITTY BALOUGH and JESSIE OWENS each produced 1-hit shutouts in a pair of triumphs shortened by run rule. Balough went five innings to blank Grossmont North League rival El Capitan , 8-0, then Owens needed just four frames to subdue Las Vegas-Valley, 10-0.

Balough struck out six Vaqueros while walking two.

Santana jumped to a quick 4-0 lead, then Owens homered to open the 2nd inning for a 5-0 advantage.

RACHEL FAILLA and KELSIE McILONIE matched Owens by batting 2-for-3 each.

McIlonie came back in game two with another 2-for-3 effort, including a 2-run homer in the 3rd to complete a three RBI outing to back Owens, who struck out five and walked one.

AMANDA CARPENTER, BRITTANY FENN and Balough added two hits each, send ing Valley (3-1) to its first loss of the season.

West Hills -- Wolf Pack pitcher KRISTI VALLES earned a victory and a save to move to the top of its pool in Las Vegas. Valles survived one rough inning to subdue El Centro-Southwest, 14-4, then stopped a Las Vegas-Clark rally to edge the Chargers, 5-3.

Southwest tagged Valles for four runs in the 2nd for a 4-2 lead, but when she settled in, West Hills tied it in the bottom of the 2nd, then scored nine times in the 3rd to gain the mercy rule decision.

FAITH KORIA tied the contest with a 2-run single, then added two more RBI in a 3-for-4 outing at the plate. KAELI HUNYADY went 2-for-3 with a pair of RBI.

In game two, Valles entered in the 5th to maintain a 4-3 lead. After Jordyn McDonald slapped a leadoff triple, Valles got a groundout and a pair of strikeouts to end the threat. Valles then tossed two shutout innings to save the first prep victory for JESSICA ALDERSON.

A.J. Jaehn homered for Clark (5-4), then the Chargers got an RBI groundout from Melissa Arroyo that tied the game at 2-all in the 4th. However, the Pack reclaimed the lead in the 5th as STASIA HOLDMAN scored on a ARIELLE RODRIGUES single, then the catcher scored on a Koria basehit. Koria also went 3-for-4 in the second ballgame.

Valhalla -- CELINA CRUZ was touched for seven hits, yet still shutout Point Loma, 8-0 in 6 innings in Valhalla 's first pool play contest. The second contest went to Las Vegas-Green Valley, 6-3.

Cruz walked just one in her pitching debut this season, backed by the first home run of the season by CORA CORDOVA, who hit a solo shot in the 5th. Cruz also doubled, while catcher KELLEY SEITZ batted 3-for-4.

The Norsemen were in position for the sweep, but the Gators (3-1) scored five times in the 6th and final inning ro rally from a 3-1 deficit. The comeback was started on a leadoff homer by Kayla Anderson.
Las Vegas Review-Journal STORY HERE.

Other games -- El Capitan captured its late game with Birmingham, 6-4. In addition, Mount Miguel does not participate with East County Sports.com in reporting results. The Matadors lost twice, getting swamped by Cathedral Catholic, 11-1, then fell to El Camino Real, 4-1.

Falcon Fiesta
Poway 9, Christian 2 -- The Titans recorded four runs in their opening at-bat to best the host Patriots. Poway collected 14 hits off three Christian pitchers. Included was a leadoff homer in the 4th by Samantha Stanfill.

KARA CARTWRIGHT doubled for the Patriots, but Poway got out of the inning when the second baseman snared a line drive off the bat of MONIQUE ELLIOTT.

Longhorn Invitational
Grossmont 6, San Pasqual 6, tie -- The Foothillers gained a small measure of revenge against the Golden Eagles side which beat them earlier in the season, as KAITLYN NICKS boomed a 1-out solo homer in the 6th and final inning (tournament time limit) to gain the draw.

The comeback started in the 4th on a grand slam by MADI HILL. San Pasqual reclaimed the lead with two runs in the 6th before Nicks came through with the clutch bomb to centerfield.

Grossmont then was taken down by Mt. Carmel , 13-0 in 5 innings, back by five Sundevils homers. Three of the blasts, including a grand slam, came during an 8-run outburst in the 4th.

Christian sophomore Nicole Marcos beats the diving attempt of the Q's catcher to score the game-winning run on a wild pitch, clinching a 3-2 victory over Serra in 8 innings. (Photos by Jeanne Royce)

© East County Sports.com
TIERRASANTA (3-16-08) -- The Christian Patriots may actually be a stronger team despite the transfer of their all-state pitcher. Backed by the efforts of ALY GUNTER, JENNA ROYCE and RICKI GENTRY in the circle, the Pats defeated Mount Miguel and Serra to claim the championship of the Friar Classic.

Christian easily bested the Matadors, 9-1, in the semifinals, then needed to go 8 innings to nip the host Conquistadors, 3-2, Saturday (Mar. 15).

"We could've played with our heads down after losing to Steele Canyon (on Friday)," said Christian coach ROMA DAWSON. "But we made most of our plays against tough teams, especially after the first inning against Mount Miguel."

Christian scored four times in both the 3rd and 6th innings in the romp. The first rally featured a go-ahead 3-run homer by KARA CARTWRIGHT, while the frosting was applied by third baseman AMANDA PLUM, who cleared the loaded bases with a double. Plum finished batting 3-for-3 and scoring twice.

Christian 3, Serra 2 (8 inn.) -- The Patriots scored single runs in the 7th and 8th innings to steal the championship from the Conquistadors.

But in the 7th, Cartwright and Plum singled, ALLIE SCOTT walked to load the bases, then Gentry drilled a single to tie the contest. Plum was sent home in an attempt to win the contest, but was thrown out at the plate.

Nevertheless, the Pats came through again in the 8th -- but in less dramatic fashion.

NICOLE MARCOS opened with a walk, circling the diamond on a sacrifice bunt by her sister, AMANDA MARCOS, an infield single by Gunter, then came home on a wild pitch.

"This team just refuses to lose," added Dawson.

Genty tossed two shutout innings of relief to collect the victory.

El Capitan 24, Olympian 2 -- Not a single member of the Vaqueros' pitching staff can ever complain if catcher CATHERINE BROWN says something to them. Brown, in the best of a "walk in their shoes" scenario, was handed the ball for her first career start Saturday (Mar. 15), tossing a 3-hitter at the Eagles in a Hilltop Tournament game on Saturday (Mar. 15).

Brown struck out 8 batters, then was aided by El Capitan scoring 10 times in the 1st inning, followed by onslaughts of 8 and 6 runs for a mammoth 24-0 lead.

KELSEY MOODY drove in four runs, including a pair on a double, JENNA BROWN (no relation) knocked in three, while KARINA HALE and KARA HOSTETLER added two RBI each.

El Capitan 5, Eastlake 1 -- JULIANNA DUNCAN matched Brown's effort with her own complete-game 3-hitter, striking out six Titans in another Hilltop Tournament victory on Saturday (Mar. 15). The Vaqueros are now 3-0 in pool play.

"It was nice to beat Eastlake because they got us last year," said head coach JOE COTA. "We're playing pretty good defense right now, which is helping the confidence of our pitchers."

The undefeated Vaqueros (5-0) scored twice in the 1st , including an RBI basehit by HEATHER BREWER. Then immediately after Eastlake halved the lead in the 5th, El Cap scored twice in the top of the 6th on a 2-run single by LESLIE KUHN.

Santana 8, Mar Vista 0 (5 inn.) -- The week's fifth no-hitter by an Easy County pitcher was turned in by JESSIE OWENS in her Sultans pitching debut in a 5-inning, run-rule triumph over the Mariners in the Hilltop Tournament on Saturday (Mar. 15).

Owens struckout eight and walked five batters, while also driving in a pair of runs, including a solo homer in the 2nd inning. She showed no ill effects from a shoulder injury suffered during Santana's annual Powder Puff football game held three weeks ago.

“It felt good to get out there and pitch again,” said Owens. “I wasn’t able to play in any scrimmages, so it felt good to be able to play although I wasn’t at all happy with the five walks."

