© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-1-10) — It's what everyone expects from a typical Granite Hills-Valhalla encounter, filled with lots of excitement and tension. And when you throw in extra innings, as many featured Grossmont Hills League contest have lasted recently, this one could be considered a thriller.

In the end, Granite Hills overcame a 2-run rally by the visiting Norsemen, answering by also scoring two runs in the 9th inning, then winning it in the 10th to secure a 3-2 decision.

After yielding just four hits over 10 innings, Lahitte delivered the walkoff single by send a hard roller to the hole at shortstop with the bases loaded. Although the Norsemen got a glove to the ball, there was no play at any base, as MORGAN KURTZ came home from third base.

"We've been hitting the ball well all week," said Granite Hills coach ERIN COYNE. "So we were bound to get some breaks."

The Mad Hatter

Eagles left fielder Savannah Brooks (Photo by Suzy Lahitte)

With two outs, Norsemen freshman DIONNA SMITH doubled, coming home on a CORA CORDOVA basehit. Later in the inning, a dropped third strike and a throwing error allowed Cordova to score.

However, the Eagles refused to wilt to Norsemen pitcher TORREY ROOK, who matched Lahitte with eight shutout innings.

With one out TARIN MARKS walked, with Lahitte reaching on a fielder's choice. NICOLE OBNEY singled, then she and Lahitte came home when DESIREE MEJIA boomed a 2-run double to right field.

An inning later with one out, Kurtz and KIMMY TRIOLO singled, then TARIN MARKS was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Lahitte followed with her walkoff scratch single, keeping the Eagles in GHL championship contention.

STEELE CANYON 1, GROSSMONT 0 – In another monster pitching effort, the Cougars' LORENA KLOPP dominated after pitching a 2-hit shutout, striking out 14 to outlast Foothillers starter RACHEL STALFORD in Friday's (Apr. 30) GHL battle at The Great Wall.

Klopp, instructed by the Steele Canyon coaches to reduce her pitch count by not picking on the corners too much, came through big time, carrying a no-hitter deep into the 6th inning.

"Lorena's record may only be 5-4, but look who she's played – she only goes against the best teams," said Cougars assistant coach QUINN RENFRO. "She showed good accuracy because we need her to get ready for the playoffs."

The only hits off Klopp were a two-out single by Grossmont's AUBRIE MAY in the 6th, then a CORAL KASDEN basehit in the 7th.

The lone run came in the 4th off Stalford, who struck out six yet saw her 6-game win streak snapped during her ballclub's climb into the county rankings.

With one out, Cougars shortstop MICHELLE BEASLEY blasted a triple to right field. First baseman MADISON HANTEN followed with a flare to right for a run-scoring basehit.

"It was a big hit for a little poke," added Renfro. "But Madison 's strong and got her hands through to get the ball over the infield."

WEST HILLS 11, HELIX 3 – Coming off their first setback in more than six weeks, the Wolf Pack jumped on the Highlanders for five quick runs in the 1st inning. The victory, coupled with Grossmont's loss to Steele Canyon , gave West Hills a share of the Grossmont Hills League lead through the first round of league play.

FAITH KORIA posted another perfect day at the plate by reaching base all five times. The senior second baseman went 4-for-4 (plus a walk) to raise her batting average to .466. Koria also drove in three runs, including two in the 6th with a double, along with scoring two runs and stealing a pair of bases.

Meanwhile, NOELLE JOHNSON came back strong after getting beat in a 10th-inning relief stint against Grossmont. She tossed two strong innings, then received a rare opportunity to play right field.

"Noelle needed to get off the deck after the Grossmont loss," said West Hills coach MIKE APPLEBAUM. "Then while we were moving some people around, I asked her if she'd ever played in the outfield before."

"She said, 'Sure,' but it was a real long time ago,' when she played under-12 ball."

Johnson is just a 15-year old sophomore, yet from her perspective, three years is a long time. While in right field, she batted 2-for-3 in an all-around effort.

Freshman MELISSA EGGLESTON pitched the final five innings to earn the victory. BRI AUSTIN also added a pair of basehits along with the 15 collected by the Pack.

SANTANA 3, MONTE VISTA 0 – Sultans pitcher AMBER SCHISLER was rolling along by shutting out the visiting Monarchs, but her teammates just couldn't seem to assist her with their bats.

On the other side was Monte Vista senior MARIZA MALDONADO, who was tossing her own shutout, seeking the school's first victory over Santana since Mar. 26, 2001 – a 3-1 decision in the Grossmont Conference Tournament.

So Schilser took matters into her own hands. The freshman accounted for all of the game's runs by belting a 3-run homer in the 6th to gain Friday's (Apr. 30) Grossmont Valley League triumph.

AMANDA GRABLE and KAYTI GRABLE smacked consecutive 1-out singles. Then with two outs, Schisler took the first pitch out to centerfield. It was her first varsity home run.

Schisler finished with a 4-hit shutout. She also batted 2-for-3 to match the effort of teammate MICHELLE THILLE.

EL CAPITAN 6, EL CAJON VALLEY 1 – The Grossmont Valley League leading Vaqueros leaped to a quick 4-0 lead before the Braves took their first cuts Friday (Apr. 30), maintaining a half-game lead over Santana.

Shortstop ALISHA WYCKOFF continued reaching base at an impressive rate, going 2-for-3 and walking twice. Meanwhile, CATHERINE BROWN also batted 2-for-3 in fueling a 12-hit attack and making a winner of pitcher AMBER TAYNTON. All three are seniors.

El Cajon Valley produced its lone run in the 4th when KAMERYN ROJAS singled, took second on a wild pitch, moved to third on a CHELSEA BALL sacrifice bunt, then came home on another errant pitch to the backstop.

Scott, the catcher, pounded a 2-run double when Christian scored five times in the 3rd inning to claim the lead. Then in the 5th, another shot to right field highlighted a 4-run rally to keep the Patriots in second place.

Trailing 1-0, AMANDA MARCOS and ALLI GUNTER singled, then RICKI GENTRY reached on an error to load the bases. Scott followed by going with an outside pitch and punching it to the barrier in right field for a 2-1 advantage.

MARY GRABOWSKI followed with a 2-run single to right-center, plating Gentry and Scott. Grabowski took second base on the throw home, then scored when JEANNIE VEST singled.

In the 5th, it was a similar start. MONIQUE ELLIOTT and Gentry singled, followed by a Scott double. Elliott scored, but Gentry was out at the plate. Grabowksi followed by singling home Scott.

The rally was capped by junior KEYLEE SCHULZ, who dropped the ball into right-center to drive home a pair of runs in the biggest hit of her career.

Scott, Gentry and Grabowski each collected two of Christian's 11 hits.

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (4-30-10) — The topic came up during talks at last month's Hilltop Tournament: Who are the best pitchers in the county?

The usual list of prominent seniors came up, following by notations on a ground-swell of top freshmen, who could make San Diego County softball as good as anywhere in California over the next three seasons.

Left between the cracks were just a handful of juniors and sophomore, thus were almost totally ignored in the conversation.

It is one reason so many people are surprised when they look at the top of the Grossmont Hills League standings. While arguments were easily made for West Hills, Valhalla, Steele Canyon, and Granite Hills, all four are currently looking up at the front-running Grossmont Foothillers.

"It's because no one knew how good RACHEL STALFORD is," said Hillers coach JERRY LERUD on his red-hot senior, who toiled 10 long innings before getting past top-ranked West Hills, 5-2, in Wednesday's (Apr. 28) featured contest. "She is pitching which such confidence right now."

The so-called "'tweener class" of junior and sophomores is topped by West Hills 10th-grader NOELLE JOHNSON, who entered the contest with a 13-1 record. However, coming into the game following nine stellar innings from starter MELISSA EGGLESTON, Johnson walked two and saw three of her four wild pitches allow the go-ahead runs to score.

"No one on our team is feeling very well right now," noted Wolf Pack coach MIKE APPLEBAUM. "We, as a team, just came out flat."

Erased is a 14-game winning streak for West Hills, (19-2-1, 3-1 GHL) which now rests a full game behind the Foothillers (13-8, 4-0 GHL) as the first-half of the league schedule heads for Friday's conclusion.

"We just made very few mistakes and seemed more determined," noted Lerud.

West Hills sandwiched single runs in the 1st and 3rd around a pair of Grossmont runs in the 3rd before the pitchers dug in for six consecutive shutout innings.

The winning rally started when pinchhitter MEGAN CRISCI walked, then LAUREN VALLELY was re-inserted to run. AMANDA PORTER reached on an error, then HANNAH RAPOPRT walked to load the bases.

In the 1st, Faith singled to left, stole second base, then scored on Micherie's double to center. Two innings later, it was Faith who doubled, later coming home on a ground ball by Micherie to knot the contest at 2-all.

Grossmont's scoring during regulation again featured a basehit by leadoff batter AUBRIE MAY, who landed a ball between the center and right fielders for a single. Porter also singled, but Eggleston retired the next two batters.

However, a double steal placed both runners into scoring position, as CORAL KASDEN cashed in both with a 2-run double to left-center.

Porter and HAYLEY KASDEN collected two of Grossmont's eight hits. Faith Koria went 2-for-5 among the Pack's six hits.

Valhalla Norsemen at Steele Canyon Cougars (Slideshow by James Labshere)

Valhalla shortstop Cora Cordova snags a high throw to tag out the Cougar's Michelle Beasley. (Photo by James Labshere)

Rook finished with 10 strikeouts to run her record to 11-3. Meanwhile, Steele Canyon pitcher LORENA KLOPP finished with 14 strikeouts in tossing a 3-hitter, but was burned by issuing six walks to extend innings and her pitch count.

With Norsemen leadoff batter KAITLIN McGINLEY hitting again, so goes the team's offense. She opened the contest with a bunt single, then stole second and third bases. The small ball continued on a squeeze bunt by CORA CORDOVA and it was 1-0 after just two batters.

Rook followed with a line drive to left field on a 3-2 pitch. Although the ball might have ticked off the top of the defender's glove, Steele Canyon (14-5-1, 2-2 GHL) was able to recover the ball to catch Rook at third in her attempt to go for a triple.

The other run by Valhalla (17-5-1, 2-2 GHL) came in the 6th following a two-out walk to Rook. Courtesy runner AMANDA WELLONS scored when third baseman DIONNA SMITH took another 3-2 pitch to right field for a triple.

Steele Canyon kept pressing Rook until the very end, but she escaped in the final two frames.

In the 6th, Klopp smashed a triple but was stranded. An inning later, Cougars catcher MOLLY HUTCHISON smacked a lead double, also eventually reaching third base, yet again no one could drive her in.

"Torrey faced a couple of difficult situations," said Valhalla coach DOUG HARTUNG. "But each time she got out of it."

Meanwhile, Hutchison, a freshman, finished with a 3-for-3 effort at the plate. She has now gone 8-for-10 in her last three outings.

