© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-1-09) — Let's face it. When Granite Hills made its run to the SDCIF Division I title last season, the ballclub remained under the radar most of the season.

The Eagles were never rated highly in any poll. They were never in contention for the Grossmont South League crown following a 1-2 start.

And the team was about to fall into the same predicament unless they won Thursday's (Apr. 30) GSL showdown against Valhalla to close out the first round of league play.

"For some reason when we play Valhalla , we have to come out even harder," said Eagles centerfielder MEGAN BELIO, a senior who is a veteran in the rivalry between the schools. "It is more pressure, especially when we play at Valhalla, but I think we'll be able to take care of business."

Capped by a 2-run home run by ANGELA LOVELADY in the 6th inning, the Eagles rode the arm of pitcher JENNY LAHITTE, who tossed a 4-hitter in a 4-0 decision over the arch-rival Norsemen.

"I was mainly getting under the ball because she's been pitching really good outside," said Lovelady, a senior who reverted back to second base at midseason. "Then she gave me one which I kept my head on and I hit it – I didn't realize it was a home run until I touched first base."

The homer also scored courtesy runner BROOKE CONWAY, who entered after a one-out walk to catcher JILL SCIARRA.

Meanwhile, Lahitte was again in strong form. She carried a no-hitter into the 5th inning, but when the Norsemen finally connected for a pair of basehits that inning, the junior escaped the jam with one of her seven strikeouts.

"I love being behind Jenny and I wouldn't want it any other way – she is just phenomenal," added Belio, who will play for Murray State next season. "I think she's the best pitcher in San Diego County ."

Granite Hills opened the scoring in the 3rd when a pair of Norsemen hustle plays ended badly, leading to a pair of unearned runs.

With the bases loaded, the first miscue was a pickoff play at third base. But when the ball sailed away, CHAYLAH ZETSCH jogged home with the game's opening run.

Moments later, BRITTANI BERTUSSI ticketed a drive to right-centerfield.

"It was a gap ball and both girls were running hard," noted Belio. "It was a ball that was hard to get to, but it worked out for us."

The play was ruled an error after the ball was dropped, allowing Belio to score.

Such defensive mistakes by Granite Hills have been few since Bertussi returned to the lineup. The senior re-claimed her spot at shortstop, moving Lovelady to second base. However, the changes have dramatically improved the Eagles defense.

"It's just easier to have people that are utility players than someone who plays just one position," Lovelady noted. "Me and Brittani are both middle infielders first, but she is stronger at shortstop and I am stronger at second, so we all switched when Brittani came back – the changes haven't hurt us."

Mount Miguel 3, Helix 2 (8 inn.) – While the top three ballclubs in the Grossmont South League split with each other, completing the first round of the schedule in a 3-way deadlock, the same thing occurred among the remaining teams after the Matadors held off the visiting Highlanders.

Centerfielder SHANICE SUTTON provided the game-winning hit, sending a soft liner over the Helix second baseman to drive home GABRIELLA NAIDAS. The senior shortstop started the rally with a double to left-centerfield, moving to third base on a grounder to the right side by LAURA NELSON.

Nelson, the Mount Miguel pitcher, carried a 2-hit shutout into the 7th inning. However, the first three Scotties batters registered hits to tie the ballgame.

Following basehits by CLAUDETTE SMITH and NATALIE SMITH, the "sisters" both scored when KALAH CANO-RUE bombed a double to right field. However, Cano-Rue was left stranded at second when Nelson, who struck out 11 Highlanders, retired the next three batters.

The Matadors opened the scoring in the 4th.

Nelson stroked a lead single, advancing to second on Sutton's sacrifice bunt. NICOLE CUNNINGHAM also singled, stealing second to put two runners in scoring position, with both getting cashed in on a basehit by senior JESSICA BELL.

With the triumph, Mount Miguel joins Helix, plus Monte Vista, in a 3-way tie for fourth place in the GSL.

Steele Canyon 12, Monte Vista 4 – The Cougars proved resilient after blowing an early 3-0 lead Thursday (Apr. 30), bouncing off the deck to score five times in the 3rd inning to best the host Monarchs.

It was the best of times, then the worst of times for Steele Canyon in the opening inning.

KELLY CASH blasted a bases-loaded triple for a fast 3-0 advantage, then the Cougars committed a pair of errors to give all the runs back, followed by an RBI double by junior AMBER McMILLAN to lift Monte Vista to a 4-3 lead.

However, Steele Canyon called on IRENE BLUMENSTOCK in relief. She allowed just one hit in her five innings, while the Cougars closed the contest with nine unanswered runs.

NICOLE RANDEL keyed the offense by going 3-for-5 and scoring three times, including once on Cash's triple.

HANNAH ROST tied the contest with an RBI single to plate ELLIE REID in the 2nd, then Steele Canyon scored five times in the 3rd.

The big rally featured a run-scoring double by LORENA KLOPP to get Randel home. Laster, VANESSA KELLEMS and Rust stroked 2-run doubles. Kellems later added another run-scoring basehit to cap a career-high 3 RBI performance.

Christian 6, Scripps Ranch 2 – The injury-riddled Falcons suffered their first 3-game losing streak since a stretch of four straight back in 2005 after falling to the Patriots in Thursday's (Apr. 30) Eastern League contest.

Credit ALLI GUNTER for most of the success, especially in the early going. The pitcher escaped several jams after yielding 10 hits, but Scripps Ranch could only muster a single run until its final at-bat.

Meanwhile, Gunter keyed the offense with a 3-run double to left in the 2nd inning, allowing Christian to leap-frog past the Falcons into second place in the Eastern League standings.

Gunter also scored twice, once along with KARA CARTWRIGHT on RICKI GENTRY's 2-run single in the 5th, then in the 7th on an ALLIE SCOTT basehit.

Gunter and Gentry both finished with three hits, while Scott and MARY GRABOWSKI had two each as part of a 12-hit attack.

In the 1st inning, the Sultans' first six batters recorded six hits , each eventually scoring to run-rule Grossmont in Thursday's (Apr. 30) Grossmont North League affair. It was their 8th straight victory in the head-to-head series.

The battery combination of pitcher SHANNON FYSON and catcher CARLA CARRILLO did most of the damage,

Fyson, who tossed a 2-hitter, knocked in four runs by going 2-for-2. Meanwhile, Carrillo registered three RBI by going 3-for-3 at the plate, including a double.

The early eruption saw consecutive basehits by JESSIE OWENS, MICHELLE THILLE, AMANDA CARPENTER, AMANDA GRABLE, Carrillo and Fyson, with the final hit in the sequence driving home a pair. The final run came on a ground ball by GABBY SCOLARI, also good for an RBI.

Grossmont avoided the shutout with a run in the 5th, as a bloop single by BRITTANY FISHTROM allowed MADI HILL (safe on error) to score. However, Santana re-invoked the run rule when Scolari singled to center, took third base on consecutive wild pitches, then scored the walk-off run on a sacrifice fly to right field by Owens.

El Capitan 6, El Cajon Valley 3 – Vaqueros centerfielder PAIGE BORRAS batted a perfect 4-for-4, while pitcher SARAH GROHMAN gave herself the win by smacking a go-ahead, 2-run double in the 5th inning in El Capitan's GNL road victory Thursday (Apr. 30).

Several lead changes saw the Braves holding a 3-2 lead through four innings. But in the 5th, following a walk to Borras and a double by LESLIE KUHEN, Grohman llifted a soft liner to centerfield to plate the tying and go-ahead runs.

In the 7th, El Capitan loaded the bases on consecutive lead singles by KELSEY MOODY, Borras and Kuhen. Vaqueros coach JOE COTA then inserted freshman CHRISTINA MILLER to pinchhit, with the first baseman delivering a 2-run double.

For El Cajon Valley , catcher DESI GARCIA went 3-for-3, including an RBI single to open the scoring in the 1st. Garcia went 3-for-4 for the afternoon.

The Vaqueros answered with single runs on a double by CATHERINE BROWN in the 2nd, then on an error in the 3rd. But the Braves re-claimed the lead, first tying the game on a MERLINDA LOPEZ basehit in the 3rd, then a go-ahead double by ALISSA GARCIA in the 4th.

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (4-30-09) — No changes are needed for West Hills High to complete its intended agenda, only improvements in execution are needed. And the team took the first in a series of steps to get there.

"Our goal is to win league and CIF," noted Wolf Pack catcher MICHERIE KORIA. "Ever since we lost to Scripps Ranch, we've made it a point that we don't want to lose any more."

Koria made good on her team's promise. The junior drove in both West Hills runs, including the tie-breaking marker in the 5th inning, helping the Pack avenge an earlier loss to 7th-ranked Scripps Ranch with Wednesday's (Apr. 29) 2-1 victory.

"I know we lost to them last time," recalled Koria of a 7-3 Falcon Fiesta setback from Mar. 20. "So I wanted to win this game so badly so we could be second in our division."

Mt. Carmel is recognized, for now, as the top ballclub in Division II, while several other teams have floated up to the No. 2 spot behind the Sundevils in several county polls, with Scripps Ranch currently leading the list of teams.

That could now change.

And after both ballclubs recently dropped key league contests to slip into second place, this contest was deemed critical to get back on course. And West Hills, buoyed by nine strikeouts by West Hills pitcher CHELSEA VELOVICH, seems to be the side on the rise.

" Chelsea hurts my hand – she's fast – but she's great to catch." noted Koria. "Both Chelsea and NOELLE (JOHNSON) are awesome pitchers who hit their spots."

Both teams pieced together an early extra-base hit with a run-scoring basehit to open the scoring.

In the 1st, shortstop BRE AUSTIN found the gap in right-centerfield, as the speedster circled the bases with a one-out triple. Moments later, Koria's single made it 1-0.

"Scripps kept us on our toes," said Austin . "So I saw an outside pitch and just went with it."