Catcher BRITTANY FENN also homered -- a 2-run shot in the 1st -- while RACHEL FAILLA needed to settle for a pair of doubles on drives that each carried more than 200 feet.

“There were no fences on the field we played on, so the outfielders were way out there,” Failla noted, who lost two other potential hits because the Mar Vista defense was playing so deep.

Santana 8, Otay Ranch 0 (6 inn.) -- BRITTY BALOUGH struck out seven batters without issuing a walk in tossing a 1-hitter at the Mustangs in the second Hilltop Tournament game on Saturday (Mar. 15). Santana scored the run-rule victory in six innings as Balough finished one batter shy of a perfect game.

Fenn, who caught both games on the day, batted 4-for-4 to finish with six hits (three doubles), while AMANDA CARPENTER and CARLA CERRILLO each registered two hits. Included was a solo homer by Carpenter to leadoff the ballgame, while Cerrillo knocked home two runs with RBI singles in the 4th and 6th innings.

Failla also drove home a pair of runs.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-15-08) -- It was a shrewd strategy long-time Christian High coach ROMA DAWSON attempted.

Facing over-lapping tournaments, Saturday's championship round of the Friar Classic was deemed a touch more important than Friday's pool play contest of the Falcon Fiesta. So Dawson elected to save her pitching by letting three different players go a couple of innings each.

It not only would serve as a warm-up to possible back-to-back games the next day, but serve to make it more difficult for Steele Canyon batters by witness different styles of pitching each time they went to the plate.

However, Cougars third baseman JAZMIN DAIGLE would have none of it. The infielder came within one base of a cycle, slugging a homer, and a pair of doubles in a 4-for-4 afternoon at the plate, pacing Steele Canyon to a 3-0 blanking of the Patriots.

"The chemistry is different, even with a lot of younger girls -- they're experienced, too," said Daigle. "That will help if we're able to repeat."

Daigle needed a triple to complete the cycle, but the only place to put the ball in Christian's cozy ballpark was drop the ball to the opposite field in right field. However, Daigle successfully placed the ball along the right-field line, but had to settle for a 7th-inning double.

"Almost," she added. "Stuff like that shows the whole team is working hard."

While the potent Cougars bats reached double figures in basehits yet again, no one on Christian could connect off Steele Canyon pitcher LORENA KLOPP, who struck out 17 batters (10 called) in a dominating performance, even from a pitching rubber placed 40 feet from the plate.

"I was pitching (ASA) Gold-18 over the summer, so it wasn't as different going back to 43," said Klopp of an experimental rule to push the rubber back. "It was harder going back to 40, because your pitches don't break as much, so you really need to hit your spots."

Klopp is also one of a growing number of pitchers now sporting face gear similar to ones utilized by hockey goalies.

"I started pitching with the mask four years ago and now we're (she and the mask) are attached," added Klopp. "I won't pitch without it."

Steele Canyon scored single runs in the 3rd, 5th and 7th to secure the victory.

Daigle scored the initial run following a basehit, a walk to Klopp, then an RBI single by NICOLE RANDEL. Daigle smacked a one-out, solo homer in the 5th, then Daigle's double to right scored catcher KELLY CASH, who reached base on an infield single.

Helix 18, San Dieguito 0 (5 inn.) -- TERESE DIAZ participated in only two innings, but in this Falcon Fiesta romp, a brief cameo was all that was needed.

In her two plate appearances, Diaz launched a grand slam in the 1st inning, then a 3-run homer in the 2nd for seven quick RBI, lifting the Highlanders to a 14-0 lead to easily corral the Mustangs. The runs driven in total was a school record and the second-highest total in Grossmont Conference history (9 by Klopp last season).

"In a game like this, everyone gets to play," said Scotties coach MARK PAULE. "I mean, what would be the point of keeping Terese in the game?"

Meanwhile, NATALIE SMITH pitched a complete-game shutout to gain her first pitching triumph of the season. Smith yielded just three hits, then aided her cause with a 2-run homer when Helix (5-1-1) scored four more times in the 3rd.

The Highlanders' 15 hits included a pair each from second baseman JESSICA FERNANDEZ and third baseman ALYSSA BRITSCHGI.

Mount Miguel 16, Hoover 0 (5 inn.) -- The Matadors climbed back over the .500 mark with this non-league victory, giving every team in the Grossmont South League a winning record. Mount Miguel does not report game details to East County Sports.com.

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (3-14-08) -- Just how ugly was the no-hitter tossed by Valhalla High senior KAYLA HOUSTON?

"Probably really ugly," noted Houston. "There’s no way I could've done it without my defense."

In a performance reflective of baseball's Nolan Ryan early in his career, Houston walked six batters and hit three others with pitches, yet she never allowed a basehit in downing visiting Clairemont, 5-1, in Thursday's (Mar. 13) non-league contest at Leto Field.

The no-hitter was the third by an East County school this week -- and perhaps the least likely.

"I was kind of struggling -- especially my fastball -- but I didn't want to go exclusively with junk pitches," noted Houston on the eve of her 18th birthday. "But the defense made all the plays behind me. We're all more like friends than teammates and that helps us on the field."

The one key stop to preserve the no-hitter was converted by shortstop AMBER REARDON.

"Clairemont hit a ball up the middle," Houston recalled. "But Amber made the dive, then threw the girl out at first -- it was a great play."

Reardon also keyed the offense by going 2-for-3, including RBI hits in both the 4th and 5th innings. The first was set-up on a single by catcher KELLEY SEITZ (2-for-3), scoring on a Reardon double to score pinch-runner HALEY HOLTER.

"Kayla was erratic but made the pitches when she had to," said Norsemen coach DOUG HARTUNG. "She was hot and cold, but got the job done."

West Hills 3, Mira Mesa 0 -- Following a rough start in the Cougar Classic, the Wolf Pack bounced back Thursday (Mar. 13) to top the powerful Marauders on a 3-hit shutout by KRISTI VALLES.

"Krisiti didn't overpower them, she just kept the ball down and got them out on a ton of ground balls," said West Hills coach MEAGAN HARTUNG. "Her change-up was working really good today."

Meanwhile, the Pack offense got untracked by scoring in three of their six at-bats, capped by a leadoff home run by BRIANNA AUSTIN in the 6th.

The other runs came on a STASIA HOLDMAN double, scoring Austin (walk) in the 1st, then a KAELI HUNYADY single to plate catcher MICHERIE KORIA in the 2nd.

Monte Vista 18, Orange Glen 10 -- The Monarchs scored eight times in the 1st with the aid of just three hits in Thursday's (Mar. 13) 7th-place contest of the Friar Classic. The scorekeeper's nightmare featured 28 runs, 24 hits and 9 errors, plus an array of walks, wild pitches and passed balls.

Every starter registered a hit for Monte Vista (5-2), including a 3-for-4 outing by BRITTANI PORTER.

However, the real news was the status of Monarchs catcher JESIKA PEREA, the team's best performer on both offense and defense. She was taken out on a hard slide at the plate by a Patriots baserunner in the 3rd, taken by ambulance to Grossmont Hospital with a severe ankle injury.

As of 11 p.m., Perea's status was still undetermined.

In the top half of the 3rd, Perea slugged a 3-run homer to give Monte Vista a 13-3 lead. KAITLYN McMILLAN tossed three innings of relief to gain the victory, raising her pitching record to 2-0.

DESIREE GARCIA batted a perfect 4-for-4, while EMILY RAWLS slugged a 2-run double in the 6th, placing the ball just inside the left-field line.

With the contest still scoreless, the Braves stayed in the game when the Red Devils attempted a double steal in the bottom of the 1st. However, Garcia, the catcher, threw a strike for an out to shortstop CORY RAINEY, who then fired the ball back to Garcia to nail the runner heading home from third base.

Already leading 6-0, Santana capped the victory on 5th-inning homers by BRITTY BALOUGH and AMANDA CARPENTER. Balough hit a 2-run shot to left, then three batters later, Carpenter (3-for-4) sent out a 3-run blast.

Meanwhile, Balough tossed a 2-hit shutout at Brawley (0-2). She struck out nine Wildcats, walked three and hit a batter.

