© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-1-09) — By luck of the draw, Granite Hills never needed to meet Mira Mesa during the pool play portion of the Grossmont Conference Tournament.

Instead, the Eagles will battle the guest ballclub to the annual event in the championship.

Both schools came out as clear winners of their respective pools without the need for a tie-breaker after Granite Hills downed North co-leader West Hills, 6-1 on Tuesday (Mar. 31), while Mira Mesa blanked Monte Vista, 9-0, to advance to Thursday's (Apr. 2) title contest, to be hosted by the Eagles.

Granite Hills 6, West Hills 1 – The visiting Wolf Pack needed to win twice at Granite Hills. Once on Tuesday to win the pool, then the ensuing finale on Thursday. However, Eagles pitcher JENNY LAHITTE ruined those plans.

Lahitte, a junior right-hander, limited West Hills to just three hits while striking out 11 batters, lifting rejuvenated Granite Hills (6-5) to its 6th win in seven outings.

"We're finally on an upward hill," said Eagles coach ERIN COYNE. "It's what we've been striving for."

Consecutive 2-run hits by JILL SCIARRA and freshman TARIN MARKS highlighted a 5-run outburst in the 3rd inning.

With the bases loaded, Sciarra singled to bring home SAVANNAH BROOKS (basehit) and MEGAN BELIO (safe on an error). Marks followed with a triple to the gap in left-centerfield, to plate Lahitte (walk) and Sciarra.

The rally was capped on an RBI single by shortstop ANGELA LOVELADY, who drove in a bonus run in the 5th with a run-scoring basehit.

Meanwhile, Lahitte moved to within one pitch of a shutout, only to see West Hills relief pitcher CHELSEA VELOVICH slam a home run with two out in the 7th.

Note – West Hills' scheduled Falcon Fiesta game at La Costa Canyon on Wednesday (Apr. 1) was cancelled by the Mavericks. However, according to CIF rules, if a tournament game is scheduled and not played (vacated), it is a forfeit, thus raising the Wolf Pack's record to 9-4 – the most victories among East County schools.

Mira Mesa 9, Monte Vista 0 – Unlike baseball, someone was thinking to allow the Marauders to join Grossmont Conference's softball tournament, thus preventing byes and complications to any tie-breaker with teams playing an odd number of ballgames.

And it's exactly been tiebreakers which have prevented Mira Mesa from advancing to the title game on two previous occasions. But this time, the Marauders took the pool outright as the lone undefeated side from either pool to move into the favorite's role for the championship after blanking the host Monarchs.

Freshman Lani Vanta finished with a 3-hitter on Tuesday (Mar. 31), striking out a pair of batters. Only Monte Vista catcher JESIKA PEREA could solve Vanta, going 2-for-3 with a 7th-inning double. Perea and AMBER McMILLAN also both singled in the 2nd, but Vanta escaped on a ground out.

The Monarchs were hampered by sitting down several regulars who arrived well past report time for the contest. The late change hurt the defense, which committed four errors to make six of Mira Mesa's runs unearned.

Steele Canyon 4, Santana 0 – Cougars pitcher IRENE BLUMENSTOCK regained her focus to blank the Sultans on five hits Tuesday (Mar. 31) in Grossmont Conference Tournament action. She struck out 8 batters for her second triumph of the season.

"Irene was focused and her leg drive was great," noted Cougars assistant coach QUINN RENFRO. "It's something we talked about and she came through for us."

Both starting pitchers experienced trouble in the 1st inning, but Blumenstock was able to strand a pair of baserunners.

Meanwhile, Steele Canyon was able to score once on the Sultans' JESSIE OWENS, who pitched after missing some action in the circle due to undisclosed injury. She allowed three walks and a wild pitch to bring home JAZMIN DAIGLE for a 1-0 lead.

The Cougars’ KELLY CASH, who batted 2-for-2 with a walk, hit a line single to right field to score LORENA KLOPP in the 3rd. Then after Santana ran itself out of an inning in the 6th, the host Cougars immediately doubled their lead on run-scoring, line-drive singles by NICOLE RANDLE and Daigle.

"Jessie was obviously struggling with location," added Renfro. "We wondered why she didn't pitch in the last game or two, but it looked like she was hurt."

Santana placed two runners on base at least three times. However, Daigle snared a line drive at third base to end the 1st inning, MICHELLE BEASLEY caught a soft liner at shortstop to unplug the 4th, then Randle ended the ballgame by catching a line drive in centerfield which would have otherwise brought the potential game-tying run to the plate.

Valhalla 4, El Capitan 1 – Another home run by Vaqueros third baseman LESLIE KUHEN gave El Cap a 1-0 lead in Tuesday’s (Mar. 31) Grossmont Conference Tournament play, but Norsemen pitcher CHRISTINE LOPEZ allowed just three basehits the rest of the way to collect the victory. She struck out four.

Kuhen's shot to left field led-off the 2nd inning, giving her three homers in 11 days to grab a share of the East County lead. But Lopez immediately tied the game with a line single to score TORREY ROOK, who singled and took third base on an error.

"It was an 0-2 changeup and Christine just lined it to center," said Valhalla coach DOUH HARTUNG. "She wasn't fooled at all."

The Norsemen then scored twice in the 3rd to grab the lead for keeps. CORA CORDOVA's sharp single to centerfielder scored HALEY HOLTER (walk), then ANGELA UY grounded to the right side to allow KAITLIN McGINLEY (bunt single) to come home for a 3-1 advantage.

The other Valhalla run came in the 5th when McGinley stroked a 2-out basehit, stole second base, then came home on Uy's single up the middle.

Valhalla finished second in the South pool behind Granite Hills.

Helix 8, El Cajon Valley 0 – The Highlanders scored on five of their six trips to the plate in Grossmont Conference Tournament play on Tuesday (Mar. 31) to back a 2-hit blanking by senior NATALIE SMITH. She struck out 9 to register her third shutout of the season.

Smith now owns 5 complete-game shutouts, along with 5 shared shutouts to reach double-figures in her career.

KAILAH CANO-RUE knocked in two runs with a pair of doubles for Helix. PRECIOUS NOA went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI, while TINA NORIEGA also doubled.

The lone hits by the Braves were registered by DESI GARCIA (2nd inning) and CHELSEA BALL (6th).

Mount Miguel 3, Grossmont 2 – The visiting Foothillers scored twice in Tuesday’s (Mar. 31) Grossmont Conference Tournament game before the Matadors could register an out, yet Mount Miguel still came back to win.

NICOLE CUNNINGHAM registered 2 RBI for Mount Miguel. Pitcher LAURA NELSON raised her record to 4-4.

Tue., Mar. 31 Grossmont Conference Tournament

NORSEMEN 4, VAQUEROS 1 El Capitan (5-6) Valhalla (6-6-1) 010 000 0 - 1 4 2 012 010 x - 4 5 0 Grohman and C.Brown; Lopez and Foley. W-Lopez (2-0). L-Grohman (3-4). HR-Kuhen (EC), 2nd, lead. MATADORS 3, FOOTHILLERS 2 Grossmont (8-6) Mount Miguel (3-8) 200 000 0 - 2 1 2 201 000 x - 3 4 5 Miranda and Bascomb; L.Nelson and Bell, Ray (2). W-L.Nelson (4-4). L-Miranda (1-1). HR-none. MARAUDERS 9, MONARCHS 0 Mira Mesa (8-4) Monte Vista (7-6-1) 243 000 0 - 9 15 1 000 000 0 - 0 03 1 Vanta, J.Nelson (3) and Weaver; Ross, Maldonado (4) and Perea. W-J.Nelson (2-0). L-Ross (3-4). HR-none.

COUGARS 4, SULTANS 0 Santana (8-3) Steele Canyon (8-6) 000 000 0 - 0 5 2 101 002 x - 4 6 1 Owens and Carrillo; Blumenstock and K. Cash. W-Blumenstock (2-1). L-Owens (3-2). HR-none. EAGLES 6, WOLF PACK 1 West Hills (8-4) Granite Hills (6-5) 000 000 1 - 1 03 3 005 010 x - 6 10 1 Johnson, Velovich (5) and X.Koria; Lahitte and Sciarra. W-Lahitte (3-4). L-Johnson (3-3). HR-Velovich (WH) 7th, 2-out solo. HIGHLANDERS 8, BRAVES 0 ECVHS (6-6) Helix (4-6) 000 000 0 - 0 02 5 102 131 x - 8 12 0 Wilson and D.Garcia; N.Smith (W,4-6) and Madruga. W-N.Smith (4-6). L-Wilson (3-3). HR-none.

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (3-31-09) — One little adjustment may mean the difference for West Hills to advance to the championship of the annual Grossmont Conference Tournament.

Tinkering with a batting order which already is East County's most productive, the Wolf Pack received a 3-run double by ALEX MILLER, the difference in Monday's (Mar. 30) 4-1 victory over visiting Steele Canyon.

"Alex has come up clutch for us this year," said West Hills coach MEAGAN HARTUNG. "She had a really good at-bat, and it obviously worked out for us today with Alex in the 2-spot with a big hit with runners in scoring position."

With Miller moving to near the top of the batting order, the entire line-up came through when the Pack scored all four of their runs in the 4th inning.

"I just like to mix it up sometimes and put girls in different (batting) positions," added Hartung. "I try to put a little bit of pressure off them."

The decisive inning started with basehits by JENNA BASNIGHT and NOELLE JOHNSON sandwiching around a walk to ALYSSA EVJEN to load the bases. Then with two out, FAITH KORIA singled to open the scoring, then Miller sent her shot to right field to cleat the bases.

Steele Canyon scored its lone run off winning pitcher CHELSEA VELOVICH, who struck out 11 Cougars, in the 5th.

VANESSA KELLEMS led off with a single, eventually scoring on a groundout to the right side by LORENA KLOPP.

West Hills and Mira Mesa share the top spot in the tournament among North League participants with 4-0 records. However, the Wolf Pack currently holds the tie-break edge of fewest runs allowed (5-to-7).

However, nothing is clinched yet.

Mira Mesa, the annual guest entrant to the event, meets winless Monte Vista in Tuesday's final round. Meanwhile, West Hills meets probable South pool winner Granite Hills, needing to defeat the Eagles twice to capture the championship.

Santana 7, Helix 3 – AMANDA GRABLE and JESSIE OWENS each batted 2-for-3, with a double and two RBI to lead an 11-hit attack in the Sultans' Grossmont Conference Tournament victory over the visiting Highlanders.

Santana trailed 2-0 early on a pair of unearned runs, then scored seven times over its first four trips to the plate to remain in mathematical contention for a berth in the GCT finale.

It was also a nice bounce-back for the Sultans coming off its most lop-sided loss in five years. Between those defeats, Santana posted an East County best mark of 141-23-2 (.855).

Helix clean-up hitter KAILAH CANO-RUE took advantage of an error to single home JESSICA FERNANDEZ for an RBI, then she scored on another miscue.

However, Santana recovered to quickly tie the contest, when Grable singled to plate Owens (double) and AMANDA CARPENTER (single, stolen base). Then they scored three times in the 2nd to take the lead, including a 2-run double by KAILEE SILER.

Catcher CARLA CARRILLO collected three hits, while Owens, Carpenter and Grable had two each as part of an 11-hit output.

Helix added a late run in the 7th on a basehit by TINA NORIEGA, bring home SHALEY MADRUGA.

Dascomb, who went 2-for-3 in the contest, sent a drive to the fence in left-centerfield, bringing home KAITLYN NICKS, SUZANNE MARMUSCH and HEATHER DEMENT.

With the ballgame level at 1-all, the Foothillers took the lead for keeps when MADI HILL doubled home third baseman AUBRIE MAY, who reached base with the first of her two doubles in a 3-for-4 outing.

Hill, Dascomb, Nicks and BRITTANY FISHTROM all pitched in with 2 hits each among the 15 for the team.

For Monte Vista, ALEX ROSS scored twice. In the 3rd, she tripled then scored on an AMANDA AGUON basehit, then came home on the 5th after getting hit by a pitch, eventually scoring on an error.

The Monarchs made it close late with a pair of runs in the 7th, including an RBI basedhit by team captain BRITTANY WRIGHT, the shortstop.

El Capitan 11, Mount Miguel 0 (5 inn.) – Senior SARAH GROHMAN tossed her second straight shutout in blanking the visiting Matadors. Grohman, on the heels of a 1-hit victory over Monte Vista, finished with a 2-hitter in Monday's (Mar. 30) run-rule shortened Grossmont Conference Tournament contest.

For Grohman, it was her 7th career complete-game shutout. She also gained a shared shutout as a freshman in a no-hit triumph with JULIANNA DUNCAN.

"When this team is playing together, we can give anyone a game," said Vaqueros coach JOE COTA, who is working to keep the "on switch" on. Aiding that cause was the return of catcher CATHERINE BROWN from a severe finger injury, which allowed other defenders to return to their normal positions.

Brown opened the scoring with a basehit, a steal of second base, then scoring on a pair of wild pitches. El Capitan then posted six runs in the 3rd to break the contest open, as KELSEY MOODY and LESLIE KUHEN continued their hot hitting.

Moody belted a run-scoring double to score PAIGE BORRAS, then Moody scored when Kuhen went to left field with her second home run over a 10-day period. Kuhen is batting an even .500 during the span.

"Kuhen's been hot lately and she always seems to come up when someone's on base – it's what you dream about," added Cota. "When she's up, we feel pretty good about our chances."

The rally continued with a 2-run single by MEGAN MATHENY, who capped the scoring by coming home on a passed ball.

The Vaqueros added four more markers in the 4th, featuring a 2-run basehit by ALISHA WYCKOFF. In both rallies, JENNA BROWN posted basehits and scored.

Mira Mesa 4, Valhalla 3 (9 inn.) – After the Norsemen stranded a ton of baserunners during regulation, the Marauders finally pulled out the win during the international tie-breaker on Lauren Mersereau's basehit during Monday’s (Mar. 30) Grossmont Conference Tournament action.

Valhalla remains in mathematical contention for a berth in the final of the GCT, but will need plenty of assistance. Not only must they win on Tuesday, pool leader Granite Hills must lose and allow seven more runs than Valhalla does to gain the tie-breaker (fewest runs allowed).

