© East County Sports.com
LAS VEGAS (4-1-10) — Flying under the radar, many thought Valhalla High was a good ballclub, yet nothing special following the middle-of-the-road finish to open the season at the Cougar Classic.

However, look at the Norsemen now, winners of 10 straight contests, including all six to capture the championship of the 32-team Chargers Classic.

On Wednesday (Mar. 31), Valhalla (11-2-1) made the 6-hour drive home with the trophy after stopping Cathedral Catholic, 5-1 in the semifinals, then rallying past Carlsbad, 3-2, in the finale at West Flamingo Park .

In both contests, pitcher TORREY ROOK spearheaded the victories. The junior combined with CANDICE STAMPER to toss a 2-hitter at the Lady Dons in game one, then the pitchers switched roles, as Rook struck out eight Lancers over 5 2/3 innings of no-hit relief.

For the season, Rook now owns the best record among East County pitchers at 8-0.

"Torrey's pitching was amazing, and her hitting was phenomenal, too," said Norsemen coach DOUG HARTUNG, who has reached the final of this tournament on two previous occasions, but just fell short. "She was simply solid."

VALHALLA 5, CATHEDRAL 1 – In the semifinals, immediately after the Lady Dons tied the game in the top of the 3rd, the Norsemen answered with four runs to reclaim the lead.

"That's when we took Torrey out," noted Hartung. "The game was dragging on, so we knew the time limit would come into play, and we wanted to save her for the next game."

Indeed, the clock expired after just five innings, with both Rook and Stamper yielding just a single basehit, both of the bloop variety.

Against a drawn-in infield, Cathedral catcher Milan Botte looped a ball over the shortstop to score a run, off-setting a Valhalla run in the 2nd on consecutive extra-base hits by Rook (double) and KIANA BROWN (triple).

The Norsemen answered back to score four times on four consecutive hits.

Following a lead walk to KAITLIN McGINLEY, the senior was sacrificed to second base, then moved to third on a basehit by CORA CORDOVA. Then the fireworks really began.

NAOMI TELLEZ stroked a single for the go-ahead run, Rook knocked in two with a single, then Brown collected her second RBI with a double.

"Kiana has been hitting a bunch," added Hartung. "And not just singles. Many of her hits of late have been extra-base hits or driving in runs."

Charger Classic Gold Bracket Champion Valhalla Norsemen (Photo by Pamela Perettie)

Valhalla Norsemen: final day at Charger Classic vs. Cathedral Catholic Lady Dons & Carlsbad Lancers (Slideshow by Pamela Perettie)

The Lancers opened the scoring, setup on a lead single by Kelsey Moyer, a sacrifice, and a walk, with both runners coming home on wild pitches.

After that, Stamper and Rook combined to not allow another basehit. And just like the semifinals, three runs would come home, proving to be the difference for the Norsemen.

McGinley reached with a lead single, stole second, then was sacrificed to third. Cordova walked for runners at the corners, which again lit a fuse.

Tellez hit an unglamorous roller to the right side, but it cashed in McGinley to trim the deficit to 2-1.

Rook followed with a chopper toward shortstop, which took a bad hop off the defender's chest in what was ruled an infield single for the tying run.

Brown walked, then MADISON LABSHERE went to right field for an RBI single to score Rook with the go-ahead run.

Organizers of the event did not select an all-tournament team, but Rook was clearly the player of the tournament with four pitching victories, and homering in one of the games she did not pitch.

Note – Valhalla assistant coach BRUCE WHITLOW is currently on an incredible 30-game winning streak – 10 consecutive with the Norsemen, plus 20 straight with the Grossmont College women's fastpitch team which he also assists. Not too bad!

Carrillo hit a solo shot in the 2nd inning, then capped a 5-run rally in the 3rd on the second of back-to-back homers with EMILY SCHISLER.

The big inning saw GABBY SCOLARI triple home two runners in MICHELLE THILLE (single) and AMANDA GRABLE (walk). Schisler then homered for a 5-0 lead, followed by Carrillo's second of the game.

SHANNON FYSON tossed a complete game for the victory.

MIRA MESA 4, EL CAPITAN 2 – In the Silver Bracket semifinals, the Vaqueros bounced back from an early 2-0 deficit to move even with the Marauders, but Katiyana Mauga answered with a solo home run in the 5th inning to win in a ballgame held in winds with gusts up to 50 miles per hour.

In other words, the ball simply sailed away to right-center field.

El Capitan pitcher DELANIE GOURLEY registered 11 strikeouts in her six innings of work, while right-fielder FELICIA ARCAMO batted 3-for-3, including the game-tying single in the 4th.

Down 2-0 after the 1st, the Vaqueros chipped away when CATHERINE BROWN singled to open the 2nd. CYNTHIA GONZALES bunted her to second, then KELSEY MOODY singled to left-center to plate Brown.

In the 4th, this time it was Moody who scored following her lead walk, a sacrifice by KARA HOSTETLER, then Arcamo's third hit of the contest for the run.

Charger Classic Bronze Bracket Champion Christian Patriots (Photo by Gabriela Grabowski)

Gentry also belted a grand slam in the 2nd, when Christian scored six times to mount an 8-0 lead. MARY GRABOWSKI opened the scoring with a 2-run homer in the 1st to begin a 3-for-3 outing.

CHRISTIAN 5, CHATSWORTH 3 – The Bronze title game saw the Patriots battle back from a 3-0 deficit, scoring twice in the 4th to tie, then two more in the 5th to give the victory to Gunter (11 strikeouts).

To get even, Grabowski walked, coming home on a JEANNIE VEST double. Vest then stole third base, but when the ball sailed down into the left-field corner, it was tied at 3-all.

An inning later, MONIQUE ELLIOTT (single) and Gentry (walk) set the table for consecutive RBI basehits by Grabowski and Vest.

MONTE VISTA 13, L.A.-BIRMINGHAM 12 – The Copper Bracket semifinals saw the Monarchs overcome a 7-run rally by the Patriots in the 6th inning by scoring twice in the 7th to win their second straight ballgame.

A pair of Monte Vista players -- freshman EMILY LOPEZ and junior McKENNA CLARKE -- belted two home runs each.

Lopez opened the game with a leadoff homer, then belted a grand slam in the 5th to give Monte Vista a 9-5 lead. She now has four homers for the season.

Clarke's first two homers of the year saw a solo shot in the 2nd, then a 2-run marker in the 6th for an 11-5 advantage.

The ballclubs combined for 25 runs and 31 hits in the Las Vegas wind.

CIMARRON-MEMORIAL 12, MONTE VISTA 2 – In the Copper finale, the Spartans were the only local ballclub to take one of the four tournament divisions after scoring seven times in the 4th to win by run rule.

After upsetting Carson, the 16th-ranked team in the state in the recently-announced Cal-Hi Sports rankings, the Norsemen did one better on Tuesday (Mar. 30) by tagging Green Valley ( Nev. ), one of the tournament favorites, in a one-sided 7-0 decision.

TORREY ROOK tossed a 3-hit shutout at the Gators in the Gold Bracket quarterfinals at West Flamingo Park . She struck out 11 and walked just one.

Rook aided her cause by batting 3-for-4 with an RBI. Sophomore KIANA BROWN opened the scoring with a solo homer in the 2nd inning.

"This was Torrey's best game of the year, coming against a quality opponent," said Valhalla coach DOUG HARTUNG. "It was even better than her no-hitter."

Speaking of no-hitters, the Norsemen completed pool play earlier on a no-hitter by CANDICE STAMPER in an 8-0 romp over Las Vegas-Desert Oasis.

Stamper struck out 10 Diamondbacks to win her third straight outing.

Rook belted a 2-run homer in the 1st to give Valhalla a 3-0 lead, and were never challenged.

Early runs were produced on an AMBER GRABLE double in the 1st, and a squeeze bunt by CARLA CARRILLO in the 4th. However, the Lancers scored twice in the 4th and 5th, the comeback fueled by Tori Nirschl's 2-run homer.

In the morning pool play game, the Sultans scored seven quick runs to top Las Vegas-Durango, 9-4.

Carrillo knocked in a pair of early runs against the Trailblazers, as pitcher AMBER SCHISLER won to move her record to 3-2.

EL CAPITAN: The Vaqueros finished pool play of the Charger Classic on Tuesday (Mar. 30) with a 2-1 mark after downing tournament host Las Vegas-Clark, 6-2. Then in the Silver Bracket quarterfinals, El Capitan topped Madison, 8-2.

In the opener, sophomore CHRISTINA MILLER made her first pitching start. She yielded two runs on two hits in the 1st, then tossed 6 1/3 innings of no-hit ball at the Chargers while the Vaqueros stormed back to win five a 5-spot in the 4th inning.

The big inning saw DELANIE GOURLEY slug a 2-run double to tie the ballgame, CYNTHIA GONZALES slapped an RBI single for the lead, then KELSEY MOODY slammed an RBI triple.

PAIGE BORRAS went 3-for-4, while CATHERINE BROWN was 2-for-4.

Against the Warhawks, after Madison scored twice to trim the deficit to 3-2, El Cap responded with four runs in the 5th to pull away.

Gourley finished with a 2-hitter, striking out 18 batters.

Catcher ALICIA ZUNIGA finished with a pair of home runs, and nearly had a third.

In the 1st inning, Zuniga slammed a triple to left-center field, but was ruled out at the plate when attempting to take the extra base. Still, the triple scored ALISHA WYCKOFF for a 1-0 lead.

Later, Zuniga was able to circumnavigate the bases with a 2-run shot in the 3rd, then a solo homer in the 6th.

For all her work, Zuniga (3-for-4) finished with four RBI, a total matched by Gonzales with a single stroke on a 5th-inning grand slam.

CHRISTIAN: The Patriots, who were listed among the honorable mention in this week's state rankings, were missing a couple of key players in the Las Vegas Charger Classic -- including catcher ALLIE SCOTT -- since Christian is not on spring break this week.

The Patriots fell in pool play to Las Vegas -Green Valley on Tuesday (Mar. 30), 12-8, advancing to the Bronze Bracket, where they whipped on Las Vegas-Desert Oasis, 16-3.

MONTE VISTA: In two of the past four seasons at the Las Vegas Charger Classic, the Monarchs finished near the bottom in pool play, yet stormed back to advance to the championship game in the consolation bracket.

On Tuesday (Mar. 30), after Monte Vista fell to Banning, 10-6, to go 1-2 in pool play, the Monarchs held off a late rally in the second game on to down Las Vegas-Clark, the tournament hosts, 9-8, to advance to the Copper Bracket semifinals.

Monte Vista received home runs from MEGAN SEARS, a 3-run shot in the 1st, and ALEX ROSS, a 2-run blast in the 3rd, to overcome deficits of 3-0 and 5-3.

Monte Vista scored three times in the 1st, 3rd and 5th innings to take a 9-5 lead, but shut down the Chargers just in time when Clark scored three times in the 7th, giving the pitching win to MARIZA MALDONADO.