It was also the debut of transfer JESSIE OWENS, an all-state performer for Christian High last season. In the leadoff spot for the Sultans, Owens was rudely welcomed by getting hit by the first pitch she saw, then answered back her next time up by slamming an RBI triple to center in the 2nd.

Santana finished with 10 hits, including a pair of doubles by BRITTANY FENN.

According to the game report, Santana won by run rule, yet Brawley still batted in the 6th inning anyway.

El Capitan 2, Hilltop 0 -- Another player making a late debut was Vaqueros pitcher SARAH GROHMAN, hampered by lower leg injuries all spring. Grohman was asked to pitch 3-to-4 innings Thursday (Mar. 13), but instead tossed a complete-game 3-hitter at the host Lancers in Hilltop Tournament action.

"Sarah's been hobbling all year," said El Capitan coach JOE COTA. "So I asked her to see how far she could go, but once she got going, she was fine."

Grohman struck out seven Lancers, yet survived five walks.

Both teams only registered three hits, but two of Hilltop's three errors handed the victory to El Capitan.

In the 2nd inning, PAIGE BORRAS singled, then KELSEY MOODY sacrificed, but when the ball was thrown away, both Vaqueros were in scoring position.

Catcher CATHERINE BROWN followed with a ground ball to the right side for an RBI, then LESLIE KUHEN reached base on an error for another score.

Point Loma 4, Grossmont 2 -- The late-inning heroics of the Foothillers finally ended Thursday (Mar. 13) in falling to the Pointers.

In the 6th, Grossmont placed two runners in scoring position with no outs, but no breakthrough hit was in the offing, especially with the short porch in right field -- just 171 feet from home plate -- making for an enticing target on Point Loma's new on-campus diamond.

The Hillers (2-4) utilized a 2-out rally to take the initial lead, as MADI HILL singled to right, ADRIANNA NAU walked, then KATHERINE MIRANDA rolled an RBI basehit up the middle.

Point Loma scored twice in the 2nd and 4th, but Grossmont cut into the deficit in the 5th on a run-scoring single by DESIREE OLSON.

Late note (UPDATE 3-14-08) -- On Tuesday (Mar. 11), Mount Miguel pitcher LAURA NELSON tossed a no-hitter against La Jolla, giving East County pitchers four no-no's so far this week. Nelson struck out 12 Vikings batters and even hit a solo homer in the 7th. No other information received, as Mount Miguel softball does not provide information to East County Sports.com. To change this unfortunate policy, you may contract the school.

© East County Sports.com
CHULA VISTA (3-13-08) -- Spearheaded by a combined no-hitter by Helix High pitchers TERESE DIAZ and SIERRAH MOORE, East County fastpitch ballclubs went a perfect 3-0 on the road against teams from the South Bay.

Helix 7, Chula Vista 1 -- Diaz was part of her second no-hitter in her last five starts over two seasons for the Highlanders. The senior tossed four innings to gain the pitching victory, then Moore, a freshman, went the final three frames for her first career save in this non-league affair.

Diaz ended the 2007 season with a no-hitter against Monte Vista, with Wednesday's (Mar. 12) combined effort making her a part of three no-hitters in her career. Diaz struck out nine Spartans and walked just one, while Moore registered five of her nine outs on strikes.

ALYSSA DRONENBURG capped a 2-for-3, four RBI performance with a 2-run double, while NATALIE SMITH also went 2-for-3 and scored three times.

The lone Chula Vista run was scored on a walk, a passed ball and an error.

Falcon Fiesta
Steele Canyon 10, Otay Ranch 1 -- East County home run champion LORENA KLOPP belted her first two homers of the season, finishing with five RBI to power the Cougars past the host Mustangs. Included was a 2-run shot and a 3-run mash, both over the head of the centerfielder.

Catcher KELLY CASH drove in four runs, matching JAZMIN DAIGLE by batting 2-for-4.

Meanwhile, pitcher IRENE BLUMENSTOCK allowed just two hits, allowing Steele Canyon (3-1-1) to clinch the triumph after five innings by run rule.

Granite Hills 12, Mar Vista 0 -- BRITTANI BERTUSSI struck out six and walked just one in spinning a 1-hitter against the host Mariners.

ANGELA LOVELADY belted a grand slam in the 2nd inning, giving the Eagles an 8-0 lead. Later, JORDAN KURTZ added a run-scoring triple.

Lovelady finished with a 2-for-3 outing, scoring three times, while Bertussi went 3-for-4 with a double and a stolen base.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-12-08) -- JENNA ROYCE tossed a 2-hit shutout for her first victory of the season, allowing Christian High to advance into Saturday's (Mar. 15) championship round of the Friar Classic.

Royce struck out four and walked one, allowing the host Patriots to paste Mission Bay , 7-0. Tuesday's (Mar. 11) triumph allowed Christian to finish first in its pool, meaning a Final Four meeting with Mount Miguel , which finished second in the other pool following the Matadors' 4-0 blanking of host La Jolla.

The other semifinal will feature pool champion Serra against one of three teams which finished in a tie for second at 2-2 behind Christian. One of those teams is Monte Vista, which fell to tournament host Our Lady of Peace, 4-2 in 8 innings.

However, earlier in the 10-team event, OLP lost to Valley Center, a team which the Monarchs had defeated to forge the deadlock.

All three schools are awaiting word from tournament officials if the second tiebreaker (fewest runs allowed) is based on just games between the tied teams -- meaning Valley Center would advance -- or runs in all four pool play contests -- which would give the nod to Monte Vista.

Christian 7, Mission Bay 0 -- While Royce was pitching her shutout, the Patriots' offense scored in four of their six at bats. And a newcomer to the team's lineup had a part in three of those rallies.

The new shortstop for head coach ROMA DAWSON is freshman MONIQUE ELLIOTT, who can also be used as a pitcher. But with fewer options available among the infielder's, Dawson will keep Elliott where she is for defensive purposes.

"Monique's got pretty good range and a strong arm," said the veteran coach, who came out of retirement for (at least) the third time in her career. "And her bat has really come alive."

Elliott drove in runs on three separate occasions, registering RBI singles in the 2nd and 3rd, then a ground ball to the right side for a run in the 5th. She also scored in the 5th when RICKI GENTRY boomed a triple deep to right-centerfield.

Our Lady of Peace 4, Monte Vista 2 (8 inn.) -- The Monarchs rallied from a 2-0 deficit to force extra innings in Tuesday’s (Mar. 11) Friar Classic action, but the Pilots responded with two runs in the International Tiebreaker for the win.

WHITNEY MULLINS and LYDIA VENIEGAS each recorded a pair of hits for Monte Vista, while Veniegas threw out a pair of OLP baserunners from centerfield, throwing strikes to both second and third base to keep the Pilots in check.

Down, 2-0, Monte Vista scored single runs in the 4th and 5th innings to move even.

BRITTANY WRIGHT scored the first run, reaching on an error, then advancing around on a JESIKA PEREA grounder to the right side, a Muillins basehit, then an ALEX ROSS ground single through the hole at shortstop.

KAITLYN McMILLAN scored following her lead single, circling the diamond on a single by Veniegas which hit the bag at third base. That was followed by an RBI double by Wright.

"Lydia had a gun out there today throwing those runners out," said Monarchs coach SIG CHABROWSKI. "We're putting our hits together and scoring, but we just didn't do it enough today."

El Cajon Valley 12, Lincoln 3 -- DEENA FORD fell just a triple short of the cycle as the Braves buzzed past Lincoln with 11 hits to give pitcher ALYSSA GARCIA anothe rtriumph.

COREY RAINEY and JACKIE PEREZ added a single and a double, when KARI SATROM posted a pair of basehits.

Mount Miguel 4, La Jolla 0 -- The Matadors gained a berth in the Friar Classic semifinals after blanking the Vikings. Mount Miguel doesn't report information on its contests to East County Sports.com.

© East County Sports.com
ESCONDIDO (3-11-08) -- In an inauspicious evening for East County fastpitch (softball) teams, one star shined Monday (Mar. 10) when Granite Hills sophomore JENNY LAHITTE tossed a no-hitter, powering the Eagles past West Hills, 3-0, in consolation play in the Cougar Classic at Kit Carson Park.