The Norsemen once held a 4-1 lead, but potentially large rallies in the 4th and 5th innings were stopped short by the Marauders.

"We left a lot of runners on base, especially in the 5th," said head coach DOUG HARTUNG. "For the game, we had 13 people on base, yet only scored three times."

In the 4th, CANDICE STAMPER singled home NAOMI TELLEZ, then pinchrunner CHRISTINE LOPEZ scored on a passed ball, but the team left two on base.

An inning later, KAITLIN McGINLEY reached on a bunt single, scoring on an ANGELA UY basehit. However, three runners were wasted as Mira Mesa freshman pitcher Lani Vanta made some critical pitches to keep her team within striking distance.

"We also had a chance in the 7th, but Mira Mesa's shortstop made a diving stop to throw out TORREY ROOK," added the coach. "That saved the game for them, too."

Granite Hills 9, El Cajon Valley 0 – The Eagles were the lone Grossmont South League school to post a victory in Monday’s (Mar. 30) Grossmont Conference Tournament, moving into prime position to advance to Thursday's championship contest with one more victory during Tuesday’s final round of pool play ballgames.

Freshman pitcher DESIREE MEJIA threw a 4-hit shutout, striking out five Braves to run her record to 3-1, helping the Eagles to win for the 5th in their last six outings.

"We were struggling, but we've finally all clicked," said second baseman MORGAN KURTZ. "We're all having a lot of fun and getting the job done thanks to a steady lineup – we finally found something that works."

Centerfielder MEGAN BELIO fueled a 14-hit attack by going 4-for-5, while JILL SCIARRA and CHAYLAH ZETSCH added two hits each. In addition, ANGELA LOVELADY scored three times after reaching base four times (a basehit and three times on errors).

The Braves, which start six freshmen, took solace in not getting run-ruled. They also placed runners on base in every inning but one. However, Granite Hills escaped twice by turning double plays in the 6th and 7th to preserve Mejia's shutout.

© East County Sports.com
CHULA VISTA (3-29-09) — Both East County entrants at the annual Hilltop Tournament were quickly eliminated from Saturday's (Mar. 28) quarterfinals held at Olympian High.

Hilltop 2, El Capitan 1 — Vaqueros right-fielder KELSEY MOODY slugged a game-tying home run with two outs in the 4th inning, but Lancers pitcher Jordan Rhudy allowed just two other hits on the day to advance tournament host Hilltop.

Rhudy barely out-dueled El Capitan pitcher SARAH GROHMAN, who struck out four, but got beat on the second double of the contest by Lancers sophomore catcher Monica Armas to break the tie in the 7th.

Francis Parker 15, Santana 3 — Facing one of the two top opponents in the tournament, the Sultans elected to rest No. 1 pitcher JESSIE OWENS and went with the youngsters in hope of advancing. That strategy back-fired.

Lancers pitcher AMYE McINTYRE defeated her second Grossmont North League opponent of the week, striking out 12 Sultans in a game called after 6 innings after Parker tallied nine times in the 6th to invoke the run rule.

Parker mounted an 8-0 lead before Santana answered with three runs in the 5th.

First baseman GABBY SCOLARI plated AMANDA CARPENTER (2-for-3) with an RBI double, then third baseman CAITLIN ARNDT drove home both AMANDA GRABLE and Scolari. Grable extended her hitting streak to 9 straight contests.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-28-09) — Christian High sophomore MONIQUE ELLIOTT aided the Patriots on two fronts – both hitting and pitching – gaining a 7-4 decision over host Grossmont in Friday's (Mar. 27) Falcon Fiesta contest.

Moments following a key error which snapped a 2-2 tie, Elliott gave Christian some breathing room by clearing the bases with an opposite-field triple in the 6th inning, pushing the Patriots to a 6-2 advantage.

The shortstop then was summoned to bail out starting pitcher ALLI GUNTER, escaping a jam in the 6th to eventually gain her second save of the season with 1 2/3 innings of shutout relief.

"It was hard because I didn't get a chance to warm-up before the inning started," noted Elliott. "Then I got it together.

Every time the Foothillers made a fielding mistake – they committed three errors – Christian (8-4) jumped to place runs on the scoreboard

"Our defense was been working hard and is much better than last year," added Elliott. "I hope we can win league because we're making less and less mistakes."

The recipient on two of the miscues was JENNIE VEST, who reached base and eventually scored in the 5th to tie the game. An inning later, her tapper up the middle was mishandled, allowing RICKI GENTRY to score for the lead.

A few pitches later, the left-handed hitting Elliott noticed the shallow positioning of the Grossmont left-fielder, intentionally going the other way with a clear shot well over the defender's head.

"That was definitely my first triple of my life," she added. "But I was able to swing away and drive it to left field."

Grossmont promptly responded when KELSEY ALVAREZ, who earlier smacked a double to the base of the fence, smashed a 2-run homer to trim the deficit to 6-4. And when Gunter walked a batter to bring the potential tying run to the plate, Elliott was called upon.

Although she allowed a basehit, Elliott struck out the next two batters to quell the threat.

"I was trying to hit it hard to the outfield somehow," said Grabowski, a freshman who also doubled during the 4-run rally in the 6th. "We just took advantage of everything we could – we made more opportunities, too."

"Allie also pitched a great game. But when she ran out of gas, Mo was definitely one of the stars of the game."

For Grossmont, third baseman AUBRIE MAY went 2-for-3 with a double and a walk among the Hillers' 5 hits.

Steele Canyon 10, Eastlake 3 — MICHELLE BEASLEY batted 3-for-5 with four RBI, powering the Cougars past the host Titans.

Included was a 2-run triple by Beasley, while ELLIE REED went 2-for-2 and drove in 2 runs. For the season, Reed is a perfect 4-for-4 batting.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-27-09) — Already reeling following their first loss of the season, the Sultana Sultans not only got back on track, they turned the South League portion of the Grossmont Conference Tournament into a mad scramble after downing first-place Granite Hills, 5-3 in 8 innings.

Santana allowed a 3-0 lead to slip away, yet pushed across a pair of runs for the triumph.

A wild pitch allowed the Sultans’ EMILY SCHISHER to score, then AMANDA CARPENTER walked, stole second base, then came home on a CARLA CARRILLO basehit for the deciding runs.

However, Sultans pitcher SHANNON FYSON managed to escape the jam – with a little assistance – carrying the momentum swing to her ballclub entering extra innings and the international tie-breaker.

"If that wasn't one of the more stressful moments of my life, it was certainly in the top three," noted Fyson, who ran her record to 3-0. "TAYLOR (BARRY) made a great play on the ball to end the inning."

Barry, a freshman second baseman, was able to knock down a hard grounder by the Eagles’ ANGELA LOVELADY, throwing to GABBY SCOLARI at first base for the inning-ending out to re-take control of the ballgame.

Just like on Wednesday, the Sultans leaped to a quick 2-0 lead in their initial trip to the plate. This time, with JESSIE OWENS and KAILEE SILER in scoring position, AMANDA GRABLE doubled to deep left-centerfield.

Both offenses finally opened up in the 6th.

Santana smacked a pair of line drives to score, as Carpenter first stroked a sharp basehit to center. She stole second base and came home on another Grable double for a 3-0 lead.

Grable. the shortstop, batted 3-for-3 with 3 RBI and a walk.

However, Granite Hills awoke to get even.

MORGAN KURTZ beat the extra-infielder shift by beating out a bunt single, then circled the diamond when the throw to first base sailed down the line. With the shift on, there was no defender in right field, making for a virtually uncontested run.

The momentum swing to the Eagles carried over to the rest of the line-up. JENNY LAHITTE followed by accepting a walk, JILL SCIARRA singled, then both baserunners scored when a routine fly ball to right field by freshman TARIN MARKS was lost in the sun.

Santana still trails undefeated West Hills and Mira Mesa by one full game in the GCT North pool. Meanwhile, Granite Hills lost its South pool lead, falling into a first-place deadlock with Valhalla at 2-1, while three other schools are poised to strike at 1-2.

Velovich, who did not pitch against Francis Parker since West Hills was already out of championship contention in the Falcon Fiesta, came back strong to strike out 11 to keep the Pack tied at the top of the North League table with Mira Mesa.

With the shutout, both West Hills and the Marauders now share the first tie-breaker of fewer runs allowed. The second tie-breaker edge currently resides with the Pack based on more runs scored (18-to-10).

While Velovich was blanking Mount Miguel, Matadors pitcher LAURA NELSON was doing likewise until the Pack finally broke through with the ballgame's lone run in the 6th inning.

Velovich opened with a walk, NOELLE JOHNSON was hit by a pitch – she was forced from the game following the blow to her elbow – then ALYSSA EVJEN collected the RBI by stinging a basehit to center.

"Chelsea was definitely dominating in this game," said West Hills coach MEAGAN HARTUNG. "She got ahead by mixing her pitches and kept Mount Miguel off balance."

Valhalla 10, El Cajon Valley 0 (5 inn.) – In a contest which took less than an hour to complete, Norsemen sophomore CHRISTINE LOPEZ took advantage of her first start to no-hit the struggling Braves.

"We were looking for an opportunity for Christine to start and thought this was it," said Norsemen coach DOUG HARTUNG. "It was a great way for her to get her first win."

Lopez struck out five batters.

Valhalla took advantage of four Braves errors to post 8 runs in the 2nd to mount a 9-0 cushion, eventually winning by run rule after five innings.

The big hits in the inning included a pair of 2-run doubles by centerfielder KAITLIN McGINLEY and designated player TORREY ROOK. McGinley batted 3-for-4 with a double, a triple and scored three times, while Rook went 2-for-3 as part of 11 Norsemen hits.

It was the second consecutive no-hit loss suffered by ECVHS, which has collected just one hit over three GCT contests.

El Capitan 7, Monte Vista 0 – Vaqueros senior SARAH GROHMAN "only" registered the 3rd-best pitching performance among Thursday (Mar. 26) Grossmont Conference Tournament contests, tossing a 1-hit shutout against the host Monarchs.

Grohman struck out five and faced just two batters among the minimum.

Monte Vista's lone hit was a 1st-inning double by shortstop BRITTANY WRIGHT. Otherwise, Grohman only allowed a hit batsman and she walked a batter, with the latter baserunner erased on a game-ending double play.

El Capitan was handed a pair of gift runs on errors in the 1st, with Monte Vista never able to recover. The Vaqueros then added on, behind catcher LESLIE KUHEN, who knocked in two runs and scored another.

Kuhen lifted a sacrifice fly in the 1st, then MEGAN MATHENY tripled home PAIGE BORRAS in the 2nd, later scoring on a wild pitch for a 4-0 advantage.

A single to left by Kuhen made it 5-0 in the 5th, then KELSEY MOODY belted a 2-run double to center in the 7th, scoring CATHERINE BROWN and Kuhen, who both singled.

Grossmont 4, Steele Canyon 2 – LAUREN VALLELY belted a go-ahead, 2-run homer in the top of the 7th, as the visiting Foothillers scored three late runs to shock the Cougars, handing Steele Canyon its third loss in five outings.

The bottom of the Grossmont batting order came through yet again this season.

Trailing 2-1, KATELYN DASCOMB bombed a 1-out double to the fence in right-centerfield. Vallely followed with her blast to left field.

"We knew Lauren has the strength – she hit two homers in one game against West Hills last year – it was just a matter of getting her timing down," said Hillers coach JERRY LERUD.

The rally continued when CORAL KASDEN reached on a dropped third-strike, scoring on a double by MADI HILL.

"Coming off that loss to Granite Hills, this was a big win for us," added the coach. "We were able to bounce back, which should give the entire team plenty of confidence."

Grossmont opened the scoring in the 4th when AUBRIE MAY and Hill registered consecutive basehits, with May scoring on a double by KELSEY ALVAREZ.

Steele Canyon countered to take the lead in the 4th behind a 2-run homer by KELLY CASH. Her 2-out shot to right-center brought home VANESSA KELLEMS (single).

Mira Mesa 2, Helix 1 – Despite the loss, the Highlanders might have played their most well-rounded effort against the tournament guest Marauders.

"We lost to a very good team against a pitcher who is going to be very good by the time she becomes a senior," said Helix coach KELLIE BRYAN.

That pitcher is Mira Mesa freshman Lani Vanta, who allowed a 1st-inning run, then proceeded to blank the Scotties on four hits.

Helix scored quickly when a slap by CHANELLE McNUTT was mishandled for a lead error. The former track standout was forced to remain at first when Mira Mesa pitched-out several times to prevent her stealing. But forced to pitch to the Highlanders’ NATALIE SMITH when they fell behind in the count, the Helix pitcher answered with a booming RBI double to the fence in right-centerfield.

Catcher SHALEY MADRUGA batted 2-for-3 for the Highlanders. Smith struck out 5 in the hard-luck loss.

© East County Sports.com
OCEANSIDE (3-26-09) — Oceanside High is another one of those ballclubs with gleaming records, yet is anything but battle tested. So despite a 4-1-1 record entering the day, the Pirates were steam-rolled after Granite Hills pitcher JENNY LAHITTE tossed her 4th career no-hitter in securing a 9-0 victory in Falcon Fiesta tournament action.

Lahitte struck out 12 batters Wednesday (Mar. 25), then paced the offense by driving home three runs on 3-for-3 batting, plus a walk.

"Jenny's a perfectionist – the whole package," said Eagles head coach ERIN COYNE. "She just has tremendous focus and doesn't let anything bother her."

Catcher JILL SCIARRA gave Granite Hills the early lead with a 2-run double in the 3rd, scoring MORGAN KURTZ (single) and Lahitte (double). Then Granite Hills scored 7 times over the next two at-bats to invoke the run rule to win in five innings.

Included were four hits and a walk to score three markers in the 4th.

Freshman MICHELLE MILLER and CHAYLAH ZETSCH opened with consecutive basehits, SAVANNAH BROOKS walked to load the bases, then MEGAN BELIO followed with an RBI basehit.