However, the Falcons answered in the 2nd when right-fielder Katie Schumacher sent a drive past her defensive opposite for a lead double. Shortstop Emily Gusse, who matched Schumacher by going 2-for-3 on the day, also followed with a basehit to tie it.

Then the pitchers took over.

Velovich yielded two hits the rest of the way, while Falcons starter Taylor Curran allowed just one additional hit until trouble brewed in the 6th following a lead walk to JENNA BASNIGHT.

Two ground outs later, Koria returned to the plate and whipped an RBI double to right. Although she was thrown out attempting to take an extra base at third, the hit gave West Hills its East County leading 16th victory of the season.

"Honestly, I really don't think too much about the rankings – there are better teams that are ranked lower," Velovich, who plans to walk-on at USD with the goal of earning a Master's degree in nursing. "So it's just about coming out here and have fun and do well."

Meanwhile, not only are the mistakes disappearing, but plays are being made on defense. Included was a shoestring grab by Velovich on a 7th-inning bunt, as the senior retired the Falcons in order to closeout the team's 7th win in their last eight starts.

"In some of our losses this year, it was because we made errors and gave the other teams runs," noted Pack coach MEAGAN HARTUNG. "Today, they earned their run and we earned ours. So in that sense, it was a great win because we played a complete game."

For West Hills, centerfielder ALEX MILLER also collected a pair of hits.

Scripps Ranch (13-5-2), following its Eastern League setback to Mira Mesa on Tuesday, has now dropped consecutive ballgames for the first time all season.

The Wolf Pack must now get off the mat in its bid for the Grossmont North title after falling to Santana in the first round of league play.

"We gave up so many unearned runs – I kept thinking about that all weekend, I was so upset," noted Velovich.

© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (4-29-09) — There were no upsets in any of the five Grossmont Conference softball contests held Tuesday (Apr. 28). But there were several upper-echelon ballclubs happy to escape with victories, including Steele Canyon and Valhalla of the South League.

Steele Canyon never held the lead until the final pitch in its contest with upset-minded Helix. Meanwhile, Valhalla remained in a scoreless deadlock with Mount Miguel until the late innings before maintaining its Grossmont South League lead by edging the Matadors.

Steele Canyon 3, Helix 2 – NICOLE RANDEL doubled home LORENA KLOPP in the bottom of the 7th, giving the Cougars their only lead – and the victory – against the visiting Highlanders.

Klopp ignited the rally with a one-out double, her second of the ballgame, then Randel found the gap in right-centerfield for the game-winner with two outs.

Helix grabbed an early lead on a 2-run double by sophomore catcher CLAUDETTE SMITH. Her drive down the left-field line in the 3rd inning brought home ALEXCIA RICHARDSON (safe on error) and TINA NORIEGA (single), who were both in scoring position after a wild pitch.

The Cougars slowly scratched back.

In the 3rd, Klopp's first double, a shot over the right-fielder's head, brought home HANNAH ROST, who reached on a two-out walk.

Steele Canyon then got even in the 5th when Rust singled, moved to second base when a fly ball by Klopp was dropped, then scored on a basehit by senior third baseman JAZMIN DAIGLE.

IRENE BLUMENSTOCK pitched the final two innings in relief of starter GABRIELLE BEASLEY, gaining the victory on Randel's hit. Four of the six outs registered by Blumenstock came on strikes.

Meanwhile, Cougars sophomore ELLE REID batted 2-for-3, while Helix' Smith collected two of the Scotties' five hits.

Valhalla 2, Mount Miguel 0 – With no signs of any runs on the horizon, the Norsemen decided to force the issue by stealing bases. Lots of them.

Three thefts and a pair of throwing errors in the 6th inning later, Valhalla posted a pair of markers, the only runs in Tuesday's (Apr. 28) Grossmont South League victory over the visiting Matadors.

KAITLIN McGINLEY opened the sequence with a basehit to cap a 3-for-3 outing at the plate. McGinley easily stole second to give her three thefts for the contest, but on steal No. 4, not only did she take third base, she waltzed home on an errant throw.

ANGELA UY followed by utilizing a similar script. After reaching on an infield single, she moved to second on a ground ball, then when she stole third base, another throw sailed down the line.

Norsemen pitcher CANDICE STAMPER finished with six shutouts innings in out-dueling Matadors pitcher LAURA NELSON. In the 7th, TORREY ROOK registered the final three outs for the save.

The Norsemen runs came moments after Mount Miguel 's best scoring opportunity in the top of the 6th.

GABRIELLA NAIDAS reached on a swinging-bunt single, then Nelson was safe on a traditional bunt single. A ground ball advanced both into scoring territory, but Stamper registered a pair of strikeouts to escape the jam.

For Lahitte, the slam capped a 3-for-4 outing which included a pair of doubles. The junior also tossed a complete-game 5-hitter, allowing just one earned run. She struck out five.

Leftfielder MORGAN KURTZ and second baseman ANGELA LOVELADY matched Lahitte by batting 3-for-4 each. Lovelady's totals also included a 2-run triple in the 5th.

West Hills 9, El Capitan 1 – ALEX MILLER and TAYLOR HALLAHAN both slugged 2nd-inning home runs Tuesday (Apr. 28), powering the visiting Wolf Pack past the Vaqueros.

For Miller, who went 3-for-4 and scored thee times, it was her second homer of the season – both coming against El Cap. Meanwhile, Hallahan, the first baseman, collected her first of the season.

Leading 3-0, Miller hit the solo shot to start a 5-run rally. Shortstop BRE AUSTIN followed with a double, pitcher NOELLE JOHNSON reached base on an error, then Hallahan answered with her 3-run homer. Both shots went to centerfield.

Consecutive doubles by ALYSSA EVJEN and JENNA BASNIGHT made it 8-0 through 1 1/2 innings, so the Wolf Pack coaches pulled starting pitcher NOELLE JOHNSON after tossing three no-hit innings.

"Really, I thought we were going to run-rule them, so I wanted to get all of our players in," said head coach MEAGUN HARTUNG, who met no objections from the El Cap staff.

Since the contest went the full seven innings, reliever JESSICA ALDERSON officially gained the victory, allowing four hits over four solid innings.

Half of the Vaqueros' hits were collected by third baseman LESLIE KUHEN. The others came in the 4th inning, when El Cap scored on a walk to EMILY LAFF, then back-to-back basehits by ALISHA WYCKOFF and PAIGE BORRAS.

Grossmont 10, El Cajon Valley 0 (5 inn.) – Sophomore RACHEL STALFORD tossed a 1-hit shutout in the Foothillers' 5-inning decision over the Braves. Stalford struck out seven, facing just one batter above the minimum.

On Tuesday (Apr. 28), senior BRITTANY FISHTROM played first base and was the lone Grossmont player to register more than one hit with a pair of doubles. She also scored twice, as KAITLYN NICKS brought her home both times on a basehit and a fielder's choice grounder.

Stalford also registered a pair of RBI with a double in the 5th, scoring Nicks and SUZANNE MARMUSCH.

For the second straight outing, the lone Braves hit came in the form of a 2nd-inning single by JACQUIE PEREZ, who sent a hard grounder through the left side of the infield.

Christian 11, Morse 0 – Sophomore JENNIE VEST belted her first varsity homer – a 3-run shot in the 2nd inning – to fuel a 14-hit attack to lift the Patriots past the visiting Tigers in Tuesday's (Apr. 28) Eastern League contest.

KARA CARTWRIGHT batted 3-for-3, driving in runs in the 1st and 2nd to help mount an 8-0 advantage. ALLIE SCOTT also registered a pair of RBI with basehits in the 2nd and 4th frames.

In addition, ALLI GUNTER went 3-for-4 with an RBI, and RICKI GENTRY went 2-for-2, backing the combined 4-hit shutout by Christian pitchers MONIQUE ELLIOTT and Gentry.

Valhalla's Kaitlin McGinley makes the huge slide to home plate, but Patriots catcher Allie Scott comes up with the ball and makes the tag. (Photos by Joanne Park) CLICK on photos to Enlarge

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (4-24-09) — Several unknowns have followed the Santana High softball team all season, leaving many to wonder just how good are the Sultans.

Attempting to replace nine seniors from last season's SDCIF Division III champions, the re-vamped core of their batting order was in place, but team development had been slowed by key injuries.

Despite the questions, Santana showcased several replacements which came through to help hold off West Hills, 6-5, in Thursday's (Apr. 23) showdown between Grossmont North League co-leaders.

"I think we're a great team, but we have a lot to work to do to step it up for CIF," said SHANNON FYSON, who has become the ballclub's No. 1 pitcher while shoulder problems continue to plague incumbent starter JESSIE OWENS. "We're going to be there."

"I knew I could pull it through with our big lead, even though it was a very momentum type game."

With the revised playoff format, many wonder if Fyson can last through a double-elimination tournament should Owens fail to return to form in the next month.

"I think I can do it, especially by going three games per week right now," noted Fyson, who was also a first-team, all-GNL selection for the Santana golf team. "This team can't afford for me to get hurt, but I'm not too worried about it – I'm going 100 percent right now."

"We've been going to CIF and winning for two years, so we're going to do great."

CARLA CARRILLO belted a 3-run homer to push the Sultans' lead to 6-1 in the 5th inning, then Santana needed to survive a 4-run rally by the Wolf Pack in the 7th to take the first of three scheduled meetings between the schools.

"I wasn't looking for a homer, just a basehit, so the homer was just a plus for me," noted Carrillo, a junior catcher. "It got the runs back for us."

Prior to Carrillo's homer, AMANDA GRABLE dropped a basehit just inside the line over first base for a run, but the play was nullified when a baserunner was called out for leaving the base too soon. Instead, Grable was hit by a pitch to again place two runners on base, then Carrillo went deep to centerfield.

In the 7th, Santana was one strike away from the win when the roof almost fell in.

JESSICA ALDERSON came up with the bases loaded and sent a 3-2 pitch to deep right-centerfield. Three runs scored with Alderson standing on third base with a triple and representing the tying run.