Tournament host Escondido, the two-time CIF Division I champions, once again affirmed its status as the top ballclub in the San Diego Section by besting Scripps Ranch, 4-1, to capture the title of the 32-team, week-long event.

For Lahitte, it was a dominating performance against a Wolf Pack side still trying to get untracked this season.

"It's just awesome to watch Jenny go out there and throw," said Eagles coach ERIN COYNE. "She's made so many improvements since last year."

Lahitte struck out 13 batters and set down the final 17 consecutive batters, as the lone West Hills baserunners reached on an error, a walk and a hit batsman.

"Jenny really perfected her change-up which helps her a lot because she has so much speed," Coyne added. "She's just working everyone really well."

AMANDA OMAHEN was in the middle of both scoring efforts.

The Wolf Pack handed Granite Hills a run in the 2nd, when Omahen walked, then advanced on a fielder's choice sandwiched around a pair of passed balls.

In the 4th, Lahitte and Omahen both singled,, KYLEE WILSON reached on an error while a run scored, then JILL SCIARRA singled home Omahen.

La Costa Canyon 2, Granite Hills 1 -- The Eagles advanced to the Bronze Division final against the Mavericks, but their comeback effort fell a run short.

After LCC scored twice in the 4th, Omahen reached on an error to open the 5th, scoring on a double to centerfield by Wilson , but she was left stranded in scoring position.

Valhalla 7, Carlsbad 4 (8 inn.) -- After both offenses struggled during regulation play tied at 2-all through seven innings, a single inning utilizing the International Tiebreaker took more than 35 minutes Monday (Mar. 10), when the Norsemen outscored the Lancers, 5-2, in the Copper Division semifinals of the Cougar Classic.

Trailing 2-0 after one frame, Valhalla answered in the 4th on a 2-run triple by TORREY ROOK, who went 3-for-4 in the contest.

In the ITB, four consecutive basehits by KAITLIN McGINLEY, JODIE SCHMEHR, CORA CORDOVA and KELLEY SEITZ produced three runs. AMBER REARDON followed with a 2-run double, with a passed ball producing a 5th run.

Carlsbad answered with two runs and had the potential game-winning run at the plate, but a diving stop on a grounder up the middle by Reardon at shortstop salvaged the triumph after gaining the force out at second base.

“The one I missed earlier I got really nervous on, but everything came natural on that last one," said Reardon, who joins teammates Schmehr and Seitz as 4-year varsity performers for the Norsemen.

Reardon also made the play to key the contest going in the bottom of the 7th after a Carlsbad player attempt to stretch to triple to right into a walk-off inside-the-park homer.

"Our outfielder missed the cut(-off player), but the ball came to me and I just threw it," Reardon added. "That made me nervous."

Seitz, the catcher, made the easy tag and the runner was easily out by more than 20 feet.

Reardon and Seitz each batted 2-for-4. For Carlsbad , Alex Wilkinson belted a 2-run homer in the 1st, but Norsemen pitcher ANGELA UY followed with 6 1/3 innings of shutout ball.

Francis Parker 4, Valhalla 3 -- In the Copper final of the Cougar Classic, the Lancers struck for three runs in the bottom of the 6th to spoil the Norsemen bid for a consolation title.

KATE KIDD hit a 2-run homer over the centerfielder's head to tie the contest, then an error and a failed fielder's choice at the plate allowed an unearned, tie-breaking run to score.

Valhalla tallied single runs in the 1st, 5th and 6th to mount a 3-1 advantage.

Cordova doubled and scored when Seitz reached on an error for a 1-0 lead. After the Lancers tied the contest, CELINA CRUZ reached on an error and scored on a Cordova basehit to reclaim the lead.

In the 6th, Reardon's basehit was followed by a Rook triple, giving her five hits for the evening under the lights at Kit Carson Park.

Francis Parker 4, Grossmont 3 -- In the other Copper Division semifinal, Grossmont rallied with three runs in the 6th, but when the ITB went into effect in the 7th, a throwing error allowed Kate Kidd to score the game-winning run.

The Foothillers rally from 3-0 down after two frames started on a KAITLYN NICKS single, followed by walks to ADRIANNA NAU and CLARISSA NORRIS.

Nicks scored on a basehit by LAUREN MIRANDA, then pinchhitter KELSEY ALVAREZ delivered a two-run single to tie it with the Hillers down to their last out due to the tournament time limit.

Nicks batted 2-for-3 with a base on balls.

El Cajon Valley 22, Hoover 0 (5 inn.) -- CHELSEA WILSON tossed a 1-hit shutout in a contest called after five innings by mutual agreement. The lone hit by the Cardinals came in the 1st inning. Meanwhile, JESSICA GIBSON hit a home run for the Braves.

© East County Sports.com
ESCONDIDO ((3-9-08) -- A quartet of East County ballclubs captured consolation division ballgames at the Cougar Classic on Saturday (Mar. 8), but for the two local schools playinf for the championship in the Gold Division, it was one-and-out after quick eliminations at Kit Carson Park.

Patrick Henry 4, Steele Canyon 3 -- A classic match-up was interrupted by the tournament's time limit rule after 5 innings of Saturday’s (Mar. 8 Cougar Classic. However, the game itself wasn't much as Cougars pitcher LORENA KLOPP saw her defense commit six errors to allow the undefeated Patriots (4-0) to rally from an early 2-0 deficit.

Of Henry's 15 outs, 13 were registered on strikes by Klopp, who yielded just four basehits.

Steele Canyon's NICOLE RANDLE batted 3-for-3 with a double, while JAZMIN DAIGLE slugged a run-scoring double in the 1st to lift the Cougars (2-1-1) to an early advantage.

Escondido 8, Helix 1 -- Cougars pitcher Lisa Akamine tossed a 1-hitter and batted 2-for-3 with a triple and a pair of RBI Saturday (Mar. 8), powering Escondido in this Gold Division quarterfinal of the Cougar Classic.

Mariel Sena slugged a grand slam in the 1st inning, sending the Highlanders (2-1-1) to their first setback of the season.

No information was reported by Helix.

Bronze Bracket
Granite Hills and West Hills high schools are headed for a semifinals showdown on Monday (Mar. 10) after both posted Bronze Division victories at the Cougar Classic on Saturday (Mar. 8).

Granite Hills 1, Poway 0 -- Eagles pitcher JENNY LAHITTE tossed a 2-hit shutout, while Granite Hills strung together all three of its hits in the 4th inning for the game's only run to claim this quarterfinals contest of Saturday’s (Mar. 8) Cougar Classic.

MEGAN BELIO opened with a single to center, but was erased on a fielder's choice. LaHitte then singled to place runners on the corners before JESSIE SCHATZ grounded a ball through the left-side hole for an RBI.

Meanwhile, Lahitte struck out five Titans batters.

West Hills 4, Torrey Pines 0 -- CHELSEY VELOVICH earned her first victory of the season in three decisions after blanking the Falcons on just four hits in Saturday’s (Mar. 8) Cougar Classic contest. Velovich struckout six, while aiding the offense by batting 2-for-3.

The Wolf Pack scored all of its runs in the 3rd inning, when STACIA HOLDMAN doubled home the opening run, Velovich punched a 2-run single for a 3-0 lead, then scored on a CASSIDY BAGGETT double.

Copper Bracket
Grossmont 7, Hilltop 6 -- The Lancers were staked to a 6-0 lead before falling to yet another furious rally by the Foothillers, who scored all of their runs in the last two innings of Saturday’s (Mar. 8) Cougar Classic to pull off another shocker.

ASHLEY RENALDI entered in relief to gain the victory by also supplying the game-winning hit with a triple. Three batters earlier, LAUREN MIRANDA lined a 2-run triple to left-centerfield, then scored on a passed ball to tie the contest. KAITLYN NICKS (2-for-2, 2 runs scored) followed with a walk, scoring on Renaldi's blast.