Rancho Buena Vista Tournament
MISSION HILLS 11, MOUNT MIGUEL 1 — The Matadors were blanked without a hit through four innings, but they got off the deck in the final inning on a solo homer by MYCHELLE GARCIA, then RAVEN WIECHMAN added a double against the Grizzlies.

Falcon Fiesta
FRANCIS PARKER 6, HELIX 4 — Junior centerfielder CLAUDETTE SMITH continued her hitting spree, going 3-for-4, a total matched by teammate SYNDI TOILOLO, who also had a pair of RBI in the home-field setback to the Lancers.

The Highlanders rallied late with single runs in the 6th and 7th on run-scoring singles by SHALEY MADRUGA and SAVANNAH McCULLY, but fell short.

© East County Sports.com
LAS VEGAS (3-30-10) — Spring break means tournament action, with five East County schools participating in the Chargers Classic in Nevada.

The biggest surprise came in one of the toughest pools, as Valhalla went 2-0 after upending powerful Carson, one of the largest schools (by enrollment) in California, 8-1. The previously undefeated Colts are ranked 16th in California.

TORREY ROOK registered a "double 2-hitter" to corral the Colts.

Rook pitched a 2-hitter, settling down after allowing a 1st-inning homer. She struck out 10 batters in the 5-inning contest.

Had the ball stayed in the park, Rook would've easily had a grand slam. So instead, the junior right-hander slugged a slam in the 5th, capping a 6-RBI performance. The shot followed a bases-loaded walk to MADISON LABSHERE.

The opener was a 23-2 pasting of Kearny, as SHANNON FYSON and JV call-up MALLORY BOYD combined on a no-hitter. Each went two innings.

The best part of this game: Nevada 's mercy rule is after four innings, instead of five.

Freshman AMBER SCHISLER hit a 2-run homer in the 1st inning. Later in the inning, older sister EMILY SCHISLER belted a 3-run triple.

In game two, the Sultans mounted a 4-0 lead on Granada Hills, then hung on when Fyson entered in relief to secure the save in a 4-3 triumph.

AMANDA GRABLE, who went 3-for-4 with four runs and three RBI in the opener, smacked a solo homer in the 1st. Santana added three more runs in the 3rd, including an RBI basehit by ALEX BREIDT.

EL CAPITAN: The Vaqueros split a pair of pool play games in the Las Vegas Charger Classic on Monday (Mar. 29), which both went to the international tiebreaker, remaining in contention for a Silver Bracket berth.

In game one, El Cap defeated Vista, 5-2 in 8 innings.

Senior outfielder KELSEY MOODY stroked a 2-run double in the 2nd inning to open the scoring, but the Panthers answered with single runs in the 2nd and 3rd, but Vaqueros pitcher DELANIE GOURLEY then tossed no-hit ball over the final 5 1/3 innings. Gourley finished with 16 strikeouts in tossing a 2-hitter.

In the 8th with ALISHA WYCKOFF on second base, CYNTHIA GONZALES put down a sacrifice bunt, ALICIA ZUNIGA walked to place runners on the corners.

PAIGE BORRAS followed with an RBI single, then CATHERINE BROWN cleared the bases with a 2-run triple. Brown also scored on Moody's hit.

In game two, the tiebreaker started in the 7th inning, when Liberty ( Henderson, Nev. ) snapped the tie for a 4-3 decision.

Borras tagged a game-tying, 2-run homer in the 1st, which also scored Wyckoff (walk). The inning continued with a KARA HOSTETLER walk and a Gourley double for a 3-2 advantage.

MONTE VISTA: The Monarchs, involved in a pair of slugfests, also gained a split during Monday’s (Mar. 29) opening day of pool play of the Charger Classic in Las Vegas. And the one victory came the hard way.

After mounting an 8-0 advantage over Las Vegas ' Valley High, the hosts answered with 11 runs in the 3rd through 5th innings, only to see Monte Vista bounce back with the game's final five runs in a 13-11 decision.

Home runs by EMILY LOPEZ and BRITTANY WRIGHT made it 4-0 in the 1st, then the Monarchs scored four more in the 2nd. However, they would need a 3-run shot by JASMINE KING in the 5th to move back in front, 12-11.

Lopez went 3-for-4 with three runs and a pair of RBI. MARIZA MALDONADO went 2-for-2, while MEGAN SEARS added a pair of triples.

In the first game, Monte Vista allowed seven runs in the 1st to fall to Chula Vista Mater Dei, 11-3, despite homers by Wright and Lopez.

Despite the setback, it was only the first tournament loss by the Hillers, which could still share the pool title and send it to a tiebreaker to decide which one of three ballclubs will play for the championship on Saturday (Apr. 3).

Hartman and Grossmont pitcher RACHEL STALFORD both dominated the top of the opposition's batting order, not allowing a hit in 9 at-bats. But the Barons were able to cash in a hit batter and a walk.

Ruby Elliot singled home Anissa Pinedo in the 2nd, then Taylor Valdivia doubled in Pinedo in the 3rd, later scoring on a sacrifice fly by Andrea Lara. The Barons (4-5-1) snapped a 5-game losing streak.

Grossmont (5-4) received a pair of slap singles by left-hander AMANDA PORTER, Otherwise, the Hillers advanced only one runner to second base all afternoon.

MOUNT MIGUEL: The winless Matadors reported they lost twice in the Longhorn Classic on Monday (Mar. 29), falling to El Centro-Central, 20-4, then Brawley, 12-0. No further information was available.

CHRISTIAN and GRANITE HILLS: No report by these schools.

© East County Sports.com
CHULA VISTA (3-28-10) — The need to capture three consecutive victories, all back-to-back-to-back, is the main reason why the annual Hilltop Tournament is one of the most difficult events to capture.

And first-time entrant Steele Canyon had no idea they would need so many wins in such a short period of time entering Saturday's (Mar. 27) championship round.

Nonetheless, the Cougars possess the deepest pitching staff among East County schools. So head coach JULIE BOHE had no problem calling upon all three of her veteran hurlers to make the ballclub's first foray to the South Bay event a successful one after tournament MVP LORENA KLOPP joined IRENE BLUMENSTOCK and COURTNEY JOHNSON in tossing complete games.

"Our team played very well throughout the tournament," noted the San Diego State bound Klopp. "The offense did very well, and the defense made some great plays."

The biggest of the defenders was centerfielder AMANDA HARTNETT, who converted a pair of fine physical plays in the semifinals, then made a heads-up move to convert a double play in the finale.

Klopp only allowed two quick runs in the 1st, closing the contest with 7 1/3 innings of shutout ball.

STEELE CANYON 2, HILLTOP 1 – AMANDA HARTNETT kept the Cougars in control with two fine plays in the early going.

In the 1st, Hilltop attempted to score a runner from second base on a basehit to centerfield, but Hartnett fired a strike to catcher MOLLY HUTCHISON for the out.

Steele Canyon answered with an RBI single by Klopp to bring home MICHELLE BEASLEY, but Hilltop's counter was again foiled by Hartnett, who raced into the gap in left-center to snare a sharp line drive.

Blumenstock registered three strikeouts for the triumph.

STEELE CANYON 8, MAR VISTA 0 (5 inn.) – COUTNEY JOHNSON carried a no-hitter through five frames before an infield single to lead the 6th ended her streak. So AMANDA HARTNETT helped Johnson get even.

After the runner advanced to second base, the Mariners tried an apparent bunt-and-run. The bunt was popped up and caught by Hutchison, who noticed the runner was standing next to third base, but no Cougars were in range of second base either.

However, Hartnett raced in to cover the bag, catching Hutchison's toss for the double play.

"I saw no one was covering second base, so I ran in and yelled to Molly to throw me the ball," noted Hartnett. "Molly made a nice adjustment to get to the pop up – everyone on the team was jumping to the ball."

Steele Canyon then capped the contest by run rule when Hartnett (2-for-3) walked with the bases loaded, and Johnson banged an RBI single that saw a second run score on an error to claim the title.

Hutchison went 2-for-3 with three RBI, including a 2-run double in the 2nd. Meanwhile, third baseman GABRIELLE BEASLEY batted 3-for-3 with a pair of doubles.

Joining Klopp on the all-tournament team was Michelle Beasley and Johnson.

Also earning tournament laurels were DELANIE GOURLEY and ALICIA ZUNIGA of El Capitan.

The Vaqueros fell one victory short of a title game berth after defeating El Centro-Southwest, 3-0, but falling to Mar Vista, 5-3.

EL CAPITAN 3, EL CENTRO-SOUTHWEST 0 – DELANIE GOURLEY struck out 16 Eagles in her 1-hit shutout, finally losing her no-hit bid with one out in the 6th.

The Vaqueros scored twice in the 1st inning. Following lead walks to ALISHA WYCKOFF and Zuniga, PAIGE BORRAS grounded to the right side to place both runners in scoring position, as both came home when a roller by CATHERINE BROWN was thrown away at first base.

An inning later, Wyckoff collected the RBI to bring home AMBER TAYNTON, who walked, then moved into scoring position on another Eagles error.

MAR VISTA 5, EL CAPITAN 3 – The Vaqueros scored once in the 7th, then brought the potential tying run to the plate before getting sunk by the Mariners.

CATHERINE BROWN collected a pair of RBI with a sacrifice fly in the 1st, then a double in the 3rd, each time bringing home Wyckoff, who singled home MEGAN METHENY in the 7th.

Sophomore KIANA BROWN capped Valhalla's 11-hit attack with a solo homer in the 5th. Brown finished with a game-high three RBI, extending the winning streak of the Norsemen (5-2-1) to four straight.

Leadoff batter KAITLIN McGINLEY and catcher NAOMI TELLEZ each batted 3-for-4, with Tellez driving in a pair of runs. Meanwhile, freshman second baseman MADISON LABSHERE went 2-for-3.

For the Matadors, MYCHELLE GARCIA singled in the 2nd, and CYNTHIA BELL registered a basehit in the 5th.

SAN DIEGUITO 3, HELIX 2 — Highlanders freshman SYDNI TOILOLO belted a 2-run homer in the 1st inning, but the Scotties couldn't hang on when the host Mustangs completing the comeback with three runs in the bottom of the 7th to claim a Falcon Fiesta victory in Encinitas.

Marissa Sacco's 2-run double lifted San Dieguito to the walkoff win.

© East County Sports.com
DEL CERRO (3-26-10) — The shutout string by Granite Hills High senior JENNY LAHITTE came to end. Yet the winning continues.

Despite three consecutive Patrick Henry hits leading to a trio of runs in the 6th inning, Lahitte and the Eagles still held on to a 4-3 victory in Falcon Fiesta play. The win moved Granite Hills to 3-0 in its pool, needing one addition triumph to join West Hills in the championship semifinals.

The Patriots (3-4-1) took advantage of a wild pitch on a dropped third strike to start their rally from a 4-0 deficit. Another wild pitch on strike three also allowed the hosts to eventually place the game-tying runner on second base in the 7th, but Lahitte escaped to propel her record to 7-0 even after her streak of 46 1/3 shutout innings was snapped.