"Molly's really starting to figure out things, and it's carried over to her entire game," said Cougars assistant coach QUINN RENFRO. "Her batting has been tremendous of late."

Serra Conquistadors at Christian Patriots (Slideshow by Jill Gentry)

Christian baserunner Alli Gunter was rule safe for an infield single to help down Serra, 4-1. (Photo by Jill Gentry)

MARY GRABOWSKI paced Christian (16-6, 3-1 EL) with run-scoring singles in the 4th and 5th innings to overcome an early Q's run to defeat the visitors from Tierrasanta.

The Patriots tallied three times in the 4th inning to secure the lead and make a winner of starting pitcher RICKI GENTRY, who starting the go-ahead rally with a leadoff single.

Catcher ALLIE SCOTT followed with a single, then Grabowski tied the contest with a double to right field. Scott, who possesses decent speed for a 6-foot catcher, then shocked Serra by racing home on a squeeze bunt by junior JEANNIE VEST for a 2-1 lead.

The outburst was capped by a MIRANDA CAZARES ground ball to the right side, bringing home Grabowski.

An inning later, MONIQUE ELLIOTT led with a basehit, Gentry walked, with both advancing into scoring position on Scott's grounder to the right side. Grabowski followed by a hard roller up the middle for her second RBI of the ballgame.

Meanwhile, ALLI GUNTER came on to pitch the final three innings, not allowing a hit to save the triumph for Gentry, who batted 1-for-1 and walked twice.

EL CAPITAN 10, MOUNT MIGUEL 0 – Freshman pitcher NICHOLE BALINGER registered her third shutout of the month after blanking the visiting Matadors on just two hits Wednesday (Apr. 27). She earlier blanked Point Loma and El Cajon Valley.

The Vaqueros (13-8, 4-0 GVL) put this one away early after scoring five times in the 1st, again gaining a half-game lead over idle Santana (12-7-1, 3-0 GVL) for leadership of the Grossmont Valley League. The ballclubs did not play in the first round of the league schedule due to a rain-out.

AMBER TAYNTON paced El Capitan's offense with three basehits, while KELSEY MOODY singled twice to combine for half of their team's hits. Both are seniors.

For Mount Miguel (0-19, 0-5 GVL), shortstop SONIA RAY registered both basehits off Balinger.

MONTE VISTA 14, EL CAJON VALLEY 4 (6 inn.) – The Monarchs secured a firm grip of third place in the Grossmont Valley League after scoring six times in the 3rd inning to mount a 9-0 advantage over the visiting Braves.

CHRISTINE LOPEZ allowed just four hits to collect the pitching victory for Monte Vista (9-12, 3-2 GVL). All four hits came consecutively when El Cajon Valley (6-10, 1-4 GVL) registered all of its runs in the 4th.

KAMERYN ROJAS and CHELSEA BALL opened with singles, then a bunt for a basehit by MERLINDA LOPEZ loaded the bases.

TIANNA KILGORE followed with hit No. 4 for a run to avoid the shutout. Among the next three runs, the Braves' JESSICA SNOW and GINA GARCIA garnered RBI.

Granite Hills Eagles at Helix Highlanders (Slideshow by Suzy Lahitte)

Helix third baseman Sydni Trilolo.

"I just want to thank ERIN (COYNE, the Granite Hills coach) for not running-up the score," said Highlanders coach KELLIE BRYAN. "It could've been a lot worse."

But when you're in a hitting slump, like Granite Hills (12-8, 1-3 GHL) has been suffering through the last few weeks, a 17-hit effort was extremely pleasing in gaining their initial league triumph. And Coyne offered the disheartening numbers with coaxing.

"We've had just seven hits in our last 35 innings," noted Coyne. "People ask why we haven't been winning – it's because we're not hitting."

Leading the Eagles hit parade was sophomore NICOLE OBNEY, who batted 3-for-4 and drove in three runs, including a solo homer in the 3rd. She also jump-started the offense in 1st with a 2-run double, scoring TARIN MARKS and JENNY LAHITTE.

Also collecting two hits each were MORGAN KURTZ, KATY CREWS and Marks.

Meanwhile, freshman KIMMY TRIOLO tossed a 3-hit shutout at the Scotties, recording five strikeouts. Helix (4-16, 0-4 GHL) received hits from frosh CHANELLE WARD in the 4th to snap Triolo's no-hit bid, then 5th-inning singles by SHALEY MADRUGA and CARLY ACEVES.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-28-10) — A pair of East County softball programs ended losing streaks in Grossmont Conference rain make-up contests Tuesday (Apr. 27).

Valhalla, recently elevated into the county rankings, opened Grossmont Hills League play at 0-2. However, the Norsemen (16-5-1) got back on track by blanking Helix, 7-0.

Meanwhile, El Cajon Valley, which opened the season with five straight victories, halted a 9-game skid by outlasting Mount Miguel in a wild 12-11 verdict.

VALHALLA 7, HELIX 0 – Sophomore KIANA BROWN slammed a 3-run homer in the 5th inning, while CANDICE STAMPER tossed a 3-hit shutout to lead the Norsemen over the host Highlanders.

It was the fourth homer of the season for Brown, in sharp contrast to her father JAVIER BROWN, who was better known as a singles hitter when he played for the San Diego-Barona Stars semipro. Her blast to left field also scored TORREY ROOK and DIONNA SMITH

The 4-run rally saw second baseman MADISON LABSHERE single to center and move to second on a CORA CORDOVA bunt, then Rook singled up the middle to place runners on the corners. Smith followed with a squeeze bunt to plate Labshere for a 3-0 lead before Brown followed to double the advantage to 6-0.

Rook finished with a 2-for-2 outing, including an RBI double to bring home Cordova with two outs in the 1st.

Stamper overcame early wildness (four walks) to blank the Scotties. She struck out six to raise her record to 6-2.

The Scotties received opposite-field basehits from centerfielder CLAUDETTE SMITH and catcher SHALEY MADRUGA, plus a single up the middle by second baseman GABRIELLE GUZMAN

Instead, the host Braves rallied to tie the game at 8-all through two frames, then came back a second time to claim the high-scoring affair to win for the first time since Mar. 19.

Mount Miguel held leads of 5-0, 8-3 and 9-8, but the Braves scored four times in the 3rd for a 12-9 advantage. Oddly, the offense suddenly disappeared after that, as Mount Miguel's two runs in the 6th would complete the scoring.

The Braves got even for the first time when TIANNA KILGORE came home on a passed ball in the 2nd. Mount Miguel scored once in the 3rd to re-take the advantage, but ECVHS answered quickly, as CHELSEA BALL singled home EVELYN GLADE with the go-ahead run at 10-9, with the 4-run rally capped on an RBI basehit from catcher JESSICA SNOW.

Ball extended her hitting streak with a 2-for-3 outing. Braves pitcher MIRANDA MULLENS did not allow an earned run over the final four innings to gain the victory.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-27-10) — Grossmont High head coach JERRY LERUD can only offer one simple explanation to explain the difference between his mediocre Foothillers ballclub from a month ago and the one which is currently spanking the best in the Grossmont Hills League.

"We're just playing with a lot of confidence," said the veteran skipper. "And because of it, we're hitting, we're pitching and we've stepped up our defense. It's fun to watch."

In a battle of leadoff batters, May reached base on all four of her plate appearances, then single-handedly rejected the efforts of Eagles leadoff batter MORGAN KURTZ, retiring her three times on slaps to third base for outs on throws across the diamond.

"Because Kurtz is a slapper, of course her hits went to the left side," noted Lerud. "But we made plays on defense to limit Granite's opportunities, especially in the later innings."

After May singled in the 1st, the Eagles walked her the next three times she batted. She would score on two of those occasions, coming home on a passed ball in the 3rd, then in the 5th on ensuing basehits by KAITLYN NICKS then CORAL KASDEN for the RBI.

Meanwhile, Hillers pitcher RACHEL STALFORD avoided trouble in her first three innings, stranding runners in scoring position each time, then allowing just one basehit over the final four frames. Twice Stalford escaped on pop-ups to second baseman HAYLEY KASDEN, including one via a diving grab for the third out.

Granite Hills saw TARIN MARKS double in the 1st, but was left at third base. The Eagles then failed to knock home two runners in scoring position in the 2nd, then a 3rd-inning double by NICOLE OBNEY saw her left standing at third on the Hayley Kasden catch.

Grossmont (12-8) has now defeated GHL foes in Helix, Valhalla and Granite Hills in succession, sharing first place with top-ranked West Hills. The co-leaders will collide for undisputed possession of the top spot on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Eagles (11-8), one of the favorites for the GHL crown, sit shockingly alone in last place at 0-3.

WEST HILLS 6, STEELE CANYON 4 – The Wolf Pack entered this Grossmont Hills contest as winners of 14 straight contests, but the last four were by two runs or less as pitching has carried the ballclub.

So when the visiting Cougars struck for two quick runs in the 1st inning, courtesy of a 2-run double to right field by catcher MOLLY HUTCHISON, West Hills knew the bats would need to come alive.

"It was nice to see us bust out with some hits today – and against a good team," said Pack coach MICHAEL APPLEBAUM. "But it was our defense which put out today. We made several diving catches – some of the girls got fully extended – which was exciting to see."

While the defense stalled the Cougars, West Hills answered with two runs in the 1st, 3rd and 5th innings to run the team's win streak to 15.

"It's not a coincidence that we had our top of the order batting when we scored," added the coach.

The comeback featured a game-tying basehit in the 1st by shortstop ALEX MILLER, who sent the ball up the middle with the bases loaded to score KAELI HUNYADY and MICHERIE KORIA.

Two innings later, FAITH KORIA reached third base with a lead walk, a steal and a sacrifice by Hunyady. Micherie Koria then beat out a slap single, with her twin holding at third while waiting for the throw to first base. Although Faith eventually got stuck in a rundown which lasted more than a half-dozen throws, she escaped to register the go-ahead run, while Micherie circled the bases to safely reach third.

A similar stop-and-go play resulted in two additional Wolf Pack runs in the 5th. With two runners in scoring position, a Faith Koria bunt was thrown away down the right-field line, allowing SAVANNA BAGGETT (double) and pinchrunner ASHLEY EDELMAN to waltz home for a 6-2 cushion.

Edelman re-entered the game for pinchhitter ALYSSA EVJEN, who made her first appearance following an injury suffered last month, yet she came through cold with a basehit.

Steele Canyon halved the deficit in the 6th when LORENA KLOPP doubled home designated player ASHLEY BARANOV (single and an error to reach second base) and NICOLE RANDEL (walk).

However, the Cougars mustered just six hits off winning pitcher NOELLE JOHNSON, who raised her record to 13-1. Johnson struck out eight to out-duel Klopp, who recorded 7 strikeouts.

After Lincoln trimmed a 5-1 deficit to a single run, Helix first baseman RAE CARTER answered by belting a 3-run homer to left in the 6th inning. The blast also scored GABRIELLE GUZMAN and CHANELLE WARD, as the Scotties would collect four runs in the frame.