Valhalla 7, Oceanside 3 -- The Norsemen rallied from a 2-0 deficit by scoring four times in the 5th, then later received home runs by TORREY ROOK and KAYLA HOUSTON in Saturday’s (Mar. 8) Cougar Classic match-up. Valhalla will meet Carlsbad in Monday's Copper Division semifinals at Kit Carson Park.

Catcher KELLEY SEITZ delivered the big blow, clearing the loaded bases with a 3-run triple to take the lead.

© East County Sports.com
ESCONDIDO (3-8-08) -- Helix and Steele Canyon high schools completed preliminary play at the Cougar Classic by capturing their respective pools, advancing to Saturday's Gold Bracket quarterfinals. Both posted 2-0-1 records after garnering victories Friday (Mar. 7).

The Highlanders punched their ticket to the championship round by bumping El Centro-Southwest, 6-2. Meanwhile, the two-time CIF champion Cougars rallied past Torrey Pines, 4-3.

Helix 6, El Centro-Southwest 2 -- After both teams scored single runs in the 1st and 3rd innings, the Scotties busted loose with four runs in the 6th and final inning (time limit) to paste the Eagles. The victory allowed Helix to catch Rancho Bernardo at the top of the pool standings, then gaining the Gold berth via a tournament tie-breaker.

A single by ALYSSA DRONENBERG, an error and a failed fielder's choice loaded the bases for Helix. Another error allow a pair of runs to score to snap the deadlock, followed by consecutive RBI basehits by catcher ANDY MARTIN DEL CAMPO and freshman CLAUDETTE SMITH.

The rally gave the pitching victory to TERESE DIAZ, who tossed the final two innings in relief.

Steele Canyon 4, Torrey Pines 3 -- GABRIELLE and MICHELE BEASLEY combined on a 5-hitter, as the Cougars offense rallied with three runs in the 5th to slip past the Falcons. The triumph moves Steele Canyon into the Cougar Classic's Gold Division semifinals with seven other schools which captured their pools.

"Except for their numbers, who can't tell them apart -- except when they're pitching," said Cougars coach JULIE BOHE. "They're pitching styles are totally different, yet just as effective."

LORENA KLOPP led the comeback from a 2-0 deficit with three RBI. In the 4th, Klopp laced a triple that hit the chalk along the 3rd-base line to halve the lead. She later capped the 5th-inning surge with a 2-run double to the gap in right-centerfield.

The rally started on consecutive walks to Michelle Beasley and HANNAH ROST, with JAZMIN DAIGLE later lining a single to tie the contest.

Grossmont 7, University City 2 -- For the third straight outing, the Foothillers fell behind early before scoring. But this time, everybody on offense contributed to produce enough for a come-from-behind win. Included were run-scoring hits from five different players.

Down 2-0, ADRIANNA NAU slugged a one-out double to left-center, as the Hillers eventually loaded the bases. CORAL KASDEN walked to force home the first Grossmont run, then KATELYN DASCOMB hit a ground ball, but the throw to the plate was too late to allow the tieing run to score.

Sophomore DESIREE OLSON followed with a sacrifice fly to center to take the team's first lead of the season.

Grossmont added four runs in the 3rd on an RBI single by KELSEY ALVAREZ, a 2-run triple to right by CLARISSA NORRIS, then Norris later scored on a passed ball.

Meanwhile, freshman pitcher LAUREN MIRANDA scattered four hits to collect the victory in her initial varsity start. Only one run was earned, then she tossed four straight shutout innings.

Granite Hills 5, Hilltop 1 -- BRITTANI BERTUSSI tossed a 2-hitter to help the Eagles subdue the Lancers. She struck out five in Friday's (Mar. 6) Cougar Classic contest.

KYLIE WILSON placed Granite Hills in front early, slugging a 2-run triple in the 2nd, scoring JESSICA SCHOTZ and ANGELA LOVELADY. Wilson finished a perfect 2-for-2 performance at the plate, while Schotz went 3-for-3, scoring twice and driving in a run. AMANDA OMAHEN also registered two hits and an RBI.

Friar Classic
Christian 6, Valley Center 3 -- The host Jaguars scored three times in the 4th to draw even, but Christian's Patriots answered with runs in the 6th and 7th to capture this Friar Classic contest on Friday (Mar. 7).

KARA CARTWRIGHT paced the offense by reaching base on all four of her trips to the plate. She walked twice and singled twice, including the tie-breaking basehit in the 6th to score ALY GUNTER

Gunter also pitched the first four innings, leaving with no decision, as RICKI GENTRY tossed three innings of shutout relief for the win. She struck out three and walked none.

© East County Sports.com
ESCONDIDO (3-7-08) -- Following a record-breaking power-hitting display last season, the fireworks are again busting loose for Steele Canyon High. The Cougars slugged three home runs Thursday (Mar. 6), racing to a 6-2 decision over Ramona in pool play action of the Cougar Classic.

Aided by fence-less outfields at Kit Carson Park, JAZMIN DAIGLE, HANNAH ROST and NICOLE RANDLE each went deep to rally after the Bulldogs took an early 2-1 lead.

"Even with fences, all of those shots would've been gone," said Steele Canyon coach JULIE BOHE. "The whole team is just hitting the ball really well."

Daigle blasted a solo shot in the 1st, but Ramona's Lexi Slater slugged a leadoff shot in the bottom half of the inning, then the Bulldogs added an unearned run to take the lead in the 3rd.

However, Steele Canyon (1-0-1) closed the contest with five unanswered runs.

In the 5th, a Randle basehit scored Rost, who reached with a lead single. Later, JAYME JARVIS singled for a 3-2 lead.

An inning later, the power was back on display when Rust hit a 2-run shot over the centerfielder's head. Two batters later, Randle drilled a solo shot, making a winner of pitcher IRENE BLUMENSTOCK, who tossed a 4-hitter.

Granite Hills 0, Scripps Ranch 0, tie -- The pitchers dominated this Cougar Classic pool play contest called after 7 innings due to a time limit. Both teams combined for just three hits Thursday (Mar. 6), including just a single marker by the Eagles.

That hit was a 2nd-inning single by JENNY LAHITTE, who eventually reached third base thanks to a sacrifice bunt by AMANDA OMAHEN and an error. However, Falcons pitcher Rachel Brown escaped with one of her 16 strikeouts.

Meanwhile, Lahitte struck out 10 batters.

Scripps Ranch also pushed a runner to third base on a lead single in the 4th, followed by a pair of ground balls. But the next batter hit the ball to Grossmont High transfer ANGELA LOVELADY at second base to end the threat.

El Camino 6, West Hills 1 -- The Wolf Pack was able to halve the Wildcats' lead with a run in the 2nd inning Thursday (Mar. 6), but El Camino answered with four runs in the 3rd to remain undefeated (2-0) in its Cougar Classic pool.

KRISTI VALLES smashed a triple to left-centerfield for West Hills (0-2), scoring on a single to right by STACIA HOLDMAN. However, the Pack managed just two additional hits.

La Costa Canyon 8, Valhalla 1 -- The Norsemen' KAYLA HOUSTON bombed a two-out, 2nd inning home run to tie the Mavericks at 1-all, but it would be the lone hit by Valhalla to fall in Thursday's (Mar. 6) Cougar Classic contest.

La Costa Canyon reclaimed the lead on a double steal and an error in the 3rd, opening the flood gates to 7 unanswered runs.

Houston has driven in all three Norsemen runs through two ballgames this season.

San Pasqual 5, Grossmont 4 -- Following the same Cougar Classic script as in their opener, the Foothillers needed to go through the line-up a second time before the bats erupted, scoring four times in the 4th inning to catch the Golden Eagles.

But San Pasqual answered with a run in the bottom half of the 5th on a Shawnee Morgan basehit, as the tournament time limit again caught Grossmont in a game called after five innings Thursday (Mar. 6).

Trailing 4-0 after two frames, Grossmont registered all five of their hits in the 4th. Included were singles by JAMYE TAMICH, KATHERINE MIRANDA and KAITLYN NICKS for a run.

KELSEY ALVAREZ slugged an RBI double to make it 4-2. LAUREN VALLELY singled in another run, then a grounder by DESIREE OLSON was booted at first base to allow the tying run to score.