Oceanside had a chance to get out of the inning barely scathed with a force out at the plate, but Lahitte lined a single to centerfield for a 5-0 advantage.

The 5th inning started in similar fashion for the Eagles, loading the bases on a Zetsch basehit, followed by walks to Brooks and Belio. Lahitte stoked an RBI single, then Sciarra capped her 4 RBI performance with a 2-run single to chase Pirates pitcher Taylor Doyle (4-2).

Lahitte and Zetsch each went 3-for-3 to fuel an 11-hit attack.

Francis Parker 4, West Hills 1 – The Lancers coaching staff made it a point to declare, "Horizon who?," when reading about the undefeated Panthers (14-0) after their chief competitor recently captured the Friar Classic.

Then the Lancers (6-4) jumped out to prove the point when the 3-time defending SDCIF Division IV champions scored three quick runs in the 1st inning to coast past the host Wolf Pack (6-3) in a Falcon Fiesta contest.

Parker pitcher Amye McIntyre, who is ticketed for NCAA Division II power Rollins College in Florida next season, scattered 8 hits, then survived on her last pitch of the game when West Hills' JENNA BASNIGHT just missed slugging a game-tying, 3-run homer which flew out deep to centerfield.

McIntyre is all about keeping her focus where it belongs.

"I'm only worried about my team right now," noted McIntyre, a senior who entered the season with a 48-12 career record with 610 strikeouts in 366 innings. "We can keep on winning because our hitting is so much better than last year."

Meanwhile, Wolf Pack pitcher NOELLE JOHNSON bounced back to pitch six solid innings to close the contest, quickly rising to become the co-No. 1 pitcher for West Hills. The only Lancers batters to hurt Johnson was McIntyre, who went 2-for-3 including an RBI double in the 5th and a walk.

"Both pitched well and both teams had opportunities to score," West Hills coach MEAGAN HARTUNG explained. "But we left runners on and couldn't come up with that big clutch hit today. We can only get better."

Trailing 3-0, the Pack got on the board when JESSICA ALDERSON hit into a fielder's choice with the bases loaded, bringing home ALEX MILLER, who led-off with a single. However, McIntyre escaped the jam with one of her 11 strikeouts.

In the 7th, Miller singled off the extended glove of the Parker shortstop, then MICHERIE KORIA lined a two-out single to left field to bring the potential tying run to the plate. However, McIntyre escaped on the deep drive to centerfield.

The victory was Parker's third straight against quality competition (Hilltop and La Costa Canyon, although the school later forfeited the Hilltop contest; ineligible player), with Scripps Ranch and Santana on-deck later in the week.

West Hills returns to Grossmont Conference Tournament play Thursday at Mount Miguel, then the difficult schedule stretch continues with contests against Steele Canyon, Granite Hills, La Costa Canyon and Scripps Ranch.

Fundamental softball was the deciding factor after Cash singled, then advanced to third on consecutive sacrifice bunts by NICOLE RANDEL and VANESSA KELLEMS. Blumenstock then stroked a hard grounder up the middle which barely eluded the dive of the Lancers shortstop for the game-winner.

LORENA KLOPP gave Steele Canyon a fast start, following a JAZMIN DAIGLE basehit by barely clearing the barrier in right field for a 2-run home run in the 1st inning.

"The ball might have ticked off the outfielder's glove or even hit the top of the fence," said Cougars assistant coach QUNN RENFRO. "It definitely hit one of the two."

Carlsbad got even on Dani Cowan's fielder's choice grounder in the 2nd, then an error tied the contest in the 5th. Otherwise, Klopp was again solid in tossing a 3-hitter, allowing just one earned run while striking out 12.

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (3-25-09) — A pair of strong programs searching for answers to their future prospects this season battled in a Grossmont Conference Tournament contest Tuesday (Mar. 24). And both entered from difference perspectives.

Santana was undefeated through six contests, yet never met any worthy competition. Conversely, Valhalla so far played among the toughest schedules among East County schools, but its best showing was a victory over Mira Mesa and an unsatisfactory draw with Scripps Ranch after allowing a late lead to slip.

Finding more answers were the Norsemen behind pitcher TORREY ROOK. After allowing a pair of first-inning runs, Rook blanked the Sultans on just one hit the rest of the way while Valhalla rallied for a 3-2 road victory.

"Torrey threw a really great game considering all the other things going on in her life," said Norsemen coach DOUG HARTUNG. "I understand she didn't get home until around midnight after missing our game on Monday."

Hartung was concerned about his pitcher, who walked the first two batters of the game, finally getting out of the 1st inning facing a 2-0 deficit.

"But Torrey settled in after that," the coach added. "And she ended strong by going 'K,' 'K," to go along with her 10 other strikeouts."

As soon as Santana scored, Valhalla answered to quickly tie the ballgame on a 2-run single by CORA CORDOVA.

The rally started on a CANDICE STAMPER basehit, HALEY HOLTER walked, then KAITLIN McGINLEY singled through the hole at shortstop to load the bases. Cordova followed with a basehit up the middle.

In the 4th, a smart defensive decision by Santana back-fired.

With one of the Sultans' outfielders situated near the spot where the shortstop plays – a 'slapper shift' – a ground ball went straight to the extra infielder, but was misplayed to allow McGinley to reach base. The junior promptly stole second base, then came home on a ground out and a wild pitch.

"This was a good win for us," added Hartung. "I feel encouraged about the team as we head into the final three games of the tournament."

Meanwhile, Sultans pitcher JESSIE OWENS saw her 20-game winning streak snapped – a stretch which dated back to her 2007 sophomore season.

The early lead saw Owens and KAILEE SILER accept consecutive lead walks. Owens would score on an AMANDA GRABLE basehit, while Siler came home on a passed ball.

Smith struck out three without issuing a walk, while KAILAH CANO-RUE capped the contest with a 2-run homer in the 7th.

Helix opened the scoring in the 3rd with three runs, ignited by the bottom of the line-up.

No. 8 hitter TIFFANI SPERLING opened with a triple, coming home on an ensuing double from SAMANTHA CUNNINGHAM.

JESSICA FERNANDEZ added a single to place runners on the corners, then Helix got consecutive run-scoring hits from Smith (double) and Cano-Rue (single).

In the 6th, Sperling stroked a 2-out single, then stole second base. But when the throw went into centerfield, SHALEY MADRUGA (walk) scored from third base. CHANEL McNUTT drove in Sperling with a single.

West Hills 7, Monte Vista 3 – The right side of the Wolf Pack infield led the way Tuesday (Mar. 24), as second baseman VANESSA McHUGH and first baseman JENNA BASNIGHT each went 2-for-4 at the plate to slide past the visiting Monarchs in Gross Conference Tournament play.

McHugh and Basnight keyed a huge 5-run rally in the 4th inning with consecutive basehits.

Monte Vista struck initially with an RBI single by BRITTANY WRIGHT in the 1st, but the Wolf Pack grabbed the lead in the 3rd on a run-scoring basehit by ALYSSA EVGEN, then ALEX MILLER walked with the bases loaded.

MARIZA MALDONADO registered a 2-run single in the 5th for the Monarchs, the lone runs allowed by West Hills reliever JESSICA ALDERSON over five innings to gain the victory.

Granite Hills 10, Grossmont 0 (5 inn.) – If you ask the Eagles, their 0-4 performance at the Cougar Classic was an aberration. Since then, the Eagles have outscored three opponents by a 34-7 count, including Tuesday's (Mar. 24) Grossmont Conference Tournament spanking of the Foothillers.

Granite Hills has scored at least 10 runs in all three victories.

JENNY LAHITTE struck out 9 in the 5-inning affair, limiting the Foothillers to just a pair of singles.

It was 2-0 early on a MEGAN BELIO double in the 2nd before Granite Hills broke it open with 7 runs in the 3rd. Two of the runs came home on a JILL SCIARRA double, as she matched MORGAN KURTZ by going 2-for-4 at the plate.

Grossmont's line hits came from the bottom of the batting order from LAUREN MIRANDA (3rd inning) and LAUREN VALLELY (5th).

Steele Canyon 16, El Cajon Valley 0 – Cougars pitchers MICHELLE BEASLEY and ASHLEY BARANOV combined on a 5-inning no-hitter of the host Braves. The pair combined for 9 strikeouts to snap the team's 2-game losing streak.

The offense broke loose with 19 hits behind 3-for-5 hitting by catcher KELLY CASH, while LORENA KLOPP stroked a pair of doubles. JAZMIN DAIGLE also went 2-for-3 and scored three times.

Mira Mesa 6, Mount Miguel 2 – No other information was reported.

Tue., Mar. 24 Grossmont Conference Tournament

WOLF PACK 10, NORSEMEN 1 Monte Vista (7-4-1) West Hills (6-2) 100 020 0 - 3 8 3 002 500 x - 7 8 3 Ross, Maldanado (5) and Gresham; Velovich, Alderson (3) and Austin. W-Alderson (1-0). L-Ross (3-2). HR-none. WOLF PACK 10, NORSEMEN 1 Valhalla (4-5-1) Santana (6-1) 020 100 0 - 3 7 2 200 000 0 - 2 2 2 Rook and Foley; Fyson, Owens (3) and Carrillo. W-Rook (2-1). L-Owens (3-1). HR-none. COUGARS 16, BRAVES 0 (5 inn.) Steele Canyon (5-4) El Cajon Valley (6-3) 045 42 - 16 19 0 000 00 - 00 00 4 M.Beasley, Baranaov (4) and K. Cash; Wilson, Mullens (4) and D.Garcia. W-M.Beasley (2-1). L-Wilson (3-1). HR-no. GCT Standings North: West Hills 2-0, Mira Mesa 2-0, Grossmont 1-1, Santana 1-1, El Cajon Valley 0-2, El Capitan 0-2.

HIGHLANDERS 7, VAQUEROS 0 Helix (3-4) El Capitan (3-4) 003 002 2 - 7 9 2 000 000 0 - 0 5 4 N.Smith and Madruga; Laffe, Miller (5) and C.Brown. W-N.Smith (3-4). L-Laffe (0-1). HR-Cano-Rue (H) 7th, one on. EAGLES 10, FOOTHILLERS 0 (5 inn.) Granite Hills (3-4) Grossmont (5-4) 027 10 - 10 9 0 000 00 - 00 2 4 Lahitte and Sciarra. Fishtrom, Miranda (3) and Dascomb. W-Lahitte (1-3). L-Fishtrom (4-3). MARAUDERS 6, MATADORS 2 Mount Miguel (2-5) Mira Mesa (5-4) 000 000 2 - 2 3 2 000 114 x - 6 7 2 Cunningham, Nelson (5), and Ray; Vanta and Weaver. W-Vanta (4-4). L-Cunningham (0-2). HR-Cunningham (MM), 7th, one on. South: Granite Hills 2-0, Mount Miguel 1-1, Helix 1-1, Valhalla 1-1, Steele Canyon 1-1, Monte Vista 0-2.

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (3-24-09) — While well-known hitting ballclubs such as Steele Canyon and Granite Hills opened the season marred in slumps on offense, Grossmont High has been generating runs since the first pitch.

And the Foothillers continued their prowess on offense – both with power and finesse – to slide past Helix, 5-2, in Monday's (Mar. 23) opener of the annual Grossmont Conference Tournament.

"We started hitting in the first inning and we kept on going," said LAUREN MIRANDA, who hit what proved to be the game-winner with an RBI single in the 4th inning. "We were successful because we got the pitcher's timing down. And since we knew most of her pitches, we talked about location and were able to adjust."

Four extra-base hits coupled with four sacrifices kept the Highlanders' defense on their toes all afternoon, with production coming from every segment of the Hillers line-up.

The bottom four batters combined for a cool 6-for-11, with two a pair of doubles and scoring four of the team's five runs. Plus, they put down a pair of bunts to move runners along, setting up MADI HILL and CORAL KASDEN at the top of the order to smack triples

"We just need to work on mental errors on the field, but we are picking it up and are playing strong."

Grossmont opened the door for Helix following three early errors. But when the Scotties posted just a single run, the Hillers (5-3) bounced back.

Down 1-0, Hill walked, took two bases on bunts by Kasden and AUBRIE MAY, then scored on a wild pitch in the 3rd. An inning later, BRITANY FISHTROM smacked a lead double, scoring on a basehit by Miranda, who took third base on an outfield error.

The 3-run rally continued on an RBI single by LAUREN VALLELY, who then came home on a Kasden triple over the centerfielder's head.

Hill added an insurance run in the 6th, capping a 2-for-3 performance by driving home KELSEY ALVAREZ, who also registered a pair of hits.

About the only player not to hit, oddly, was clean-up hitter KAITLYN NICKS. But she made up for it in other ways.

"That's something we talked about," noted Grossmont coach JERRY LERUD. "Just leave it (not hitting) in the dugout and do something on defense."

With Helix threatening, the shortstop Nicks and May, the third baseman, made a heads-up play to escape a potential jam.

After Helix speedster CHANELLE McNUTT reached first on a bunt single to put the potential tying runs on base in the 6th. However, May saw the runner at third stray too far from the bag, throwing behind the runner to Nicks for the tag out to end the inning.

"We tell the girls that you can contribute even when you're not hitting," added Lerud. "You can always do something positive for the team."

Fishtrom then set Helix down in order in the 7th to gain the victory. The senior finished with three strikeouts, and was aided by a running catch into the gap by Kasden, the centerfielder.

Helix (2-4) took the early lead in the 2nd when catcher SHALEY MADRUGA singled, eventually scoring on a pair of errors. In the 5th, NATALIE SMITH short-hopped the fence in left for a deep double, coming home when KAILAH CANO-RUE followed with a double to right-center.

Madruga recorded two of Helix' seven hits.

Granite Hills 11, El Capitan 4 – It was players from the left which made everything right for the Eagles after shortstop ANGELA LOVELADY, third baseman JENNY LAHITTE and left-fielder MORGAN KURTZ batted 2-for-4 each to power Granite Hills past the visiting Vaqueros.

Down 3-0, El Capitan erupted for three runs in the 5th to tie the Grossmont Conference Tournament contest. Included was a triple by MEGHAN THORSNES, who later scored on a LESLIE KUHEN basehit. But Granite Hills answered with four runs over each of its next two trips to the plate to break open the ballgame.