"I just told her to walk it out and that we can do this," added Carrillo.

Fyson escaped with a liner ticketed to right field by West Hills’ NOELLE JOHNSON, which was snared by the second baseman for the final out.

Carrillo finished with four RBI, including a run-scoring single to cap a 3-run rally to open the scoring in the 3rd.

West Hills answered with three hits, but managed just a single run on an ALEX MILLER basehit. The Wolf Pack stranded 10 baserunners.

El Capitan 5, Grossmont 4 – Vaqueros centerfielder PAIGE BORRAS posted her most complete ballgame of the season. Borras knocked in three runs on a 3-for-4 outing at the plate, then threw out the potential game-tying run in the 7th inning to give El Capitan the upset of the visiting Foothillers.

"A few weeks ago, Paige wasn't even hitting during practice," said El Cap coach JOE COTA. "But her bat has been coming around of late, then she made a great throw."

Grossmont already scored twice in the 7th, one on a double by MADI HILL, then a grounder to the right side for an RBI by CORAL KASDEN which was booted, leaving two runners on base with one out.

AUBRIE MAY followed with a basehit to centerfield, but Borras quickly collected the ball and fired a strike to catcher CATHERINE BROWN to prevent the tying run from crossing the plate.

An inning earlier, Borras pushed the Vaqueros' lead to 5-2 with a shot to the outfield. Following a walk to Brown, Borras' basehit to center skipped past the defender. By the time the ball was recovered, Borras had circled the bases.

Borras also singled home Brown in the 3rd.

Grossmont struck first on a leadoff homer by LAUREN VALLELY in the 2nd. The drive to left-center was her second of the season.

However, El Capitan immediately countered by loading the bases, with two runs scoring on a go-ahead basehit by MEGHAN THORSNES.

Borras' first RBI made it 3-1, but Grossmont crawled back on consecutive doubles by May and KELSEY ALVAREZ.

Vaqueros pitcher CHRISTINA MILLER was touched for eight hits over five innings, yet the freshman escaped several jams to win for the third time this season without a loss. Senior SARAH GROHMAN went the final two frames for her first save of the year.

Steele Canyon 10, Granite Hills 2 – The Eagles may have suffered the biggest single-inning letdown of the season.

After opening the scoring with two runs in the 3rd, Granite Hills committed a pair of errors which opened the floodgates to nine unearned runs in the 4th, allowing the 3-time defending South League champion Cougars to knock the host Eagles out of first place.

An error and a sacrifice bunt opened the inning innocently enough, followed by a pair of basehits. Steele Canyon then hit into a fielder's choice which should have been the third out. Instead, the Cougars' offense snowballed with seven straight hits, including a 2-run single by LORENA KLOPP and an RBI double by JAZMIN DAIGLE.

KELLY CASH completed the onslaught with an RBI single, part of the catcher's 3-for-4 day at the plate.

Klopp gained her first victory since Mar. 25 against Carlsbad , striking out six and allowing just one earned run. Eagles pitcher JENNY LAHITTE posted seven strikeouts, yet was tagged for all nine unearned runs.

Valhalla 6, Helix 2 – The Norsemen took over leadership of the Grossmont South League after another stellar outing by KAITLIN McGINLEY.

The junior centerfielder clinched player of the week honors by going 4-for-4 with three runs and three stolen bases, as McGinley posted an amazing .909 (10-for-11) batting average in three triumphs for the week.

TORREY ROOK propelled the Norsemen with a pair of doubles, including a 2-run shot to lift Valhalla to a 3-0 lead in the 1st inning. CORA CORDOVA also drove in a pair with an RBI double in the 2nd and a run-scoring basehit in the 7th.

Meanwhile, sophomore pitcher CHRISTINE LOPEZ tossed 5 1/3 shutout innings before Helix got to her in the 6th. Lopez was chased following a NATALIE SMITH double, then a 2-run homer by KAILAH CANO-RUE. Valhalla summoned CANDICE STAMPER in relief, as the sophomore registered two strikeouts in 1 2/3 innings of no-hit ball to gain the save.

Monte Vista 4, Mount Miguel 2 (8 inn.) – The Monarchs snapped a 14-game losing streak in Grossmont South League contests by rallying from a 2-0 deficit to again top the Matadors.

Senior catcher JESIKA PEREA batted a perfect 4-for-4 for Monte Vista with an RBI, while pitcher MARIZA MALDONADO escaped a bases-loaded jam in the 7th, then slugged a 2-run double in the 8th to collect the victory.

Since Mar. 30, the struggling Monte Vista offense had gone 22 consecutive innings without a run. And trailing 2-0 on a pair of RBI basehits by Matadors centerfielder SHANICE SUTTON in the 1st and 3rd innings, prospects were not good for any sort of comeback.

"For some reason, the girls were looser today – nothing seemed to bother them," said Monarchs coach SIG CHABROWSKI. "So they just went up and kept hitting the ball."

Senior shortstop BRITTANY WRIGHT started the rally with a 4th-inning single and a stolen base, coming home on Perea's basehit to right field. An inning later, AYAKA GRESHAM opened with a single, eventually tying the ballgame on with a stolen base, then circled the bases when the throw sailed to the fence in centerfield.

Mount Miguel loaded the bases with no outs in the 7th, but Maldonado somehow managed to escape. She coaxed a pop-out to Perea, then third baseman BOBBIE WOLFENDEN collected a grounder and fired home to Perea for the second out. Maldonado then recorded one of her four strikeouts, as she tossed five innings of shutout relief to gain the win.

In the early going, Monte Vista stayed close when outfielder JASMINE KING made an important play. Moved from left to center to start the game, King helped throw out a runner at the plate in the 1st in a relay to Wright then to Perea.

"Jaz actually prefers to play in centerfield," added the coach. “And with her speed to cover a lot of ground, she just may stay there permanently."

For Mount Miguel, NICOLE CUNNINGHAM matched Sutton with a pair of hits.

Monte Vista's last GSL win was also against Mount Miguel, 8-1, on May 10, 2007.

Christian 6, Patrick Henry 5 – The wildest game on Thursday (Apr. 23) saw Patrick Henry score three times in the top of the 7th to grab a 5-4 lead, only to witness a 2-run double by Christian first baseman KARA CARTWRIGHT for the walk-off Eastern League triumph.

But it wasn't that easy.

After Patrick Henry took the late lead on an RBI single by Lauren Harper, Christian thought they tied the game. Following a lead single by AMANDA MARCOS, sophomore JENNIE VEST slugged a double which sent Marcos home, but she was thrown out at the plate.

MONIQUE ELLIOTT advanced Vest to third base with a grounder, JV call-up CARISSA JOHNSON walked, then a fielder's choice froze Elliott at third yet loaded the bases.

Cartwright followed with her shot to the fence in left field, keeping the Patriots within a game of league co-leaders Scripps Ranch and Mira Mesa.

Vest earlier added an RBI triple, as Christian scored twice in the 3rd and 5th innings to overcome an early 2-0 deficit. Elliott, who came in to pitch in relief of starter ALLI GUNTER, gained the victory.

Thurs., Apr. 23

Grossmont North League SULTANS 6, WOLF PACK 5 Santana (14-5) West Hills (13-5) 003 030 0 - 6 07 1 001 000 4 - 5 10 3 Fyson and Carrillo; Velovich, Johnson (5) and F.Koria. W-Fyson (9-3). L-Velovich (5-2). HR-Carrillo (S), 5th, two on. VAQUEROS 5, FOOTHILLERS 4 Grossmont (10-8) El Capitan (10-11) 010 010 2 - 4 11 4 020 102 x - 5 08 1 Fishtrom and Dascomb; Miller, Grohman (6) and C.Brown. W-Miller (3-0). L-Fish-trom (7-4). S-Grohman (1). HR-Borras (EC), 6th, one on (inside-the-park). Eastern League PATRIOTS 6, PATRIOTS 5 Patrick Henry (5-11) Christian (13-8) 110 000 3 - 5 09 0 002 020 2 - 6 13 0 Two outs when winning run scored. Harper and Ping; Gunter, Elliott (7) and Scott. W-Elliott (4-2). L-Harper. HR-no.

Grossmont South League NORSEMEN 6, HIGHLANDERS 2 Valhalla (12-9-1) Helix (6-10) 310 000 2 - 6 10 3 000 002 0 - 2 06 1 Lopez, Stamper (6) and Simms; NSmith and CSmith. W-Lopez (4-2). L-NSmith (6-10). HR-Cano-Rue (H), 6th, one on. COUGARS 10, EAGLES 2 Steele Canyon (11-7) Granite Hills (11-7) 000 900 1-10 11 1 002 000 0-02 04 3 Klopp and K.Cash; Lahitte and Sciarra. W-Klopp (4-2). L-Lahitte (6-6). HR-none. MONARCHS 4, MATADORS 2 (8 inn.) Monte Vista (8-9-1) Mount Miguel (6-10-1) 000 110 02-4 8 1 101 000 00-2 8 1 Ross, Maldonado (4) and Perea; Nelson and Ray. W-Maldonado (5-4). L-Nelson (6-7). HR-none.

© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (4-22-09) — It seems like a record number of East County pitchers entered the season with a rash of injuries, most suffered during travel ball competition prior to the high school campaign.

For Valhalla High pitcher TORREY ROOK, her season was hampered by a different sort of injury.

"Torrey came off an injury from the basketball season," noted Norsemen coach DOUG HARTUNG. "Her left wrist was in a brace for the first week, so she didn't pitch much in the Cougar Classic, then she didn't swing the bat for a really long time."

"She really came through for us today, holding a good-hitting team to five hits"

Rook shook off an early defensive mistake in Tuesday’s (Apr. 21) Grossmont South League action to limit Steele Canyon to just a single run over the final six innings to back Valhalla for a 7-4 triumph. A wild opening inning saw the teams each post three runs before Rook settled in.