" Lincoln showed some passion in coming back, showing they were here to win," said Helix coach KELLIE BRYAN. "But we picked up our game, too. It was good to see that from our girls."

Carter and SHALEY MADURGA combined to collect half of Helix' 12 hits, going 3-for-4 each. Included among Madurga's totals were a pair of doubles.

Meanwhile, CLAUDETTE SMITH, SYDNI TOILOLO and Ward all batted 2-for-4. Included was a leadoff single by Smith in the 3rd, which went for a run on a 3-base error when the ball rolled underneath an outfielder.

Helix scored twice in the 1st on RBI singles by Toilolo and Madruga, then the pair also knocked in runs in the 3rd on extra-bases hits, as Toilolo tripled in Carter, then scored on a Madruga double.

SANTANA 10, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 – Sultans pitchers SHANNON FYSON and MALLORY BOYD came within one batter of a perfect game, settling for a combined no-hitter of the visiting Braves in Monday's (Apr. 26) Grossmont Valley League ballgame.

Fyson struck out five batters in her three perfect innings of work, running her record to 7-3. Boyd then entered in the 4th inning to collect her first career save, her lone blemish coming on a two-out walk to El Cajon Valley catcher JESSICA SNOW in the 5th inning.

AMANDA GRABLE then capped the bottom of the 5th with a walkoff basehit, when the Sultans scored four times. Grable's single capped a 3-for-4 outing which featured a three RBI, including a 2-run double in the 2nd to make it 6-0.

Meanwhile, KAYTI GRABLE registered a rarity with a pair of sacrifice flies for RBI in the 1st and 2nd. She also singled in her other at-bat.

Also for Santana, MICHELLE THIELLE batted 2-for-2 and stole two bases, CAITLYN ARNDT went 2-for-3 with a double and two runs scored, while Fyson belted a 2-run double to left in the 2nd.

MONTE VISTA 13, MOUNT MIGUEL 0 – No report from either school.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-24-10) — With respect to hockey's Ottawa Senators, which recently went into triple overtime to defeat the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins, the team which perhaps works even longer may be the West Hills Wolf Pack.

Despite losing the services of their starting pitcher midway through a contest which lasted 14 innings, the top-ranked Pack continued to find ways to win, taking Friday's (Apr. 23) showdown with Granite Hills, 1-0.

It was the school's second straight marathon victory after nipping Valhalla in 12 innings prior to the recent rains.

Three straight bunts, capped as a surprising square-up by power-hitting JENNA BASNIGHT on a safety squeeze, was the difference in keeping West Hills in a share for the top spot in the Grossmont Hills League.

"It was all about being patient at the plate," said head coach MIKE APPLEBAUM. "And we got a lift from our freshman pitcher."

Wolf Pack starting pitcher NOELLE JOHNSON yielded a lead-off single to opposing pitcher JENNY LAHITTE, then tossed 10 innings of no-hit ball before leaving the field for undisclosed personal reasons.

Thus, 9th-grader MELISSA EGGLESTON was called upon to maintain the status quo in the scoreless ballgame. Despite the pressure situation, she matched Johnson's effort.

"After everything Noelle did out there, Melissa was just as good," added Applebaum. "It was quite an effort."

Meanwhile, Johnson extended her shutout string to 45 consecutive innings, less than two frames short of the East County season best run of 46 1/3 set by Lahitte.

The deciding inning saw left fielder KAELI HUNYADY put down a bunt for a basehit, then a bunt by MICHERIE KORIA was fielded yet dropped at first base for an error, placing runners on the corners.

Basnight then surprised everybody by placing the ball down the third base line with the defense playing back.

Koria was also a key to prevent Granite Hills from winning in regulation.

In the 6th, Lahitte walked, with courtesy runner NA'TAVIA LEE reaching third base on a pair of passed balls. Two outs later, Eagles clean-up hitter KIMMY TRIOLO, a freshman, then slugged an apparent basehit to left field.

"The ball one-hopped straight to Micherie," noted Applebaum. "And she fired a strike to first base."

The 9-3 put out ended the threat.

"It was two games in one," added the coach. "And that's two games in a row – it's been a lot of work."

Despite the seback, Lahitte gained another listing in the CIF San Diego Section record book. She struck out 22 batters, but was backed by just two hits – hers and a 13th-inning basehit by DESIREE MEJIA.

Hunyady went 3-for-6 with a pair of stolen bases. FAITH KORIA was 2-for-6 and stole her 21st base of the season, while Micherie Koria went 2-for-5 with a double, a walk and a steal.

GROSSMONT 3, VALHALLA 0 – After posting a mediocre 9-8 record entering league play, the Foothillers suddenly look invincible. They collected their fourth straight victory – third by shutout – in stunning the host Norsemen at Leto Field.

RACHEL STALFORD pitched a 2-hitter in Friday's (Apr. 23) triumph, striking out 11 batters in keeping Grossmont in a surprising tie for first place in the Grossmont Hills League.

"Some of the things we've been working on are starting to sink in," said Hillers coach JERRY LERUD. "And now we're getting a little bit of hitting, too."

AUBRIE MAY and HANNAH RAPOPORT continued to spark the offense, garnering two hits each. Both singled to open the scoring in the 3rd when May singled to center, stole second base, then came home on Rapoport's basehit over the bag at third base.

An inning later, with CORAL KASDEN (single) and HEATHER DEMENT (walk) reaching scoring position, a ground ball to the right side by KAYLA APPENZELLER would plate Kasden, then LAUREN VALLELY singled to right-center to score Dement for a 3-0 advantage.

Conversely, Valhalla, which just leaped into the county rankings, suddenly finds itself tied with Granite Hills and Helix with 0-2 GHL starts.

Valhalla's main scoring threat came in the 6th with a pair of one-out walks. However, freshman AMANDA PORTER registered all three outs with catches in right field. The Orange also stranded a runner at third base in the 4th.

Norsemen pitcher TORREY ROOK also collected 11 strikeouts, including seven over the opening three innings.

"Grossmont's pitcher did a good job, but we were flat," lamented Norsemen coach DOUG HARTUNG. "We need to get over this and get back our intensity level."

Meanwhile, Porter demonstrated some hustle with a rare infield double. Her slap bunt was fielded, but no one was covering first base for what is usually a single. And when Porter noticed no one was defending second base, either, the freshman just kept on running.

Hutchison belted her homer in the 3rd inning, when the Cougars extended their lead to 7-0, capping a three RBI day for the freshman catcher. She also added a 2-run single to bring home MICHELLE BEASLEY and Klopp in the 1st. Klopp later led-off the 4th with her homer.

SCRIPPS RANCH 5, CHRISTIAN 4 – In a showdown among co-leaders in the Eastern League, the Patriots posted four runs in the 5th inning to garner a 4-1 lead, only to watch the host Falcons score twice in the 6th and 7th to steal Friday's (Apr. 23) ballgame.

And to make matters worse, the winning run scored on a bases-loaded walk to Taylor Tye. It was one of seven walks issued by Christian, as Scripps Ranch registered just one basehit in scoring two unearned runs in the 7th thanks to a pair of errors.

"No question, this one hurts," said Pats coach GEORGE GENTRY. "To be so close to beating a team as good as Scripps Ranch and to give it up late is disappointing."

All of Christian's runs came in the 5th, when they collected all five of their hits.

Following a pair of basehits by MARY GRABOWSKI and MIRANDA CAZARES, KEYLEE SCHULZ walked with two outs to load the bases.

ALLI GUNTER followed an RBI single to tie the contest at 1-1, then MO ELLIOTT registered a basehit for a 2-1 lead. RICKI GENTRY followed a basehit to left, with two runs scoring for a 4-1 cushion.

Scrtipps Ranch's Kaitie Schumacher, who will play for Monmouth University (N.J.) next year, hit a solo homer in the 4th.

EL CAPITAN 10, MONTE VISTA 2 – Vaqueros pitcher DELANIE GOURLEY collected 10 strikeouts, pitching comfortably after her team scored four unearned runs in the 1st inning to pull away from the visiting Monarchs in Friday's (Apr. 23) Grossmont Valley League contest.

For Monte Vista, AMBER McMILLAN batted 2-for-3 with a pair of RBI.

SANTANA 21, MOUNT MIGUEL 1 – No report from either ballclub.

Valhalla's Dionna Smith (left) slides home safely, avoiding the tag from West Hills catcher Micherie Koria for a 2nd-inning run. The Wolf Pack rallied to win, 3-2 in 12 innings, (Photo by James Labshere)

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (4-20-10) — While the North County Conference further dilutes its competitiveness by dividing into four leagues, it's clear that the new Grossmont Hills League is the top softball line-up in the CIF San Diego Section.

And if Monday's (Apr 19) GHL openers are any indication, this could become the best East County softball pennant race since 1985, when Grossmont and Mount Miguel shared the league crown, while five other schools finished a mere single game back in the standings.

The mad scramble for the top spot tilted in several directions before West Hills, the top-rated team in the San Diego Union-Tribune rankings, survived a bases-loaded situation in the 7th inning before finally outlasting host Valhalla, 3-2 in 12 innings, at Leto Field.

BRI AUSTIN finally decided the outcome by belting the very first pitch in the 12th for a home run, off-setting a 16 strikeout performance by Norsemen pitcher TORREY ROOK. The shot to left field completed a comeback from an early 2-0 deficit.

"We had the bases loaded with no one out," noted Norsemen coach DOUG HARTUNG. "But then we couldn't hit the ball out of the infield."

Wolf Pack pitcher NOELLE JOHNSON, who surprised everyone by not getting the start yet entered in the 3rd inning, was able to survive the jam. She tossed the final 10 innings, striking out five to run her record to 12-1. Rook fell to 10-2.

Valhalla staked Rook to a 2-0 lead in the 2nd inning.

Freshman DIONNA SMITH opened with a basehit to right. An out later, KIANA BROWN found the gap in right-center field, as Smith took three bases to score.

Then with two outs, NORMA REDMAN, who has been injured all season, came through in her first at-bat of the season and singled to left to cash in Brown.

West Hills countered with single runs on similar plays in the 4th and 6th innings, both caused by smart baserunning by ALEX MILLER.

Each time, Miller forged a rundown between first and second bases. By the time Valhalla tagged out Miller and attempted to make the play at home to try to also get the lead runner, the defense was late as MICHERIE KORIA scored both times.

The first time, Miller attempted a squeeze bunt, but Valhalla got the runner out at the plate. But when Miller intentionally wandered off first base, Koria, who went from second to third, was able to beat the return throw to the plate.

West Hills (17-1-1, 1-0 GHL) also aided Johnson with three defensive stops in the outfield, as Valhalla (15-4-1, 0-1 GHL) reported fine catches by all three defenders.

"They all made diving catches – I've never seen all three outfielders on the same team do that in the same game," added Hartung.