Lahitte gained the early lead with a 2-run double in the 3rd, then came on to pitch in the 7th, stranding three El Cap baserunners with three consecutive strikeouts to make a winner of starting pitcher DESIREE MEJIA.

Lovelady also doubled to extend her hitting streak.

Mira Mesa 2, Steele Canyon 1 – It's been rare for the Cougars to lose after grabbing the lead, but the Marauders achieved the feat to gain a victory as the guest entrant to the Grossmont Conference Tournament.

Steele Canyon jumped to a quick lead after MICHELLE BEASLEY reached on an error, then scored on consecutive basehits by JAZMIN DAIGLE and KELLY CASH.

However, visiting Mira Mesa answered in the 2nd on back-to-back run-scoring singles by freshman Amber Cordero and sophomore Savana Weaver.

Marauders frosh pitcher Lani Vanta then allowed just three additional hits over the final six innings to gain the victory, despite the relief effort of the Cougars' LORENA KLOPP, who tossed five no-hit innings. Klopp faced just one batter over the minimum during her stint, who reached on an error.

West Hills 10, Valhalla 1 – The battle among the Hartung clan is now even at 1-all after daughter MEAGAN HARTUNG's Wolf Pack downed daddy DOUG HARTUNG's Norsemen in Monday's (Mar. 23) GCT opener in Rancho San Diego.

NOELLE JOHNSON sparked the triumph. Along with tossing a 4-hitter with six strikeouts, she capped the scoring with a bases-loaded triple in the 7th inning. Johnson batted 3-for-4 to key an 11-hit attack by West Hills.

ALEX MILLER registered a pair of RBI, while KAELI HUNYADY doubled and scored a run.

After the Pack raced to a 5-0 lead, Valhalla scored its lone run in the 5th on a ground ball up the middle by HALEY HOLTER.

Santana 13, Monte Vista 0 – The undefeated Sultans posted their third shutout in five outings behind a combined 3-hit shutout by SHANNON FYSON (9 strikeouts over 5 innings) and MADDY CLINKENBEARD (3 Ks in 2 IP) in their Grossmont Conference Tournament opener.

Meanwhile, shortstop AMANDA GRABLE established a school and Grossmont Conference Tournament record by recording 8 RBI after batting 4-for-5 with a pair of home runs. She also scored four times, once on a homer by CARLA CARRILLO.

Grable started with an RBI double in the 1st inning, scoring right fielder KAILEE SILER as Santana scored four times before Monte Vista took the plate. An inning later, Grable hit the first of her pair of 2-run homers as the lead increased to 7-0.

Grable's second homer came in the 6th, with both shots going to left field.

The Monarchs threatened in the 7th by loading the bases, but Clinkenbeard coaxed a ground out to complete the shutout.

Siler finished 3-for-3 with a pair of doubles and two walks, scoring four times, while Carrillo, AMANDA CARPENTER, GABBY SCOLARI and TAYLOR BARRY posted two hits each.

Mount Miguel 10, El Cajon Valley 0 (6 inn.) – Matadors pitcher LAURA NELSON posted 17 of the Braves' 18 outs on strikes in run-ruling El Cajon Valley in a Grossmont Conference Tournament opener.

JACQUIE PEREZ ruined Nelson's no-hit bid with a basehit in the 4th inning.

Westview 3, Christian 1 – The Patriots stacked up nine basehits, yet could never overcome a 1st-inning, 2-run homer by Julie Pena in a Falcon Fiesta ballgame in Carmel Valley.

Only once could Christian (7-4) piece together more than two hits, as consecutive singles by KARA CARTWRIGHT, RICKI GENTRY and ALLIE SCOTT produced the team's lone run in the 5th against Wolverines reliever Rachael Hachadorian.

© East County Sports.com
TIERRASANTA (3-22-09) — Last week, it was Poway which seemed to be San Diego County's No. 1 fast-pitch team after winning the Cougar Classic, only for the Titans to lose twice recently in the North County Conference Tournament.

Could the new top-ranked team be Horizon Christian?

For the third time this season, the Panthers clipped Christian 2-0, then they downed Monte Vista 6-0 to capture the Friar Classic championship Saturday (Mar. 21) at Serra High.

Along with the winner's trophy, Horizon is now sporting a perfect 14-0 for the season thanks to pitcher Cassidy Coleman. The junior ran her record to 13-0 after posting a pair of 2-hit shutouts in nipping the Patriots and Monarchs.

Coleman registered 13 strikeouts to defeat Christian (7-3) in the semifinals. Then she recorded 18 of the game's 21 outs on strikes to overpower Monte Vista (7-2-1). She also whiffed 20 in a non-league in Horizon’s 1-0 nod over Bellermine Prep of Tacoma, Wash., also on Saturday.

For the week, Horizon’s Coleman (14-0) struck out 61 batters in 28 innings.

Meanwhile, Monte Vista knocked off Oceanside 5-3 in the semifinals, giving the Monarchs a chance to post their finest start in 12 seasons. But they hit a stone wall. That is, Coleman was too strong.

After Oceanside scored in the 2nd inning, Monte Vista got 4 runs in the 3rd, courtesy of a go-ahead, bases-loaded triple by BRITTANY WRIGHT. And when the throw to third sailed wide, Wright also scored to complete a 4-run play.

The scoring production was enough for the Monarchs’ winning pitcher, MARIZA MALDONADO, to run her record to 5-1 with the triumph. She struck out four without issuing a walk, and was backed by a pair of strong defensive stops by Wright at shortstop.

The Monarchs added an insurance run when second baseman McKENNA CLARKE doubled home AMBER McMILLAN in the 6th.

Hilltop Tournament
Santana 20, Morse 0 – Unable to gain an entry to the Cougar Classic, the Sultans were relegated to playing in the Hilltop Tournament. And Saturday's (Mar. 21) first pool play contest demonstrated why.

Santana mounted a 13-0 lead by the 2nd inning to trounce the Tigers (3-4), as pitchers SHANNON FYSON and MADDY CLINKENBEARD combined on the 2-hit shutout. Since Fyson was saved after just a single inning of work, Clinkenbeard was handed a free victory.

AMANDA GRABLE batted 4-for-5 with three RBI, while AMANDA CARPENTER and JESSIE OWENS also drove in three runners each as part of a 15-hit attack.

Santana 12, Coronado 3 – For the second time this week, the Sultans book-ended their runs by scoring in their first (4 runs) and last (8) at-bats to tsunami the Islanders in the team's second Hilltop Tournament game on the day.

This time, Fyson pitched the entire game, tossed a complete-game 5-hitter for her first interscholastic victory. The junior struck out five and walked just one.

After Owens scored on a fielder's choice grounder by Grable for a quick 1-0 lead, CARLA CARRILLO followed with a 3-run homer to deep left for a 4-0 lead before Fyson entered the circle. Carrillo also started the big rally in the 6th with a sacrifice fly.

Also driving in runs were GABBY SCOLARI, Owens and Carpenter on doubles, the last two good for 2 RBI each to keep Santana (5-0) undefeated.

El Capitan 5, El Centro-Southwest 4 – Speaking of book-ending their runs, the Vaqueros manifested their own version. They scored early in the first game, then late in the second game, coming up with a pair of victories at the Mater Dei pool.

Against the Eagles of Imperial Valley, LESLIE KUHEN ignited El Cap with a 3-run homer before Southwest took its first swings. Kuhen sent a shot to left field, scoring ALISHA WYCKOFF and CATHERINE BROWN.

KARA HOSTETLER added an RBI single in the 7th for what proved to be an important insurance run after Southwest also scored in the 7th on a Megan Lerno double. However SARAH GROHMAN escaped with one of her 5 strikeouts to strand the baserunner and earn the complete-game victory.

El Capitan registered 9 hits on Eagles pitcher Ciera Fraher, but she got one back with an RBI triple.

El Capitan 6, Mater Dei 1 – ALISHA WYCKOFF broke open a 2-1 nail-biter with an inside-the-park homer, as the Vaqueros went on to score four times in the 7th inning to crown the Crusaders.

Wyckoff sent her shot deep into the right-field corner, circling the bases before Mater Dei could relay in the ball.

Following the homer, CATHERINE BROWN and LESLIE KUHEN singled, both scoring on a booming double by PAIGE BORRAS.

Mater Dei scored in the 1st, but the Vaqueros forged into the lead in the 4th when KELSEY MOODY scored on a double by KARA HOSTETLER, who later scored on a basehit by KELLY COOK.

Freshman pitcher CHRISTINA MILLER earned her first varsity victory for El Cap, limiting the Crusaders to six hits on three strikeouts.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-21-09) – It's a ying-yang thing, with the Grossmont Foothillers always seemingly out of balance.

Strong pitching efforts are backed by little offense, yet when the bats are there, the pitching isn't.

On Friday (Mar. 20), the Hillers received just enough hitting to back a strong pitching effort by BRITTANY FISHTROM, scoring twice in the 6th inning to slip past visiting Westview, 3-2, in a Falcon Fiesta contest.

“There wasn't a lot of hitting by either team," noted Grossmont coach JERRY LERUD. "But somehow we made do.”

The Foothillers collected a mere three hits, but the final one was the decisive one when pinch-hitter RACHEL STALFORD drove a basehit to right field.

"Sometimes, players try too hard to hit when in a slump instead of just taking what they give you," added Lerud. "And Rachel just took the ball to right field with a nice, easy swing."

Westview, trailing 1-0 for practically the entire ballgame, scored twice in the 5th to take the lead. However, Grossmont answered when AUBRIE MAY opened the 6th with a basehit, moving to third when Westview botched a sacrifice bunt by KAITLYN NICKS.

The Foothillers then tied the contest on a double steal.

"It wasn't perfect, but Aubrie timed her move home on the throw to second," added the coach.

Stalford followed with her game-winner.

The Hillers (4-3) scored in the 1st with their other two hits on the afternoon. CORAL KASDEN opened with a double to center, followed by May's run-scoring basehit to left-center.

The Wolverines (4-4) lone runs came on RBI doubles by Monique Portugal and Lauren Gellerman. Otherwise, Fishtrom allowed just three other hits.

That's right, it's El Cajon Valley, which moved its record to 6-1 this season after stomping on San Ysidro in non-league action Friday (Mar. 21). The ballgame was called after 5 innings via the run rule.

It was the biggest outburst of offense by the Braves since pasting Hoover, 22-0 in 5 innings, last season.

Shortstop KAMERYN ROJAS batted 3-for-4, including a solo homer in the 4th inning, while ALISSA GARCIA went 3-for-5, featuring a 3-run homer in the 5th.

Most of the early runs came courtesy of catcher DESI GARCIA, who collected 4 RBI on a pair of hits. SAM JULIEN went 2-for-4 with 2 RBI, while JACQUIE PEREZ also added two hits and drove home a run as part of a 17-hit attack.

Scripps Ranch 7, West Hills 3 – The visiting Falcons continue to find ways to win, even without standout infielder/pitcher Tori Torrescano.

While Torrescano, who has a softball scholarship to Iowa State, plays for the Scripps Ranch baseball team after getting cut following softball tryouts for undisclosed reasons, another big bat was found.

On Friday (Mar. 20), sophomore catcher Maggie Sevilla grooved a grand slam to open the scoring in the 3rd inning, staving off a Wolf Pack rally to take a 7-3 decision in Falcon Fiesta pool play.

"I know you don't want to pitch to her," said West Hills coach MEAGAN HARTUNG. "But you don't want to just walk her and give them a run either."

An error extended the inning prior to Sevilla's blast, making the four runs unearned. And after West Hills (4-2) quickly answered with three runs, Scripps Ranch (5-1-2) secured two more unearned runs in the 4th against hard-luck losing pitcher CHELSEA VELOVICH.

The Pack moved to within 4-3 on a 2-run single by BRI AUSTIN, followed by a run-scoring basehit by JENNA BASNIGHT. The rally started on a FAITH KORIA single, KAELI HUNYADY reached on a failed fielder's choice play at second base, then a sacrifice bunt by ALEX MILLER.

"We had runners on base in almost every inning, but could only score in the 3rd," added Hartung. "We just needed 1-or-2 key hits. We were so close."

Christian High second baseman Nicole Marcos (6) makes a leaping stab at a soft liner behind the bag. (Photo by Joanne Park)

Steele Canyon Cougars at Christian Patriots (Slideshow by Joanne Park)

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-20-09) — There might only be one reason why Christian High received a passing grade in the course of Softball 101 based on Thursday's (Mar. 19) performance – they won.

Otherwise, put this one in the "forgettable" category after the Patriots committed 8 errors, yet still surprised Steele Canyon, 7-5, in a Falcon Fiesta contest.

"We made a ton of mistakes, but not that many of the errors hurt us," said Christian coach GEORGE GENTRY. "It was one of those games."

To make matters worse for Steele Canyon, they took enough of an advantage to mount a 5-3 lead, only to watch Christian score four times in the 6th inning to steal the victory.

Patriots junior catcher ALLIE SCOTT provided the heroics. Her solo homer in the 4th trimmed the deficit to 4-3, then Scott snapped a 5-all tie with a 2-run double for the go-ahead runs. She finished the day 2-for-3, with a walk and three RBI.

"Over the last three games, Allie's really picked it up," added Gentry. "And she's a left-handed catcher, too."

The winning rally started with an infield single, a walk and a Cougars error to load the bases. Following a failed bunt play, KARA CARTWRIGHT walked to force home a run, then a fielder's choice on a ball hit up the middle by RICKI GENTRY tied it.

ALLI GUNTER pitched all seven innings, including several of the extended variety, to garner the win. Four of Steele Canyon 's runs were unearned,

The Cougars received RBI hits by LORENA KLOPP and MICHELLE CASH. For Christian, Cartwright had two RBI, also singling home a run for the early lead in the 3rd.

Santana 8, Eastlake 1 – Sultans senior pitcher JESSIE OWENS won her 20th consecutive ballgame over a 3-year period, tossing a 3-hitter at the Titans in Thursday's (Mar. 20) opening pool-play contest of the Hilltop Tournament.