"Patrick Henry took advantage of a lot of my mistakes," admitted Lahitte. "I hope this is just a good learning experience – I need to make better pitches."

Freshman catcher KRISTINA LAHITTE thought a change in the Patriots' batting approach was significant.

"They knew the riseball was coming and were ready for it – at least, they were guessing riser," said the younger sister.

Following the first dropped third strike, Henry's Jissica Ping lined a pitch above her eyes to left field for a basehit, then Ping and Katelyn Livingstone both scored when Patriots pitcher Grace Hernandez went upstairs to blast a 2-run double to center.

On the hit, Hernandez again injured her troublesome back. Although she faced one batter in the 7th, she was forced to move to first base and replaced in the circle by Livingstone.

The rally continued when Maggie McCormick singled, then a grounder to the right side by JV call-up Jennifer Schuff trimmed the deficit to a single run.

However in the 7th, Lahitte overcame a sacrifice bunt with two strikeouts to close the contest. She fanned 13, while aiding her cause by going 2-for-4 at the plate.

Lahitte's strong batting at the No. 3 spot in the order has helped everyone else in the line-up, including clean-up hitter DESIREE MEJIA.

"Because of Jen, I see a lot more straight pitches," noted Mejia, the designated player. "She's a great pitcher, but people forget she's a great hitter, too."

The combo worked to opened the scoring in the 3rd inning.

Following a 2-out basehit by shortstop KIMMY TRIOLO, Lahitte forced an error by a defensive unit sitting on its heels. Mejia followed with an RBI single which resulted in a second run on another error, one of four committed by the youthful Patriots.

Granite Hills also scored in the 4th when a triple into the right-field corner by MICHELLE MILLER brought home NICOLE OBNEY (single). Both are sophomores.

Then in the 6th, CHAYLAH ZETSCH went station-to-station to score on an error, a walk, an infield grounder and a wild pitch.

MAR VISTA 7, MONTE VISTA 2 — The visiting Mariners scored four times in the 1st inning in building a 7-0 cushion before the Monarchs could answer in Thursday's (Mar. 25) non-league affair.

Monte Vista first scored in the 5th. McKENNA CLARK doubled to the gap in left-center field, later scoring on a bunt single by JENNIFER GARDINA.

In the 7th, AMBER McMILLAN walked, stole second base, then came home on a double to left-center by freshman first baseman MEGAN SEARS.

TORREY PINES 7, HELIX 1 — The Highlanders took advantage of their home-field lights to play another in a series of late-week night games, thus understandably missed deadline. Expect a full report Saturday on this Falcon Fiesta pool play contest.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-25-10) — Rumors persist that the Falcon Fiesta tournament, annually held by Torrey Pines High, may make a move to the East County.

The story may not be true, yet local teams continue to move into position to dominate as if they own the event after Grossmont moved to the top of its pool following Wednesday's (Mar. 24) triumph over powerful Scripps Ranch, 9-5, in a see-saw affair.

The Hillers join West Hills, which already has clinched a berth in the semifinals, and Granite Hills as pool leaders. The fourth pool is headed by the host Falcons.

In a contest featuring three lead changes, Grossmont finally prevailed by scoring the tying run in the 4th, then the go-ahead run in the 5th, both on sacrifice fly balls by, respectfully, AUBRIE MAY and HAYLEY KASDEN.

And when May belted her East County leading third home run of the season in the 6th for a pair of insurance runs, Grossmont (5-3 overall) moved to 2-0 in its pool. With the setback, Scripps Ranch fell to 7-3.

"Both teams were really hitting the ball," noted Hillers coach JERRY LERUD. "Scripps Ranch is a really great team, but we were just able to drive in a few more runners."

The Falcons stranded 12 baserunners, but were blanked following a pitching change, as reliever LAUREN MIRANDA capped the contest with 3 2/3 innings of shutout ball.

After Scripps Ranch registered three runs to take a 5-3 lead in the 4th, Grossmont quickly tied it.

Miranda slugged a double to left, catcher HEATHER DEMENT singled, then Miranda came home on a throwing error on a failed pickoff attempt. Dement went to third, then scored on May's sacrifice fly.

May, who went 3-for-3 at the plate, then made like (Willie) Mays with her home run, capping a 3-RBI performance.

"They tried to throw her a change-up on a 2-2 pitch," noted Lerud. "Big mistake."

The go-ahead rally in the 5th saw centerfielder CORAL KASDEN (2-for-3) stroke a lead single to left, steal second base, then advance to third when an infield grounder by MEGAN CRISCI was misplayed for an error.

Hayley Kasden then lifted a pinch-hit fly ball to left to score her older sister for the lead.

Grossmont can all-but-mathematically clinch its pool with a road victory Monday at Bonita Vista.

Five innings?

Yes, but by the time Hansen and some of her teammates arrived to Leto Field, Valhalla had already scored a pair of runs against a replacement starter. Those runs held up over the rest of the afternoon to give the hosts the non-league victory Wednesday (Mar. 24).

Considering Grossmont Conference games usually start at 4 p.m., while most City Conference schools commence at 3 or 3:30 p.m., there was little reason to arrive late. But no one on Valhalla was complaining.

KAITLIN McGINLEY was the benefactor of an unprepared starting pitcher by accepting a leadoff walk, moving to second base on a passed ball. DIONNA SMITH followed with a basehit, then McGinley scored on a tight play at the plate.

"CORA CORDOVA hit a high chopper," noted Norsemen coach DOUG HARTUNG. "UC fielded it and threw home, but Kaitlin was safe under the tag."

Two batters later, another Norsemen was involved in another close play at the plate, yet was out. Nevertheless, second baseman MADISON LABSHERE would follow with a 2-out basehit to left for a second run.

Despite the Centurions' pitching problems, the entire situation became moot thanks to Norsemen pitcher TORREY ROOK, who ran her record to 4-0 after tossing a 4-hit shutout. Rook struck out 11 batters and walked just one.

"Torrey was excellent – just as good as Hansen, or even better," Hartung added. "And our young infield played great behind her. They've done well."

Valhalla's infield features a pair of freshmen in Smith (at third base) and Labshere (second base), plus sophomores KIANA BROWN (first base) and NAOMI TELLEZ (catcher). The lone veteran is senior Cordova at shortstop.

The Norsemen next play at Mount Miguel on Friday (Mar. 26) in a non-league game that is not part of the Grossmont Conference Tournament.

© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (3-24-10) — With the calendar turning to spring, East County bats are also heating up across the region, with victories from all of the top local teams that were in action.

EL CAPITAN 9, FRANCIS PARKER 4 – In what turned out to be a key indicator game among CIF Division IV teams, the host Vaqueros scored multiple run over different innings to down the private school from Linda Vista.

The result rested well from the spectators from Christian High, another D-4 program which defeated El Cap just 24 hours earlier.

Zuniga, a freshman, went 2-for-2 with a pair of doubles good for three RBI to fuel the Vaq Pack. She also walked twice in reaching base over all four plate appearances.

Meanwhile, CATHERINE BROWN, who was the starting catcher a year ago but has seen action mostly at second base due to injury, continues to pound the softball. Brown went 2-for-4 with a 3rd-inning double, then a 6th-inning triple to score KARA HOSTETLER (triple) and Zuniga (walk) in the 6th.

Vaqueros pitcher DELANIE GOURLEY registered 15 strikeouts in the victory, as El Cap (3-2 overall) completed the pool play portion of the Hilltop Tournament with a perfect 3-0 ledger to advance to Saturday's championship round.

GRANITE HILLS 6, OTAY RANCH 5 – The best hitting team in the South Bay may be the Mustangs, which gained a berth in the championship round of the Hilltop Tournament over the weekend.

But the Eagles demonstrated more with the bats, collecting 13 hits to claim Tuesday's (Mar. 23) non-league home game. It was the Granite Hills pitchers that did the hitting to unlock a tied ballgame.

Even at 3-3, starter KIMMY TRIOLO doubled home MORGAN KURTZ (walk, stolen base) to take the lead. JENNY LAHITTE followed with a 2-run homer for a 6-3 advantage.

Although Otay Ranch would trim the deficit to a single run, Lahitte entered in relief to start the 6th, retiring all six batters she faced – five by strikeout – to cap the triumph.

Lahitte matched teammates CHAYLAH ZETSCH, third baseman KATY CREWS, and Kurtz with two hits each to back a 13-hit attack. Kurtz, the leadoff batter, also stole two more bases.

WEST HILLS 6, CARLSBAD 1 – Another lineup alteration gained immediate results Tuesday (Mar. 23), as senior outfield KAELI HUNYADY's move to the No. 2 slot produced a 3-for-4 outing to power the Wolf Pack past the visiting Lancers.

Among the hits by Hunyady was a 2-run double, when West Hills produced four runs to open the scoring in the 3rd inning.

First baseman JENNA BASNIGHT also boomed a 2-run homer in the big inning, supporting the pitching of NOELLE JOHNSON, who struck out eight to run her record to 6-1.

The victory gives West Hills the "City of Carlsbad crown" after also defeating La Costa Canyon over the weekend.

The lone El Cajon Valley run came in the 4th, when shortstop KAMERYN ROJAS singled, then came home on a booming double by first baseball ALISSA GARCIA. They would be the only Braves hits recorded against Mar Vista pitcher Angel Iacovetti.

The Mariners received home runs from Jenna Howell and Teagan Taylor. Both are seniors.

Mar Vista returns to East County on Wednesday, meeting host Monte Vista. The Braves (5-1) take two weeks off for spring break.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-23-10) — For Christian High softball player RICKI GENTRY, her platform to vent is in the batter's box.

"My dad sometimes makes me so mad," said Gentry about her father, Patriots head coach GEORGE GENTRY. "And when he does that, it makes me hit the ball harder.

"It's good 'encouragement.'"

Gentry let off some steam by smoking a 2-run homer to straight-away centerfield, supporting a shutout by pitcher ALLI GUNTER in Christian's 4-0 non-league triumph over El Capitan, 4-0, at Roma Dawson Field. Monday's (Mar. 22) ballgame was a make-up from an opening day rainout.

"I'm used to my dad being harder on me than anyone else – he's been my coach my whole life," added the Western New Mexico bound senior. "It just makes me work harder."

The 4th-inning shot doubled the Patriots' lead, as Gunter opened the inning by reaching on an error, then Gentry went deep two batters later.

Christian (8-1) also scored twice in the 1st to take a wire-to-wire victory, a rally also started by Gunter with a ground-rule double to left.

Shortstop MONIQUE ELLIOTT legged out a bunt single, then stole second base to put two Patriots in scoring position. Both would come home on a sharp basehit by catcher ALLIE SCOTT, who smartly did not over-swing on an outside pitch, as the left-hander lifted the ball just enough into centerfield.