Things don't get easier for the Wolf Pack, who next host Steele Canyon on Wednesday (Apr. 21).

The steady rise of Steele Canyon can be directly related to the health of pitcher LORENA KLOPP, who missed all of the summer club season due to knee surgery.

On Monday (Apr. 19), Klopp's recovery looked complete after she limited Granite Hills to just a pair of basehits while matching Eagles pitcher JENNY LAHITTE with 12 strikeouts.

The biggest play of the ballgame might have come in the 6th inning. Following a triple by Lahitte, pinch-runner NA'TAVIA LEE headed home on a pitch to the backstop. However, Cougars catcher MOLLY HUTCHISON recovered the ball and was ruled to have tagged out Lee to prevent the tying run to score.

"Frankly, I thought she got it there and scored," said Steele Canyon coach JULIE BOHE. "I couple of calls went our way, but I am glad that call wasn't the deciding factor in the game."

That's because the Cougars came back to score three times in the 7th to put away the victory in the school's first-ever Grossmont Hills League contest.

MICHELLE BEASLEY slapped a ball which was booted to allow Hutchison (lead single) to score from third.

Still holding a 2-1 lead, Hutchison stroked a lead single, moving to third base on consecutive sacrifices by pinchhitter IRENE BLUMENSTOCK and ASHLEY BARANOV. The insurance run then scored on a slap off the bat of MICHELLE BEASLEY, but the ball was booted. NICOLE RANDEL later added an RBI single.

Steele Canyon got on the board in the 4th, as Randel (single) and Klopp (double) both scored when a grounder by GABRIELLE BEASLEY was booted, one of three errors by the Eagles.

Granite Hills halved the lead on an RBI single by CHAYLAH ZETSCH in the 4th, bringing home TARIN MARKS, who walked then moved to third on a ground ball and a passed ball.

For the contest, Randel, the Cougars' left-fielder, collected three of her team's seven hits.

GROSSMONT 11, HELIX 1 – The Foothillers may be caught in the middle on No Man's Land, yet plan on doing something about it.

Ahead of Grossmont are four teams ranked in the Top 10, while below them are the injury-riddled Highlanders. But don't count out Grossmont to do better than an assumed 5th-place finish in the new Grossmont Hills League after they whipped the Scotties in the teams' debut contest in the new league.

Sophomore third baseman AUBRIE MAY registered yet another multi-hit performance, belting her fifth home run of the season in a 4-for-4 outing. She also scored three times.

After the Hillers scored four times in the 1st, May's solo homer made it 5-0. She later added a run-scoring single in the 5th.

Designated player AMANDA PORTER also drove in a pair of runs with RBI singles in the 1st and 4th, the first one followed May's triple to open the ballgame. Porter also scored twice.

EL CAPITAN 8, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 – The Grossmont Conference's initial split into two leagues for the 1988-89 school year was a blessing for the Vaqueros, which went on to capture four league titles in seven seasons under the old 3A/2A format.

But when realignment placed them in the difficult Grossmont North League with Santana, West Hills and Grossmont, all El Capitan could manage was a single tie for second place and a trio of third-place finishes over the past 14 seasons.

The transfer of West Hills and Grossmont out of the new Grossmont Valley League now leaves the Vaqueros with just one main competitor, Santana, with the ballclubs slated for the first of three meetings this Wednesday (Apr. 21) in Santee.

El Capitan (11-8 overall) now stands at 2-0 following Monday's (Apr. 19) shutout victory over the visiting Braves behind the first career shutout by freshman NICHOLE BALINGER. She tossed a 5-hitter, striking out eight batters.

PAIGE BORRAS clouted her first home run of the season, a solo shot in the 6th. ALISHA WYCKOFF also added two hits, including a double. Both are seniors.

The Vaqueros were handed three runs in the 1st, scoring all three on either wild pitches or passed balls.

For El Cajon Valley, hot-hitting centerfielder CHELSEA BALL went 2-for-3. Over her last three contests, Ball is batting a stellar.636 (7-for-11).

Meanwhile, Braves first baseman GINA GARCIA batted 2-for-3.

SANTANA 15, MONTE VISTA 3 – The visiting Sultans left their mark on the Monarchs, scoring five times in the 1st inning, five times in the middle five frames, then five times in the 7th to capture their Grossmont Valley League debut.

KAYTI GRABLE boosted Santana (10-7-1) to an early 3-0 lead with a 2-run homer, her third of the season. Grable later added a double, finishing with 3 RBI and a pair of runs scored.

Meanwhile, GABBY SCOLARI batted 4-for-5 and scored three times to fuel the Sultans' 18 hit attack. MICHELLE THILLE went 3-for-4, CARLA CARRILLO stroked a 2-run double, and EMILY SCHISLER belt a run-scoring triple in the 4th.

No information on Monte Vista was reported.

© East County Sports.com
MIRA MESA (4-19-10) — The contrasts will be well apparent when two of the hottest teams in the CIF San Diego Section – Valhalla and West Hills high schools – collide in Monday's (Apr. 19) debut of Grossmont Hills League softball at Leto Field.

The Norsemen, winners in 13 of 14, including Saturday's (Apr. 17) 6-5 triumph over Mira Mesa, may possess the youngest yet talented infield in East County.

On the flip side, the top-rated Wolf Pack, undefeated in 13 straight including 12 consecutive victories, owns a roster similar to the school's girls basketball team, which captured a CIF championship this winter – both seasoned with veteran seniors.

Although the experience advantage is obvious, the Norsemen will be ready after rallying to top the Marauders in their final Grossmont Conference Tournament game.

After Mira Mesa scored five times in the 3rd to take a 5-2 lead, Valhalla answered with three runs in the 5th to tie, then saw pitcher TORREY ROOK score on a Marauders wild pitch in the 7th for the deciding run.

The expected match-up between Rook (now 10-1) and West Hills' NOELLE JOHNSON (11-1) is intriguing, yet one of the ballclubs will need to score eventually.

Valhalla's infield is anchored by senior shortstop CORA CORDOVA, who is surrounded by youngsters, led by a pair of freshmen in third baseman DIONNA SMITH and second baseman MADISON LABSHERE.

Meanwhile, West Hills counters with the interchangeable BRI AUSTIN and ALEX MILLER at shortstop and second base. The right side features FAITH KORIA at second and JENNA BASNIGHT at first. All four contribute to the top-hitting team in the Grossmont Conference.

Both teams also possess equivalent catchers on NAOMI TELLEZ for Valhalla, while the Pack offers MICHERIE KORIA.

So can the Valhalla newcomers step into the pressure situation by meeting the county's top team in the league opener?

Meanwhile, Rook went 3-for-3 at the plate, while Smith and Labshere each went 2-for-4.

EL CAPITAN 16, MOUNT MIGUEL 1 – In a breakout day for the seniors, the Vaqueros tallied 15 runs over the first two innings before clearing the bench early in a run-rule decision over the host Matadors at Trude Field. The contest was the teams' first-ever contest in the new Grossmont Valley League.

The contest could've been more one-sided except for the play of Mount Miguel shortstop SONIA RAY, who was credited with a great grab on a ball headed for the gap, getting back to her feet with time to throw a runner out at first base.

MONTE VISTA 7, EL CAJON VALLEY 4 – The Monarchs snapped a 6-game losing streak to San Diego County competition by winning their Grossmont Valley League debut Saturday (Apr. 17) by topping the host Braves.

Pitcher MARIZA MALDONADO survived one poor inning by yielding just one run over the final five innings, as Monte Vista rallied from a 3-0 deficit with four runs in the 3rd inning, then BRITTANY WRIGHT homered in the 5th to make it 5-3.

For El Cajon Valley, centerfielder CHELSEA BALL went 4-for-4, while shortstop KAMERYN ROJAS batted 2-for-2 with a triple in support of a six strikeout effort from pitcher MIRANDA MULLENS.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-17-10) — Christian High head coach GEORGE GENTRY may have tipped his hand by starting top pitcher ALLI GUNTER in a non-league game 24 hours before Friday's (Apr. 16) important Eastern League affair with Patrick Henry.

The plan was to surprise Henry batters by going with shortstop MONIQUE ELLIOTT in the circle, giving the opponent a different look facing a right-hander rather than the lefty Gunter.

The strategy worked after Elliott survived allowing an unearned run, as Christian rallied to take a 2-1 decision at Dawson Field. The triumph maintains the Patriots' share of first place with Scripps Ranch at 2-0 through the first week of the league schedule.

The last time Elliott faced Patrick Henry, the 2008 freshman pitched into the 10th inning before All-CIF catcher Taylor Hensley (USD) belted a home run to beat her in a 2-1 decision.

This go-round, Henry's top power prospect is first baseman Alex Mootry, who had a chance to also beat Elliott after Carly Mitchell accepted a one-out walk in the 7th. Mootry was able to lift the ball, but got under it just enough for a towering fly out to left-fielder AMANDA MARCOS.

"I wasn't sure it was an out until she caught it," noted Elliott, a junior who plans to join the senior Gunter at Concordia (Ore.) in 2012. "

Elliott wasn't out of the jam when third baseman Jissica Ping collected her third hit of the ballgame to place the potential tying and go-ahead runs on base, However, Elliott escaped when left-handed pinchhitter Maggie McCormick lined out to Gunter at first place for the final out.

"I knew they were a great team going into the game," added Elliott. "Their record didn't mean much because they've had so many injuries."

Patrick Henry recently gained the services of two starting seniors still recovering from knee injuries suffered during the basketball season. But except for Ping, the remainder of the Henry lineup could muster just a pair of basehits.

Henry scored first when the injured players combined for a run, as shortstop Shelby Grimes reached base on an error, eventually scoring on a basehit by center fielder Lindsay Thorstenson.

However, Christian immediately responded to grab the lead for keeps.

Gunter and Elliott registered consecutive basehits to open the 4th, then RICKI GENTRY tied the game with a single to center, as Gunter barely beat the throw home by Thorstenson.

Senior catcher ALLIE SCOTT, who is slated to attend Harvard in the fall, followed with a sharp ground ball. Although the ball was booted and ruled an error, it allowed Elliott to race home for the lead.

"I had two strikes and knew I had to put the ball in play," said Scott. "It wasn't the best ball I've ever hit, but we scored the run."

Elliott finished with six strikeouts in topping hard-luck loser Grace Hernandez, who struck out five including all three batters in the 3rd.

The sophomore went 3-for-4 for the contest, including a pair of hits against Eastlake's No. 1 pitcher. Each of May's three hits – which went to three different areas of the outfield – knocked in a pair of runs.

Included was a 2-run single to right in the 2nd inning, a triple to right-center in the 4th, then a double to left-center in the 5th. Since Grossmont was the home team, May failed to gain an at-bat in the 7th, needing a homer for the cycle, yet no one was complaining as Grossmont has rebounded from a tough loss with two straight victories.

Meanwhile, for the first time since 2006, someone other than CORAL KASDEN was patrolling centerfield for Grossmont.