Owens, who struck out 6 over her 5 innings of work, capped her sophomore season at Christian High with four straight wins, then posted a 13-0 mark after transferring to Santana last year. And when SHANNON FYSON tossed two innings of no-hit relief to register the save, Owens went to 3-0 this season.

The CIF-San Diego Section does not keep a record for consecutive victories, but the CalHiSports record book does. Owens needs to reach 25 straight to make the state listings; the California record is 42.

AMANDA GRABLE, CARLA CARRILLO and GABRIELLA SCOLARI each registered two of Santana's 10 hits, as the Sultans book-ended their runs with three in the 1st and five more in the 7th.

Following three walks, the Titans attempted to turn a third-to-home-to-first double play. Although they got the out at the plate, the ensuing throw was wild to allow KAILEE SILVER to opening the scoring. Carrillo then followed with a liner to centerfield for a 3-0 cushion.

Eastlake answered in the 3rd, but the Sultans busted loose in their final set of swings,

AMANDA CARPENTER scored on a double by Grable, who later scored on a Carrillo double. Scolari then made it three straight two-base hits to plate Carrillo. The other runs came in on an error and an RBI basehit by KRISTIE CRAIG.

El Capitan (1-2) finished with six errors, five of them coming in the 1st to stake Otay Ranch to a 5-0 lead. The Vaq Pack climbed back to within 7-5, but the Mustangs posted five more runs in the 6th to claim the opening pool play contest for both ballclubs.

Although the defense needs some work, the El Cap offense remains at full throttle.

CATHERINE BROWN batted 4-for-4, while ALISHA WYCKOFF went 3-for-4 for the second straight outing. The pair has posted 13 hits in their last two ballgames.

Meanwhile, PAIGE BORRAS and LESLIE KUHEN each drove home two runs, while KARA HOSTETLER posted a double.

Carlsbad 4, Grossmont 0 – Lancers pitcher Monica Villerreal tossed a 5-hit shutout to halt the Hillers in Falcon Fiesta tournament action on Thursday (Mar. 19). The senior struck out 10 batters in 5 innings of work, then Katie Wilkinson tossed the final two frames. But not without a struggle.

Grossmont placed two runners in scoring position on Wilkinson in the 6th, then loaded the bases in the 7th to bring the potential game-tying run to the plate. However, Wilkinson escaped with a short fly ball to left to quell the 6th, then an infield pop-up to end the ballgame.

Carlsbad (2-2-1) scored all its runs in the 3rd, capped by a 2-run homer by Tia Obrero. Marie Bradavica and Kelleigh McNaughton each went 2-for-3 with an RBI double to open the scoring.

For the Foothillers (3-3), five different players collect one hit each.

University City 2, Valhalla 1 (8 inn.) – The Norsemen were one out away from a shutout victory, but the host Centurions rallied with a late run, then another in the 8th to snare a non-league triumph. The win was UC's first after floundering through the Cougar Classic on Thursday (Mar. 19) with a 0-3-1 mark.

Valhalla (3-3-1) needed just three batters to score, but then were blanked on just four additional hits the rest of the way. The run came on a walk to CORA CORDOVA, a single by ANGELA UY, then CANDICE STAMPER went to right field with an RBI basehit.

© East County Sports.com
OTAY RANCH (3-19-09) – It was nearly panic time at Granite Hills for both "diamond" sports ballclubs. Not only was the Eagles' fastpitch team sitting winless through four ballgames, the baseball team also entered the week without a victory – a stunning combined ledger of 0-7.

Fortunately, life is returning to normal at Granite Hills.

Following a Tuesday victory by the baseball team, the defending CIF Division I softball champions followed by taking out its frustrations on Otay Ranch in Wednesday's (Mar. 18) 13-3 blowout of Otay Ranch in Falcon Fiesta pool play action.

The first six Eagles batters reached base on five hits and a walk, jumping to a quick 5-0 lead before the Mustangs took their initial swings.

Granite Hills then capped a 15-hit attack – equaling the best by any East County program this season – when senior ANGELA LOVELADY belted a grand slam in the 7th. Lovelady finished with a 3-for-5, 5 RBI outing, also driving home a run in the 2nd for a 7-0 cushion.

"We have all the talent in the world, but we have some new girls, too," noted head coach ERIN COYNE. "We just needed to work out some kinks."

Freshman pitcher DESIREE MEJIA, in giving No. 1 starter JENNY LAHITTE a day off, scattered 10 hits to collect her first varsity victory. The only runs allowed by Mejia came on a pair of home runs on balls to the gap on the fence-less outfield.

JILL SCIARRA and Lahitte each went 2-for-2 with an RBI, while MORGAN KURTZ went 2-for-3 with three stolen bases.

One reason for the slow start could be the absence of starting shortstop and leadoff hitter BRITTINI BERTUSSI, who broke her foot in club ball just prior to the start of the high school schedule.

"I was trying to be graceful," Bertussi mused during the Cougar Classic, yet an improper landing has the senior's foot in a walking cast and on the shelf for 6-8 weeks. She hopes to return for the opening of Grossmont South League action.

Monte Vista 3, Serra 1 – Unknown to many fans, but this pairing of ballclubs could rate among the most competitive series in San Diego County.

"We had an 18-inning, CIF game with them that we won, 1-0, on a passed ball. Then the next year, they won in the CIF semifinals, 1-0, on an error," Monarchs coach SIG CHABROWSKI recalled. "Every time we play Serra, it always seems to go down to the wire.

In recent seasons, the ballclubs always seem to be placed in the same pool of the Friar Classic, playing a series of 1-run ballgames. And yet again Wednesday (Mar. 18), another close contest was in the offing among the top two teams in their respective tournament pool.

Junior outfielder JASMINE KING kick-started both Monarchs rallies.

In the 1st, King opened the frame with a bunt single, placing the ball perfectly between the Conquistadors’ pitcher and first baseman. King came around on an illegal pitch, a wild pitch, and finally on an RBI basehit by shortstop BRITTANY WRIGHT.

Two innings later, King led off by reaching on an error. Although she was later caught stealing, Monte Vista still produced a pair of runs when Wright belted a triple into the left-field corner, scoring on an error on a ball hit by JESIKA PEREA, who would score on a wild pitch.

Meanwhile, Monarchs pitcher MARIZA MALDANADO survived a run allowed in the 5th by setting down the final seven Q's batters in a row. Maldonado struck out 6 to run her record to 3-1.

Monte Vista awaits the other tournament scores to see if they will advance to the Friar Classic championship game. Both the Monarchs and Serra are 2-1, but if Orange Glen also won, it would create a 3-way tie at the top of the pool, forcing different tie-breakers instead of head-to-head results.

Valley Center 4, Mount Miguel 0 – Jil Johnson tossed a 6-hit shutout for the host Jaguars in a Friar Classic contest. No further information reported.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-18-09) — A potential preview of the SDCIF Division IV championship come May saw Horizon High pitcher Cassidy Coleman out-duel a pair of Christian High pitchers, as the visiting Panthers took a 1-0 decision in Tuesday's (Mar. 17) non-league contest.

Horizon (9-0) has now handed both losses of the season to the Patriots (6-2).

"The main idea of playing these games was to see Horizon's pitcher, so we won't be surprised if we see them in the playoffs," noted Christian coach GEORGE GENTRY. "And we hit the ball harder off her than any other team this season."

However, as is typical in softball, mistakes made the difference, as Horizon parlayed a pair of errors in the game's lone run in the 3rd inning.

Horizon third baseman Mel Hall accepted a one-out walk, moving around on a sacrifice bunt which was misplayed, then another error.

"Even though we've beat them twice, they're still a good team," noted Hall, who listed Armstrong Atlantic State (formerly Savannah-Armstrong College ) as her top choice. "But we're playing really well right now."

Hall made two fine stops at third base to keep the Patriots off the scoreboard, fielding both a hard slap for an out at first, then picking up a pair of bunts and throwing runners out to avoid infield singles.

However, the best play of the contest was a catch of a line drive by right-fielder Gina Dowdy, who snared a two-out shot by Christian catcher ALLIE SCOTT to prevent ALLI GUNTER (double) to score from second base in the 3rd.

The Patriots also played their share of solid defense, nailing three Panthers runners at the plate, including two on one play.

Moments after Horizon scored, they still had runners at the corners when they tried a delayed steal. Scott fired the ball across the infield to shortstop MONIQUE ELIIOTT, who returned the ball with a strike to Scott for the out.

In the 5th, Horizon loaded the bases with one out when clean-up batter hit the ball to Patriots third baseman MARY GRABOWSKI. The freshman fired home to Scott for the first out, then the catcher attempted to throw out the batter who strayed wide of the bag at first.

Although the runner was safe, the new Panthers runner at third attempted to catch the Patriots napping, too. However, first baseman KARA CARTWRIGHT rifled the ball back to Scott to easily register the unorthodox 5-2-3-2 double play.

Despite the defensive efforts, starting Pats pitcher RICKI GENTRY took the loss. Elliott entered late to toss two innings of no-hit relief, striking out three with one walk.

El Cajon Valley 12, Crawford 0 – On the heels of a 1-hit shutout by MIRANDA MULLENS one day earlier, this time teammate CHELSEA WILSON did one better. On Tuesday, (Mar. 17), Wilson struck out 11 Colts in posting the first Braves no-hitter in recent memory.

Crawford placed only three runners on base on a pair of walks and an error, otherwise, never really came close to recording a basehit.

ECVHS scored 7 times in the 1st, mounting a 12-0 advantage through two frames.

ALISSA GARCIA and DESI GARCIA each pounded triples in the opening inning, with Alissa Garcia pushing the ballgame into run rule status following her 3-run double in the 2nd to cap a 2-for-3 outing at the plate.

In addition, third baseman SAM JULIEN also batted 2-for-3.

Valhalla 7, Clairemont 0 – The visiting Chieftains, one of the better hitting ballclubs out of the City Conference, were limited to a mere three singles by Norsemen pitcher ANGELA UY. The senior struck out 7 without issuing a walk in Tuesday's (Mar. 17) non-league game at Leto Field.

The top of the Norsemen line-up continued to pound the ball.

Leadoff batter KAITLIN McGINLEY went 2-for-4 with an RBI, including a basehit in the 1st inning which led to the first score as she eventually scored on a passed ball.

An inning later, CORA CORDOVA blasted her first homer of the season, a 2-run shot to left-center field as the Norsemen scored four times to produce a 5-0 advantage.

Cordova finished going 2-for-3, plus a sacrifice, while TORREY ROOK went 3-for-4 with three RBI. Included was a run-scoring double in the 2nd, then a 2-run single in the 6th.

Steele Canyon 10, San Diegutio 1 – JAZMIN DAIGLE, IRENE BLUMENSTOCK and KELLY CASH each drove home a pair of runs, while MEGAN HUTCHISON slugged her first career homer to power the Cougars over the visiting Mustangs in Tuesday's (Mar. 17) Falcon Fiesta encounter.

Daigle went 3-for-4 and scored a pair of runs, while Hutchison sent her blast to centerfield to start a 3-run rally in the 2nd inning after Steele Canyon (4-2) took a 2-0 lead in the 1st.

Blumenstock, who knocked in her runs in the 4th for a 9-0 lead, also gained the pitching victory with 4 strikeouts, allowing an unearned run in the 4th. MICHELLE BEASLEY tossed the final three innings to collect the save on 5 strikeouts.

Santana 4, Otay Ranch 0 – Sultans pitcher JESSIE OWENS tossed a 2-hit shutout to stop the Mustangs in Tuesday (Mar. 17) non-league game in Santee. Owens struck out 11 against just two walks.

Santana (2-0) was handed its first three runs on a wild pitch, a passed ball, then an error on the catcher's toss back to the pitcher. The lone Sultans RBI went to AMANDA GRABLE on a sacrifice fly to make it 4-0. Owens, who reached on a dropped pop-up, scored the unearned run.

© East County Sports.com
ESCONDIDO (3-17-09) — One thing is certain following the annual Cougar Classic, San Diego County 's top early-season tournament: Poway is far and away the top program and should be ranked No. 1 when the major newspaper polls are next released.

The Titans raced through the event with a perfect 6-0 ledger, featuring lop-sided victories Monday (Mar. 16) at Kit Carson Park. Included was an 8-0 blowout of host Escondido in the semifinals, then a 5-0 pasting of Mt. Carmel in the championship.

As for the competition, many more ballclubs left the 32-team event with far more questions than answers. But at least one East County team advanced to the event's final day.

Valhalla, which many thought played in one of the most difficult pools during group play, finished strong to advance to the Copper bracket final. However, after downing El Centro-Southwest, 5-3, in the semifinals, the Norsemen dropped its division final to Rancho Bernardo, 3-2.

Included was scoring the opening run in the 1st inning on a squeeze bunt by ANGELA UY, who also delivered an RBI single basehit to score CORA CORDOVA in the 4th.

McGinley also came home in the 5th when HALEY HOLTER singled to right.

Meanwhile, pitcher TORREY ROOK carried a shutout into the5th (and final) inning. The sophomore registered 8 strikeouts to give Valhalla a 2-game winning streak.

Rancho Bernardo 3, Valhalla 2 – Depending on who you talked to, either Valhalla or the Broncos played in the toughest pool, so it wasn't surprising when the schools met in the division finale.

The edge went to Rancho Bernardo, which received a 2-run homer by pitcher Laura Winter in the 1st, then held on for the victory.

Down 3-0, the Norsemen answered in the 6th. Following consecutive bunt singles by HALEY HOLTER and KAITLIN McGINLEY, a sacrifice bunt by CORA CORDOVA moved both runners in scoring position, with both coming home on a 2-run single by ANGELA UY.

However, Winter finally ended the rally with one of her 15 strikeouts. Uy also pitched two innings of no-hit relief.

El Cajon Valley 13, Sweetwater 0 – Braves freshman pitcher MIRANDA MULLENS tossed a 1-hit shutout, spanking the host Red Devils in National City. Mullens struck out 4 batters.