"Steele Canyon tied the game and made things interesting," added Hartung. "We had to buckle down and come back – I want to hand it to my team for staying in there and coming back with the bats with some really big hits in some really key situations."

The bottom of the Valhalla batting order set-up KAITLIN McGINLEY for what turned out to be the deciding run. With two outs, catcher NICOLE FOLEY doubled, then HALEY HOLTER reached on an error. McGinley followed with a 2-run single for a 5-3 advantage.

Rook followed with run-scoring basehits in the 5th and 7th innings, bringing home NAOMI TELLEZ and ANGELA UY, capping a four RBI performance.

The Norsemen struck for three quick runs on just three batters following a McGinley basehit, a walk to Cordova, then an RBI single by Uy. The Cougars retired the next two hitters, but Rook came through with a 2-run double.

Steele Canyon answered with three runs of its own.

JAZMIN DAIGLE knocked in one run with a basehit, but when the ball skipped through the legs of an outfielder, a second run scored and Daigle moved to third base. She would score on a passed ball to erase the 3-run deficit.

Daigle would later add another RBI single in the 7th, but Rook stood strong through the middle five innings to keep Valhalla in a first-place deadlock with Granite Hills. Part of the strategy was not to allow the Cougars' LORENA KLOPP to beat them, walking the power hitter three times, but she only scored once in the 7th.

Helix 4, Monte Vista 0 – Highlanders pitcher NATALIE SMITH bounced back from one of her poorer efforts of the season with one of her best, sharing a 4-hit shutout of the host Monarchs for the Scotties' first Grossmont South league victory of the season Tuesday (Apr. 21).

Smith, who was bounced by Granite Hills less than 24 hours earlier, tossed four shutout innings, followed by three no-hit innings by reliever SIERRA MOORE, who earned her first save of the season.

Smith also delivered with the bat, including driving in what turned out to be the game-winning run with an RBI single in the 1st to plate CHANELLE McNUTT. Smith batted 3-for-4 on the day, matching the efforts of CARLY ACEVES and Moore.

Aceves scored in the 4th on a JESSICA FERNANDEZ basehit. An inning later, KAILAH CANO-RUE scored on a sharp single to center by PRECIOUS NOA.

Helix added an insurance marker in the 7th when Aceves blasted an RBI double to centerfield, bring home Moore, who reached on an error.

Granite Hills 11, Mount Miguel 0 (5 inn.) – Taking away one poor outing against Santana, Eagles pitcher JENNY LAHITTE may be, statistically, one of the best pitchers in the county. Following Monday's no-hitter against Helix, Lahitte finished with a 2-hit shutout as Granite Hills downed the visiting Matadors by run rule.

Taking away her one poor outing, the junior owns a stellar earned-run average of just 0.12 – overall, it's 0.64 – after winning for the sixth time in her last seven decisions. Lahitte struck out nine Matadors without issuing a walk.

The Eagles scored all of their runs in the opening two innings.

In the 1st, designated player DESIREE MEJIA capped a 6-run outburst by clearing the bases with a 3-run double.

An inning later, third baseman TARIN MARKS repeated the feat to make it 10-0. Marks would score on a basehit by CHAYLAH ZETSCH, who went 3-for-3 on the afternoon.

MEGAN BELIO went 2-for-3 and scored twice, set-up on her three stolen bases. Also driving in runs were JILL SCIARRA, ANGELA LOVELADY and BRITTANI BERTUSSI.

Santana 5, El Capitan 2 – Expected to be nothing more than a No. 2 starter prior to the season, Sultans junior SHANNON FYSON may be the key for her team to contend with West Hills for the Grossmont North League title this spring.

Despite an earned-run average hovering over 2.00, Fyson collected her East County leading 8th victory of the season Tuesday (Apr. 21), tossing a 3-hitter at the visiting Vaqueros.

Fyson overcame a pair of early runs to spin 1-hit ball over the final four frames, giving Santana time to rally to maintain its share of the league lead with the Wolf Pack. The two teams meet Thursday (Apr. 23) at West Hills in a showdown for leadership in the GNL.

El Capitan jumped to an early 2-0 lead in the 3rd inning.

The Vaqueros placed two runners in scoring position following a walk to MEGAN MATHENY and a single through the left side of the infield by SARAH GROHMAN. CATHERINE BROWN bunted both forward.

ALISHA WYCKOFF followed with a drive to deep left, settling for a 2-run single.

However, the advantage was short-lived as Santana immediately answered with three runs.

Following a JESSIE OWENS double to the fence in left, MICHELLE THILLE reached on an infield single, with Owens scoring when the throw to first base sailed wide. Thille then scored when AMANDA CARPENTER clouted a 2-run homer over the big fence in left.

Insurance runs were registered in the 5th and 6th innings.

AMANDA GRABLE doubled to right-center, coming home on a high bouncer by Fyson. An inning later, GABBY SCOLARI doubled down the line in left, scoring on a basehit to left by freshman EMILY SCHISLER.

Owens, Carpenter, Grable and Fyson all collected two hits each as part of a 12-hit attack.

West Hills 8, El Cajon Valley 0 – CHELSEA VELOVICH and JESSICA ALDERSON combined on a 4-hit shutout of the host Braves in Tuesday's (Apr. 21) Grossmont North League contest.

Johnson went the final five innings to collect her third consecutive victory. She struck out four.

Wolf Pack shortstop BRE AUSTIN ignited the offense with three hits, collecting a single, double and triple to go along with three RBI.

STACIA HOLDMAN added a 2-run double, while MICHERIE KORIA belted a pair of doubles.

El Cajon Valley's best chance came in the 6th inning when ALISSA GARCIA and DESI GARCIA both singled, but Alderson escaped the jam.

Grossmont 7, Otay Ranch 4 – The Foothillers trailed from the very start until pushing across four runs in the 6th inning to mash the Mustangs in a non-league ball game Tuesday (Apr. 21).

Down 3-0, the comeback started when KELSEY ALVAREZ pumped a 2-run homer in the 4th inning. After hitting a ball which landed at the base of the fence in left field – but foul – Alvarez delivered an 0-2 pitch well over the barrier in left.

The Hillers moved even in the 4th when CORAL KASDEN doubled in HEATHER DEMENT.

Grossmont's first lead came courtesy of a squeeze bunt by pinchhitter KATELYN DASCOMB. With runners on the corners, the bunt was fielded cleanly, but the throw went into right field, allowing LAUREN VALLELY (walk) and BRITTANY FISHTROM (single) to score.

Fishtrom only struck out two, but pitched all seven innings to collect the triumph.

Mira Mesa 9, Christian 3 – You can throw out last week's 7-0 Patriots victory at the Charger Invitational in Las Vegas. In the rematch, the Marauders went with No. 1 pitcher Lani Vanta, who scattered eight hits for Tuesday's (Apr. 21) Eastern League win.

Vanta registered six strikeouts.

Junior first baseeman Lauren Mersereau jump-started Mira Mesa with a 2-run single in the 1st, while senior Regina Norris added two hits and scored twice early to lift the Marauders to a 7-1 cushion through three innings.

ALLI GUNTER got the Christian Patriots on the scoreboard with a 3rd-inning single, two stolen bases, then coming home on an infield single by KARA CARTWRIGHT.

Gunter later doubled home MONIQUE ELLIOTT in the 5th, later scoring her second run on a passed ball after stealing third base.

© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (4-21-09) — Steele Canyon High may not be the offensive juggernaut of recent seasons, but they still know how to produce runs.

Taking advantage of a pair of errors, Cougars left-fielder NICOLE RANDEL scored twice to back the combined shutout pitching of IRENE BLUMENSTOCK and GABRIELLE BEASLEY in Monday's (Apr. 20) 3-0 triumph over host Mount Miguel.

The victory in its Grossmont South League opener gave Steele Canyon a share of first place right out of the gate with Valhalla and Granite Hills.

Both Steele Canyon and Mount Miguel have been on a win-loss seesaw all season, so the league opener would become a key determining factor to see who could challenge for the pennant.

The Cougars' ledger shows nice wins over Rancho Bernardo, Carlsbad and Santana, but losses to Torrey Pines, Christian and Grossmont have left open as many questions as answers.

The case is even more extreme with the Matadors. Following a slow start in March, the results in April feature two excellent showings against Top 10 opponents: a 2-1 win over Mt. Carmel , and a 1-1 tournament draw with San Pasqual at the Longhorn Classic.

However, Mount Miguel's defense let down a solid pitching effort by LAURA NELSON, committing four errors which resulted in the first two Cougars runs. Meanwhile, Steele Canyon was flawless on defense, an over-looked aspect to much of the team's success so far this season.

"We work on defense a lot in practice – we work on not making errors," said Beasley, who gained the save on her birthday with two no-hit innings of relief. "It's not going to be perfect every game, but we try to make it perfect."

Steele Canyon displayed a strong defensive effort from the onset.

The first Mount Miguel batter, catcher SONIA RAY, blasted a ball which one-hopped the fence in right-centerfield. However, sophomore right-fielder ASHLEY BARANOW not only retrieved the ball quickly, she threw a strike to shortstop MICHELLE BEASLEY covering the second base to nail the runner's attempt to take an extra base.

Later, Michelle Beasley turned an unassisted double play in the 4th, snaring a low line drive, then stepping on second base to catch the runner straying too far from the bag.

"It was a good effort overall," added Gabrielle Beasley. "And Irene shut them down, too."

Blumenstock, who has worked considerably more innings than anticipated while No. 1 starter LORENA KLOPP recovers from a knee injury suffered during club ball last summer, was solid. Except for a pair of basehits to Nelson, she allowed just two other hits, at one point setting down eight consecutive Matadors.

Meanwhile, the offense scored unearned runs in the 1st and 4th innings to mount an early lead.

Randel gained a 1-out walk, moved to second base on a ground ball, then a grounder to the right side by JAZMIN DAIGLE was literally kicked to make it 1-0.