With the senior visiting Cal Poly (San Luis Obispo) for freshman orientation – she plans to be a Pre-Med major – Lerud welcomed LAUREN MIRANDA to the middle of his outfield, who responded by going 2-for-2 with an RBI and scoring three times.

In place of Miranda in her usual spot in right field was LAUREN VALLELY, who usually plays in left. Vallely showed off her arm by throwing out a baserunner attempting to take an extra base, firing a strike to May at third base for the out.

If was the closest Eastlake would come to scoring, as Grossmont pitcher RACHEL STALFORD tossed a 2-hit shutout. Stalford struck out seven and walked just one in facing just three batters above the minimum in posting her second consecutive shutout.

The Scotties capped the run-rule triumph by posting seven runs in the 5th inning, capped by a 2-run, walkoff basehit by catcher SHALEY MADRUGA. The senior is slated to play for Simpson College next season.

Shortstop CHANELLE WARD and second baseman SYDNI TOILOLO each batted 3-for-4 to fuel a 14-hit attack. Ward's totals included a pair of doubles, while Toilolo, who had a double, knocked in a pair of runs in the first to stake Helix to a quick 3-0 advantage.

In addition, first baseman RAE CARTER went 2-for-3, matching the batting of designated player ELISA RIVERA, who also added an RBI in support of winning pitcher SAVANNAH McCULLY.

Mount Miguel scored its runs in the 3rd as an RBI single by BRIANNA RIOS went for a second run on an outfield error. Scoring on the play were CARRIEANN NASON and CATHERINE QUIJADA.

On the play, Rios tried to take third base. However, Smith, who was backing up the play, recovered the loose ball and fired to sophomore GABRIELLE GUZMAN at third for the out.

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (4-16-10) — Name the East County school which has captured 13 of its last 14 ballgames, is near the top of the Grossmont Conference Tournament standings, yet continues to fly under the radar.

Welcome to the under-appreciated Valhalla Norsemen, which recently gained a berth in the county rankings and continue to win, including Thursday's (Apr. 15) GCT victory over Monte Vista, 5-3, at Leto Field.

With last year's expansion of the SDCIF playoffs, teams are in greater need of a No. 2 pitcher to contend for a championship. And the Norsemen backup to TORREY ROOK continued her stealth season as CANDICE STAMPER ran her record to 5-2 by stopping the visiting Monarchs on just three hits.

Valhalla (14-3-1), following a season-long pattern, scored early then played strong defense to maintain the advantage. The Norsemen took advantage of both Monte Vista errors to move on top.

The Norsemen loaded the bases in the 1st inning on a one-out walk to CORA CORDOVA, then a pair of basehits by NAOMI TELLEZ and Rook. A ground ball up the middle was misplayed for the first run, then KIANA BROWN grounded out to the right side for another run.

In the 3rd, freshman second baseman MADISON LABSHERE dented the fence in left-center field with a booming double, scoring both Rook (walk) and Smith (safe on an error) to make it 4-0.

Tellez then opened the 5th with a home run to right field to give Stamper a 5-0 advantage.

Who dat at first base? (James Labshere photo)

Catcher EMMA DEMARS singled, relief pitcher CHRISTINE LOPEZ walked, with both runners advancing on a wild pitch.

Left-fielder CHELSEA BALAJADIA followed with a squeeze bunt for one run, then shortstop BRITTANY WRIGHT gained one RBI on a 2-run play when her ground ball was thrown away.

Valhalla sits in a 3-way tie with Granite Hills and Steele Canyon in its GCT pool. West Hills already clinched Friday's (Apr. 16) title game berth by posting five consecutive shutout victories.

HILLTOP 6. CHRISTIAN 1 – Forget about University of Dayton bound pitcher Alysha Isaacson, the Lancers have another college scholarship pitcher in Jordan Rhudy, an Azusa Pacific bound right-hander who limited the Patriots to just four hits in Thursday's (Apr. 15) non-league triumph at Dawson's Diamond.

Rhudy failed to strike out a batter, retiring most Christian batters on ground balls.

The lone Patriots run came home on a two-out rally in the 1st inning, as RICKI GENTRY walked, ALLIE SCOTT singled, then a ground ball by MARY GRABOWSKI was booted to allow Gentry to score the tying run.

Grabowski still batted 2-for-3 for the contest, while right-fielder KEYLEE SCHULZ registered the team's only other basehit. Meanwhile, Pats pitcher ALLI GUNTER collected 8 strikeouts.

Backed by a 2-run homer by Loyola Marymount bound catcher Kathryn Dutton, RB pitcher Laura Winter (going to Notre Dame) was staked to a 7-0 lead in tossing a 4-hitter over her six innings.

Broncos shortstop Madeline McIntyre went 2-for-2 and scored three times, while Madison Jones went 3-for-3 with a double, then pitched a perfect 7th inning in relief.

The Sultans finally reached Winter with a pair of 6th-inning runs, started when TARA GRENNAN was hit by a pitch, MICHELLE THILLE added a one-out single, then both moved into scoring position on a wild pitch.

AMANDA GRABLE then stroked a 2-run double to left-center field.

Among Santana's hits, half were collected by sophomore GABBY SCOLARI, who continued her recent hitting tear by batting 2-for-3 off Winter.

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (4-15-10) — Santana and West Hills high schools will meet for the Grossmont Conference Tournament championship. The only element missing is a day and a time with weather affecting the entire tournament schedule.

Thus, league officials need to determine if the title game will be played as scheduled, or get a whole bunch of other teams upset.

It can be a bit confusing. Stay tuned.

Only one problem. The victory came via the use of the international tiebreaker, a format prohibited according to the Grossmont Conference softball handbook.

We'll see if anyone protests, but it's doubtful.

Prior to the tie-break, the ballgame was a tremendous pitcher's duel between the Pack's NOELLE JOHNSON, who struck out 10 batters in her 3-hit shutout, and the Vaqueros' DELANIE GOURLEY, who collected 17 outs on strikes against four hits allowed.

"Gourley's the real deal, especially for a freshman," said West Hills coach MIKE APPLEBAUM. "I'm really glad we just switched leagues."

In the 8th inning, both teams, by coincidence, saw the leadoff batters come up first.

A sacrifice bunt by El Capitan's KELSEY MOODY moved CYNTHIA GONZALES to third base. However, Johnson escaped by coaxing a pair of tappers back to her in the circle for outs at first base.

West Hills then re-entered TAYLOR HALLOHAN to start as the runner at second base.

FAITH KORIA followed with a sacrifice bunt which went for an infield single when El Cap couldn't come up with the ball. Gourley then struck out the next two batters before Basnight slammed a hard roller up the middle for the game-winning hit.

Schisler allowed just one basehit – a 4th-inning single to center by sophomore TARIN MARKS – to shutout the 5th-ranked Eagles. Schilser struck out 9 batters and walked four, surviving a pair of walks in the 2nd inning to keep the ballgame scoreless.

Granite Hills pitcher JENNY LAHITTE registered 14 strikeouts, but was tagged for a pair of runs in the 4th and 5th innings in the setback.

Santana saw KAYTI GRABLE opened the 4th with a basehit, with pinchrunner AHNALIN BARKHIMER stealing second base, then scoring on a basehit to left by GABBY SCOLARI.

On the throw home, Scolari took second base, with pinchrunner TARA GRENNAN stealing third base, then scoring on a sacrifice fly by CAITLYN ARNDT.

In the 5th, the scoring was more straight forward – a 2-run homer to left-center by AMANDA GRABLE, her third of the season, also bringing in MICHELLE THILLE.

VALHALLA 8, EL CAJON VALLEY 2 –The visiting Braves may have fallen to the 8th-ranked Norsemen, but both coaches noted they remained competitive in the Grossmont Conference Tournament outing, which is encouraging when ECVHS heads into this weekend's Grossmont Valley League opener.

El Cajon Valley (5-6) only committed one error while scoring multiple runs against a Norsemen ballclub which won for the 12th time in their last 13 outings.

Still, it's hard to beat TORREY ROOK, even when she isn't pitching. Rook batted 3-for-3, including a solo homer in the 2nd inning to open the scoring, as Valhalla scored three times in both the 2nd and 3rd innings.

Following Rook's bomb, DIOANNA SMITH (single) and KIANA BROWN (double) moved into scoring position, coming home on a basehit by MADISON LABSHERE, then a ground out to the right side by CANDICE STAMPER.

An inning later, Brown's single scored Rook (walk), a Labshere grounder brought in Smith (hit by pitch), then the Braves' lone error allowed Brown to score for a 6-0 lead.

After the margin went to 8-0, El Cajon Valley responded in the 5th off Stamper, who struck out 8 batters. Driving in runs for ECVHS were starting pitcher GINA GARCIA and third baseman NOELLE PONTIUS.

GROSSMONT 7, MONTE VISTA 0 – For the first time in 16 outings this season, the Foothillers posted a shutout victory after RACHEL STALFORD blanked the host Monarchs on five hits to take Wednesday's (Apr. 14) Grossmont Conference Tournament tilt in Spring Valley.

Stalford struck out 9 batters against a single walk, raising her record to 6-3 and allow the Hillers to finish above .500 in the annual event.

Grossmont (8-8) scored twice in the 1st inning, then added single runs over the ensuing three innings to stake Stalford to a 5-0 lead.

Rightfielder AMANDA PORTER paced an 11-hit attack by going 3-for-4 with an RBI. Meanwhile, designated player HANNAH RAPOPORT, centerfielder CORAL KASDEN and third baseman AUBRIE MAY added two hits each.

The lone Monte Vista player to handle Stalford was third baseman AMBER McMILLAN. The senior collected three basehits, remarkably, facing just three pitches.

STEELE CANYON 11, MOUNT MIGUEL 1 – Sophomore AMANDA HARTNETT lined a 2-run, bases-loaded double in the 1st inning Wednesday (Apr. 14), when the Cougars tallied five times to quickly whip the visiting Matadors in Grossmont Conference Tournament action.

Hartnett, who went 2-for-2 for the contest, sent a drive down the left-field line towards The Great Wall. The lead eventually reached 7-1 before the Cougars capped the conquest with four runs in the 6th, half of the scoring coming on a MICHELLE BEASLEY double to right field.

Steele Canyon collected a dozen hits, including two each from MADISON HATEN and IRENE BLUMENSTOCK, who doubled among her hits.

The lone Mount Miguel run came on a SONIE RAY home run to centerfield in the 4th, ruining the shutout bid by Cougars pitcher ASHLEY BARANOV, who struck out six and walked just one.

CHRISTIAN 8, MORSE 1 – Similar to Valhalla's Torrey Rook (see above), Patriots senior ALLI GUNTER received a day off from the pitching circle, but delivered with the bat, going 4-for-4 plus a walk, leading Christian to a road victory in the teams' Eastern League opener in Skyline Hills.