Already leading 2-0, ECVHS scored 7 times in the 2nd to put away Sweetwater. Catcher DESI GARCIA, designated player JACQUIE PEREZ, second baseman MERLINDA PEREZ and freshman third baseman CHELSEA BALL recorded two hits each.

El Capitan 15, El Centro-Central 2 – Vaqueros freshman CHRISTINA MILLER made her debut a successful one, scattering six hits in a complete-game victory over the visiting Spartans. Miller overcame five walks by pitching out of two jams.

Junior catcher CATHERINE BROWN aided her battery mate by hitting 3-for-4, as the Vaqueros scored 6 times in the 4th, then 4 more in the 5th, to mount a 12-2 advantage.

It was a day for the 11th-graders at the plate. Along with Brown, second baseman ALISHA WYCKOFF went 3-for-4 with 4 RBI, including a 2-run double in the 4th, while PAIGE BORRAS stroked a double.

Christian 9, Valley Center 0 – RICKI GENTRY drove home 3 runs with a pair of doubles, then tossed two innings of shutout relief to lift the Patriots past the Jaguars in Monday's (Mar. 16) Friar Classic ballgame.

Gentry drove home ALLI GUNTER in the 1st, then KARA CARTWRIGHT whipped a 2-run double in the 2nd for a 5-0 advantage.

MARY GRABOWSKI belted a 2-run homer in the 3rd, then catcher ALLIE SCOTT added a solo homer in the 5th for a 7-0 lead. Both homers led off each inning.

Gunter knocked in two more with another double in the 6th to cap the scoring. Gunter finished with a 3-for-4 outing at the plate. She also tossed five innings of 1-hit ball to share the shutout, striking out 5 Jags.

Monte Vista 13, San Diego 1 – ALEX ROSS scattered five hits and did not allow an earned run Monday (Mar. 16) as the visiting Monarchs slapped San Diego in a non-league game.

Ross rolled her record to 3-0 in a six-inning stint. She struck out three and walked two.

“Alex pitched real well,” said Monte Vista coach SIG CHABROWSKI. “She’s starting to take command of games when she pitches.”

Monte Vista (5-1-1) broke the game open with six runs in the third and sixth innings.

JESIKA PEREA paced the Monarchs with two doubles and four RBI, including a three-run double in the third inning. BOBBI WOLFENDEN logged three RBI and BRITTANY WRIGHT hammered a solo home run over an 8-foot wall on the first pitch in the fourth inning.

© East County Sports.com
ESCONDIDO (3-15-09) – Escondido High's annual Cougar Classic proved to be a difficult assignment for the six participating East County schools. Four finished last in their respective 4-team pool, then only one of the half-dozen entrants survived Saturday's (Mar. 14) quarterfinals to play again in Monday's (Mar. 16) championship rounds.

To make matters worse, all six ballclubs took early leads (five in the 1st inning), but five gave them away to lose in heart-breaking fashion during the elimination round, with only Valhalla moving on.

Did someone say: Can we start the season over?

Valhalla 6, Mira Mesa 2 – KAITLIN McGINLEY is among the batters off to a hot start this season. Against the Marauders, the junior went 2-for-3 with 3 stolen bases and a pair of runs, as Valhalla jumped to a 2-0 lead in a Copper bracket ballgame at the Cougar Classic on Saturday (Mar. 14).

"Kaitlin's done real well four us," said Norsemen coach DOUG HARTUNG. “She's batting almost .500 and has stolen quite a few bases, many which turned into runs."

Leading 2-1 going into the 6th (and final) inning, McGinley opened with a basehit, then stole a pair of bases to move into scoring position. A dropped third-strike put two runners on, then CANDICE STAMPER delivered a 2-run single to center.

Stamper came home on an identical basehit by TORREY ROOK, who later scored on a Mira Mesa error. Rook also pitched the final three innings in relief to collect the victory.

Valhalla jumped to a 2-0 lead in the 1st. McGinley opened the game with a single, senior HALEY HOLTER was hit by a pitch, then Stamper advanced both runners with a sacrifice bunt. Freshman NAOMI TELLEZ answered with a 2-run single to right-centerfield.

The Norsemen also received a double by freshman REMI MOSEY, a JV call-up since the team was missing three players due to S.A.T. testing, while another was ill.

Escondido 8, West Hills 5 – The parade of early leads lost started in the Gold bracket (1st-place teams from the 8 pools) Saturday (Mar. 14), as the Wolf Pack jumped to a 3-0 advantage only to see the tournament host Cougars tie the contest in the 3rd, then score 5 more times in the 7th to overcome a 5-3 deficit.

"We had them beat through six innings, but it got away from us," said West Hills coach MEAGAN HARTUNG. "We just had one bad inning and it cost us."

The Cougars' Hannah Akamine registered run-scoring triples in both rallies to advance into the Final Four. The championship semifinals will feature Scripps Ranch and Mt. Carmel at 3 p.m., followed by Escondido meeting Poway at 5 p.m.

Meanwhile, West Hills saw its season-opening 4-game winning streak snapped.

The quick lead featured a lead double by FAITH KORIA, followed by an ALEX MILLER bunt, then a wild pitch for a run.

BRI AUSTIN also singled, eventually scoring on a NOELLE JOHNSON sacrifice fly – the team's third sacrifice (one batter was safe on an error) in the inning.

In the 5th, West Hills reclaimed the lead when Miller scored on an Austin triple, followed an RBI basehit by MICHERIE KORIA.

San Pasqual 4, Steele Canyon 2 – The Cougars needed just three batters to mount a 2-0 lead, but the rest of the game was forgettable in a loss to the Golden Eagles on Saturday (Mar. 14).

NICOLE RANDEL jumped out quickly with a game opening triple. MICHELLE BEASLEY doubled her home, then KELLY CASH singled Beasley home.

However, San Pasqual scored one in the 1st, then tied it in the 2nd on a solo homer by Danielle Smith, as the Golden Eagles scored four unanswered runs to gain a semifinals berth in the Silver bracket.

Rancho Buena Vista 9, Grossmont 5 – This was a contest of sticks and stones.

The Foothillers, unfortunately, had the sticks, scoring one run in each of the game's five innings (tournament time-limit rule) in Saturday’s (Mar. 14) Cougar Classic action. However, the Longhorns countered with stones, with 3 runs in the 1st and 6 more in the 2nd.

A bright spot for Grossmont is AUBRIE MAY, who batted 4-for-4, with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored to have a hand in almost every Hillers’ rally.

May opened the game with a lead single, eventually scoring on a basehit by KELSEY ALVAREZ. An inning later, May doubled home RACHEL STALFORD (single).

LAUREN MIRANDA knocked home MADI HILL in the 3rd before the lineup return to May. She slugged a 2-out triple in the 4th, scoring on a passed ball, then single home a run in the 5th after a triple by LAUREN VALLELY.

El Centro-Southwest 8, Helix 5 – The biggest 1st-inning lead to get bungled on the day went to the Highlanders, who saw a 4-0 lead disappear after the Eagles of Imperial Valley answered with 7 runs in the 5th in Saturday’s (Mar. 14) Cougar Classic play.

The Scotties opened with consecutive basehits by CHANEL McNUTT, CLAUDETTE SMITH and KAILAH CANO-RUE for a 1-0 lead. Then SHALEY MADRUGA bombed a 3-run homer. However, Helix recorded just two additional hits the rest of the way.

The other Helix run was scored by Cano-Rue, as NATALIE SMITH hustled down the line to beat a throw to first base to avoid a double play.

Rancho Bernardo 2, Granite Hills 1 – Both ballclubs were ranked in the preseason Top 10 by both major media outlets. And both sides were off to winless starts through pool play of the Cougar Classic, which meant one side would go home really hurting in this elimination game in the Copper division on Saturday (Mar. 14).

And like the results listed above, another East County team allowed an early lead to slip away, as Rancho Bernardo tallied twice in the 6th inning to plunge the defending CIF Division I champion Eagles to 0-4.

Leah Gordon and Laura Winter drove home runs for the Broncos (1-2-1), then Winter pitched a perfect 7th inning in her complete-game 3-hitter. She struck out 9.

No information was reported by Granite Hills.

© East County Sports.com
ESCONDIDO (3-14-09) — Behind key hits by BRI AUSTIN and ALEX MILLER, West Hills High advanced to the elite group of eight teams in the championship round of the annual Cougar Classic at Kit Carson Park.

The Wolf Pack (4-0 overall) completed a 3-game sweep of their pool, capped by Friday's (Mar. 13) narrow 3-2 verdict over Rancho Buena Vista.

"We're playing with extreme confidence right now, and kept the intensity up the entire game," said head coach MEAGAN HARTUNG. "This was a really big game for us, and I'm really excited we came out as the No. 1 seed from this pool."

Austin and Miller each recorded RBI singles in the 3rd inning to help overcome an early 1-0 lead for the Longhorns (2-1). But when RBV tied the game in the 6th, West Hills immediately took back the lead.

"Those two (Austin and Miller) have been so consistent and came up for us when we needed them," added Hartung. "Both of them are able to get the big hits, but can also put down the bunt and move runners."

The initial Wolf Pack rally saw KAELI HUNYADY open with a single, but she was still standing at second base with the potential tying run with two outs. However, Miller slapped a basehit to level the contest, then she scored on a passed ball and a sharp single by Austin.

In the 6th, Austin again came through when she doubled to left-centerfield, MICHERIE KORIA bunted her to third, then NOELLE JOHNSON singled Austin home for the game-winner.

Johnson then pitched a perfect 7th inning to cap her complete-game victory.

West Hills will meet tournament host Escondido in Saturday's (Mar. 14) Gold bracket quarterfinals. The semifinals and finals in all four divisions will be held Monday.

Grossmont 6, Patrick Henry 3 – In The Battle for Cowles Mountain, the Foothillers overcame an early 3-0 deficit by scoring six unanswered runs to pester the Patriots in Friday’s (Mar. 13) Cougar Classic action.

KAITLYN NICKS, who played despite being bruised following a collision in her previous outing, started the comeback with an RBI in the 3rd, when the Hillers scored four times to take the lead for keeps.

AUBRIE MAY stroked a lead double to start the rally, and CORAL KASDEN followed with a single and a steal of second base to place two runners in scoring position.

Nicks followed with a sharp grounder in the hole. Although the Patriots' shortstop made a diving stab and threw Nicks out at first base, May scored.

MADI HILL followed with a run-scoring single, then a pair of passed balls gave Grossmont the lead. In the 5th, another passed ball made it 5-3, then in the 6th, after RACHEL STALFORD reached base, KELSEY ALVAREZ pumped a booming triple well over the head of the outfielders.

Grossmont advances to Saturday's Silver bracket for teams which placed second in their pools, meeting Rancho Buena Vista in the quarterfinals.

Steele Canyon 2, University City 1 – In Friday’s (Mar. 13) Cougar Classic play, the Cougars of Steele Canyon overcame one of those bizarre plays you'd only see in the movies to subdue the Centurions.

With the bases loaded, an outfielder for UC threw a runner out at the plate. With the ball going through the diamond, a Cougars runner took second as the catcher's throw was late. But on the toss, another runner who advanced to third also tried to come home, but was nailed for a rare 2-out play at the plate.

Fortunately, Steele Canyon scored in the 5th to break the tie and make the strange play moot.

MICHELLE BEASLEY, who homered in the 2nd, stroked a lead single. Pinch-runner MEGAN HUTCHISON eventually scored on a basehit by ASHLEY BARANOV.

"It was really exciting getting the game-winning RBI against a really good team," noted Baranow, a sophomore shortstop. "We have good pitching and good defense, so we just need to keep on hitting in order to keep winning. We just have to keep motivating each other – that's the main goal."

GABRIELLE BEASLEY came in to pitch in relief early, yet tossed 5 2/3 innings of shutout ball to collect the victory.

"We came back after a tough loss by putting some hits together," said Gabrielle Beasley, a sophomore, who yielded just three hits with six strikeouts. "If you can't hit, you can't win, but were trying to get better little-by-little."

El Cajon Valley 11, Lincoln 9 – Trailing 5-4, the host Braves exploded for seven runs in the 5th inning to buzz past the Hornets in Cougar Classic action. El Cajon Valley is now 3-1, with the lone setback coming in extra innings.

The big inning featured a 2-run single by DIANE FRIAS, then CHELSEA WILSON entered in relief to toss 1 2/3 innings of shutout ball to halt Lincoln's comeback attempt, setting down all five Hornets she faced with a pair of strikeouts.

"We've some new freshmen who bring some skills, making us a better team than last year," said ALISSA GARCIA, Friday's (Mar. 13) winning pitcher. "For me, it's hard to throw strikes on every pitch, so it's good to have a good defense backing me up."

Meanwhile, Braves shortstop KAMERYN ROJAS batted 3-for-3, plus a sacrifice bunt, to power the offense.

Valhalla 2, Scripps Ranch 2 (tie) – NORMA REDMAN slapped a 2-run single in the 2nd to overcome an early 1-0 lead for the Falcons, but Scripps Ranch answered with a run in the 6th inning as the pesky tournament time clock expired to forge the draw in Friday’s (Mar. 13) Cougar Classic play.

Redman delivered her hit to left-center following walks to CANDICE STAMPER and NAOMI TELLEZ. Falcons catcher Maggie Sevilla registered the late game-tying hit, as the run was unearned to ruin a 4-inning, 7-strikeout performance by Norsemen reliever TORREY ROOK.

"We pitched much better and played much better defense," noted head coach DOUG HARTUNG. "We’re moving in the right direction."

The Norsemen will meet Mira Mesa in Saturday's Copper quarterfinals.

Christian 10, Chula Vista 0 – MONIQUE ELLIIOTT tossed a 1-hit shutout while centerfielder RICKI GENTRY drove in four runs, powering the host Patriots past the Spartans in Friday's (Mar. 13) Friar Classic contest.

Elliott struck out 8 batters without issuing a walk. Meanwhile, Gentry ignited the offense with a 2-run single in the 1st inning for a 3-0 lead, then added a 2-run triple in the 4th for a 9-0 cushion.

ALLI GUNTER batted a perfect 4-for-4, while catcher ALLIE SCOTT was 2-for-3, belting a 2-run double in the 2nd to score Gunter and first baseman KARA CARTWRIGHT.