Senior catcher KELLY CASH reached on an error in the 4th, going station-to-station to finally score. Designated player MICHELLE CASH hit a grounder to the right side to advance her sister, Gabrielle Beasley's bunt single placed runners on the corners, then Blumenstock's scratch single made it 2-0.

In the 5th, Randel doubled over the left-fielder's head. Klopp followed with a single to right, but when the defender's throw to first sailed wide, Randel took the extra base to score.

"The whole team is doing a good job," noted Randel. "It's taking our offense a little while to get going, but I think we'll pick it up and do really well."

Randel reached base on all four of her at-bats. Along with her double and walk, she reached on an error and was hit by a pitch.

Gabriella Beasley recorded two of the Cougars' 7 hits. After her bunt single, the defense came in to protect on her next plate appearance, so the left-hander slapped a basehit through the infield to the opposite field.

Lahitte, who earlier tossed no-hitters against Oceanside and Mira Mesa, survived a scorer's ruling which might have resulted in a basehit when a throw – which pulled the Eagles' first baseman off the bag – was called an error.

Meanwhile, BRITTANI BERTUSSI made her first major contribution since returning to the Granite Hills line-up. The senior shortstop went 4-for-4 with two doubles and a 2-run homer in the 1st inning.

Bertussi finished with a career-high six RBI. After her homer, she stroked a run-scoring single in the 3rd, then RBI doubles in the 4th and 6th innings.

Sophomore MORGAN KURTZ collected three of the Eagles' 15 hits, while MEGAN BELIO and Lahitte each went 2-for-4. In addition, senior catcher JILL SCIARRA posted a double.

Valhalla 10, Monte Vista 0 (5 inn.) – KAITLIN McGINLEY belted an inside-the-park homer to back the combined shutout pitching of CHRISTINE LOPEZ and CANDICE STAMPER in Monday's (Apr. 20) run-rule triumph over the visiting Monarchs.

McGinley sent a drive into the left-field corner, then raced around the bases before the ball could be retrieved, as her 2-run shot in the 2nd inning doubled the score to 4-0. For the ballgame, McGinley batted 4-for-4 with three RBI, including a run-scoring single in the 5th.

Third baseman ANGELA UY went 2-for-4, including a 2-run single in the 5th, then NAOMI TELLEZ capped the 5-run outburst with a walk-off sacrifice fly.

Meanwhile, Lopez threw three no-hit innings, then Stamper went the final two frames in the combined 2-hit effort. Both struck out two batters.

El Capitan 5, El Cajon Valley 4 (11 inn.) – In East County's longest game in nearly a year, KARA HOSTETLER singled home PAIGE BORRAS for the game-winning run Monday (Apr. 20), as the Vaqueros rallied from 4-0 down to stun the visiting Braves.

Borras opened the 11th with a walk, moved to second base on a sacrifice bunt by KELSEY MOODY, then beat a throw to third on a fielder's choice grounder by LESLIE KUHEN. Hostetler followed with a walk-off basehit to left field.

SARAH GROHMAN keyed the comeback. Entering in relief, the senior tossed 8 1/3 shutout innings, then aided the offense with a pair of hits, including a double.

After Grohman entered and got out of a jam in the 3rd, El Capitan immediately answered with single runs in the 3rd and 5th innings, as Moody singled home ALISHA WYCKOFF and Kuhen singled in Borras.

El Capitan tied the contest in the 6th when Grohman doubled in JENNA BROWN (single), then courtesy runner MEGHAN THORSNES tied the game when a Wyckoff grounder was booted.

DESI GARCIA accounted for all four El Cajon Valley runs.

In the 1st, her fly ball was dropped, as ALISSA GARCIA waltzed home to open the scoring in the 1st. An inning later, Desi Garcia blasted a double with the bases loaded, allowing all three baserunners – AISSA THOMAS, EVELYN GLAUDE and KAMERYN ROJAS – to score.

The last ballgame involving an East County team that lasted more than 11 innings came on May 8, 2006, when Patrick Henry nipped Steele Canyon , 1-0, in 12 innings.

The previous Grossmont Conference contest to go 12 innings occurred some five years ago in a Grossmont South League affair when Mount Miguel nipped Monte Vista, 4-2, on May 14, 2004. The last North League game to last 12 frames also came in 2004, when West Hills blanked Santana, 2-0, on Apr. 26.

Santana 7, Grossmont 2 – The Sultans managed just five hits Monday (Apr. 20), yet took advantage of nine free passes to win their Grossmont North League opener over the host Foothillers.

SHANNON FYSON collected a career-high 10 strikeouts for Santana (12-5, 1-0 GNL), gaining the complete-game victory.

Grossmont's strategy to limit the heart of the Santana lineup seemed to work, as the trio of AMANDA GRABLE, AMANDA CARPENTER and JESSIE OWENS went a combined 0-for-7, but too many walks turned into runs, including three markers in the 7th to push the contest out of reach.

After Santana scored three times in the 1st, the Hillers answered in the 4th on consecutive basehits by MADI HILL, KAITLYN NICKS and KELSEY ALVAREZ. Grossmont also scored in the 7th, when AUBRIE MAY singled with the bases loaded to bring home BRITTANY FISHTROM.

Santana's scoring was not reported by the Sultans’ coaches.

West Hills 2, Patrick Henry 1 – Wolf Pack pitcher NOELLE JOHNSON survived two errors and an unearned run in the 7th inning to get past the visiting Patriots in Monday's (Apr. 20) non-league contest.

Johnson struck out six without issuing a walk in tossing a 3-hitter for the Pack (12-4).

Centerfielder ALEX MILLER had a hand in both West Hills runs.

In the 4th, Miller stroked a lead single, then stole second base. A ground ball advanced her to third, then Miller scored on a STACIA HOLDMAN basehit.

Two innings later, FAITH KORIA matched Miller with a single and a theft of second. Miller followed with an RBI single.

Mon., Apr. 20

Grossmont North League SULTANS 7, FOOTHILLERS 2 Santana (12-5) Grossmont (9-7) 300 001 3 - 7 5 4 000 010 1 - 2 8 4 Fyson and Carrillo; Miranda, Fishtrom (7) and Dascomb. W-Fyson (7-3). L-Miranda (1-2). HR-none. VAQUEROS 5, BRAVES 4 (11 inn.) ECVHS (6-8) El Cap (9-10) 130 000 000 00 - 4 08 6 001 012 000 01 - 5 12 2 Two outs when winning run scored. Mullens, Wilson (11) and D.Garcia; Miller, Grohman (3) and. C.Brown. W-Grohman (7-7). L-Mullens (2-3). HR-none. Non-League WOLF PACK 2, PATRIOTS 1 Patrick Henry (5-10) West Hills (12-4) 000 000 1 - 1 3 1 000 101 x - 2 5 2 Harper and Ping; Johnson and M.Koria. W-Johnson (5-3). L-Harper. HR-none.

Grossmont South League COUGARS 3, MATADORS 0 Steele Canyon (10-6) Mount Miguel (6-8-1) 100 110 0 - 3 7 0 000 000 0 - 0 4 4 Blumenstock, G.Beasley and K.Cash; L. Nelson and Ray. W-Blumenstock (4-2). L-Nelson (6-5). S-G.Beasley (1). HR-no. EAGLES 11, HIGHLANDERS 0 (6) Granite Hills (10-6) Helix (5-9) 301 403 - 11 15 2 000 000 - 00 00 3 Called after 6 innings, run rule. Lahitte and Sciarra; N.Smith and C.Smith. W-Lahitte (5-5). L-N.Smith (5-9). HR-Bertussi (GH) 1st, one on. NORSEMEN 10, MONARCHS 0 (5) Monte Vista (7-8-1) Valhalla (10-9-1) 000 00 - 00 02 1 221 05 - 10 12 3 Two outs when game called; run rule. Maldonado and Perea; Lopez, Stamper (4) and Foley, Simms (4). W-Lopez (3-2). L-Maldonado (4-4). S-Stamper (2). HR-McGinley (V), 2nd, one on, inside-the-park.

© East County Sports.com
LINDA VISTA (4-20-09) — The dates for the CIF-San Diego Section girls fastpitch playoffs, which will utilize a new format in 2009, have been announced.

The Dronenburg playoff system is a modified, double-elimination format, with 12 teams in most divisions. The bottom eight teams (seeds 5 through 12) will hold a 1-game, play-in game to see which will join the top four seeds into the double-elimination portion of the tournament.

Some bloggers on several softball internet websites named this new formula for former Helix High standout ALYSSA DRONENBURG, the reigning SDCIF Division I player of the year who is now the starting designated hitter as a freshman for nationally-ranked Cal State San Marcos.

It was Dronenburg's homer – the Highlanders' only hit of the quarterfinals – which eliminated top-seeded Escondido, thus, creating cries from mainly North County coaches for the use of additional games to determine a champion, matching the format used in the baseball playoffs.

The Dronenburg system is similar to the Shaughnessy system, a concept used for decades in community college basketball before the CCAC expanded the state tournament field in the mid-1980s.

The 2009 playoffs are tentatively scheduled for:

Play-in — Fri., May 22
First Round — Sat., May 23
Second Round — Tue., May 26
Third Round — Wed., May 27
Fourth Round — Thurs., May 28 (At Sportsplex USA, Poway)
Finals — Sat., May 30 (At SDSU)

The higher seed will always be the host site for the first three rounds, then remain as the home team when the tournament moves to neutral sites for the semifinals (Sportsplex USA in Poway) and the championships (SDSU).

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-19-09) — The Grossmont North League opened Saturday (Apr. 18) with a pair of run-rule triumphs, as neither Grossmont or West Hills high schools needed the full seven innings to secure easy routs.

Grossmont 10, El Cajon Valley 0 (6 inn.) – Foothillers pitcher RACHEL STALFORD tossed her first career shutout in a 5-hit triumph over the host Braves. The sophomore leveled her record at 2-2 after striking out 11 batters against just a single walk.