The Tigers secured a 1-0 lead on a 1st-inning single by shortstop Allana Hille, but Pats pitcher RICKI GENTRY responded by throwing shutout ball over the final 6 2/3 innings to collect the victory. Gentry yielded just six hits.

Christian battled back to take the lead in the 4th on run-scoring hits by AMANDA MARCOS and STEPHANIE NASH. For Marcos, it was the first of her two doubles, a total matched by teammate MIRANDA CAZARES.

MARY GRABOWSKI went 2-for-3 with a 2-run double in the 6th, while catcher ALLIE SCOTT also collected a pair of RBI.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-14-10) — Both favorites maintained the status quo in Grossmont Conference Tournament action Tuesday (Apr. 13), including West Hills, which moved to within a game of a championship berth after posting its fourth victory by shutout.

WEST HILLS 11, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 – In her starting pitching debut this season, Wolf Pack junior JESSICA ALDERSON tossed a 2-hit shutout at the host Braves.

The triumph raised top-ranked West Hills (14-1-1 overall) to a 4-0 mark in GCT action. Granite Hills (3-0) is also unbeaten in the annual event, but if West Hills wins its next contest and allows fewer than four runs, they will punch their ticket to the finale based on fewest runs allowed.

The Pack broke open the ballgame by scoring 8 runs in the 3rd inning, featuring the fourth home run of the season by JENNA BASNIGHT, a 2-run shot.

Catcher MICHERIE KORIA also singled in a run during the outburst, part of a 3-for-3 outing which included three stolen bases. Meanwhile, ALEX MILLER stroked a pair of doubles and stole three bases.

The Braves snapped Alderson's no-hit bid on consecutive basehits by TIANNA KILGORE and JESSICA SNOW.

Helix saw CLAUDETTE SMITH, who later doubled, open the contest with a walk. SEETIA NOA moved Smith to third with a basehit, then catcher SHALEY MADRUGA singled to give Helix a 1-0 lead.

Mira Mesa pitchers Katie Townsend and Millilani Vanta only allowed one additional basehit the rest of the way in a combined 3-hitter.

The ballgame was moved to Tuesday (Apr. 13) because Mira Mesa, ranked 9th in this week's poll by the San Diego Union-Tribune, opens Eastern League play on Wednesday. The Marauders are considered co-favorites with Christian and Scripps Ranch.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-13-10) — The most difficult portion of the Santana High fastpitch schedule went off without a hitch Monday (Apr. 13) after Sultans freshman KAYTI GRABLE launched a 1st-inning homer to jump-start the offense to a 13-3 verdict over host Grossmont.

Grable connected on a 2-out blast to centerfield, then older sister AMANDA GRABLE carried Santana the rest of the way. The senior collected five RBI on a pair of doubles, including a 2-run shot in the 4th, then clearing the loaded bases for three more runs when the Sultans put the game away with six runs in the 7th.

The victory expanded the team's lead in the Grossmont Conference Tournament, as all othertournament contests were not played due to wet grounds. Santana (3-1 GCT; 8-5-1 overall) now stands on top of the pool of Grossmont Valley League teams, 1.5 games ahead of El Capitan.

Meanwhile, the Sultans' slate will become much more difficult. After falling to top-ranked West Hills in their previous outing, next up are the past pair of CIF San Diego Section Division I champions in 2008 titlist Granite Hills in a GCT ballgame Wednesday, then a non-league affair on the road Thursday with current defending champion Rancho Bernardo.

Following the homer by the younger Grable sister, who went 2-for-4 with two RBI and a pair of runs scored, Santana added four more runs in the 3rd to mount a 5-0 cushion.

Later in the ballgame, CAITLYN ARNDT entered to play third base, going 2-for-2 with an RBI single in the 7th, while ALEX BREIDT also added a pair of singles as part of the team's total of 13 hits.

Down 7-0, Grossmont (7-8) answered back with a pair of runs in the 4th.

AMANDA PORTER walked, then AUBRIE MAY reached on an error – amazingly, the 8th time this season the hard-hitting sophomore reached base on a defensive mistake. Both advanced on a LAUREN VALLELY sacrifice bunt.

KAITLYN NICKS followed with a grounder to the right side for an RBI, then MEGAN CRISCI found the gap in left-center field for a run-scoring double.

The other Hillers run came in the 7th when LAUREN MIRANDA walked, took second base on a wild pitch, then scored on a sharp single to center by HAYLEY KASDEN.

Among the tournament games lost to the weather, Monte Vista sent an email informing teams that it is cancelling its game at Steele Canyon rather than making it up. Under CIF rules, a tournament cancellation is a forfeit.

CHRISTIAN 5, EASTLAKE 3 — The power combination of RICKI GENTRY and JEANNIE VEST saw both contribute with a homer and a double Monday (Apr. 12), bolting the Patriots past the visiting Titans at Dawson's Diamond.

Both garnered extra-base hits in the 1st inning, when Christian took early command with four quick runs.

Gentry opened with a leadoff double to right-center field, advancing to third on a single to right by ALLIE SCOTT, with a wild pitch advancing both runners to give the Pats a 1-0 lead.

First baseman MARY GRABOWSKI followed with a run-scoring single, then scored when Vest, the centerfielder, nearly hit the scoreboard in center with her 2-run blast.

The run production was all that was needed for Christian pitcher ALLI GUNTER, who ran her record to 11-2 following her 11-strikeout performance.

Gentry, the third baseman, added a bonus run in the 5th with her home run to right-center, as she and Vest both batted 2-for-3 against the Titans.

The Patriots, owners of the best record among Eastern League ballclubs at 13-4, will open their league schedule Wednesday at Morse.

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (4-11-10) — Year after year, despite the closeness of the series, West Hills seemed to own the slight advantage over crosstown rival Santana in the schools' high-intensity softball series.

For seven straight seasons, no matter how close the scores, the Wolf Pack usually won more games in the old Grossmont North League, which saw league foes meet three times per season, as opposed to two rounds of play in the Grossmont South League.

So when the Sultans finally fought back to sweep all three games in 2008 and 2009, West Hills was determined to return to glory in the city rivalry.

On Saturday (Apr. 10), the Pack regained the community's crown after NOELLE JOHNSON tossed a 3-hit shutout to down Santana, 4-0, in the Grossmont Conference Tournament. The victory snapped a 7-game losing streak to the Sultans.

Johnson struck out 10 batters, then received a cushion in the 3rd inning when BRI AUSTIN opened the scoring by launching a 3-run homer.

"Noelle was amazing – she was on fire," said West Hills coach MIKE APPLEBAUM.

West Hills (13-1-1) has now won nine straight ballgames since a 12-inning draw with Bonita Vista due to darkness. The lone setback was to then top-rated Rancho Bernardo during the second week of the season.

"The way the team is playing right now with such maturity, we can play with anyone in the state right now," added the coach.

While plenty of ballclubs possess solid pitching, the Wolf Pack ranks among the top hitting teams with a composite .346 team average. Topping the roster is FAITH KORIA, who is hitting .487 (20-for-41).

However, on this day it was her sister MICHERIE KORIA who was in the middle of the offensive production, going 2-for-2 with three stolen bases and a walk.

One of the basehits opened the 4th, followed by a walk to JENNA BASNIGHT before Austin sent a drive over the centerfield fence.

An inning later, Faith Koria would score following her lead double. She moved to third on a KAELI HUNYADY bunt, then Santana avoided Micherie Koria with a walk. However, Basnight hit a grounder up the middle, which was fielded by the shortstop, but the only play was to first base as the run scored.

Meanwhile, Johnson was in control throughout the rain makeup contest, allowing a pair of basehits and a bloop double over third base by freshman ALEX BREIDT in the 3rd.

EL CAPITAN 2, POINT LOMA 0 – The threat posed by the Vaqueros may be their increasingly deeper pitching staff – and this isn't a reference to freshman phenom DELANIE GOURLEY.

In just her second start of the season, it was the other freshman – right-hander NICHOLE BALINGER – who dominated in the circle, allowing just three basehits in her shutout triumph over the host Pointers.

"When we had tryouts, I knew about Delanie, but I didn't know anything about Nichole," said El Capitan coach JOE COTA. "Then she was out when she got an infection after her wisdom teeth were removed."

And with senior AMBER TAYNTON receiving duty when Gourley wasn't pitching, there was no pressing need to insert Balinger.

"This was the perfect time to go with her," added Cota. "It was a non-league game where she could gain some confidence. And she was pretty accurate and hit her spots."

"It's nice to have a little depth with our pitching."

Meanwhile, Gourley contributed while positioned in center field against Point Loma, driving in both of the Vaqueros runs in tandem with veteran shortstop ALISHA WYCKOFF.

In rallies in both the 1st and 7th innings, Wyckoff opened with a basehit. Senior CATHERINE BROWN put down a pair of ground balls to advance the runner, then Gourley smoked run-scoring basehits to centerfield both times,

Gourley batted 3-for-4, while Wyckoff went 2-for-4.

STEELE CANYON 23, MISSION BAY 0 – This scheduled doubleheader lasted just one game and five innings when it became apparent this matchup should never have been scheduled.

The Cougars went station-to-station with their baserunners almost from the start of Saturday's (Apr. 10) non-league affair.

Meanwhile, COURTNEY JOHNSON tossed a 1-hit shutout at the Buccaneers. Steele Canyon's coaches admitted making a mistake by calling for a changeup which resulted in the lone Mission Bay basehit.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-10-10) — The first of two expected pennant races is heating up, with both Granite Hills and West Hills high schools remaining undefeated in the pool play portion of the Grossmont Conference Tournament.

Granite Hills moved to 3-0 in the competition after stopping Monte Vista, 5-2, Friday (Apr. 9).

Meanwhile, West Hills sits at 2-0 after blanking Mount Miguel, 19-0. However, the Wolf Pack has yet to allow a run, so if the ballclubs remain tied, the Wolf Pack would gain the tie-breaker in a probable meeting with either Santana or El Capitan.

Included in Lahitte's totals were a triple and a double. The triple came in the 1st inning, when Granite Hills scored a pair of quick runs. Lahitte was knocked in by KIMMY TRIOLO, who singled, stole second base, then also came home on a basehit to right-center field by NICOLE OBNEY.

The Eagles added three more markers in the 4th to make it a 5-1 contest.

ANNETTE SOLANO smacked a triple to right field to score MICHELLE MILLER (lead single), then Solano scored on a passed ball.

Monte Vista produced single runs in the 3rd and 6th innings off Triolo. Included were an RBI single by MARIZA MALDONADO to plate CHELSEA BALAJADIA, then McKENNA CLARKE doubled, then scored on a opposite field basehit to right by catcher EMMA DEMARS.

The Monarchs had a chance to tie the contest by placing two runners on base in the 7th. However, Granite Hills called upon DESIREE MEJIA, who registered the final out for the save.