Orange Glen 6, Monte Vista 5 – The Monarchs, undefeated through five games at 4-0-1, messed up against a Patriots ballclub which went 3-19 last season and were just 1-2 entering Friday's (Mar. 13) non-league contest.

Nevertheless, moments after Monte Vista scored three times in the 6th to assume a 5-4 lead, Orange Glen answered with two runs in the home half of the 6th to take a surprising Friar Classic triumph.

The Monarchs' big rally featured an RBI double by JESIKA PEREA, who bailed out a teammate who was called out for interference after running into the Orange Glen shortstop. Monte Vista then took the lead on a 2-run single to right-center by AMBER McMILLAN.

Perea finished going 2-for-3, including an RBI triple in the 3rd. McKENNA CLARK added a run-scoring, as Monte Vista mounted a 2-0 lead.

Orange Glen answered with four runs in the 4th behind McKenna Clewett, who went 3-for-4 with an RBI.

BRITTANY WRIGHT batted 2-for-4 and scored twice for the Monarchs.

Francis Parker 8, Helix 1 – A porous defensive effort by the Highlanders saw the small-school power Lancers register five unearned runs, as the Scotties lost a pool-play tiebreaker Friday (Mar. 13) and were relegated into the Copper bracket of the Cougar Classic.

Parker senior pitcher Amye McIntyre carried a perfect game into the 6th inning, but Helix senior second baseman TINA NORIEGA reached on an error. The no-hitter and shutout were stopped in the 7th, when CLAUDETTE SMITH doubled, then scored on a KAILAH CANO-RUE basehit.

Point Loma 4, Granite Hills 0 – Pointers left-hander Becky Nelson limited the Eagles to just one hit on Friday (Mar. 13), sending Granite Hills into the Copper bracket of the Cougar Classic at Kit Carson Park.

The lone hit for Granite Hills (0-3) was a 3rd-inning single by catcher JILL SCIARRA.

© East County Sports.com
ESCONDIDO (3-13-09) — Pool play action in the Cougar Classic at Kit Carson Park continued Thursday (Mar. 12) with four ballgames. However, it was the two other contests which were noteworthy, as Christian and Santana high schools each tossed no-hitters en route to victories.

Christian 10, San Dieguito 0 — Patriots pitchers RICKI GENTRY and MONIQUE ELLIOTT combined for 7 strikeouts in tossing a no-hitter at the visiting Mustangs in Wednesday's (Mar. 12) Falcon Fiesta pool-play ballgame.

Gentry struck out 2 batters, while Elliott registered 5 of her 6 outs on strikes in a contest called after 5 innings by run rule, helping Christian (3-1) bounce back from its first loss of the season.

The Pats scored 9 times in the 2nd to place this one in the victory column early.

The offensive output featured doubles by ALLIE SCOTT and JENNIE VEST, with Scott's driving in a pair of runs.

Santana 10, SD-High Tech 0 — The Sultans, the final East County school to open the 2009 season, received a combined no-hitter by senior JESSIE OWENS and junior SHANNON FYSON to take Thursday's (Mar. 12) non-league contest.

Owens, who tossed the first four innings, and Fyson, who went the last two frames to earn the save, combined to strike out 13 Storm batters. The game was called by run-rule after Santana (10) scored twice in the bottom of the 6th inning.

AMANADA GRABLE batted 3-for-4 and scored three times, while Santana received two hits each from CAITLIN ARNDY (triple, double), GABBIE SCOLARI and CARLA CARRILLO, who drove in four runs.

Grossmont 6, Eastlake 2 — Sophomore pitcher RACHEL STALFORD was victorious in her varsity debut, scattering three hits in the Foothillers' triumph over the Titans at the Cougar Classic.

For the second time this season, CORAL KASDEN recorded the game-winning RBI, breaking a 2-2 deadlock with a run-scoring basehit in the 4th. KELSEY ALVAREZ opened the rally with a basehit, then pinchrunner HEATHER DEMENT moving to second on an error and scored on Kasden's single.

Eastlake scored single runs in the first two innings, but Foothillers head coach JERRY LERUD was pleased with his pitcher.

"Rachel hung in there and kept making adjustments to the strike zone," Leurd said of his sophomore, who allowed just one hit over the final four innings.

Alvarez also registered a key hit in the 5th, when the Hillers scored three times to put the contest out of reach. The designated player stroked a 2-run single, bringing home LAUREN MIRANDA and SUZANNE MARMUSCH.

Vista 6, Helix 2 — KAILAH CANO-RUE and SHALEY MADRUGA each drove in runs to give the Highlanders a quick 2-0 cushion, but Helix managed just two additional hits the rest of the way in falling to Vista in Cougar Classic action Thursday (Mar. 12).

Cano-Rue sent a deep shot to right-centerfield to score NATALIE SMITH (single), then scored when Madruga followed with an RBI basehit.

ALEX SARZNIAK also smacked a double for the Scotties, but the Panthers answered by scoring twice in the 4th, 5th and 7th innings.

Torrey Pines 7, Steele Canyon 0 — Falcons pitcher Lauren Hynes carried a perfect game into the 6th (and final) inning due to the time limit rule, but "only" had to settle for a no-hitter of the Cougars at Kit Carson Park.

The lone Steele Canyon baserunner was pinch-hitter LORENA KLOPP, who led off the 6th. She ran the count to 3-2 before accepting a walk. However, Hynes capped her no-hitter after a sacrifice bunt, a strikeout and a game-ending grounder. She struck out 8 batters.

For the Falcons, Lauren Morizi went 3-for-4 with a double and a pair of RBI.

Following the battle of unbeatens, Torrey Pines is now 4-0; Steele Canyon fell to 2-1.

Mission Hills 6, Valhalla 1 — The Grizzlies, noted as perhaps the most improved ballclub in the San Diego Section by several media outlets, responded after the Norsemen got back into Thursday's (Mar. 12) Cougar Classic ballgame.

After Valhalla scored to tie the game in the 3rd, Mission Hills (4-1) answered back with 3 unearned runs in the 4th to claim the victory. The rally was aided by two walks and a pair of errors, plus failing to convert on a potential double play grounder.

The Norsemen (1-1) scored on a sacrifice fly by CORAL KASDEN, which brought home KAITLIN McGINLEY from third base. Ashley Witherspoon led Mission Hills with 2 hits and an RBI.

© East County Sports.com
ESCONDIDO (3-12-09) — Helix High knew it would miss power-hitting ALYSSA DRONENBURG, the 2008 East County batting champion who was the coaches' SDCIF Division I player of the year and a first-team All-San Diego Section selection by the media.

Or maybe not.

While Dronenburg continues to pound the ball for Cal State San Marcos (.352 average and 5 homers entering the week), the Highlanders may have a replacement in KAILAH CANO-RUE.

Returning to the comfort of the infield this season, Cano-Rue is making a recovery with her bat. On Wednesday (Mar. 11), the senior blasted a pair of home runs, powering the Scotties to a 6-5 decision over Clairemont.

"Kailah plays both first base and third base for us, just like Alyssa did," noted head coach KELLIE BRYAN. "Now that she's back in the infield, she seems more able to relax, which really helps her hitting."

The Chieftains caught Helix napping to secure a 2-0, 1st-inning lead. But the rest of the afternoon belonged to the Highlanders.

In the 4th, after JESSICA HERNANDEZ reached on an error, Cano-Rue went downtown to trim the deficit to 4-3. An inning later, the Chieftains had the choice of walking Cano-Rue to load the bases or pitch to her.

"That ball just flew out of here," exclaimed Bryan.

CLAUDETTE SMITH singled to open the 5th, then stole second base. Fernandez singled, then Cano-Rue connected on a 3-1 pitch.

Clairemont scored early on a 2-run homer by sophomore Priscilla Murillo. Otherwise, Helix pitcher NATALIE SMITH allowed just five singles the rest of the contest to gain the victory.

Monte Vista 9, La Jolla Country Day 1 — The Monarchs (4-0-1) are off to their best start in four seasons after buzz-sawing the Torreys in Friar Classic action on Wednesday (Mar. 11).

AMBER McMILLAN drove in a pair of early runs to overcome an early 1-0 deficit to make it 3-1. Monte Vista then ignited for six runs in the 6th, including a 2-run single by MacKENNA CLARKE.

JESIKA PEREA also drove in two runs, once in the 3rd to tie the ballgame, then an insurance marker in the 6th. Other RBI in the big inning were manufactured by BRITTANY "Junior" WRIGHT, AMANDA AGUON on a double, and ALEX ROSS.

Ross was also the winning pitcher, striking out 6 and allowing just 5 hits. The run was unearned.

West Hills 9, Brawley 1 – Junior second baseman FAITH KORIA went 2-for-3 and stole three bases, while centerfieler ALEX MILLER posted three quality at-bats, as the undefeated Wolf Pack (3-0) made the most of just five hits to run-rule the Wildcats at the Cougar Classic.

Miller officially went 1-for-1, but the hit was an RBI triple in the 3rd inning. She also added a sacrifice fly for a run in the 4th, and added a sacrifice bunt which helped West Hills grab the early lead.

Meanwhile, CHELSEA VELOVICH tossed a 1-hitter in her four innings of work. JESSICA ALDERSON pitched a perfect 5th to close-out the triumph.

Poway 3, Granite Hills 1 — The Titans like to think of themselves as one of the top hitting ballclubs in San Diego County, so it was a frustrating end for Granite Hills pitcher JENNY LAHITTE to limit Poway to just a single hit – and still lose.

Granite Hills (0-2) got to Titans starting pitcher Rebecca Trott early, with Lahitte slugging an RBI triple to bring home MORGAN KURTZ. However, Trott allowed just 3 hits additional hits in her 6 innings, then Ariel Craig registered a pair of 7th-inning strikeout to register the save.

Haley Steele recorded the lone Poway hit with a single to drive in a run. By that time, however, the Titans already led 2-1 after a series of three dropped third-strikes and a pair of errors allowed runners to reach base.

Carlsbad 5, Valhalla 2 — Moments after the Norsemen tied this Cougar Classic ballgame at 1-all, the Lancers answered with four runs in the home-half of the 3rd inning to run their pool play record to 2-0 in a contest called after 5 innings by the tournament time limit rule.

Valhalla's KAITLIN McGINLEY got the game even after a walk, stealing second base, then coming home on an infield grounder by CORA CORDOVA, who went 2-for-3 and also stole a base.

However, four Lancers – Marie Bradavica, Kelleigh McNaughton, Tori Nirschl and Kamalii Peneku (double and triple) – registered two hits each.

The other Norsemen run came in the 5th, as ANGELA UY walked, advanced to second on a Cordova basehit, then scored when sophomore outfielder CANDICE STAMPER singled up the middle.

Horizon 5, Christian 2 — Senior right-fielder Gina Dowdy belted a go-ahead RBI triple in the 5th inning, then the Horizon Panthers added three more runs in the 6th to skate past the visiting Patriots in a Friar Classic contest.

The loss snapped Christian's 3-game winning streak, leaving them 1-1 in the pool play portion of the tournament. Horizon (4-0) moved to 2-0 in the group.

The Patriots book-ended their runs with markers in the 1st and 7th innings.

KARA CARTWRIGHT opened the ballgame with a walk, circling the bases on a wild pitch and a pair of passed balls. Later, sophomore JENNIE VEST singled, moved to third on an error, then scored on a wild pitch.

Panthers pitcher Cassidy Coleman allowed just four hits.

Escondido 10, Grossmont 3 — After Foothillers shortstop KAITLYN NICKS was forced from the contest following a violent, 1st-inning collision, Grossmont needed to re-work its defense. It resulted in five errors with several players out of position, as the Cougars scored 8 times in the 3rd to run-rule the Hillers.

Nicks was attempting to catch a pop fly, but an Escondido runner at second base, unaware that the defender has the right of way to catch the ball, ran directly into the fielder. Both players had to leave the contest.

Escondido took advantage, as Jenna Godinez went 3-for-3 with 5 RBI to run the Cougars' record to 2-0 in the tournament.

Grossmont (1-1) scored three times in the 5th to ruin the shutout bid by Morgan Allaband, who struck out 7 during the 5-inning contest.

LAUREN VALLELY smacked a run-scoring double to right-center, plating KATELYN DASCOMB. The next batter, AUBRIE MAY (2-for-3), went the other way and gapped the Escondido outfielders in left-center for a 2-run home run.

CORAL KASDEN batted 2-for-3 for the Hillers.

© East County Sports.com
ESCONDIDO (3-11-09) — Should this game story seem eerily similar to Steele Canyon's opener on Saturday, you would be correct.

For the second straight contest, the Cougars leaped to a quick 3-0 lead, lost it late, then catcher KELLY CASH delivered the walk-off, game-winning hit in her team's final at-bat, this time defeating Rancho Bernardo in Tuesday's (Mar. 10) opening pool-play contest of the annual Cougar Classic at Kit Carson Park.

"Nothing changed... and Kellie came through again," said Steele Canyon assistant coach QUINN RENFRO. "It's amazing how someone on this team always seems to come through for us."

With the tournament time limit about to expire, Rancho Bernardo scored three times in the 6th to overcome a Cougars' 3-spot in the 3rd. But nothing seems to bother the Cougars.

JAZMIN DAIGLE opened with a walk, NICOLE RANDEL was hit by a pitch, with a fielder's choice leaving two runners on base with one out. Cash then followed with yet another game-winner by stroking a basehit to left to score Randel in the bottom of the 6th.

LORENA KLOPP gained the pitching victory, posting 10 strikeouts. The Broncos' Laura Winter took the loss, despite 11 strikeouts. Winter also keyed the comeback, following a series of three walks with a bases-clearing, 3-run triple – the lone hit allowed by Klopp.

WEST HILLS 5, WESTVIEW 3 — In a Cougar Classic contest on Tuesday (Mar. 10), both teams delivered two key hits each – but there was a major difference. Both Wolf Pack blows came with runners on base, while the Wolverines clubbed a pair of homers with the bases empty, allowing West Hills to run its record to 2-0.