The Hillers staked Stalford to a 4-0 lead before she entered the circle, as a leadoff double by MADI HILL opened the team's 12-hit attack.

KELSEY ALVAREZ and LAUREN MIRANDA also doubled for the Hillers.

El Cajon Valley received a 2-base hit from ALISSA GARCIA.

West Hills 16, El Capitan 0 (5 inn.) – Wolf Pack pitchers NOELLE JOHNSON and JESSICA ALDERSON combined to blank the visiting Vaqueros in Saturday's (Apr. 18) GNL opener. The pair allowed just two hits.

It was the second shutout of the season for Johnson, who earlier tossed a complete-game effort against Our Lady of Peace in the season opener. For Alderson, it was her first save with two perfect innings.

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (4-18-09) — How quickly a team's fortunes can transform.

A few days following a defensive disaster, Helix High reversed roles and took advantage of several defensive miscues by Serra to edge the Conquistadors, 3-2, in the Scotties' annual prime time game under the lights Friday (Apr. 17) at Helix.

"It was an exciting game – one of those you practice for, you train for, you play for, you win for," said Highlanders coach KELLIE BRYAN. "Everyone believed we could play well."

Helix scored twice in the 6th to pull out the victory, with all segments of the composed batting order delivering.

"And it was my team making the plays we know we can make," added Bryan. "The team was up the entire game – I loved the enthusiasm we had in the dugout."

Following an out on a line drive to the shortstop, Helix would more than double its hit total with an array of sharp basehits.

CLAUDETTE SMITH and NATALIE SMITH followed with consecutive line singles to centerfield. And both times, the ball skipped underneath the defender, with Claudette Smith scoring to tie the ballgame at 2-all.

"Our offense backed up our defense. Runs win games – that's the bottom line," said Natalie Smith. "You can have a great defense, but if you don't bring in runs, you don't win."

Serra recorded a second out, but SAMANTHA CUNNINGHAM answered with a liner into the right-centerfield gap. The Q's outfielder got to the ball, but it bounced out of her glove, allowing Natalie Smith to score the go-ahead run.

Helix then survived a two-out error in the 7th when Natalie Smith easily fielded a tapper by Serra's pinch-hitter for the final out. The triumph snapped the team's mild 2-game losing streak heading into next week's Grossmont South League opener against defending CIF champion Granite Hills.

"I hope we can keep this momentum," added the coach. "I told the girls there's no reason you can't keep on playing like this."

Helix took a 1-0 lead in the 2nd, as a ground ball by PRECIOUS NOA brought home KAILAH CANO-RUE, who opened the frame with a double.

Serra answered with two runs in the 3rd, as Leandra Williams doubled in back-up pitcher Maddy Foglia. Williams stole third base, then scored on a wild pitch. However, Natalie Smith closed the contest with 4 2/3 innings of no-hit ball, finishing with a 2-hitter on six strikeouts.

"Each win is one step closer to our goals, but we can't look to far into the future," added the senior, who collected her 5th victory of the season, the most by any GSL pitcher.

© East County Sports.com
TIERRASANTA (4-17-09) — Following Christian High's exodus from the Harbor League just after the turn of the century, the Patriots pretty much knew where they would finish in the Eastern League – right in the middle.

They were always good enough to dominate the lesser programs, but the Division IV school never quite had enough to consistently battle the large Division I programs. The annual results show it: three times the Pats finished in third place, with three more fourths and a fifth-place campaign.

In 2009, Christian may possess its best chance to capture the East, with only one main competitor – Scripps Ranch – listed anywhere in among the county's two main Top 10 polls as an honorable mention. The other team to worry about was considered to be Mira Mesa, but after the Patriots clubbed the Marauders, 7-0, in Las Vegas last week, Christian sprouted into position as the top contender to the Falcons.

On Thursday (Apr. 16), Christian demonstrated its worthiness to be a pennant contender after leaping to a quick 6-0 lead, coasting past host Serra, 6-3, in both teams' league opener.

Catcher ALLIE SCOTT belted a 2-run double in the 1st inning, then scored when MARY GRABOWSKI followed with a 2-run homer, jump-starting the Pats to a 4-0 advantage. For the freshman, it was her fourth home run of the season, gaining a share of the East County lead with AMANDA GRABLE of Santana.

In the 3rd, a bunt by AMANDA MARCOS squeezed home JENNIE VEST.

Despite the score, Helix coach KELLIE BRYAN was pleased with the effort.

Hilltop pitcher Alysha Isaacson allowed just three hits to Helix, two by CHANELLE McNUTT and a double by KAILAH CANO-RUE.

Helix will host its annual prime time game tonight (Friday), hosting Serra at 7:30 p.m. in East County 's lone scheduled contest.

Trailing 5-0, NATALIE SMITH scored the lone Helix (4-7). After breaking up Harper's no-hit bid with a 1-out single in the 4th, Smith eventually came home on a basehit by shortstop JESSICA FERNANDEZ.

READ MORE HERE

© East County Sports.com
LAS VEGAS (4-9-09) — According to El Capitan High softball coach JOE COTA, you'll find his ballclub's latest trophy located in a prominent location.

"We'll put this one in the wood shop," said Cota, who also serves as an industrial arts instructor at the Lakeside campus. "The girls earned this one, so I want everyone to be able to see it."

Following a slow start through the pool play portion of the Charger Invitational, the Vaqueros came back to roll three straight opponents in the knockout portion of the annual event to gain a consolation title out of the copper division.

It may not be the giant award given to the overall and undefeated champion, but Cota will take it just the same.

"This team is starting to come around," he noted. "I hope we can carry it over into league."

The Vaqueros gained their hardware after blanking La Jolla , 6-0, in the semifinals. Then they bumped off Las Vegas ' Shadow Ridge, 2-1, by scoring in the bottom of the 7th inning.

El Capitan 6, La Jolla 0 (6 inn.) – SARAH GROHMAN easily handled the Vikings by spinning a 3-hit shutout in the copper division's Final Four contest. Grohman struck out four batters.

PAIGE BORRAS paced the offense with three RBI, as the Vaqueros scored three times in the 1st, then three more times in the 6th when the game was called with one out due to the tournament time limit.

Following a KELSEY MOODY basehit which scored CATHERINE BROWN (single), Borras followed with a 2-run single to score ALISHA WYCKOFF (walk) and Brown.

The 3-0 advantage carried over into the 6th, when the Vikings gave the game away to the same portion of the batting order.

Brown led off with a basehit, Wyckoff again walked, then an error on a ball hit by Moody was booted – she was still credited with an RBI single as the Vikes had no play at the plate.

Borras also reached on an error on a grounder to the right side, receiving credit for an RBI, too. JENNA BROWN then beat the clock with a squeeze bunt to bring home Moody.

El Capitan 2, Las Vegas-Shadow Ridge 1 – CATHERINE BROWN found the gap in left-center field for a walk-off double, as the Vaqueros claimed the copper bracket title in dramatic fashion over the hometown Mustangs.

"We've had Catherine batting from the left side and slapping the ball to try to get her out of her batting slump," Cota explained. "But this time, we brought her back to the right side and she got a hold of it."

"It was a good way to end the week."

The game-clincher was set up when MEGAN MATHENY walked, KARA HOSTETLER was hit by a pitch, then Brown collected her game-winner.

Brown also set-up El Capitan 's first run after getting hit by a pitch in the 1st.

ALISHA WYCKOFF hit into a fielder's choice to eliminate Brown, but then Wyckoff moved around the diamond on a wild pitch, followed by a RBI basehit by KELSEY MOODY.

SARAH GROHMAN scattered eight hits to collect the victory. She struck out two and only allowed an earned run in the 3rd.

Valhalla – The Norsemen gained a berth in the bronze division final after downing Cathedral Catholic, 8-3, in the semifinals. However, Birmingham of Los Angeles took home the trophy by matching El Capitan by scoring in walk-off fashion in the bottom of the 7th to claim the trophy.

In the opener, shortstop CORA CORDOVA capped a 4-RBI performance by blasting a 3-run homer in the 6th (and final) inning to cap a 12-hit attack by Valhalla . She also knocked in a run with a ground out in the 2nd, when the Norsemen built a 5-0 advantage.

TORREY ROOK struck out 8 Dons in her complete-game pitching effort. Centerfielder KAITLIN McGINLEY batted 4-for-4 and scored three times.

In the finale, Valhalla scored three times in the 7th to pull even, but Patriots third baseman Jennie Rose single-handedly beat the Norsemen.

Rose, a senior, who earlier smacked a pair of home runs and a triple, added a second triple to her ledger for the game winner. For the contest, Rose collected four RBI and 14 total bases.

The late Norsemen rally saw CORA CORDOVA hit her second homer of the afternoon, a 2-run shot to move within 5-4. ANGELA UY followed with a double to right-center, then scored the tying run on a NAOMI TELLEZ basehit up the middle.

Uy batted 3-for-4 in the contest, while Cordova was 2-for-4.

Hilltop 4, Santana 3 (9 inn.) – When placing one runner on base isn't enough to decide an International Tie-breaker game, the tournament has both teams place two runners on base when this consolation contest stretched into the 9th inning.

Santana was able to score both, but the Lancers matched the Sultans, then tacked on another run for Wednesday's (Apr. 8) walk-off victory at the Charger Invitational.

Hilltop sophomore third baseman Natalia Rosales singled up the middle to bring home the ITB runners. Rosales advanced when Danielle Torimaru walked, then scored when first baseman Nikki Furuya doubled to centerfield against a drawn-in outfield.

For Santana, sophomore outfielder EMILY SCHISLER batted 2-for-3, with a stolen base and a run scored. Schisler also brought home MONIQUE LYBARGER with a basehit during the tie-breaker. KAILEE SILER later scored on a wild pitch.

Christian 7, Mira Mesa 0 – The Patriots, which open Eastern League play next week, shutout one of the contenders after pasting the Marauders behind a combined 5-hitter by ALLI GUNTER and MONIQUE ELLIOTT.