Meanwhile, Gunter struck out 10 Vaqueros, including all three outs in the 7th in finishing strong to cap her 5-hit shutout. She ran her record to 6-0, snapping a deadlock with Granite Hills' Jenny Lahitte (5-0) for best record among East County pitchers.

For El Capitan (2-2), senior centerfielder PAIGE BORRAS batted 2-for-3, with a 1st-inning triple, then a single and a stolen base in the 6th. However, the Vaqueros, which held a 5-4 advantage in hits, could never muster for than one basehit in any inning.

VALHALLA 2, BONITA VISTA 0 – TORREY ROOK recorded a season-high 17 strikeouts Monday (Mar. 22), as another East County program shutout the host Barons. Over the weekend, El Capitan defeated Bonita Vista by an identical count.

Rook allowed just three hits, surviving a walk and a double by freshman Hannah Flippin in the 3rd inning to maintain a 2-0 lead by stranding both runners in scoring position.

The Norsemen registered single runs early, placing markers on the scoreboard in the 2nd and 3rd innings, with catcher NAOMI TELLEZ contributing to both rallies.

Tellez opened the 2nd with a lead walk, took second on a wild pitch, then waltzed home when CANDICE STAMPER belted a double to right-center field.

An inning later with two outs, Rook walked, with pinchrunner LAUREN RUSHING advancing on an infield single by MADISON LABSHERE, then a clean single to the outfield by Tellez for the RBI.

Tellez reached base three times with a basehit and a pair of walks, as seven different Norsemen recorded one basehit each.

"We're slowly coming around with the bats," Valhalla coach DOUG HARTUNG noted.

La Costa Canyon, which played for the SDCIF Division I championship just two seasons ago, do almost everything right except win so far this season – always seemingly find a way to throw a shoe or have the saddle slip.

This time, the Mavs' starting pitcher lasted just five batters, issuing three walks and a basehit. However, all four runners would score – including a pair off a double off the fence in center by NOELLE JOHNSON to bring home ALEX MILLER and JENNA BASNIGHT – to propel the Pack to a quick 4-0 cushion.

La Costa Canyon chipped away with single runs in four different innings, but West Hills received consecutive doubles by VANESSA McHUGH and ALEX MILLER for an insurance run.

McHugh, a junior second baseman who made her first start due to the absence of two other starters, came off the bench to go 2-for-2 and score twice.

EASTLAKE 8, HELIX 1 – The suddenly streaking Titans, who captured a Hilltop Tournament game over the weekend with two runs in the bottom of the 7th to gain a walkoff win over Clairemont, got a break when the Scotties needed emergency relief by their left-fielder with injury and absence decimating its pitching staff.

Toss in three errors for four unearned runs and it was a long day in South Bay for the struggling Highlanders.

Down 6-0, Helix registered its lone run in the 4th. CLAUDETTE SMITH collected an extra-base hit for the third straight outing with a lead triple to right-center, coming home on a smart ground ball to the right side by freshman SYNDI TOILOLO.

OTAY RANCH 4, GROSSMONT 1 – The host Mustangs scored twice in the 2nd and 3rd innings for the early advantage, but all the Foothillers could muster back with was a solo homer by sophomore third baseman AUBRIE MAY in the 4th in a disappointing showing in the South Bay.

Grossmont finished with just three basehits in the non-league affair.

© East County Sports.com
BONITA (3-21-10) — If a one-hitter wasn't good enough to win in your high school debut, El Capitan freshman DELANIE GOURLEY was determined to do better. So she did.

Following a 2-1, 11-inning setback to Grossmont, the lefty "rebounded" by taking the next step, throwing a no-hitter in the Vaqueros' 2-0 verdict over host Bonita Vista in Hilltop Tournament action Saturday (Mar. 20).

Gourley bounced the Barons with 17 strikeouts, facing just three batters over the minimum on a pair of walks and one El Cap error which both sides acknowledged was the proper call.

"Delanie takes direction so well – she's really down to earth," said Vaqueros coach JOE COTA. "There's no telling how good she can become."

El Capitan (2-1) needed every one of those outs before breaking through with a pair of runs in the 6th inning to finally snap the pitchers' duel with the Barons' Jennifer Hartman, who allowed just one basehit through five frames.

Senior centerfielder PAIGE BORRAS and Gourley opened with consecutive singles. Pinchhitter ALICIA ZUNIGA delivered from off the bench with a single to the gap in right-center for a 1-0 lead.

AMBER TAYNTON then added a fourth straight hit to double the lead as Gourley scored.

"Bonita's got a nice little pitcher, but then all of the sudden we started to hit her all at once," added the skipper.

Bonita Vista's only chance at a basehit was taken away by shortstop ALISHA WYCKOFF, who leaped high to snag a line drive. It was the first setback of the season for the Barons (3-1-1).

Meanwhile, Cota noted that Wyckoff and catcher-second baseman CATHERINE BROWN will join Christian High's RICKI GENTRY and play for NCAA Division II Western New Mexico next season.

El Capitan's second slated tournament contest against Francis Parker has been pushed back to Tuesday (Mar. 23) to allow Lancers players to participate in the CIF South Regional basketball final in Ontario. The ballgame will be moved to Lakeside for a 3:30 p.m. start.

Holding a 4-0 advantage, Christian tacked on eight runs in the 4th inning, including three on a bases loaded triple by freshman KATHERINE DAY.

"I just wanted to get on base," said Day, who was elevated from the JV for the weekend. "Then the ball went to (the gap in) right field and kept rolling."

Meanwhile, ALLI GUNTER tossed a 2-hit shutout at the previously unbeaten Pilots (6-1). Both OLP hits came in the 1st inning, then Gunter tossed 4 1/3 innings of no-hit ball, finishing with six strikeouts.

"We came out strong offensively – I'm proud of all the runs we scored, like we're supposed to," said Gunter. "It was a good tournament because it helped build up the team's confidence and get us ready for CIF."

Gunter scored the opening run in the 1st. She opened the Friar finale with a single, stole second, then scored on a Gentry basehit. ALLIE SCOTT, who registered three of the Patriots' 12 hits, then stroked an RBI double.

In the 3rd, MARY GRABOWSKI bombed a lead triple, scoring on a JEANNIE VEST basehit. For the contest, Grabowski went 4-for-4 with a 4th-inning homer, a triple and a pair of singles, finishing just a double shy of a cycle.

Scott went 3-for-4, while Vest and left-fielder AMANDA MARCOS each added a pair of hits.

The Patriots will host El Capitan in a rain make-up on Monday (Mar. 22) at 3:30 p.m.

BRI AUSTIN cleared the centerfield fence with a leadoff homer in the 2nd inning to open the scoring on the interesting Serra ballpark. Centerfield is only 185 feet, yet with a 12-foot fence, while the lines extend more than 250 feet on the canyon-edge property.

FAITH KORIA batted 2-for-3 and scored three times, while KAELI HUNYADY went 2-for-3 with three RBI. Including was a squeeze bunt single with the bases loaded in the 4th, then stroked a 2-run single in the 6th, when the Pack scored four times to push the contest into mercy rule status.

Junior right-fielder VANESSA KELLEMS fueled a 13-hit attack, going 3-for-3 with a 5th-inning triple, scoring three times and driving in a pair of runs.

Johnson and NICOLE RANDEL chipped in two hits and two RBI each. Among Randel's hits was a 2-run triple in the 3rd when the Cougars opened the scoring with four runs, later adding five in the 4th and three in the 5th in the run-rule triumph.

STEELE CANYON 6, BRAWLEY 2 – The Cougars rallied from a 2-0 deficit to gain another Hilltop Tournament win after registering six unanswered runs in a pool play contest held at Mater Dei.

After moving even on LORENA KLOPP's run-scoring triple in the 3rd, the Cougars parlayed three consecutive RBI singles – by MADISON HANTEN, MICHELLE BEASLEY and Klopp – to secure a 5-2 lead in the 4th.

Klopp went 3-for-4 and drove home a pair of runs, while Kellems and Beasley each went 2-for-4 and scored twice to support a 3-hitter by Cougars pitcher IRENE BLUMENSTOCK, who struck out five Wildcats.

© East County Sports.com
VISTA (3-20-10) — You must admire the attitude of the Granite Hills Eagles.

Less than 24 hours after getting bounced by not-so-neighborly Christian High, the Eagles collected their thoughts, re-focused, then went back out on the road Friday (Mar. 19) and drilled host Vista, 2-0.

Most of the focus goes to senior pitcher JENNY LAHITTE, who established a Grossmont Conference career record with her 8th no-hitter; her second of the season. Among the 21 outs registered by the Panthers, a mere 20 – all but one – were on strikeouts to equal the East County record for a regulation (non-extra inning) ballgame.

Lahitte tossed four scoreless inning of relief against Christian. And with seven additional scoreless frames against Vista, the USD bound senior has now compiled 41 innings without issuing a run – earned or unearned – this season.

With Lahitte on such a tremendous roll, the contest was essentially decided before the Panthers took their initial at-bats after Granite Hills scored a pair of quick runs in the top of the 1st.

Following a pair of walks, DESIREE MEJIA singled to left-center to score Lahitte. TARIN MARKS followed with a basehit, but when she attempted to take an extra base, a poor throw resulted in an error and another run.

Thus, after barely five minutes of play, it was game over.

Steele Canyon's Gabrielle Beasley (right) beats teammate Nicole Randel to the ball, making a back-handed catch before the teammates collided. Neither player was injured. (Photos by Ed Piper)

MIRANDA MULLENS has been the winning pitcher in all five games, this time sharing the shutout with ALISSA GARCIA and GINA GARCIA. Mullens struck out six batters.

Third baseman NOELLE PONTIUS drove in three runs, including a pair in the 2nd, when the Braves scored eight times for a 12-0 cushion.

Also driving in two runs were left-fielder DEENA FORD, right fielder TIANNA KILGORE, and Alissa Garcia, who opened the ballgame at first base.

A victory in their next game will match the school's longest win streak this decade, set in 2008.

GROSSMONT 7, FALLBROOK 4 (8 inn.) – Moments after the Foothillers committed a pair of costly errors and a mental mistake to allow the Warriors to tie this Falcon Fiesta contest with two outs in the bottom of the 7th inning, Grossmont bounced back with three runs during the international tiebreaker to escape the extreme North County with Friday's (Mar. 19) pool play victory.

Second baseman HAYLEY KASDEN drove home her sister, CORAL KASDEN with a sharp single to center for the game-winning run. A sacrifice bunt from LAUREN MIRANDA set-up the play by moving the ITB runner to third base.

However, the Hillers added on when AUBRIE MAY and pinchhitter HEATHER DEMENT posted RBI singles, helping make a winner of relief pitcher RACHEL STALFORD, who allowed just one earned run over five innings.

Down 1-0, shortstop KAITLYN NICKS rapped a 2-run single to the gap in the 3rd, bringing home Hayley Kasden and right fielder AMANDA PORTER. In the 5th, Porter and Nicks again singled, both coming home when Stalford singled for the first run, then an outfield error allowed Nicks to turn the corner and score.