Mira Mesa's Joanna Asenjo slides home safely with the game-winning run, as the Marauders scored twice in the bottom of the 7th to stun Grossmont. The catcher is Heather Dement. (Photo by John Smith, Mira Mesa High)

Leading 3-2 through six innings, a Grossmont batter attempted to take two bases on a basehit to left field. However, the two runners in front of her were held up, so after the ball bounced around the backstop, Mira Mesa was able to recover and throw her out while back-tracking to first base.

The miscue opened the door for Mira Mesa, which received a gift run when Grossmont threw the ball to the wrong base – again, a meaningless runner at first base – which allowed the winning run to score.

The Marauders' Kelli Mleczko, batting with the bases loaded and one out, lined a basehit to the outfield. The tying run scored, but when the throw went behind all of the runners instead of through the infield to the plate, Mira Mesa won to snap a 2-game losing streak in GCT play.

Grossmont took a 3-1 lead by scoring all its runs in the 4th.

Following a double by HANNAH RAPOPORT, the Hillers took a 2-1 lead when AUBRIE MAY crushed a 2-run homer to center field. RACHEL STALFORD followed with a double to right, scoring the additional run on a sharp basehit by KAITLYN NICKS.

By the time El Capitan switched to pitcher DELANIE GOURLEY (13 strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings) in relief, Valhalla already had mounted a 7-1 advantage in the 2nd inning.

KAITLIN McGINLEY powered the Norsemen by going 4-for-4 and scoring three times, while Rook recorded four RBI, sending El Cap to its first Grossmont College Tournament setback.

Rook singled McGinley home in the 1st, when Valhalla struck first for a 4-0 cushion. Rook later added a 2-run single to center in the 2nd, and a run-scoring basehit in the 6th.

DIONNA SMITH also knocked in a pair of runs with a triple and a single.

The Vaqueros' lone run came in the 1st, when Gourley walked then scored on a double to left-center field by KELSEY MOODY. The only other El Cap hit was registered in the 6th by CATHERINE BROWN, who returned to catcher after seeing extensive playing time at second base.

STEELE CANYON 10, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 – GABRIELLE BEASLEY struck out six in throwing a 5-inning no-hitter at the host Braves.

However, this game was far from one-sided, as the Cougars led only 2-0 until finally erupting for eight runs in the 4th inning.

Beasley was also the contest's top batter, going 3-for-3 with a double.

SANTANA 9, HELIX 0 – SHANNON FYSON and AMBER SCHISLER combined on a 5-hit shutout, moving the host Sultans to the top of its pool in the Grossmont Conference Tournament.

ARIEL RASMUSSEN batted 2-for-2 and scored twice, while also driving in a run when Santana scored five times in the 2nd inning.

MICHELLE THILLE and EMILY SCHISLER went 2-for-4 each, while AMANDA GRABLE pounded a 2-run double in the 4th.

WEST HILLS 19, MOUNT MIGUEL 0 – The county's top-ranked ballclub defeated a side on the other end of the spectrum in a Grossmont Conference Tournament romp in Spring Valley.

The Wolf Pack scored 11 times in the 1st inning. They later received a solo home run from ALEX MILLER, supporting a combined 2-hit shutout by MELISSA EGGLESTON and JESSICA ALDERSON.

© East County Sports.com
BONITA (4-9-10) — Listed among the honorable mention in the state rankings by CalHiSports, Christian High gained notice with veteran pitching and a solid line-up.

But with pieces missing from the Patriots' offense, holes created on both offense and defense allowed the Barons to take a 2-0 victory.

"It's a difficult situation, but sometimes you have to worry about things more important – this is just softball," said Christian coach GEORGE GENTRY. "Sometimes, you need to worry about things which affect the rest of your life."

Thus, players get shuffled around, with many with less experience getting thrust into the batting order, many times before they are ready. And mistakes gave Bonita Vista a pair of unearned runs.

Included was a throwing error when Barons freshman Hannah Flippin stole third base, waltzing home to open the scoring in the 1st inning. Then in the 4th, following a fly ball, the Christian outfielder making the catch fell down, with Andrea Lara taking two bases to score.

Hartman survived a major, two-out threat when the Patriots parlayed two of their hits and a walk to load the bases in the 4th. However, the sophomore coaxed a ground ball to second base to escape the jam.

© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (4-8-10) — Gaining belief in themselves, the El Capitan High girls softball team received a boost when head coach JOE COTA decided to allow freshman phenom DELANIE GOURLEY to start consecutive games for the first time in her brief career.

"It was a spark – the girls really got excited, especially knowing they almost beat Granite Hills in our last game," said Cota. "And they play with a lot of confidence when Delanie is pitching."

Gourley, who lost a 3-2 heart-breaker to Granite Hills, bounced back and downed another Top 10 ballclub, spinning a 2-hit shutout in stopping 7th-ranked Steele Canyon in Wednesday's (Apr. 7) Grossmont Conference Tournament contest.

Gourley collected 14 strikeouts, as the Cougars saw only one baserunner reach second base.

"A lot of our girls play with a lot of Steele Canyon girls in travel ball," added Cota. "So they were not intimidated like some of our teams in the past."

"But I told the team they still needed to play defense – we can't rely on Delanie striking out everybody."

Except for one small bobble, perfect defense by the Vaqueros limited the usually oportunistic Cougars from creating much offense. Meanwhile, El Capitan, leading 2-0, busted the contest open when KARA HOSTETLER belted a 3-run triple in the 6th inning.

GRANITE HILLS 4, MIRA MESA 0 – The Marauders, the annual guest entrant to the Grossmont Conference Tournament, again received a rude welcome on their journey to East County after Eagles pitcher JENNY LAHITTE dominated in Wednesday's (Apr. 7) 1-hit shutout

Lahitte, in snapping a 2-game losing streak after opening the season with seven consecutive victories, only allowed one walk and a 5th-inning basehit to shortstop KATIYANA MAUGA. No Mira Mesa baserunner advanced past first base in Lahitte's over-whelming performance.

Meanwhile, Granite Hills got to Mira Mesa pitcher Kelsey Townsend early, posting three runs in the 2nd inning, all coming on a single play.

With the bases loaded, junior outfielder SAVANNAH BROOKS belted a hard grounder to shortstop. The ball took a bad hop, hit the defender in the shoulder and continued into the gap in left-center field. By the time Mira Mesa recovered the ball, all three runners came around.

The Eagles' insurance run came in the 6th when KIMMY TRIOLO, who went 2-for-3, opened with a double, moved to third on a sac bunt from DESIREE MEJIA, then came home on a ANNETTE SOLANO basehit to right field.

SANTANA 6, VALHALLA 2 – The Sultans handed Norsemen pitcher TORREY ROOK her first loss in nine decisions this season, taking advantage of five Valhalla errors to stay on top of their pool in the Grossmont Conference Tournament.

SHANNON FYSON, who thought she would get a day off from her pitching chores, was summoned after Valhalla registered a pair of quick runs on a 2-run basehit by NAOMI TELLEZ.

Fyson entered and tossed 6 2/3 innings of shutout ball, striking out six while waiting for her team's offense to awaken with three runs in the 4th and 5th innings. And both times, the rallies started when Fyson reached base on infield errors, with courtesy runner AHNALIN BARKHIMER scoring each time.

The first rally featured a bunt single by ALEX BREIDT to get Santana on the scoreboard. Another error tied the game, then the Sultans moved in front on an RBI single by MICHELLE THILLE.

An inning later, Thille walked with the bases loaded for a 4-2 lead, then AMANDA GRABLE capped a 2-for-4 outing with a 2-run single to center. Teammate EMILY SCHISLER also went 2-for-4.

WEST HILLS 7, MONTE VISTA 0 – The Wolf Pack avoided the jinx of losing immediately after gaining the No. 1 spot in the SDCIF rankings by blanking the host Monarchs in Wednesday's (Apr. 7) Grossmont Conference Tournament contest.

SAVANNA BAGGETT homered for the second time this week, capping the scoring with a 2-run shot in the 7th inning.

Meanwhile, West Hills pitcher MELISSA EGGLESTON struck out seven Monarchs in tossing a 3-hitter, running her record to 3-0. Only one baserunner reached second base all contest, coming on a basehit and a sacrifice bunt in the 7th, but the freshman coaxed a ground out to preserve the shutout.

ALEX MILLER, who is currently ticketed to Cal State San Marcos, continued her hot hitting. Miller went 3-for-3, with a triple, an RBI and a pair of stolen bases.

The ballgame stayed close until the Pack busted it open with four runs in the 7th. Included was an RBI double by ASHLEY EDELMAN, a Miller triple, then Baggett's blast.

West Hills opened the scoring when FAITH KORIA ripped a 2-run double in the 2nd, bringing home Eggleston and TAYLOR HALLOHAN.

HELIX 12, EL CAJON VALLEY 2 (6 inn.) – Highlanders catcher SHALEY MADRUGA started a solid outing with a 2-run double in the 1st inning in Wednesday's (Apr. 7) Grossmont Conference Tournament triumph over the visiting Braves.

Madruga's shot to right-center field was the big blow in a 5-run rally, allowing the Scotties to snap a 6-game losing streak. The senior went 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles.

CLAUDETTE SMITH and CARLY ACEVES also went 3-for-4 each, as Aceves, the right-fielder, drove home a pair of runs. Meanwhile, freshman RAEISHA CARTER went 2-for-4 with a double and scored on a passed ball.

SYDNI TOILOLO added a 2-run homer in the 5th for Helix.

For El Cajon Valley (5-3), CHELSEA BALL was involved in both of her team's runs. The centerfielder opened the game with a basehit, eventually scoring on an error for a 1-0 lead. Then in the 3rd, Ball, went 3-for-4, singled, stole a base, then came home on a basehit by TONYA FERNANDEZ.

GROSSMONT 12, MOUNT MIGUEL 1 (5 inn.) – AUBRIE MAY took two bases to score on a KAITLYN NICKS sacrifice fly, as the Foothillers outclassed the Matadors in Grossmont Conference Tournament play Wednesday (Apr. 7) in Spring Valley.

Nicks lifted a deep fly ball in the 4th, which easily brought home CORAL KASDEN from third base. But when the Matadors took too much time to retrieve the ball back to the infield, May took an extra base to give Nicks a pair of RBI on the hustle play.

RACHEL STALFORD also collected a pair of RBI for the Hillers, both times scoring Nicks, while also gaining the pitching victory on a 3-hitter. She struck out 10 batters.

Stalford singled home Nicks in the 2nd, when Grossmont scored six times to open the scoring, then added a sacrifice fly in the 3rd to make it 8-1.

Mount Miguel's run was unearned when BRIANNA RIOS took two bases on an error, scoring when a single by MYCHELLE GARCIA skidded past first base.

Grossmont collected just seven hits, yet scored half of its runs on either wild pitches or passed balls.

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (4-7-10) — It was a career performance for Steele Canyon senior MADISON HANTEN. The first baseman drove in four runs, including three on a go-ahead double in Tuesday's (Apr. 6) Grossmont Conference Tournament triumph over Mira Mesa, 7-2.