El Cajon Valley 12, Crawford 4 -- DESIREE GARCIA collected three hits, including her first home of the season, to lead a 13-hit attack. Four different Braves -- COREY RAINEY, JACKIE PEREZ, KARI SATROM and DEENA FORD -- all registered two hits each.

Mount Miguel 9, San Diego 0 -- The Matadors captured this Friar Classic contest by run rule after five innings Thursday (Mar. 6). Mount Miguel does not participate with ECS in reporting details.

© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (3-6-08) — Those who compile the softball rankings probably never considered the Monte Vista Monarchs.

Not that Monarchs coach SIG CHABROWSKI was complaining about the “oversight.” He and his Monarchs continue to go about their business, which so far has yielded five wins in six starts.

It took Monte Vista eight innings and the 3-hit pitching of WHITNEY MULLINS to defeat visiting Valley Center in Friar Classic action Wednesday (Mar. 5).

Using International Tie Breaker rules in the bottom of the 8th, Chabrowski sent in speedy pinchrunner McKENNA CLARKE at second base. With the bases loaded BRITTANY WRIGHT singled up the middle, scoring Clarke with the winning run.

Up until their winning rally, Monte Vista left eight runners in scoring position.

JESIKA PEREA, LYDIA VENIEGAS, and SHANNON WRIGHT each had two hits for the Monarchs.

Mullins ran her record to 3-1 as she struck out six and walked one.

Christian 3, Our Lady of Peace 2 – MONIQUE ELLIOTT and RICKI GENTRY combined to pitch a one-hitter Wednesday (Mar. 5) as the visiting Patriots edged the Pilots in a Friar Classic game.

The Patriots took a 1-0 lead in the opening frame as AMANDA PLUM singled and scored on ALLIE SCOTT’s triple.

In the 3rd inning with two outs and the bases loaded, KARA CARTWRIGHT doubled to center to make it 3-0.

“It was good to bounce back after our loss yesterday,” said Christian coach ROMA DAWSON. “A lot of girls contributed today. Our outfielders made all the necessary plays to keep us in the game.”

In other Friar Classic news, the contest between San Diego and Mount Miguel was moved to Thursday.

ALYSSA DRONENBURG tagged a one-out homer to centerfield, her second of the season, to tie the ballgame in the 4th.

Helix pitcher TERESE DIAZ was tagged for an unearned run in the 2nd, then settled in and struck out 12 batters among RB's 15 outs.

Poway 5, Grossmont 3 -- One of the down items regarding the Cougar Classic is an unfortunate 90-minute time limit. So when the Foothillers went through the line-up Wednesday (Mar. 5) and solved the Titans pitcher, a 3-run rally in the 5th to rally from a 5-0 deficit proved moot when the clock expired.

"And these games mean so much come playoff time when they seed teams," noted Hillers coach JERRY LERUD. "I mean, we have only two days of practice then start a big tournament like this one."

The Grossmont rally started on a lead walk to LAUREN VALLELY, a fielder's choice, then CORAL KASDEN put down a sacrifice bunt yet reached on an error to place runners on the corners.

Another error scored a run, then MADI HILL and JAMYE TAMICH registered consecutive run-scoring basehits.

Patrick Henry 2, West Hills 0 -- The debut of new Wolf Pack coach MEAGAN HARTUNG was unsuccessful after Patriots pitcher Ciera Ashman struck out 11 batters en route to the shutout in Wednesday (Mar. 5) Cougar Classic action.

West Hills reported that its lone hit was a 3rd-inning single by KAELI HUNYADY. However, Patrick Henry officials ruled the play an error to give Ashman a no-hitter.

Meanwhile, Wolf Pack pitcher CHELSEA VELOVICH tossed a 3-hitter, but was tagged for single runs in the 1st and 6th innings.

"Our pitching and defense were solid," said Hartung. "But we need to work on our hitting a little bit."

Escondido 8, Valhalla 2 -- The Norsemen jumped quickly on the two-time defending SDCIF Division I champion Cougars, scoring twice in the 1st inning before things began to fall apart in a Cougar Classic pool play contest on Wednesday (Mar. 5).

KELLEY SEITZ batted 2-for-3 among Valhalla 's seven hits, including a basehit following one by AMBER REARDON. Both advanced on a ground out, then each scored on a 2-run single to center by KAYLA HOUSTON.

In other Valhalla softball notes, JODIE SCHMEHR accepted a scholarship offer from Seattle University.

Rancho Buena Vista 4, Granite Hills 1 -- This Cougar Classic contest -- the season opener for the Eagles -- was not reported.

Christian High third baseman Amanda Plum collects the relay throw from Nicole Marcos for the tag out. (Photos by Jeanne Royce)

© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (3-5-08) -- The new-look El Capitan Vaqueros achieved something teams from their recent past could not, rallying three times before finally nipping Christian High, 4-3 in 9 innings, in Tuesday's (Mar. 4) non-league contest.

The Vaqueros stormed back to tie after trailing 1-0 and 2-1, but when the Patriots broke the deadlock in extra innings, El Cap immediately bounced back with a 2-spot to claim its season opener. Christian fell to 1-1.

"The difference may be that these girls have heart," noted senior JULIANNA DUNCAN, who pitched all nine innings to collect the victory. "Everyone wants to win, so we're all practicing really hard this year."

Duncan notes specific areas of improvement.

"Our defense is much better this year -- you could see our catcher throwing the ball really well," she added. "Overall, the girls are picking everyone else up -- we have a strong team this year. We just have to remain focused."

Likewise, Christian boasts an array of returning players, losing just one senior from last season's SDCIF Division V runner-up ballclub. And those veterans allowed the Patriots to take the lead in the 9th.

KARA CARTWRIGHT opened the inning with a booming triple over the head of the right fielder, followed by a bunt single from AMANDA PLUM to put runners on the corners. One out later, ALYSSA GRAUL looped a basehit over the second baseman for the Patriots' third lead of the contest.

However, El Capitan responded to steal the victory.

Duncan registered a single to right, with pinchrunner ERICA BERGER moving to second when STEPHANIE REL SOLIA was hit by the very next pitch, with KATA HOSTETLER stepping in to run at first base.

ALISHA WYCKOFF hit into a fielder's choice to third, so head coach JOE COTA rolled the dice. Matching Christian's aggressive baserunning strategy, he called for the double steal, with Hostetler sliding safely under the tag at third.

A wild pitch scored the tying run, then on the next pitch, a tapper to first by KARINA HALE was fielded cleanly, but the throw home was too late to catch Wyckoff for the deciding run.

"Our bats started a bit slowly, but we picked it up," added Duncan.

Christian starter pitcher JENNA ROYCE tossed six solid innings, carrying a perfect game into the 4th by retiring the first 10 Vaqueros batters.

Meanwhile, the Patriots offense collected 17 hits, but left 13 runners stranded.

“I thought the girls worked hard and gave it a very good effort all game long,” said Christian coach ROMA DAWSON. “It just didn’t come out our way today.”

Helix 8, Oceanside 1 -- Highlanders senior TERESE DIAZ was nearly perfect in both hitting and pitching to pace the Scotties in their Cougar Classic tournament and season opener at Kit Carson Park Tuesday (Mar. 4).

Offensively, Diaz went a perfect 3-for-3, including a pair of run-scoring triples in the 1st and 5th innings. From the pitching circle, the senior registered 11 of 12 outs on strikes in tossing a 1-hitter in her four innings of work.

"It was pretty amazing," said Helix head coach MARK PAULE. "Terese is ready for a great senior year."

The no-hit bid ended after one batter following a lead single, but Diaz then struck out the next nine batters in succession. Her final inning saw a groundout to second base for her lone non-strikeout, a walk, then two more strikeouts. NATALIE SMITH tossed the final two innings to earn a save in a contest called after six innings due to a tournament time limit.

Meanwhile, ALYSSA DRONENBERG and KAILAH CANO-RUE each slugged home runs for the Scotties.