For the contest, Nicks was a perfect 3-for-3, while Porter and both Kasden sisters added two hits each, as nine different players contributed to a 14-hit attack.

RICKI GENTRY struck out 11 in the 5-inning affair, finishing with a 1-hit shutout. Gentry also helped with her bat, adding a pair of 2-RBI basehits with her bat. MARY GRABOWSKI also posted two RBI.

SERRA 9, HELIX 7 (10 inn.) — In the Highlanders' annual night game and barbecue, the hosts rallied to tie in the bottom of the 7th, only to succumb in the 10th in Friday's (Mar. 19) non-league contest.

Helix' CLAUDETTE SMITH, who went 4-for-5 with three extra base hits to continue her torrid hitting streak, smacked the second of her two triples to open the 7th, forcing extra innings when freshman CHANELLE WARD delivered a clutch basehit.

The Scotties also posted six runs in the 4th to overcome an early 2-0 deficit. Included were consecutive RBI doubles by SHALEY MADRUGA, SAVANNAH McCULLY (good for two runs) and Smith, who finished with nine total bases and a pair of RBI after belting three doubles in her previous outing.

Cougar Classic photos

Helix freshman pitcher Keana Nakata delivers during Cougar Classic tournament action. (Photo courtesy of Danny Heilprin Photography) FOR ADDITIONAL PHOTOS, CLICK AD BELOW

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-19-10) — Where is Christian High School?

No, we know it’s around the corner from Granite Hills High. It's the Patriots' softball team asking where they are in the county rankings.

An informal poll of coaches find the ballclub as the preseason favorite in Division IV, but the media places programs such as Francis Parker and Horizon above the Pats.

So the Patriots went out and do what they do best – beat large-school programs.

Impressive to everyone, except Christian, which posted three quick runs in the 1st inning before chasing the host Eagles, 6-1, in the first meeting between the schools in more than two decades.

Admittedly, both coaches knew each would start their No. 2 pitcher for this non-league contest, but the decision only added confusion on how lower division programs rate against their big sisters.

Unlike strong teams which might have only three standout ballplayers – usually a pitcher, shortstop, then either a catcher or third baseman – the Patriots found answers from throughout their lineup to sprint to a 6-0 lead.

JEANNIE VEST, who bats sixth, jump-started the offense with a 3-run double to left-center field, bringing home MONIQUE ELLIOTT, ALLIE SCOTT and MARY GRABOWSKI.

An inning later, a wild pitch brought home a run, then a roller by Vest was good for her 4th RBI, as Grabowski was racing home from third base on the mis-played grounder.

By the time senior RICKI GENTRY slugged a 3rd-inning single to score AMANDA MARCOS, Christian again sent a message to the rest of the softball community. In fact, Granite Hills switched back to No. 1 pitcher JENNY LAHITTE for the 4th, striking out nine over four innings of relief, but it was too late.

Elliott, normally the shortstop, tossed a 5-hitter at Granite Hills. She struck out only three, yet induced a series of ground outs to remain in control. Her ability to absorb innings will help on Saturday (Mar. 20), when Christian meets tournament host Our Lady of Peace in the title game of the Friar Classic at Serra Mesa Recreation Center.

The Eagles' lone run came in the 3rd when MORGAN KURTZ smacked a lead single. She stole second, took third on a wild pitch, then scored on an RBI single by sophomore TARIN MARKS.

"It was disappointing for her to be on the (West Hills) JV as a sophomore, then she was forced to be on our JV as a junior after transferring," El Capitan coach JOE COTA clarified. "But her attitude has changed dramatically. She's become really focused and doesn't let little things bother her."

Taynton is already known in club ball, with an offer from Arizona Western College on the table.

Meanwhile, the Vaqueros supported Taynton with five runs (four unearned) in the 1st, building a 9-0 advantage through two innings.

Converted infielder FELICIA ARCAMO, forced to play left field since El Cap is temporarily down to nine players until the weekend, didn't let the new position bother her by going 2-for-3 at the plate.

Second baseman CATHERINE BROWN also added a pair of basehits.

Wright, a senior, registered six RBI for the contest, batting 3-for-4 with a pair of runs scored. Meanwhile, Sears, a freshman, finished with four RBI.

Winning pitcher ALEX ROSS, who ran her record to 2-0, aided her cause by going 3-for-3 and scoring three times, while senior centerfielder JASMINE KING knocked home three runs as El Capitan (1-1) battered four different Lincoln pitchers.

GABRIELLE BEASLEY also homered, but in an entirely different way. Her slap down the left-field line could easily have rolled over the out-of-bounds marker (there is no outfield fence) for a ground-rule double, so the Mariners let the ball roll. However, the ball barely stayed in play as she circled the bases.

Bealsey, who batted 2-for-3, also pitched the final four innings to gain the victory in relief. The senior also scored the tie-breaking run in the 4th after she doubled, stole third base, then scored on an error for a 3-2 advantage.

Beasley entered the game for starter ASHLEY BARANOV, who pitched three strong innings but left with no decision in a tied ballgame.

COURTNEY JOHNSON and MICHELLE BEASLEY each added a pair of basehits, as six of the Cougars' starters registered at least one RBI.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-18-10) — The long awaited debut of El Capitan freshman pitcher DELANIE GOURLEY, already delayed by a rainout, was in no way disappointing – except for the final result.

Gourley, one of Southern California's top-rated 14-year-olds in ASA softball last summer, lasted all 11 innings in tossing a 1-hitter at host Grossmont in Wednesday (Mar. 17) non-league ballgame. She also struck out 21 batters in her varsity debut, a total good enough to get listed in the CIF San Diego Section record book.

However, the Foothillers were handed runs on a passed ball and a wild pitch to escape with a 2-1 triumph.

Despite the loss, all the talk was about Gourley and her future.

"Delanie is pretty special and has a great attitude," said longtime Vaqueros coach JOE COTA. "I'm hoping she stays with us."

Rumors swirl that other schools are seeking the talented left-hander prior to her sophomore season, per the new CIF transfer rules, but Cota doubts she'll pitch anywhere but Lakeside for the next four seasons.

"Both of her parents went to El Cap, so she has roots here," noted Cota.

Remember, we did state this was Gourley's first outing.

"What can you say – she was getting all of our kids out with multiple strikeouts," said Grossmont coach JERRY LERUD. "Simply impressive."

Foothillers pitcher RACHEL STALFORD was within two outs of a shutout victory, but El Capitan got even in the 7th when Vaqueros catcher CYNTHIA GONZALES clouted a 1-out homer to left field.

Stalford posted a normally impressive 11 strikeouts despite allowing 10 hits, but Grossmont managed to give her a third victory without a loss this season.

Freshman AMANDA PORTER opened the 11th by getting hit by a pitch. She took two bases on a passed ball and a wild pitch. Then on a pitch in the dirt for ball four to KAITLYN NICKS, the ball went to the backstop and Porter cashed in the winning run.

Grossmont snapped the pitchers' duel in the 6th when AUBRIE MAY walked, then took second on a wild pitch. A dropped third strike to Porter placed runners on the corners, with May later coming home on a passed ball.

The only Foothillers hit was a 2nd-inning basehit by CORAL KASDEN. For the Vaqueros, senior KARA HOSTETLER, who recently made the move from second base to shortstop, went 2-for-4 with a double.

So when catcher SAVANNAH McCULLEY was asked to pitch, her Scotties teammates rallied behind her when Helix parlayed five extra-base hits into nine runs in the 4th inning to take a Falcon Fiesta victory over the host Tigers.

The 15-hit attack featured three doubles by CLAUDETTE SMITH, equaling a Grossmont Conference record.

"Everybody just started hitting the ball," said Helix coach KELLIE BRYAN. "We've been making contact, but not getting any results. And then all of the sudden..."

The eruption started with consecutive doubles by SAM CUNNINGHAM, ELISA RIVERA and FRANCES CERDA, the latter two for RBI and a 4-0 lead. But the domination continued.

Following a walk to McCulley, Smith clubbed the first of her doubles – a 2-run shot. She equalled a mark last achieved by Steele Canyon's LORENA KLOPP in 2007.

KIMMY TOILOLO later added an RBI triple, scoring on a SHALEY MADRUGA basehit.

Meanwhile, McCulley struck out four in tossing a 4-hitter. Only one of the four runs allowed was earned.

BRITT WRIGHT, who recently made the move to catcher, collected a career-best four hits, featuring a double and a triple, scoring three times.

Freshman right fielder EMILY LOPEZ drove in five runs. Included was a sacrifice fly in the 3rd, a 2-run single in the 4th when Monte Vista scored 8 times to overcome a 3-2 deificit, then a 2-run triple in the 7th.

Meanwhile, third baseman AMBER McMILLAN batted 3-for-5 with a double and three RBI to support winning pitcher MARIZA MALDONADO.

CHRISTIAN 7, FALLBROOK 1 – Patriots pitcher ALLI GUNTER tossed a 1-hitter, helping her ballclub qualify for the championship of the Friar Classic after busting out late during a long road trip to North County.

Christian tallied six times in the 7th inning to snap both a 1-1 tie and a deadlock at the top of the teams' pool after both entered undefeated in the tournament.

The only mistake by Gunter came in the 1st inning, when converted outfielder Allison Brown, who now starts at shortstop for the Warriors, clouted a leadoff homer to tie the contest.

That's where the contest remained until the 7th, when RICKI GENTRY bombed a 2-run double off the wall in left-center field, Later, AMANDA MARCOS cleared the loaded bases with a 3-run double.

Gunter then retired Fallbrook in order to run her record to 4-0. After the homer, she tossed seven innings of no-hit ball, striking out five.

For the contest, second baseman MIRANDA CAZARES went 2-for-3, while Elliott and ALLIE SCOTT went 2-for-4 each. Included was an RBI single by Scott in the 1st, which scored RICKI GENTRY, who walked then took three bases on Scott's shot into the gap.

The Patriots will meet tournament host Our Lady of Peace in Saturday's championship contest, slated for Serra Mesa Recreation Center at 11:15 a.m.

WEST HILLS 5, RAMONA 3 – NOELLE JOHNSON overcame a shaky start in the 1st inning with six solid frames, handing the visiting Bulldogs their fifth straight setback in Falcon Fiesta tournament play Wednesday (Mar. 17).

Johnson (4-0) struck out eight without issuing a walk in her 4-hitter.

Four Wolf Pack starters garnered two hits each, including FAITH KORIA, who stole a pair of bases, along with KAELI HUNYADY, BRI AUSTIN and ALEX MILLER.

KEARNY at MOUNT MIGUEL — No report from the Matadors on this Friar Classic ballgame.

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (3-17-10) — With the exception of the 2004 season, when El Cajon Valley High finished in a tie for last place, the Braves have not completely escaped the cellar since 1995, when they finished alone in fourth place above Santana in the old Grossmont 2A League.

Like the school's baseball team, it's been a long, frustrating run in diamond sports.

But look at the Braves now, perfect following three ballgames including Monday's (Mar. 16) 11-0 pasting of host Lincoln.