There is an asterisk, however, to her "best-ever" ballgame – Hanten has never played softball until about six weeks ago.

"I love baseball – I never had a need to change," said Hanten, an invitee to tryout for the U.S. national women's baseball team this summer. "And they're incredibly different games."

League of her own

A life-long baseball player, senior Madison Hanten is playing softball for the first time at Steele Canyon. (Photo by Ed Piper)

That's no problem for Hanten, who has already been accepted to Stanford, yet aspires to attend prestigious Amherst College in Massachusetts, where she would be allowed to walk-on to its NCAA Division III baseball team should she academically qualify.

Hanten was climbing the Cougars baseball ladder when a regime change in the Steele Canyon baseball coaching hierarchy – half of the staff moved to Valhalla – forced her from the ballclub.

"I had a lot of support from the guys on the team, but the new coaches thought I could get hurt," Hanten noted, obviously insulted at the premise. "Then the school backed them, so we parted ways."

Obviously disappointed, there would be no high school baseball for Hanten during her junior year. Then this past February, Cougars softball coach JULIE BOHE approached her about playing the "girls sport" in this her senior year.

"I've never even thrown a softball before, never mind play the game," Hanten admitted. "But coach Julie gave me a great opportunity to play on the varsity. It's a great way to stay in shape and keep playing ball."

There were obvious growing pains.

"The basics are the same, especially catching, but softball is a lot quicker game," Hanten noted. "And it's different playing with guys – they have different personalities – but they still want to win."

The transition is beginning to manifest positive results.

Trailing Mira Mesa in the 2nd inning, Hanten cleared the loaded bases by clubbing a 3-run double to right-center field for a 4-2 lead. Two innings later, Hanten knocked in another run with a basehit to cap a 2-for-3, 4-RBI performance.

"Madison's adjusting quite nicely," said Bohe, an expert at the understatement. "She is an important member of the team."

With just two months left in the season, Hanten's brief softball career will come to an end. Then it's back to baseball, flying to Cary, N.C., in an attempt to a land a Team USA roster berth and a trip to Venezuela for the 4th annual Women's Baseball World Cup, Aug. 12-22.

"I was invited to the (American Women's Baseball Federation) tryouts," she added. "And I have a fair shot at making the team."

With her dedication to baseball, Hanten hopes to join the likes of Tiffany Brooks and Eri Yoshida, who recently played in pro baseball's Arizona Winter League in Yuma.

Brooks, a first baseman and relief pitcher, recently signed with the Big Bend Cowboys of Alpine, Texas, of the Continental Baseball League. Meanwhile, Yoshida, a knuckle ball pitcher, just became the first woman to sign a contract in the Japan professional leagues,

Other notable women professionals include Ila Borders, who pitched in the Northern League from 1997-1999.

GROSSMONT 11, EL CAJON VALLEY 1 – Buoyed by two basehits from five different players, the Foothillers scored in each of their six at-bats to defeat the Braves in the teams' day-delayed Grossmont Conference Tournament opener Tuesday (Apr. 6) at Grossmont.

Hillers pitcher HANNAH RAPOPORT, a transfer from Francis Parker, struck out nine to gain her first victory following a pair of no-decisions, spinning a 3-hitter.

Meanwhile, Grossmont (6-6) received a pair of hits from seniors LAUREN VALLELY and CORAL KASDEN, sophomore AUBRIE MAY, and freshmen HAYLEY KASDEN and AMANDA PORTER to fuel a 13-hit attack.

El Cajon Valley (5-2) avoided Rapoport's shutout bid in the 5th inning.

KAMERYN ROJAS was hit by a pitch, was replaced on the bases on a fielder's choice grounder by CHELSEA BALL, with Ball coming home on a triple just to the left of the center fielder for the RBI by ALISSA GARCIA. It was the third hard-hit ball by Garcia, who was robbed on her two previous plate appearances on shots up the middle, including one snared by Rapoport.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-6-10) — El Capitan High was positioned for its first victory over Granite Hills since 2002. But in the end, all the Vaqueros could hope for was a rain-out, just like the rest of Monday's (Apr. 5) Grossmont Conference Tournament openers.

However, the script to an upset was shaken apart.

Trailing 2-0, the Eagles struck back faster than an earthquake, scoring three times with a single blow in the bottom of the 6th inning when NICOLE OBNEY erupted for a bases-loaded triple to (after-) shock El Cap, 3-2.

The Vaqueros gained one final chance after loading the bases on walks, but the Eagles called upon reliever KIMMY TRIOLO in the 7th with two outs (7-point-2). She registered a strikeout to save the win for DESIREE MEJIA. The triumph allowed Granite Hills (9-4) to snap a mild, 2-game losing streak.

Triolo, a freshman shortstop, also batted 2-for-3, including a basehit in the 6th which was sandwiched around walks to MORGAN KURTZ and Mejia to load the bases. Obney's game-winner, a shot into the left-field corner, was the only other Eagles hit of the contest.

"Nicole always seems to get the big hit for us," added the coach. "Whether to tie the game or give us the lead, she always seems to come through in the clutch."

Similarly, El Capitan scored all of its runs on a single swing.

In the 3rd, following a walk to catcher ALICIA ZUNIGA and a double to right-center by second baseman CATHERINE BROWN put two runners in scoring position, DELANIE GOURLEY pumped a 2-run double over the head of the left-fielder.

Gourley also struck out 11 Eagles in tossing a 3-hitter, yet was saddled with the setback after El Capitan (7-6) was unable to take advantage of nine walks issued by Granite Hills.

© East County Sports.com
CARMEL VALLEY (4-4-10) — A new No. 1 fastpitch team in the county rankings could be in the offing after JENNA BASNIGHT clubbed a pair of home runs in the championship game while pitcher NOELLE JOHNSON won a pair of ballgames during Saturday's (Apr. 3) final day of the Falcon Fiesta, leading West Hills to the title.

The Wolf Pack, owners of the top record in the CIF San Diego Section at 11-1-1, downed Westview, 9-7 in 9 innings in the semifinals. Then they whipped tournament host Torrey Pines, 9-2, after belting a school-record four home runs.

Eight of the Pack's nine runs came via home runs. Along with the pair by Basnight, ALYSSA EVJEN and SAVANNA BAGGETT went deep.

The Wolf Pack moved into position to possible claim the top of in the rankings after winning their sixth consecutive ballgame. Their only blemishes were a close loss to current No. 1 Rancho Bernardo (which has since lost a pair of contests) and a 12-inning, darkness induced draw with Bonita Vista.

Despite all of the home runs, the game-winning run was technically scored in the 2nd inning when BRI AUSTIN and ALEX MILLER opened the scoring with back-to-back doubles.

An inning later, Evjen hit a leadoff homer for a 2-0 lead, with Basnight capping the 5-run rally with a grand slam to centerfield. She later added a solo shot in the 5th, then Baggett posted a 2-run shot in the 6th.

Torrey Pines demonstrated some firepower when Alexa Lomberg broke Johnson's shutout bid with a solo homer in the 5th. Meanwhile, the Falcons' Mary Lee was given the sportsmanship award.

In the semifinals, West Hills rallied from a 3-0 deficit to finally win in 9 innings.

The Pack scored four times in the 6th, but the Wolverines' Mariah Bagsic hit a leadoff homer in the 7th to extend the contest.

The West Hills rally featured an RBI single by MICHERIE KORIA, consecutive run-scoring doubles from Austin and Miller to draw even, then the Wolf Pack took the lead when MELISSA EGGLESTON walked with the bases loaded.

Eggleston then started the winning rally in the 9th. Placed at second base, FAITH KORIA reached on an infield single to place runners on the corners, then KAELI HUNYDAY singled to right.

Micherie Koria, who batted 3-for-5 knocked home her sister on a safety squeeze which she beat out for an infield single, then Basnight slugged a double to plate Hunyday, who also went 3-for-5 in the game and 5-for-8 on the day.

Meanwhile, Johnson tossed the last four innings to get the win in relief. Including both victories on the day, her record is now 8-1 for the season.

The indications became more pronounced in the very first inning, when the Eagles loaded the bases with no one out, yet failed to score. Then with a chance to win with a runner on third base in the 7th, Bonita Vista pitcher Jennifer Hartman escaped the jam to gain the victory over Granite Hills' JENNY LAHITTE.

Lahitte finished with 11 strikeouts, while Hartman got seven Eagles on strikes.

CARLSBAD 4, GROSSMONT 1 – The Lancers, in their first action since dropping the Charger Classic championship game to Valhalla in Las Vegas, rebounded quickly. They scored three runs in their opening at-bats, as the Foothillers played catch-up all morning before falling in a Falcon Fiesta consolation contest in Carlsbad on Saturday (Apr. 3).

Tori Nirschl led the Lancers attack with a pair of home runs. Following a solo blow to ignite the 1st-inning rally, she added another solo shot in the 6th.

Grossmont answered in the 2nd as catcher HEATHER DEMENT singled, pinchrunner AMANDA PORTER stole second base, eventually scoring on a basehit to centerfield by freshman MEGAN CRISCI. However, Carlsbad relief pitcher Dani Cowan entered to throw four innings of shutout ball to collect the victory.

Helix struck at the opening bell, as CLAUDETTE SMITH walked, stole a base, then came home on a basehit by CHANELLE WARD.

Patrick Henry tied it in the 1st, then added two more runs in the 2nd, but Helix re-claimed the lead.

In a 3-run rally in the 6th, SAVANNAH McCULLY and Smith opened the frame with consecutive singles, then Ward walked to load the bases.

SYDNI TOILOLO followed with a basehit to score McCully. SEETIA NOA grounded out to shortstop, yet Smith came home to tie the contest. SHALEY MADRUGA then hit a tapper back to the pitcher, but by the time the Patriots' Grace Hernandez could get the ball home, Ward was able to slide under the tag to gain a 4-3 lead.

However, Patrick Henry scored twice in the bottom of the 6th for the victory, receiving consecutive RBI hits by Ally Rios (a single to score Lexi Mudd) and Alex Mootry (a double to plate Carly Mitchell with the game-winner).

The setback means a consolation game on Saturday (Apr. 3) at Carlsbad, a ballclub coming off a championship game loss to Valhalla at the Charger Classic in Las Vegas. Game time is 11 a.m.

San Marcos actually struck initially with two runs in the 1st, but Grossmont answered after KAITLIN NICKS and HANNAH RAPOPORT reached base on walks.

KAYLA APPENZELLER, a freshman who gave HEATHER DEMENT a breather and gained the start behind the plate, followed with an RBI double to left field. And when HAYLEY KASDEN, another frosh, followed with another double to almost the same point, two more runs would score for a 3-2 lead.

Thus, West Hills becomes the lone East County team to gain a berth in the championship round of the Falcon Fiesta. The other top contender, Granite Hills, which finished in a 3-way tie at the top of its pool, lost a tiebreaker on total runs allowed to be relegated to a consolation round.