Dronenburg went deep to left for a 3-run homer in the 5th. She also added a run-scoring single to cap a 4-RBI performance. Cano-Rue hit her homer to center later in the 5th.

Steele Canyon 1, Clairemont 1, tie -- In a Cougar Classic contest called because of a 90-minute tournament time limit during pool play contests, Cougars pitcher LORENA KLOPP limited the Chieftains to just three hits yet needed to settle for the draw Tuesday (Mar. 4) at Kit Carson Park.

Clairemont used a pair of walks and two wild pitches to score in the 3rd, but Steele Canyon immediately answered when Klopp boomed a leadoff triple, coming home when JAYME JARVIS looped a basehit over the shortstop.

"Lorena only was tagged for one hard hit all game, but did have some control issues with a few walks and some wild pitches," said assistant coach QUINN RENFRO. "But except for that one inning, she pitched really well."

© East County Sports.com
PACIFIC BEACH (3-4-08) -- It was another multi-hit outing for Monte Vista catcher JESIKA PEREA, who batted 2-for-4 and scored three times Monday (Mar. 3), pacing the Monarchs to a 14-3 run-rule victory over Mission Bay in Friar Classic action.

Monte Vista (4-1) scored in each of its five at-bats, as BRITTANY WRIGHT opened the contest with a triple on the fence-less outfield at Mission Bay. A series of wild pitches, passed balls and errors by the Buccaneers resulted in a quick 4-0 lead.

Mission Bay answered with three runs in the 1st, including a leadoff homer by Roshana Lavrey, who signed to play for San Diego State next season. However, Perea answered with a solo homer, allowing WHITNEY MULLINS to even her pitching record at 1-1.

Mullins also collected a pair of hits, while BRITTANY PORTER went 2-for-2, with a pair of walks and two runs scored to power an 11-hit attack.

Elsewhere, Mount Miguel whipped Orange Glen, 7-2, also moving to 1-1 in the tournament, hosted by Our Lady of Peace.

El Cajon Valley 16, San Diego 2 (5 inn.) -- Fueled by a pair of home runs by SAMANTHA JULIEN, the Braves pounded Cavers pitching for eight extra-base hits. Meanwhile, ECV pitcher CHELSEA WILSON tossed a 1-hitter to gain her initial victory of the season.

Along with Julien's blasts, ALYSSA GARCIA homered, DEENA FORD rumbled around the bases for a double and triple, while DESIREE GARCIA collected a pair of doubles. In addition, JACKIE PEREZ went 3-for-3 (all singles).

© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (3-2-08) -- With a young roster filled with talented freshmen, Monte Vista High couldn't wait to open the 2008 softball season, capping a stretch of four games in three days by sweeping Saturday's (Mar. 1) doubleheader from visiting Calexico, 4-3 and 7-2.

And the Monarchs (3-1) overcame some growing pains to steal the opener.

After the Bulldogs scored three times in the 7th inning -- all unearned -- after Monte Vista failed to close the deal by committing four errors, the Monarchs bounced back to take back the victory when JESIKA PEREA slammed a bases-loaded, two-out double to push across both the tying and winning runs.

"It got to be pretty exciting out there," deadpanned Monarchs coach SIG CHABROWSKI. "But the team never gave up."

The rally started on a lead walk to freshman BOBBI WOLFENDEN, then SHANNON WRIGHT belted a one-out single to left to place runners on the corners. A fielder's choice moved Calexico an out from victory, but another ground ball was fielded late, at SHAAKIRAH RANSOM was safe at second and batter BRITTANY WRIGHT safe on first.

Perea, a junior catcher, then went the opposite way and tagged an outside pitch to the gap in right-centerfield to plate Wolfenden and Ransom.

In Game Two, freshman pitcher ALEX ROSS tossed a complete-game 3-hitter to top the Bulldogs (0-2). She struck out three and allowed just one earned run.

"Alex's played a lot of club and travel ball and has lots of natural skills," added the coach. "People may know her father, JIMMY ROSS, who used to be the basketball coach at El Cajon Valley and Mission Bay (high schools)."

On offense, Ross, Perea and Wright each posted two of Monte Vista's 9 hits.

Already leading 1-0 when Ross singled and pinchrunner SHANNON WRIGHT eventually scored on a wild pitch, Monte Vista scored four times in the 3rd to blow open the triumph.

McKENNA CLARK, yet another frosh, opened the rally with a single and moving to second on a passed ball. Ransom and Brittany Wright registered consecutive basehits to score Clark, then a Perea single loaded the bases.

A ground ball by WHITNEY MULLINS made it 3-0, a passed ball brought home Shannon Wright, then AMBER McMILLIN lifted a sacrifice fly to left for a 5-0 advantage.

Monte Vista returns to Friar Classic action Monday, travelling to Mission Bay for a 3:30 p.m. start.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-1-08) -- Junior JENNA ROYCE pitched a 4-hitter as host Christian High knocked off visiting Monte Vista 5-1 in Friday's (Feb. 29) opening round of the Friar Classic.

Sophomore ALLIE SCOTT drove in two runs for Christian (1-0), junior AMANDA PLUM scored twice, and sophomore KARA CARTWRIGHT laced a single and a double to pace the Patriots.

Things started out OK for Monte Vista (1-1) as JESIKA PEREA slugged a solo home run in the 3rd inning, handing the Monarchs a 1-0 lead. Perea accounted for two of Monte Vista's four hits.

SHAAKIRAH RANSOM and AMBER McMILLAN accounted for Monte Vista's other 2 hits.

Monte Vista hosts Calexico in their annual non-league doubleheader Saturday (Mar. 1) on the Monarchs' diamond at 11 a.m.

El Cajon Valley 18, Crawford 4 -- Winning pitcher ALYSSA GARCIA limited the Colts to four hits, while the Braves' collected 12 in the run-rule victory.

© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (02-29-08) - WHITNEY MULLINS pitched a 5-hitter while striking 7 as Monte Vista opened the East County softball season Thursday (Feb. 28) with an 8-0 victory over visiting El Cajon Valley.

JESSIKA PEREA drove in three runs with two singles and a double to pace the Monarchs. She also scored twice and stole a base.

BRITTANY PORTER was 2-for-4 with a double and one RBI, while AMANDA AGUON also had two hits and scored two runs. BRITTANY WRIGHT contributed a two-run double.

The Monarchs play at Christian Friday (Feb. 29) in the opening round of the Friar Classic and then host Calexico in a non-league doubleheader Saturday (Mar. 1) at 11 a.m.

© East County Sports.com
BUFFALO, N.Y. (2-22-08) -- Helix High senior TERESE DIAZ, following a strong 7th-place finish at the ASA nationals over the summer, has accepted a scholarship offer to pitch for the University of Buffalo. The Bulls, a Division I program, play in the Mid-American Conference.

Diaz pitched for the San Jose Sting, which participated in the ASA 18-Gold Division nationals in Oklahoma City, Okla., where she was noticed among the 64 teams by Buffalo coaches and invited for a recruiting visit. On the trip, Diaz was offered a full-ride scholarship.

Diaz rejoined Helix after starting her junior season at Ramona, posting a 4-3 record with the Bulldogs (5-4 overall). Her lone victory with the Scotties was a no-hitter against Monte Vista.

Currently, Diaz pitches for the San Diego Renegades. She also is the second East County athlete to sign with Buffalo in recent months, joining Valhalla High football player JOSE CORTES.

Santana's Britty Balough (ECS File Photo)

Top: Danielle Balough; Bottom: Kylee Krings. (Courtesy, Lee Univ.)

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POINT LOMA (1-5-08) -- Christian High School pitcher JESSIE OWENS, who has transferred and will perform for Santana High this season, has made a verbal commitment and will play her college ball at Point Loma Nazarene University. The Sea Lions are a member of the NAIA's Golden State Athletic Conference.

The announcement comes on the heels of a move to PLNU by her older sister, MELISSA OWENS, a standout pitcher for San Diego State who will transfer at the conclusion of the academic year.