"We hope the new league will give us a chance," said assistant coach LORI CLARK. "The team is playing better – there's been a lot of growth and improvement with our players."

The contest remained scoreless until the 4th, when ECVHS scored four times. Included was a pair of RBI by first baseman AISSA THOMAS, who went 2-for-3 with three RBI.

The Braves then posted seven additional runs in the 5th to invoke the run rule. The big blow was a 3-run double by third baseman ALISSA GARCIA.

VALHALLA 1, CLAIREMONT 0 – The Norsemen may have played one of the toughest schedules in the early going, but they still need to hit in order to stay competitive. On Tuesday (Mar. 16), the ballclub collected just three hits, yet scored without the aid of a basehit to slip past the Chieftains in non-league action.

"It's a concern," admitted Valhalla coach DOUG HARTUNG. "And we need to start getting busy with the bats now."

The game's lone run came in the 3rd inning when KAITLIN McGINLEY walked and stole second base. A grounder into right field by MADISON LABSHERE resulted in a 9-3 putout, yet advanced McGinley to third. She eventually scored when CORA CORDOVA put down a perfect squeeze bunt.

Meanwhile, Norsemen pitcher TORREY ROOK tossed a 2-hit shutout to run her record to 2-0. It was her second shutout of the season, the first coming in a scoreless draw against Westview during the Cougar Classic. Rook struck out eight batters from Chieftains (1-4).

So the Wolf Pack must have felt disappointment after scoring in the 12th inning Tuesday (Mar. 16), only to give it back in the home-half to settle for a draw when darkness fell over the South Bay.

"Bonita Vista's pitcher (sophomore Jennifer Hartman) has a great curve ball that stays way off the outside of the plate and consistently hits the spot, so she gets the call," said West Hills coach MIKE APPLEBAUM. "We just couldn't put it in play much since it was going to be a called strike anyway. And when we did hit it, the pitch was so far out we couldn't get anything on it."

Finally in the 12th, the Pack got to Hartman when JENNA BASNIGHT smacked a double, coming home on an RBI double by KAELI HUNYADY.

"Our girls fought hard," added the coach. "It was a great game all-around."

Freshman MELISSA EGGLESTON pitched the first eight innings for the Pack, striking out five. NOELLE JOHNSON tossed four innings of 1-hit relief.

Granite Hills pitcher Jenny Lahitte captured the Cougar Classic semifinals over El Camino. (Photo & Slideshow by Suzy Lahitte)

© East County Sports.com
ESCONDIDO (3-16-10) — It was the dream pairing organizers of the Cougar Classic could only wish for – well, only if tournament host Escondido wasn't playing in the final.

The past two SDCIF Division I champions met head-on to determine which team will be labeled as the early favorite to gain another San Diego Section champion, but for Granite Hills, undefeated after allowing just a single run over five victories, the distance between first and second may be vast.

"There's really no reason we can't go undefeated," said second baseman Lauren Mario. "We have nine great players in our lineup who can all hit."

"Sure, it would've been a great matchup, but we need to make sure Jen stays healthy and is ready for the playoffs," said Eagles coach ERIN COYNE. "This was an important game, but not that important compared to the end of the season."

"So even though we lost to a great team, this was a definite learning experience to get us ready to meet them later."

Coyne elected to go with pitcher KIMMY TRIOLO, and was impressed with the effort of the freshman.

Meanwhile, Dutton is enjoying her stint catching Winter, the reigning SDCIF player of the year.

"It definitely makes things easier," noted Dutton. "I can call just about any pitch and know it'll be for a strike."

Dutton is also coming up big with the bat following a disappointing 2009 campaign with a limited swing due to a broken finger.

"It put a hitch in my swing, but I've got that all straightened out," said Dutton, who went 3-for-3 with a pair of doubles. "I couldn't grip the bat with my left hand and I had no power. I felt like I let my teammates down."

Not in her first at-bat, when Dutton's shot to left hit the bottom of fence. It should be noted that the barrier at Kit Carson Park is an astounding 240 feet – the usual maximum is 200-210 feet.

Following Dutton's run-scoring shot for a 1-0 lead, Granite Hills saw Triolo send Rancho Bernardo a wake-up call with a booming triple to right-centerfield. However, Winter escaped the jam with a pair of strikeouts. For the contest, she struck out 12, including the final six batters to complete her 1-hitter.

Currently, Winter and Lahitte each own records of 4-0.

"When something like that (the triple) happens, it woke us up – we've been playing so well in the tournament," added Mario. "But this team can take it up a notch."

Coyne is optimistic her Eagles can do the same.

"We learned what we need to work on," she noted. "And this team is willing to do it."

Rancho Bernardo, which won 13 straight games to close its 2009 championship season, has now won 19 consecutive ballgames. Granite Hills, which is expected to jump from 10th to near the top in the polls, fell to 5-1.

GRANITE HILLS 1, EL CAMINO 0 (9 inn.) – Once this semifinal went to the international tiebreaker, when it became apparent that the Wildcats were unwilling (or unable) to bunt or push the ball to the right side of the infield (except once), it was only a matter of time before the Eagles would advance to the Gold Bracket championship against top-ranked Rancho Bernardo.

Demonstrating superior fundamentals, Granite Hills was able to advance KIMMY TRIOLO on a grounder to second base by CHAYLAH ZETSCH, then DESIREE MEJIA registered the game-winning RBI when the sophomore went the opposite way and lifted the ball to right for a sacrifice fly. Even though the ball was dropped for an error, it was easily deep enough to plate the ballgame's lone run.

El Camino registered just one hit all contest – a 4th-inning double by Jaylene Ignacio – as Eagles pitcher JENNY LAHITTE registered her fourth shutout of the tournament. The USD bound senior, playing in front of her future coaches, struck out 17 Wildcats, including three in the 8th during the tiebreaker.

The only El Camino scoring threat came in the 9th on a sinking liner to centerfield which would've scored the ITB baserunner. However, junior MORGAN KURZTZ raced in to make a shoestring catch to keep the contest scoreless.

SCRIPPS RANCH 8, STEELE CANYON 0 – After the Falcons defeated the Cougars on a 6-hit shutout by Melanie Russell in a semifinal, they went on to nip defending SDCIF Division III titlist University City, 1-0, to claim the Silver Bracket title of the Cougar Classic at Kit Carson Park on Monday (Mar. 15).

CHRISTIAN 13, MONTE VISTA 1 – The Patriots moved into position for Wednesday's (Mar. 17) showdown with Fallbrook after easily taking Monday's (Mar. 15) Friar Classic ballgame from the visiting Monarchs.

Both Christian and the Warriors are undefeated in pool play, with the victor to gain a berth in Saturday's (Mar. 20) championship round.

The Pats popped a pair of homers, part of an East County season-best 18-hit attack. The final punch was a walkoff, 3-run homer by ALLIE SCOTT in the 5th to invoke the run rule. Scott's drive to right field capped a 4-for-4 performance.

The senior, who will attend Harvard in the fall, marked her return to catcher with four RBI for the ballgame, falling just short in hitting for the cycle after also posting a single and a pair of doubles.

Earlier, second baseman MIRANDA CAZARES went deep to centerfield with a 2-run shot in the 1st, when Christian leaped to a fast 7-0 advantage.

Concordia (Ore.) bound pitcher ALLI GUNTER struck out three over the first four innings to gain the victory. The only run she allowed came in the 3rd, when ALEX ROSS rocked a double, coming home on a basehit by catcher EMMA DEMARS.

VALLEY CENTER 13, MOUNT MIGUEL 1 – For the second time in five starts, the winless Matadors (0-5) failed to register a hit, as a trio of Jaguars pitchers – Jill Johnson, Nikki Norton and Becca Crain – combined on a no-hitter.

Six of the Jags' 16 hits went for extra bases, including a home run by Gaby Garcia, when Valley Center (7-4) scored nine times before Mount Miguel took its first swings. The Jaguars, winners of four straight games, won despite returning from the Shamrock Classic in Arizona less than 24 hours before this Friar Classic contest on Monday (Mar. 15).

The lone Matadors run came in the 4th on three walks and a passed ball.

© East County Sports.com
ESCONDIDO (3-14-10) — Granite Hills High senior JENNY LAHITTE keeps turning heads at the Cougar Classic.

On Saturday (Mar. 13), the right-hander tossed her third straight shutout in the county's largest annual kickoff tournament, limiting Torrey Pines to just a pair of basehits before the Eagles scored in the 8th inning of a 1-0 verdict in the Gold Bracket quarterfinals.

Granite Hills (4-0) advances to Monday's (Mar. 15) championship round, facing another undefeated ballclub in El Camino, which nipped Poway, 4-3, also in 8 innings. The winner of the 3 p.m. contest will play for the tournament championship at 7 p.m. against the winner between Rancho Buena Vista and top-ranked Rancho Bernardo.

Lahitte first registered 18 on No. 4 Mt. Carmel, then 16 more on Carlsbad, a team which tops the list of honorable mention. Against the No. 6 rated Falcons, she struck out 11, rising her season total to 45K – more than 2 per inning.

Granite Hills wasted little time to score once after the international tiebreaker went into effect.

With NA'TAVIA LEE at second base, DESIREE MEJIA put down a sacrifice bunt to advance the runner 60 feet, then TARIN MARKS brought the runner home on a squeeze bunt. All three Eagles are sophomores.

RANCHO BERNARDO 9, WEST HILLS 7 – The Wolf Pack scored more runs on the Broncos than all three opponents combined during pool play. However, RB is state ranked – and No. 1 in the San Diego Section – for a reason.

Tied at 6-all entering the 6th (and final) inning, Rancho Bernardo senior Lauren Winter cleared the loaded bases with a booming triple to advance the Broncos over the previously undefeated Wolf Pack. Winter got the hit off losing pitcher NOELLE JOHNSON, her travel ball teammate.

"Noelle's pitching well against a great team, then we make just one mistake and they took advantage," said West Hills coach MIKE APPLEBAUM. "We had a real opportunity to beat them, but they're ranked that high for a reason."

Rancho Bernardo jumped to a 3-0 lead, but the Pack answered with four runs in the home-half of the 1st, highlighted by a 2-run, line single to left field by ALEX MILLER. The senior later added a triple when West Hills tied the game in the 5th.

Miller and Johnson each batted 2-for-3, with Miller driving in three, while Johnson recorded a pair of RBI.

Silver Bracket
STEELE CANYON 6, CARLSBAD 0 – The Cougars' LORENA KLOPP continues to look strong in her first few pitching appearances since returning from knee surgery. She combined with fellow senior IRENE BLUMENSTOCK in tossing a 2-hit shutout at the Lancers in a Cougar Classic quarterfinal round contest at Kit Carson Park.

Klopp struck out seven batters over four innings, then Blumenstock, who hopes to study veterinary medicine in college, registered the final three outs.

NICOLE RANDEL jump-started the offense, unleasing a solo homer in the 1st, as Steele Canyon (2-1-1) scored three times over the first two frames to grab a 6-0 advantage.