RICKI GENTRY fell one hit short of the cycle, gaining a triple, double and single, but did not get a shot at the needed home run when the tournament clock ended the ballgame after six innings.

For Christian, catcher ALLIE SCOTT batted 3-for-4.

Rancho Buena Vista Tournament
Mount Miguel 5, Eastlake 4 – Matadors senior LAURA NELSON lifted her ballclub into the championship round of the Longhorn Classic with her bat and legs, along with her pitching arm Wednesday (Apr. 8).

Nelson provided an early lead with a 3-run homer in the 1st inning, then scored what proved to be the game-winning run in the 5th to provide the margin of victory.

Nelson also was the winning pitcher, allowing just one earned run in her four innings of relief.

© East County Sports.com
LAS VEGAS (4-8-09) — With nearly half of the 32-team field filled by teams from San Diego County, the annual Charger Invitational (formerly the Fred Davison Memorial Tournament) often matches local teams against hometown opposition.

In the case of the Valhalla Norsemen, such scheduling was fine with them.

On Tuesday (Apr. 7), the Norsemen dropped a pair of local foes, gaining a berth into the semifinals after downing Madison, 4-1, then blanking Otay Ranch, 9-0.

In the pool play ballgame against the Warhawks, third baseman NAOMI TELLEZ knocked in runs in the 1st and 5th innings, giving Valhalla a 4-0 lead. Tellez went 2-for-3 and also scored a run, backing the 3-hit pitching of ANGELA UY, who struck out 3.

In the quarterfinals, TORREY ROOK and CANDICE STAMPER combined to blank the Mustangs in a 5-inning affair. The pair allowed just one hit.

Rook was dominating early, recorded 8 of her 9 outs on strikes. Stamper then entered and retired all six batters she faced.

Valhalla scored all of its runs in the 2nd, including 2-run singles by Rook and Tellez.

El Capitan – The Vaqueros were run-ruled in their final pool play contest on Tuesday (Apr. 7), but bounced back to win in extra innings in a Bronze Bracket quarterfinals contest to advance to Wednesday's final round.

Las Vegas' Valley High scored 8 times in the bottom of the 6th in invoke the run rule, despite six errors by the hometown Vikings in the pool game.

But in the knockout phase against Imperial, El Capitan trailed 2-0 before scoring single markers in the 6th, 7th and 8th innings to shock the Tigers.

MEGAN MATHENY scored twice, including the game-winner during the International Tie-breaker.

In the 6th, Matheny walked, JENNA BROWN sacrificed her to second base, then ALISHA WYCKOFF singled her home.

Imperial thought they avoided extra innings on a play at the plate following a triple by KELSEY MOODY. LESLIE KUHEN followed with a ground ball, with the play going to the plate, but the catcher dropped the ball to extend the contest.

In the tie-breaker, Matheny was placed on second base in the 8th. JENNA BROWN put down a sacrifice bunt, but the Tigers' third baseman threw the ball into right field for the walk-off run.

El Capitan meets La Jolla in the semifinals.

Santana – The Sultans whipped Fremont High of Los Angeles, 14-0 on Tuesday (Apr. 7), in a run-rule contest called after 4 innings (Nevada rules – it's 5 innings in California).

MADDY CLINKENBEARD tossed her second 2-hit shutout of the season to earn the triumph.

But in the quarterfinals, Santana was eliminated by Chatsworth, 8-4, despite a solo homer by AMANDA GRABLE after the Chancellors scored five times to open the scoring in the 3rd inning.

Christian – The Patriots were routed twice, dropping a pool play game to El Camino Real of Woodland Hills, 9-1; then fell in the quarterfinals to Kennedy, 5-4. Christian will play Eastern League rival Mira Mesa in a consolation contest on Wednesday.

Rancho Buena Vista Tournament
Mount Miguel 2, Mt. Carmel 1 – The 4th-ranked Sundevils were shocked after the Matadors scored twice in the bottom of the 7th inning in Tuesday's (Apr. 7) Longhorn Classic contest.

The winning rally started when JESSICA BELL reached on a dropped third strike. Following a fielder's choice, CYNTHIA BELL slapped a basehit over the third baseman, moving THERESA ORTEGA to second.

Mt. Carmel then recorded a second out, but the defense fell asleep.

No. 9 hitter BRIANNA RIOS lined a sharp single to left to load the bases, except Ortega runs through the stop sign at third, yet scores when the Sundevils botch the relay.

SONIA RAY followed with a high pop-up to short right field, but when the ball fell untouched, Cynthia Bell took two bases, beating a wild and wide throw to the plate.

The Sundevils were limited to a single run on a passed ball in the 3rd. They still had two runners on base with no one out, but LAURA NELSON escaped with a pair of strikeouts and a pop out to right field. Nelson finished by tossing a 4-hitter.

The shocker gives Mount Miguel a 2-0-1 record in its pool, which means a tie-breaker must be announced by the tournament committee to see whether the Matadors or San Pasqual advances to the Gold Bracket championship round.

© East County Sports.com
LAS VEGAS (4-7-09) – West Hills High transfer MICHELLE THILLE, granted eligibility by the SDCIF on Friday (Apr. 3), completed her long-awaited Santana debut at shortstop. Thielle batted 2-for-3 with two runs and a pair of stolen bases to power the Sultans past Mar Vista, 8-0, in Monday's (Apr. 6) opening game of Clark High's Charger Invitational.

The 32-team event was formerly known as the Fred Davison Memorial Tournament.

Santana scored its first six runs on a trio of 2-run homers. AMANDA GRABLE went deep in the 1st inning, then JESSIE OWENS and AMANDA CARPENTER split the gaps on fenceless West Flamingo Park fields to also circle the bases.

For Owens, it was her 21st career homer, which tops the listed East County record of 20 set by her older sister, MELISSA OWENS. However, not listed are the career totals of JENNY RAY (Christian HS) and KASEY MYTINGER (West Hills), who are also believed to have reached at least 20 homers.

Santana 7, Torrance 0 – CARLA CARRILLO and AMANDA GRABLE each batted 2-for-3 and knocked in a pair of runs, moving the Sultans to 2-0 in the pool play portion of the Charger Invitational.

SHANNON FYSON tossed 4 2/3 innings of emergency relief to collect the victory after the shoulder of starting pitcher JESSIE OWENS tightened. However, Owens was still able to stay in the contest to bat and garner two hits. She also scored twice when Santana tallied 3 runs in the 3rd inning, then 4 more in the 5th in the come-from-behind win.

Elsewhere
El Capitan and Valhalla were swept on the first day of the Charger Invitational.

The Vaqueros rallied for five runs over their final two at-bats but fell to El Centro-Southwest, 7-5, despite a 2-run single by KELSEY MOODY in the 6th. They also fell via a 3-hit shutout to Granada Hills, 2-0.

The Norsemen stranded two runners on base in the 2nd, 3rd and 7th in falling to Torrance-North, 4-0. The team also registered 6 hits against Kennedy, yet lost 5-1, despite an RBI basehit by ANGELA UY to bring home CORA CORDOVA.

In other action, Christian High made its southern Nevada debut with a pair of triumphs.

The Patriots out-slugged Otay Ranch, 11-6, then blanked the Las Vegas-Desert Oasis Diamondbacks, 9-0. In the first game, freshman MARY GRABOWSKI hit her third home run of the season.

Longhorn Classic
Mount Miguel 1, San Pasqual 1, tie — The Matadors rallied late, scoring the tying run in the top of the 7th in Monday’s (Apr. 6) Longhorn Classic ballgame terminated by the tournament time limit.

The late run was scored by GABRIELLA NAIDAS, who led off with a single. LAURA NELSON bunted her 60 feet, then SHANICE SUTTON singled to place runners on the corners.

NICOLE CUNNINGHAM then laced a basehit for the RBI.

Mount Miguel 10, Kearny 1 – In a 5-inning affair, NICOLE CUNNINGHAM gained her first pitching victory of the season after crunching the Komets.

An 8-run outburst in the 1st inning on a combination of hitting and Kearny errors, featured a 3-run homer by SONIA RAY.

© East County Sports.com
CARMEL HEIGHTS (4-5-09) — On a day when pitching was king, it was a home run which ultimately decided the championship of the Falcon Fiesta.

Carlsbad's Marie Bradvica blasted a 3-run homer in the top of the 1st inning, which stood up all contest in the Lancers' 5-2 victory over Francis Parker in Saturday's (Apr. 4) championship final.

The homer made a winner of senior pitcher Monica Villerreal, who tossed a pair of 4-hitters en route to the crown. Earlier, she defeated Granite Hills, 1-0, while Parker nipped Poway, also 1-0, all on unearned runs, in a pair of tight semifinal-round contest.

Carlsbad 1, Granite Hills 0 – Tori Nirschl registered the lone Lancers hit of the semifinals off Eagles starter JENNY LAHITTE, but it had nothing to do with the scoring in a Final Four affair of the Falcon Fiesta, held at Torrey Pines.

The only run was scored by Katie Wilkinson in the 2nd inning. She accepted a lead walk, then circled the bases on a sacrifice bunt, a wild pitch and a passed ball.

Granite Hills' best chance came in the 6th when they loaded the bases on consecutive basehits by SAVANNAH BROOKS and MORGAN KURTZ, then a walk to Lahitte. However, Monica Villerreal, who will pitcher for William Penn University next season, escaped on a strikeout and a fly ball to center to preserve the shutout.

Lahitte finished with 12 strikeouts in her six innings, in the Eagles' second championship round appearance in a tournament this week. Earlier, Granite Hills downed Mira Mesa to capture the Grossmont Conference Tournament.

Grossmont 5, Morse 0 – Foothillers senior BRITTANY FISHTROM took over the East County lead with her sixth victory of the season, tossing a no-hitter to stop the Tigers in a consolation ballgame of the Falcon Fiesta, held at Serra High in Tierrasanta.