After the teams swapped 1st-inning runs, the Pack's BRI AUSTIN and CHELSEA VELOVICH smacked back-to-back, 2-run singles for a 5-1 lead in the 2nd.

The Wolverines fought back when Sara Cortez led off the 5th with a homer. Two batters later, Mariah Bagsic also went yard, but both were solo shots. West Hills then went with NOELLE JOHNSON to pitch in the 6th, as she went a perfect 6-for-6 in retiring Westview batters to gain her 1st career save.

West Hills opened the game with a basehit by ALEX MILLER, scoring on a double by junior catcher MICHERIE KORIA.

After the Wolverines moved even on an RBI triple by catcher Lauren Gellerman, the Pack's rally started on consecutive basehits by Johnson and KAELI HUNYADY, then Koria walked to load the bases. Pitcher Rachael Hachadorian neatly escaped the jam with a pair of strikeouts, but Austin drove in a pair with a shot to centerfield, then Velovich went to right-center for a 4-run cushion.

Wilson struck out a career-high 12 batters, only getting touched by Hoover for all three runs in the 4th. But by then, El Cajon Valley (2-1) had already mounted an 8-0 lead, featuring four runs in the 1st.

CHRISTIAN 1, EL CAPITAN 0 — One swing of the bat decided this battle of eastside schools on Tuesday (Mar. 10). Freshman third baseman MARY GRABOWSKI belted a leadoff home run in the 2nd inning, then three Patriots pitchers combined to shutout the Vaqueros on three hits.

Grabowski sent her shot to straightaway centerfield. She finished the day going 2-for-3, including a double.

"Mary is definitely going to be a strong player," said Patriots first-year coach GEORGE GENTRY. "She's tall at 5-foot-10 and has a lot of power, plus she can play defense, too."

Patriots starting pitcher ALLI GUNTER tossed the first four innings, recording 5 strikeouts. She collected her second win in as many decisions after MONIQUE ELLIOTT (2 innings) and RICKI GENTRY (1) combined to throw three innings of no-hit relief.

SAN PASQUAL 1, GRANITE HILLS 0 — The defending SDCIF Division I champion Eagles, the preseason No. 1-ranked team in the San Diego Section by one major media outlet, lost in a pitchers' dual during Tuesday's (Mon. 10) opening round of the Cougar Classic.

The lone run came in the 4th inning, when San Pasqual placed two runners in scoring position thanks to a walk, an error and a pair of stolen bases. The unearned run then scored on a passed ball.

Granite Hills pitcher JENNY LAHITTE allowed just two hits with 10 strikeouts, but took the loss. San Pasqual pitcher Rebecca Bliss struck out 8 to gain the win.

Granite Hills got three hits, including two by left-fielder MORGAN KURTZ and the other by Murray State bound MEGAN BELIO.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-10-09) — Monte Vista took advantage of second opportunities to extend its unbeaten streak. BRITTANY WRIGHT delivered a game-tying basehit with two outs in the 7th, then BOBBI WOLFENDEN stroked a 2-run single in the 8th, powering the Monarchs past host El Cajon Valley, 4-2, in Monday's (Mar. 9) non-league contest.

The Monarchs (3-0-1) took advantage of seven walks, four Braves errors and several wild pitches, but never broke through until the 7th inning after trailing 2-0.

Christian High pitcher Monique Elliott (Photo by Joanne Park)

Christian Patriots at Mount Miguel Matadors (Slideshow by Joanne Park)

Monte Vista pitcher MARIZA MALDONADO opened the 7th with a walk, moving to third on a pair of wild pitches. Wolfenden walked, and when she stole second base, Maldonado scored when the throw through the infield landed in centerfield.

Three batters later, Wright singled to left, with Wolfenden beating the throw home to tie the ballgame.

An inning later, the first three Monarchs batters reached base, with AMBER McMILLAN and Maldonado scoring on a basehit to right by Wolfenden.

"We have a lot of hard workers and dedication on this team," noted Wolfenden, a sophomore third baseman. "So we kept fighting because we don't give up."

Unlike, the Braves, which feature six freshmen on their roster, Monte Vista lineup card displays a long list of returning players.

"We know who can bunt and who can hit the line drive," explained Wright on her team's fast start. "We know each others strengths and weaknesses."

El Cajon Valley (1-1) scored single runs in the 4th and 6th innings.

With two out and no one on, Braves power hitter SAMANTHA JULIEN took a big cut looking for a homer, but settled for a double which landed at the base of the left-centerfield fence. Senior JACQUIE PEREZ followed a clean basehit over the second baseman to open the scoring.

Two innings later, freshman shortstop KAMERYN ROJAS scampered to third on a triple which sailed over the first baseman and landed in the right-field corner. Senior catcher DESI GARCIA followed with an infield single up the middle which bounced off Wright, who extended her body, yet saw the ball hit her leg and roll into shallow right field to allow Rojas to come home.

Maldonado pitched all 8 innings, allowing just four hits to collect the victory.

ALLI GUNTER and ALLIE SCOTT each drove in a pair of runs for Christian (2-0), mounting a 5-run cushion by the 3rd inning.

Gunter delivered in the 2nd with a 2-run single. An inning later, Scott, the catcher, doubled home both RICKI GENTRY and KARA CARTWRIGHT, with Scott later scoring on a basehit by freshman third baseman MARY GRABOWSKI.

However, Gentry entered in relief and shutout the Matadors over the final two innings to save the game for winning starter MONIQUE ELLIOTT.

Nelson also registered a strong relief stint, tossing 4 innings of 1-hit ball to bounce back from her poor start in the opener.

© East County Sports.com
CARMEL HEIGHTS (3-8-09) — Steele Canyon High, winners in 7 of its last 8 playoffs games, including a pair of SDCIF championships over the past three seasons, seems primed for another title run.

The Cougars opened the season by nipping one of their chief Division II contenders after KELLY CASH drove home the go-ahead run in the 7th inning, taking a 4-3 decision over Westview in the opening pool play contest of the Falcon Fiesta.

Cash, who earlier drove in a run to give the Cougars a quick 3-0 lead, pumped a low liner off the legs of the Wolverines pitcher. Cash was credited with an infield single which brought home MICHELLE BEASLEY, who opened the frame with a deep triple over the head of the centerfielder.

Winning pitcher LORENA KLOPP followed by setting Westview down in order in the 7th. Klopp, who finished second in East County with 181 strikeouts last season, sat down 12 Wolverines on strikes.

MONTE VISTA 9-3, CALEXICO 6-1 — In the teams’ annual doubleheader and barbeque, the Monarchs’ trek to the Imperial Valley resulted in a pair of victories.

In the opener, Monte Vista mounted a 7-0 lead, then hung on. In the nightcap, playing as the home team, the Monarchs scored 3 times in the 2nd inning.

Information courtesy of The Imperial Valley Press.

Christian High pitcher Aly Gunter tossed 4 innings of 1-hit ball in the Patriots' 11-0 pasting of Mount Miguel in Friar Classic play. (Photo by Mike Jones)

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (3-7-09) — Single-inning explosions powered several East County schools to season-opening victories in Friday's (Mar. 6) girls fastpitch action.

Included was a 7th-inning, 5-run rally by El Cajon Valley to break a tie to defeat San Diego, Grossmont tallied 9 times in the 2nd inning to stampede San Dieguito Academy, while Christian posted double-figures on Mount Miguel to gain a run-rule triumph.

GROSSMONT 9, SAN DIEGUITO ACADEMY 1 – Freshman infielder AUBRIE MAY scored in the 1st inning on a run-scoring basehit by CORAL KASDEN. Then May delivered the big blow for the Foothillers, when the third baseman cleared the bases with a 3-run triple to left-center field to help Grossmont scored 8 times in the 2nd.

Meanwhile, Hillers pitcher BRITTANY FISHTROM tossed a 1-hitter in the contest called after 5 innings by run rule. She allowed just one basehit – a 4th-inning single by Mia Sprau – while the one run allowed came unearned in the 3rd.

Kasden finished going 3-for-3 at the plate, while Fishtron and LAUREN MIRANDA each batted 2-for-3.

For El Cajon Valley, catcher DESI GARCIA collected 3 hits, while SAMANTHA JULIEN and ALISSA GARCIA garnered 2 hits each.

CHRISTIAN 11, MOUNT MIGUEL 0 – Patriots’ pitchers ALY GUNTER and MONIQUE ELLIOTT combined on a 2-hit shutout of the visiting Matadors in Friday's opening round of the Friar Classic, hosted by Our Lady of Peace.

Each pitcher allowed just one hit, as Gunter tossed 4 shutout innings, while Elliott pitched the 5th in a contest called short by the run rule.

Meanwhile, Christian expanded an early 1-0 lead by posting 10 runs in the 2nd, featuring a grand slam by RICKI GENTRY. In the big inning, Gentry, a centerfielder, accounted for 6 RBI, also slamming a 2-run double.

WEST HILLS 11, OUR LADY OF PEACE 0 – The Wolf Pack broke open a close 1-0 contest with 6 runs in the 4th, then 4 more in the 5th to run rule the tournament host Pilots in a Friar Classic contest held at Linda Vista Recreation Center.

Freshman pitcher NOELLE JOHNSON tossed a 2-hit shutout in her interscholastic debut, striking out 5 batters, while junior catcher BRI AUSTIN batted 4-for-4 with a pair of RBI.

"It took us awhile to get the bats going, but once they did, we were obviously fine," said West Hills coach MEAGAN HARTUNG.

MONTE VISTA 3, MAR VISTA 3, tie – In a contest called after 7 innings due to darkness, the Monarchs held tough against a Mariners ballclub which has been among the seeded teams in the CIF Division III playoffs over three of the past four seasons.

MARIZA MALDANADO settled down to blank Mar Vista over the final four innings, striking out five batters.

Down 1-0 in the first, Monte Vista answered on a 2-run triple by senior third baseman AMBER McMILLAN, clearing the head of the right-fielder to score BRITTANY WRIGHT and JESIKA PEREA.

The Mariners answered with single runs in the 2nd and 3rd, sandwiching around consecutive Monarchs doubles for a run by BOBBI WOLFENDEN, who went 2-for-3, and AYAKA GRESHAM.

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (3-6-09) — Helix High pitcher NATALIE SMITH is finally receiving her shot at being the Highlanders' No. 1 pitcher. So when first-year head coach KELLIE BRYAN handed her the ball for Thursday's (Mar. 5) season opener, Smith took advantage.

Facing visiting Eastlake, Smith, a senior, not only tossed a shutout, it was a no-hitter as well in a 4-0 blanking of the Titans.

"Obviously, Natalie pitched very well, but you could see the confidence in her growing," noted Bryan, herself a former 4-year starter at both West Hills High (2000-03) and Arkansas Tech (2004-07). "Nothing seemed to bother her."

Smith was the No. 2 pitcher at Helix as a sophomore behind senior CHRISTINE JACOBITES. However, plans to take over last season were scuttled when All-County pitcher TERESE DIAZ transferred back from Ramona High.

Thus, Smith was forced to return to right field – she was a second-team, All-Grossmont South League selection – making just a couple of token relief appearances, although she did toss a 3-hit shutout against San Dieguito in her lone start.

However, Smith looked like a seasoned veteran after posting 9 strikeouts to subdue the Titans.

Thurs., Mar. 5 Non-League HIGHLANDERS 4, TITANS 0

Eastlake (0-1) Helix (1-0) 000 000 0 - 0 0 1 000 040 x - 4 6 3

Minter (0-1) and Sacay; N.Smith (1-0) and Madruga. HR-none.

Helix scored all its runs in the 5th inning.

CLAUDETTE SMITH smacked a triple over the head of the Eastlake right-fielder to score ALEX SARZYNIAK, then scored when JESSICA FERNANDEZ doubled beyond the centerfield's grasp for a 2-0 lead.

Natalie Smith followed with a basehit, stealing second base to put two runners in scoring position, as both runners were cashed in on a 2-run basehit to right by SHALEY MADRUGA.

Santana fastpitch stars Amanda Carpenter (left) and Jessie Owens sign their National Letters of Intent. Carpenter is ticketed for Ball State, while Owens will pitch for Point Loma Nazarene. The Sultans are flanked by principal Tim Schwuchow. (Photo by Larry Oedewaldt)

© East County Sports.com
HONOLULU (11-19-08) — The University of Hawai‘i announced the signing of softball standouts BRITTANI BERTUSSI (Granite Hills High) and Jessica Iwata (Lihue, Kaua‘i) to national letters of intent to play for the Rainbow Wahine in the spring of 2010.

Bertussi, a 5-6 middle infielder, helped lead her Granite Hills ballclub to the 2008 CIF-SDS Division I championship.

Bertussi is a three-time All-East County selection – twice on the first team, following a berth on the all-freshmen team – and was a second-team All-San Diego Section pick by the media via the San Diego Hall of Champions this past season.

She was also the most valuable pitcher at last year's Falcon Fiesta tournament, earning her third straight nomination as school Athlete of the Year for the Eagles.

“What really stood out about Brittani, was that she is a strong but quiet leader on the field,” said Hawai'i head coach Bob Coolen. “She has good range, excellent hands, and is so versatile she can play anywhere on the field with outstanding instincts. Bertussi is a spray hitter who hits for power and is smart in situational hitting. She will make an immediate impact.”

On her club team this past summer, Bertussi set a new Breakers’ club-record with a .413 batting average, while posting team bests in hits (52), doubles (10), home runs (7), runs batted in (39) and slugging percentage (.683).

Bertussi turning down invitations from Utah, Northwestern, Oklahoma, Memphis, Villanova, California, UCLA, UC Santa Barbara and San Diego State. She is a shortstop.

Meanwhile, Granite Hills teammates JENNY LAHITTE and MEGAN BELIO made their college decisions known Lahitte, a pitcher, reportedly accept a partial academic scholarship from University of San Diego. Meanwhile, Belio, who played centerfield in high school, is expected to sign with Southern Kentucky, which will be a first-year NCAA Division I program.

Lahitte was a first-team, All-San Diego CIF selection by the media, then gained a second-team berth on the All-California state team by CalHiSports.com; Bertussi was a second-team selection, with all three earning All-East County recognition.