For the contest, Randel went 2-for-3, including an RBI triple in the 2nd, with two runs and a pair of RBI. The senior has already accepted a partial scholarship to play for Drake University in Iowa next fall.

Elsewhere — In the Silver Bracket, University City utilized a 3-hit shutout by Amanda Hansen to halt Valhalla, 4-0, while Hilltop blanked Grossmont, 5-0.

In the lower divisions, Santana was held to four hits by Ashley Nelson in a 1-0 setback to Point Loma in the Bronze play. And winless Helix learned it will be missing its No. 1 pitcher for at least three weeks with a broken finger in suffering a 9-1 setback to El Centro-Southwest in a Copper Division elimination contest.

© East County Sports.com
ESCONDIDO (3-13-10) — West Hills and Granite Hills high schools were the lone East County teams to post perfect records through the preliminary round of the Cougar Classic, San Diego County's largest annual kickoff tournament held annually at Kit Carson Park.

Both teams completed 3-0 marks in pool play through entirely different routes.

The Wolf Pack needed to break a long, scoreless draw before finally nipping University City, 1-0. Meanwhile, the Eagles punched their ticket to the Final Eight early, scoring 9 times in the 1st inning to bury Brawley, 10-1.

Elsewhere, Grossmont, Steele Canyon and Valhalla gained Silver Bracket berths following second-place finishes in pool action, while Santana will play in the Bronze bracket, despite dropping a non-tournament contest Friday (Mar. 12) to Otay Ranch, 6-5.

WEST HILLS 1, UNIVERSITY CITY 0 – In a battle of undefeated programs meeting head-on for a Gold Bracket berth in the Cougar Classic, West Hills pitcher NOELLE JOHNSON carried a no-hitter into the 7th inning before finally blanking the Centurions on a 1-hit shutout.

The Wolf Pack broke through with the game's lone run (unearned) in the 6th.

Senior catcher MICHERIE KORIA reached base on a one-out error, then stole second base. First baseman JENNA BASNIGHT then extended her hitting streak to four games after lining a basehit to right for the RBI.

Johnson struck out four against one walk, although University City, the defending SDCIF Division III titlist, had one late opportunity to tie it. In the 7th, Gabby Clement reached on a clean, 1-hit single, was sacrificed to second, but was left there when Johnson coaxed a ground ball to ALEX MILLER at third base, who threw to Basnight to cap the shutout.

West Hills (4-0 overall) finished at 3-0 in its pool, advancing to Saturday's Gold Bracket quarterfinals against powerful Rancho Bernardo, starting at 1 p.m. at Kit Carson Park.

GRANITE HILLS 10, BRAWLEY 1 – With highly respectable programs such as Brawley, Imperial and El Centro-Southwest hailing from the Imperial Valley in recent seasons, the Eagles could've been challenged. However, Granite Hills posted nine runs on 10 hits in the team's first trip to the plate to run-rule the Wildcats.

Thus, Imperial Valley teams Brawley and Southwest went a combined 0-6 during pool play of the Cougar Classic. Meanwhile, Granite Hills (3-0) advances to the Saturday's (Mar. 13) Elite Eight with a quarterfinals meeting with Torrey Pines.

The huge inning included center fielder MORGAN KURTZ and pitcher KIMMY TRIOLO each going 2-for-2 with a pair of runs and a stolen base before Brawley could record the third out.

NICOLE OBNEY just missed smacking her second homer in as many days, striking the top of the outfield fence with a shot which went for a 2-run triple. Obney later added a run-scoring single in the 2nd to cap a 2-for-3, 3 RBI outing.

Meanwhile, Triolo, a freshman, struck out four in tossing a 1-hitter.

GROSSMONT 2, EL CENTRO-SOUTHWEST 1 – Moments after the Eagles opened the scoring in the top of the 3rd inning, the Foothillers responded by scoring a pair, which was just enough for winning pitcher RACHEL STALFORD. The right-hander struck out nine without a walk in tossing a 3-hitter.

The two-out rally saw shortstop AUBRIE MAY smash a triple to left-center field, scoring when a grounder to first base by freshman AMANDA PORTER was misplayed for an error to tie the ballgame.

Junior third baseman KAITLYN NICKS followed with the go-ahead hit, smacking an RBI triple for a 2-1 advantage.

The Hillers finished second in their group, advancing to Saturday's Silver Bracket, meeting Hilltop in the knockout stage of the Cougar Classic.

STEELE CANYON 2, SAN MARCOS 2 (8 inn., tie) –The Cougars rallied to gain a draw with the Knights, which proved to be just enough to advance to the Silver Bracket quarterfinals after barely clinching second place in their pool. Steele Canyon gained the berth as pesky San Marcos (0-1-2) also gained a draw with Cathedral Catholic earlier in the prelims.

Trailing 2-0, the Cougars moved even in the 4th inning. Following a double by GABRIELLE BEASLEY, ASHLEY BARANOV singled her home to split the deficit in half.

Baranow then moved to third on a sacrifice fly by IRENE BLUMENSTOCK, as the San Marcos second baseman made a nice running catch down the right-field line. But by the time she was able to stop, turn, and fire the ball in, Baranov was at third base, later scoring the tying run on a passed ball.

Cougars pitcher COURTNEY JOHNSON registered nine strikeouts, blanking San Marcos over the final 5 1/3 innings. But she failed to collect the victory after Steele Canyon placed two runners in scoring position and no outs during tiebreaker procedures in the 8th, yet Knights pitcher Shannon Gailey eventually escaped the jam by stranding three runners on base.

San Marcos scored once in the 1st, then added a solo homer to left-center field by Casey Worsham in the 3rd (although the Knights ruled it a double and a 2-base error by the outfield – thanks to the Knights for non-homering with regards to their scorekeeping).

VALHALLA 0, WESTVIEW 0 (tie) – In this pitchers' duel at Kit Carson Park, the lone scoring change came from Norsemen junior varsity player AMANDA WELLONS, who was called up for this contest.

Wellons registered Valhalla 's only basehit, and eventually reached third base. But when she raced for home on a grounder ball to the right side, the Wolverines second base converted the play to the plate for the 4th-inning out.

Meanwhile, Norsemen pitcher TORREY ROOK dominated Westview, which stranded three runners at first base following singles. Rook struck out 10 in a game called after 6 innings due to the Cougar Classic 90-minute time limit.

MIRA MESA 4, HELIX 1 – In every tournament, it seems like there is always one pool coined the "Pool of Death." At this season's Cougar Classic, it was the Scotties who were placed in the most difficult pools, finishing the prelims at 0-3 following a loss to the pool champion Marauders.

"Man, we played some really good teams," said Helix coach KELLIE BRYAN, who announced her engagement to the media following the contest. "We were a little over-matched early on, but we hung in there tonight."

In fact, the Highlanders did better against Mira Mesa than the other two teams – Escondido, 9-4; and Hilltop, 5-0 – in the bracket.

The Marauders scored three times in the 1st inning, highlighted by a 2-run homer by shortstop Kotsie Mauga. Helix answered in the 2nd, when freshman pitcher KEANA NAKATA went yard with a lead-off homer to left field. However, it was the lone hit allowed by Mira Mesa pitcher Lonnie Vanta, who struck out eight batters.

A prayer circle following the Lincoln-Christian game. (Photo by Victoria Gunter)

Friar Classic
CHRISTIAN 14, LINCOLN 1 – Third baseman RICKI GENTRY equaled a career high by driving in five runs after a 3-for-3 performance at the play, pacing the host Patriots to Friday's (Mar. 12) Friar Classic victory. Included was a 3-run homer in the 3rd inning.

MIRANDA CAZARES answered an opening Hornets run in the 1st with a 3-run blast, as Christian scored four times in the 1st and 2nd, then five more in the 3rd to invoke the run-rule early. Cazares, the second baseman, later drove in another run to cap a 2-for-3, four RBI outing with a pair of runs scored.

ALLI GUNTER tossed a 3-hitter at Lincoln, striking out 10 members of the Hive to run her record to 2-0. In addition, shortstop MO 'Money' ELLIOTT posted a pair of hits, with three runs and a pair of RBI.

"We're still mixing up the line-up and moving people around," said Christian coach GEORGE GENTRY. "And we're starting to hit the ball well."

MONTE VISTA 14, SAN DIEGO HS 0 – Junior pitcher ALEX ROSS, a member of the All-East County freshmen team in 2008, tossed the first Monarchs shutout in almost two full years to clobber the Cavers in Friday's (Mar. 12) Friar Classic contest in Spring Valley.

Ross shared a shutout that season, pitching the final inning in an 11-0 blanking of La Jolla, so her victory over San Diego was her first career complete-game shutout. She struck out 6 and issued just a single walk, while on offense she had two hits, including a triple, and three RBI.

Freshman catcher EMMA DEMERS paced the Monarchs offense by driving in four runs on a pair of doubles, as Monte Vista scored eight times in the 2nd inning to stake Ross to a 10-0 cushion.

Left fielder EMILY LOPEZ, another freshman, also knocked home three runs, going 2-for-3 and scoring a pair of runs as part of a 12-hit attack by Monte Vista.

The Monarchs continue tournament play Monday (Mar. 15) at Christian, starting at 4 p.m.

MADISON 14, MOUNT MIGUEL 0 – No details reported on this Friar Classic ballgame.

Non-League
EL CAJON VALLEY 15, SAN YSIDRO 1 – Third-year varsity performer DEENA FORD registered a perfect day at the plate. The junior left-fielder batted 2-for-2 plus a walk, good for three runs and a pair of RBI as the host Braves scored during each of their four at-bats to run rule the visiting Cougars in Friday's (Mar. 12) non-league affair.

Ford got the team going with the first of her two doubles in the 1st to score ALYSSA GARCIA. In all, seven different Braves drove in a run, part of a 10-hit attack.

Meanwhile, winning pitcher MIRANDA MULLINS allowed just two hits, registering nine strikeouts in capture both of the Braves' wins to start the season.

"We're a young team, but we're starting to gel," said assistant coach LORI CLARK. "And Miranda was in complete control. She is a strong pitcher and should have a good year."

OTAY RANCH 7, SANTANA 6 – Due to computer problems, this game report will be updated on Sunday. We apologize for any inconvenience.

© East County Sports.com
ESCONDIDO (3-12-10) — Supporters of Poway High believe the Titans are ranked too low, standing third in the preseason rankings by one major poll. Meanwhile, with the loss of so many seniors, others thought Santana was too high at No. 8, especially without a proven pitcher.

Of course, you know what happened when these ballclubs collided during Thursday's (Mar. 11) preliminary round of the Cougar Classic.

The Sultans, following a slow start in the 32-team event, raced to a fast 4-0 lead. Then freshman pitcher AMBER SCHISLER carried a 2-hit shutout into the 7th inning, surviving a late Poway rally to secure a 4-2 verdict over the previously undefeated Titans.