Fishtrom struck out seven batters, otherwise, collected an array of ground balls for outs, including five come-backers for easy outs at first base. She faced just two batters above the minimum (walk, error).

AUBRIE MAY backed Fishtrom with a 3-for-3 outing, driving in the game's first run when Grossmont scored twice in the 3rd, then two more in the 4th to put the victory away by the midway point.

Also compiling RBI hits for Grossmont were KELSEY ALVAREZ, CORAL KASDEN and LAUREN MIRANDA.

West Hills 6, Westview 0 – The day's second no-hitter came courtesy of Wolf Pack senior CHELSEA VELOVICH, who dominated the Wolverines in Saturday's (Apr. 4) Falcon Fiesta consolation contest held at La Costa Canyon.

Velvoch ran her record to 6-0 after striking out 6, with just two Westview batters able to reach base (walk, HBP). She also added her second home run of the season, igniting a 5-run rally in the 6th inning to break open a nail-biter which stood 1-0 on an RBI single by ALEX MILLER to bring home KAELI HUNYADY in the 1st.

Following Velovich's second homer in as many contests, the rally continued with four additional hits in a row.

JENNA BASNIGHT doubled, NOELLE JOHNSON got a basehit, then the Wolf Pack received consecutive RBI singles from ALYSSA EVJEN, and STACIA HOLDMAN in her season debut.

A squeeze bunt by FAITH KORIA made it 5-0, then Miller collected her second RBI on the day with yet another run-scoring basehit.

Beasley over came some early wildness (5 walks) to strikeout 6 batters. She also aided the offense by going 2-for-4 and scoring twice.

LORENA KLOPP fueled Steele Canyon with a 4-for-4 performance at the plate, scoring 3 times and driving in a pair. Included were run-scoring singles in the 1st and 4th innings, plus a double in the 3rd.

KELLY CASH went 2-for-2 with 3 RBI. Included was a 2-run double in the 1st to score Klopp and JAZMIN DAIGLE (2-for-4), plus an RBI single in the 3rd.

Steele Canyon coached thought they were going to play Grossmont in the consolation round, but tournament officials made the switch to prevent teams in the same league from playing each other.

Only one problem: The switch of Grossmont to the South League (or whatever the name of the proposed, re-aligned league will be), along with West Hills in exchange with Monte Vista and Mount Miguel, won't occur until next school year – upon CIF approval, of course.

La Costa Canyon 3, Christian 2 – The Patriots carried a 2-hit shutout into the 7th inning, but the Mavericks (8-9-1) woke-up in time to score three late runs to stun Christian (8-5) in a consolation contest in the Falcon Fiesta.

LCC pieced together three hits, along with a walk and a hit batsman to tie, followed by a bases-loaded, sacrifice fly by Nikki Chu to win it in walk-off variety.

The Patriots received a 2-out solo homer by RICKI GENTRY on their first trip to the plate, then added an insurance marker in the 7th when ALLI GUNTER squeezed home JENNIE VEST (single and two stolen bases) with a bunt which left the Mavs with no play except to first base.

Granite Hills junior pitcher Jenny Lahitte captures the Grossmont Conference Tournament finale, 3-1, after tossing a no-hitter against Mira Mesa. (Photo by Mike Cordero)

Granite Hills enjoys new target with double-elimination formula © East County Sports.com EL CAJON (4-3-09) — The introduction of the modified double-elimination format to the CIF-San Diego Section softball championships might be a welcome move for coaches, yet has drawn the wrath from players on the defending champions from Granite Hills High. "Of course, everyone has a target on our backs as defending (CIF) champions," said Eagles senior catcher JILL SCIARRA. "We just want to show them that we can come back and not be the fluke everyone thought we were." For years, the SDCIF placed the alternative playoff formula on postseason meeting agendas to match the tournament held in baseball. However, there were few takers until Granite Hills captured its first-ever title last spring, leaving teams like heavily-favored Escondido on the outside. "It's almost an insult – I heard a lot of people saying we were a fluke," added JENNY LAHITTE, the winning pitcher in each game during the Eagles' title run. "But we weren't a fluke – we deserved every win that we got." "We won the championship game 7-1 (over La Costa Canyon), not 1-0 – we proved we are a good ballclub. Even though Escondido wasn't there (in the title game), we said to bring it on – it's just another team out there and we'll play anyone." As the defending SDCIF Division I titlist, the 2009 Eagles seem to be on a mission to prove that the championship trophy truly was earned. Added Sciarra, "I don't think it's an insult, but now we really get to prove ourselves and show that we are the (championship) team that we are." Following a rough start at the Cougar Classic, Granite Hills is now one of the hottest teams in the section following its Grossmont Conference Tournament victory. "The Cougar Classic is past us," Lahitte added about the team's 0-4 start. "We just want to prove the point that we aren't the same team we were at Kit Carson (Park) – we're a better team now that we're all clicking and thinking smarter."

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-3-09) — It's one thing to swing a bat, but there's a huge difference in swinging with a purpose.

Granite Hills High demonstrated four different ways to rake the lumber – all over consecutive at-bats – to score the tie-breaking runs Thursday (Apr. 2), as the Eagles captured the Grossmont Conference Tournament crown by tripping visiting Mira Mesa, 3-1.

Over-shadowing the impressive hitting display was yet another no-hitter by Granite Hills junior JENNY LAHITTE, who never came close to allowing a hit to the Marauders.

Lahitte also displayed impressive baserunning to cash in an extra run when the Eagles scored twice in the 5th inning to take the lead.

"I expected Mira Mesa to be a great all-around ballclub – and they were," said Lahitte. "That made me want to pitch and hit a lot harder than I normally would."

"I wasn't expecting a no-hitter, but towards the end of the game, that's when I realized they don't have any hits."

So Lahitte re-focused and prevented any distractions.

"I just kept thinking, 'tie ballgame, it's a championship game so let's just get through this and not make any mistakes, and remember how I spin the ball.'"

While Lahitte blanketed the Marauders with her fifth career no-hitter, Granite Hills pieced together several quality at-bats for the victory in the decisive 5th inning.

Centerfielder MEGAN BELIO opened the rally with a bunt single, catching the Marauders' third baseman playing a few steps too deep. Left fielder MORGAN KURTZ followed by also going to the left side with a slap single past the same defender.

And when Lahitte lined a hard comebacker off the hand of Mira Mesa pitcher Marissa Vanta, the Eagles had loaded the bases with no one out.

"As a team, we're learning about situation stuff," said Kurtz, a sophomore. "We're finally finding something that works with our hitting, and having fun with it – getting the job done."

Catcher JILL SCIARRA continued the hitting spree. She simply allowed the ball to make contact with the bat, lifting the ball to right field. The sacrifice fly brought Belio home for a 2-1 lead, but the play was far from over.

"We just go up there everytime thinking, 'basehit, basehit,' and not try to hit a home run every time," said Sciarra. "And Jen was hitting every spot – she pitched great."

On the sacrifice fly, Lahitte intentionally allowed herself to get caught in a rundown between bases. By the time the Marauders tagged her out (following four relay throws), Kurtz hustled home for a bonus run.

"Jenny did a great job getting into the pickle," said Eagles coach ERIN COYNE. "And she forced so many throws, Mira Mesa lost track of the other runner."

For Lahitte, she tossed her second no-hitter in 8 days after blanking Oceanside on Mar. 25.

"It feels really good to win the tournament," added Kurtz. "For a while, we were struggling, but now everything is going really good."

On the next play, another ground ball nearly resulted in a double play, but the relay to first base was wide of the bag. The throwing error allowed Vanta to trot in from third with an unearned run.

Granite Hills immediately answered with its own unearned run.

Sciarra led off with a walk, moved to second on a sharp single by shortstop ANGELA LOVELADY, then scored when a grounder by CHAYLAH ZETSCH went "5-hole" (hockey-speak for between the legs) of the Mira Mesa first baseman.

Mira Mesa pitcher Marissa Vanta is one of the section's top freshmen. (Photo by Mike Cordero)

Kurtz and Lahitte each batted 2-for-3 among the Eagles' seven hits. Both ballclubs are now 8-5.

Notes – Granite Hills' scheduled Falcon Fiesta game on Friday has been cancelled. Torrey Pines, the tournament host, claimed transportation problems in getting a bus. Although the Falcons wanted to play the contest later in the season, CIF rules dictate no tournament make-up games after the championship has been played.

Thus, just like La Costa Canyon, which forfeited to West Hills earlier this week for similar reasons, Torrey Pines will also be forced to forfeit.

Meanwhile, the Eagles will advance to Saturday's championship semifinals of the Fiesta, meeting Carlsbad in an 11 a.m. contest at Torrey Pines. Poway will open the Final Four against Francis Parker at 9 a.m.; the title game is slated for 1 p.m.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-2-09) — Facing a rebuilding program which lost its longtime starting pitcher and catcher to college scholarships, Granite Hills High allowed the younger players on its roster to take charge, downing visiting Morse, 12-1 in 5 innings, during Wednesday's (Apr. 1) Falcon Fiesta ballgame.

Freshman pitcher DESIREE MEJIA tossed a 5-hitter at the Tigers, with the one run allowed coming on an error.

Meanwhile, two other freshmen gained starts for the first time, aiding a 16-hit attack. Included were MICHELLE MILLER, who batted 3-for-4 and registered three RBI, while KATY CREWS went 2-for-3.

Granite Hills (7-5) jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the 1st inning, eventually winning by run rule after five frames.

MORGAN KURTZ paced the Eagles by going 3-for-4 with a pair of RBI. Also chipping in with two hits each were JENNY LAHITTE (both doubles). JILL SCIARRA and ANGELA LOVELADY.

West Hills at La Costa Canyon – Earlier in the week, the host Mavericks called the Wolf Pack to cancel this Falcon Fiesta contest, although no reason was specified.

However, by rule, since it was a scheduled game within a tournament (which affects how many contests a team can play in a season), the result is a forfeit victory for West Hills (9-4).