Jessie Owens, a member of the All-State Small School division team selected by CalHiSports, pitched the Patriots to the 2007 SDCIF Division IV championship game, earning a second-team berth on the All-County team by the San Diego Hall of Champions. She was also a first-team honoree on the All-East County Sports.com team, the coaches' All-CIF Division IV team, and the All-Eastern League team.

Her prep resume, added to an extensive list of club ball achievements with the San Diego Renegades and a trip to an invitation-only futures camp, led 14 different NCAA Division I schools to contact Owens over recent months.

"While the thought of playing for a top D1 program sounded glamorous, there were only two D1 programs that I considered -- Baylor and Liberty ," said Owens, who later trimmed her list of choices. "In mid-December, I contacted all of the secular D1 schools and informed them that I limited my discussions to 3 schools -- Liberty , Cal Baptist and PLNU."

Playing with her sister may be enough to carry the Sea Lions to the top of the NAIA.

"That's another reason I am anxious to play softball for PLNU," Jessie explained. "Melissa will red-shirt this year, allowing her to catch up on her academic credits and recuperate from a high ankle sprain suffered during the 2007 season."

"Melissa will finish up at SDSU this spring and attend PLNU in the fall of 2008. In 2010 Melissa and I will be playing for the PLNU Sea Lions. We plan on winning a national championship together."

Despite the NAIA label, Point Loma Nazarene has proven capable of competing with major-college programs over the years.

"I was pleasantly surprised with the level of competition," noted Owens. "For years, I have heard people compare the NAIA teams to junior colleges. While I am sure that the overall level of (NAIA) competition is weaker, the top of the NAIA -- PLNU, Cal Baptist, Oklahoma City , etc, -- are incredibly strong teams capable of competing with the majority of NCAA D1 programs."

Owens noted that the first school to contact her was UCLA, but despite its national success on the field, academics also became a factor in her decision.

"Having attended private school for most of my life, I appreciate and thrive in smaller classes where I can actually interact with the professor," she added. "The ratio of students to teachers at PLNU is 15 to 1. Some of the classes at UCLA, for example, have hundreds of students. That is not my idea of a great education."

Owens believes Point Loma Nazarene offers everything she needs from a college programs -- both on and off the field.

"There was no reason to prolong my decision. After all, it was everything I wanted in a college and softball program. I like to work hard and love the intensity of their softball program. PLNU made me a generous offer and I was anxious to accept."

As a freshman in 2006, Jessie Owens led all East County pitchers with 260 strikeouts. She also led the region with a .463 batting average, despite playing in the Eastern League, arguably the toughest league in the San Diego Section.

Last season, she finished an injury-plagued campaign with a .474 batting average (third in East County ), while missing the strikeout title by one (150 to 149) to Michigan State bound SHAE BASS, the pitcher Owens will replace for the Sultans.

Owens, influenced by a high school teacher, plans to major in biology and hopes to someday teach or work for Sea World as an animal trainer.

Amanda Carpenter (ECS File Photo)

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MUNCIE, Ind. (11-27-07) -- Santana High fastpitch standout AMANDA CARPENTER has given a verbal commitment to play fastpitch softball at Ball State University for the 2010 season.

Carpenter tied for seventh in the Grossmont North League with a .387 batting average as a sophomore last season, earning a berth on the All-East County first team and the All-SDCIF Division III team. She batted .307 during her freshman year.

After sharing the GNL title with West Hills, Carpenter played club ball with the San Diego Renegades, which placed 9th at nationals over the summer.

Carpenter will play for second-year coach Craig Nicholson, who previously led Central Arizona Community College to four NJCAA national championships, posting a 723-90 record over 11 seasons. In 2007 under Nicholson, the Cardinals improved by 9 victories to finish at 22-34 last spring.

Ball State is noted as the alma mater to late night talk show host David Letterman.

Meagan Hartung (Courtesy, SDSU)

Earlier this week, Hartung accepted a return to the Grossmont Conference by being named to her first head coaching assignment, taking over the program at West Hills High. The announcement came Friday (Nov. 9) by Wolf Pack athletic director DON RUTLEDGE.

"We had an excellent pool of applicants, but Meagan was the best by far," said Rutledge. "Being from the East County , she knows how important softball is here. Meagan's young (24), but she displayed great poise during the interview process. I hope she stays with us for 20 years."

Hartung was a four-time letterwinner, two-time all-GSL performer, and a scholar-athlete for Granite Hills. Moving on to San Diego State , she ranks among the Aztecs’ career leaders in on-base percentage (4th, .374), batting average (8th, .295), doubles (8th, 19) and slugging percentage (9th, .377).

She will also be involved in a rare father-daughter coaching rivalry; father Doug is the longtime head softball coach at Valhalla High, where he was the SDCIF champion and East County coach of the year in 2004.

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SANTEE (10-30-07) -- Santana High first baseman RACHEL FAILLA has accepted an offer to play softball for Chico State University, starting with the 2009 season. The senior accepted the offer over other Humboldt State, Cal State Bakersfield, and several schools in the East.

Failla was an All-CIF Division III second-team selection last season, also gaining a berth on the Grossmont North League first team. With the Sultans as a junior, she registered a.348 batting average, ranking sixth in the East County (3rd in the GNL) in doubles, as the team advanced to the SDCIF championship game.

She selected Chico State on two fronts. The school offers her major -- Failla plans to study computer science and art, hoping to become a computer designer -- and she could start on the softball team immediately, with a senior leaving after playing the 2008 season for the Wildcats. Failla carries a 4.06 grade-point average at Santana.

On her recruiting, Failla was joined by Mt. Carmel pitching ace Jessica McDermott, who also plans to join the roster of head coach Jamie Brown, who is a member of the NCAA Softball Rules Committee. The former East Stroudsburg (Penn.) coach set a school record for victories, giving Chico State a fresh start.

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JAMUL (10-15-07) -- A pair of East County based all-state performers -- fastpitch first baseman-pitcher LORENA KLOPP of Steele Canyon High and basketball shooting guard TROY LEAF of Foothills Christian High -- have given verbal commitments to play at San Diego State University in 2010-11.

Both are sophomores and have three seasons in their prep sports careers, yet both took the opportunity to virtually lockdown their futures early.

Per NCAA rules, the coaching staffs from both Aztecs programs can not make public comment until a player officially signs a Letter of Intent as early as a player's junior year. Yet both underclassmen feel comfortable with the direction of both SDSU teams and that full-ride scholarships will be tendered when the appropriate signing periods arrive.

"I always wanted to go to San Diego State," said Klopp, who made a pair of Cal Hi Sports teams, named first-team among medium-size schools and second-team among underclassmen. "I've gone to several camps there and really liked the coaching staff."

"So when we (Klopp and her parents) met the coaches last Friday, I was already sure this is where I wanted to go."

Along with the two-time CIF Division III champion Cougars, Klopp is a standout for the Power Surge 18-Gold club program. At Steele Canyon , she captured the East County batting title (.531 with 101 total bases) while driving in 60 runs -- the second-highest RBI total in section history.

"I'll still try as hard as I can, but it does take a lot of pressure off knowing where I will play in college," added Klopp, who foresees being a business major in three years.

Klopp will rejoin high school teammate SAM BEASLEY, the reigning San Diego Section player of the year, who is a freshman this year after being named an EA Sports All-American and one of Cal Hi Sports state players of the year last spring.

Meanwhile, Leaf, tabbed to Cal Hi Sports' all-state freshmen squad is pleased to join head coach STEVE FISHER's Aztecs roster. Leaf led all East County scorers at 25.2 points per contest, en route to leading the Knights to both the Citrus League and CIF Division V championships.

"We've been close to the Aztecs' coaching staff for a while," said BRAD LEAF, Troy 's father and head coach at Foothills. " Troy 's been wanting to go there since he was little, so we're not worried about what other (offers) may be out there. We're excited about him being an Aztec."

Leaf was named Citrus League Player of the Year and was a third-team pick on the All-San Diego Union-Tribune team.

As a freshman, Leaf was listed 8th overall on the All-East County team, with seven players in front of him -- all seniors.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

© 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)

"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."

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.

STEELE CANYON HIGH SCHOOL "COUGARS" 2007 CIFSDS FASTPITCH CHAMPIONS