"I don't know who they were, I just went out there and beat them," said Schisler, a freshman who really had no idea the caliber of her opponent.

GRANITE HILLS 4, CARLSBAD 0 – Following an 18-strikeout performance over 7 innings in tossing a no-hitter in the opener, Eagles senior pitcher JENNY LAHITTE nearly out-did herself, registering 16 Ks over 6 frames in a 2-hit shutout of the Lancers on Thursday (Mar. 11).

The victory already clinches the pool with one game remaining in the prelims, giving 10th-ranked Granite Hills a Gold Bracket berth in Saturday's (Mar. 13) Cougar Classic quarterfinals.

While Lahitte deserves the focus, one question about the Eagles will be the amount of hitting they can muster to bounce back into CIF form. Part of it was answered Thursday (Mar. 11) when sophomore NICOLE OBNEY registered her first varsity hit – a solo home run to left-center field in the 6th inning.

"Our offense will put up a good fight," said Obney, who also drove in a run in the 4th for a 2-RBI performance. "We try to keep teams on their toes. And with Jenny pitching – she was very fantastic – she can keep us in every game."

SAVANNAH BROOKS opened the scoring, coming home on a Lahitte basehit in the 3rd. An inning later, Obney forced a ball to the right side for a run, then MICHELLE MILLER scored on a wild pitch. In all, the Eagles registered seven hits.

Carlsbad is listed among the honorable mention in the first North County Times poll of the season. The San Diego Union-Tribune rankings are expected to be published shortly.

WEST HILLS 5, SAN PASQUAL 1 – Wolf Pack welcomed their placement at the No. 5 spot in one major county poll by scoring five early runs to again quickly put away another opponent, this time grounding the Golden Eagles in pool play action of the Cougar Classic.

Freshman pitcher MELISSA EGGLESTON captured her first high school appearance Thursday (Mar. 11), allowing just four hits at Kit Carson park. She struck out four, with the lone run being unearned.

"Melissa pitched five strong innings in her first appearance of the year," said West Hills coach MIKE APPLEBAUM. "She looked confident, hit her spots pretty consistently, and had all of her pitches working."

Meanwhile, the offense took advantage of five walks while not recording a strikeout in batting .350 on San Pasqual's pitchers.

First baseman JENNA BASNIGHT registered a double and a walk, scoring once. Shortstop ALEX MILLER reached base all three times with a basehit and a pair of walks while stealing a base, while catcher SAVANNA BAGGETT had a RBI and stole a base.

TORREY PINES 1, STEELE CANYON 0 – The No. 6 ranked Falcons captured a nail-biter from the Cougars, scoring the game's lone run on a trio of errors in the 2nd inning, as Torrey Pines pitcher Rachel Nasland got the edge on Steele Canyon 's LORENA KLOPP in Thursday’s (Mar. 11) Cougar Classic action.

Nasland yielded just a single basehit – a 1st-inning single to catcher MADISON HANTEN – while striking out five over four innings. Lauren Hynes tossed the final two frames for the save.

Meanwhile, Klopp was strong in her first action since pitching in the SDCIF Division II championship game last season, before going on the shelf for more than eight months following knee surgery. Klopp was strong in allowing just a pair of hits, striking out four.

For Steele Canyon, at least it was a (slightly) better effort than when they met Torrey Pines last season; the Falcons won via a no-hitter.

HILLTOP 14, HELIX 3 – The resurging Lancers were expected to pitch their freshman left-hander, but when they went with a righty without similar speed, all of the Highlanders' preparations were ruined in a loss at the Cougar Classic on Thursday (Mar. 11).

With the win, Hilltop clinches second place in the pool and a berth into Saturday's (Mar. 13) Silver Bracket quarterfinals. The Scotties were relegated to the Copper Bracket.

In other Cougar Classic contests, Mira Mesa clinched its pool after beating Escondido, 9-4; and Rancho Buena Vista won its pool after beating Clairemont, 6-0. Elsewhere, it was University City 6, Vista 2; Westview 7, La Costa Canyon 4; Scripps Ranch 10, Patrick Henry 0; Point Loma 1, Ramona 0; while Mission Hills and El Camino tied at 1-1 when the clock expired.

Both times, Steele Canyon jumped to an early 2-0 lead, only to watch the opponent quickly tie the contest.

A year ago, the Sundevils went on to post eight straight runs to claim the section title, but on Wednesday (Mar. 10), the Cougars were able to prevent history from repeating.

After Cathedral Catholic scored twice in the 4th to move even, Steele Canyon bounced back with three runs in the 5th to move to the top of its tournament pool following a 5-2 verdict over the Lady Dons.

"We didn't let Cathedral scoring get to us," said Cougars head coach JULIE BOHE. "We kept our poise and played smart."

Cathedral, which only managed four hits, got even on a squeeze bunt by Irma Cruz in the 5th. However, the Cougars responded with three straight run-scoring hits in the 5th, moving their record to 5-0-1 in openers since 2005.

The outburst started when VANESSA KELLEMS reached on an error, followed by a basehit by MICHELLE BEASLEY. The hit parade continued when NICOLE RANDEL's go-ahead, RBI single, then LORENA KLOPP and MADISON HANTEN also registered run-scoring singles. Klopp's was a liner off the glove of the third baseman, while Hanten's hit went cleanly into left-center field.

Meanwhile, pitcher IRENE BLUMENSTOCK limited the Dons to four singles to collect the win.

Steele Canyon scored twice in the 2nd to open the scoring, using two of three doubles.

Hanten sent a shot to the gap for a double, but was thrown out going fo third base. AMANDA HARTNETT and ASHLEY BARANOV made it three straight doubles for the first run, followed by an RBI single from Kellems.

Hanten and Beasley each batted 2-for-3, part of an 11-hit attack.

SANTANA 2, PATRICK HENRY 2, tie – For the second straight day at Kit Carson Park, the Sultans allowed a late lead to slip away, but at least they rallied back to gain a 6-inning draw with the Patriots.

The GRABLE sisters continue to fuel the offense, delivering two hits each. The pair raked consecutive doubles for a 1-0 lead in the 4th.

Patrick Henry answered with two runs in the 5th, but Santana immediately recovered in the 6th.

Kayti Grable rocketed a one-out triple to right-center, then a pinchrunner came home on a wild pitch. EMILY SCHISLER, who entered in relief and tossed 1 2/3 innings of shutout ball, then belted a triple, but Patrick Henry got out of the jam.

RANCHO BUENA VISTA 7, GROSSMONT 1 – A scoreless contest was finally broken in the 5th by the Foothillers, but a controversial call in the 6th opened the floodgates for seven Longhorns runs in preliminary play at the Cougar Classic.

Freshman CORAL KASDEN placed Grossmont on the board with a single, coming around by stealing second base, then advancing on a ground out and a wild pitch.

RBV (2-0) saw a runner steal third base, when the confusion reigned. The Longhorns batter took first base during the steal attempt via a walk, then raced towards second base.

Grossmont, unsure of the count and thinking the pitch was a strike, saw a defender throw to second base, but the ball sailed to right-center field and the runners scored to take the lead.

Grossmont coaches and the scorekeeper insisted the count should've been 3-2 after that pitch, not a fourth ball, but both umpires said it was a walk. The rattled Hillers then allowed five more runs in the inning; six of the seven runs were unearned.

ESCONDIDO 5, HELIX 2 – The Highlanders demonstrated an improved lineup in their season debut Wednesday (Mar. 10), surging to a 2-0 lead over the perennial power Cougars. However, the tournament hosts rallied to knot the contest in the 3rd, then added three more runs in the 5th to gain its first Cougar Classic win in two tries.

Helix wasted little time to hit the scoreboard in the 1st. Freshman CHANELLE WARD opened with a basehit, catcher SHALEY MADRUGA reached on an error, then Ward scored on a clean basehit up the middle by freshman KEANA NAKATA.

In the 3rd, veteran CLAUDETTE SMITH stoked a one-out single, coming around to score on basehits by freshman SYDNI TOILOLO and Madruga.

RANCHO BERNARDO 5, VALHALLA 3 – The Broncos, rated No. 1 in the San Diego Section by one major poll, was blanked by the Norsemen throughout Wednesday's (Mar. 10) Cougar Classic pool play game – except for one.

Rancho Bernardo, the defending SDCIF Division I champions, scored five times in the 3rd inning, capped by a 2-run single by Kelly Nagle.

Valhalla answered on a 3-run homer by second baseman MADISON LABSHERE, but it would be the only hit allowed by Broncos pitcher Madison Jones. The Norsemen were also hampered by the 90-minute time limit, as the game only lasted four innings.

FALLBROOK 8, MONTE VISTA 4 — In a Friar Classic contest, the host Monarchs, featuring four freshmen on their roster (three are starters), scored three times in the 1st inning before the Warriors (2-2) turned the tables by scoring at least once in every ensuing inning.

One of the newcomers, first baseman MEGAN SEARS, went 2-for-4, including a 2-run triple to jump-start the offense. Right fielder EMILY LOPEZ, another member of the Frosh Four, also registered a pair of basehits.

EL CAJON VALLEY 10, SAN DIEGO 0 – Following a rainout, the Braves erupted early to shutout the visiting Cavers. No information was reported.

MONTGOMERY 9, MOUNT MIGUEL 8 – No information was reported by the Matadors.

© East County Sports.com
ESCONDIDO (3-10-10) — Featuring an improved riseball which left numerous scouts jaw-dropped behind the backstop, Granite Hills pitcher JENNY LAHITTE did more than toss a season-opening shutout at reigning SDCIF Division II champion Mt. Carmel.

Facing a stacked Sundevils line-up which still features returning all-county players such as shortstop Kellie Fox and centerfielder Alix Johnson, plus standouts such as pitcher Bree Johnson and catcher-first baseman Nikki Barba, Lahitte notched her name in the record book.

Buoyed by 18 strikeouts, Lahitte equaled the Grossmont Conference record with her 7th career
no-hitter in shutting out the Sundevils, 2-0.

"I really wanted to start my senior season out strong," said Lahitte. "It was cold out there and I wanted to keep my ears warm, so I just went out there and went after their hitters."

Officials at the Cougar Classic penciled a superb pitching match-up for this opener at Kit Carson Park, with Lahitte facing Johnson, who capped her 2009 campaign with a 25-5 record, including an 8-2 decision over Steele Canyon to claim the San Diego Section title game last spring.

Williams gave a near-equal performance in spinning a 1-hitter, but the hit proved to key the only scoring of the contest – with Lahitte doing the damage.

In the bottom of the 4th inning, Lahitte connected off Williams, bombing a triple over the head of the centerfielder.

DESIREE MEJIA followed by getting hit by a Williams pitch, then a ground ball to the right side of the infield by senior CHAYLAH ZETSCH brought home Lahitte.

The Eagles additional run came when Lahitte's little sister, freshman catcher KRISTINA, reached on an error, then another grounder to the right by MICHELLE MILLER scored Mejia.

“It was exciting to see the entire team pumped up and ready for the first game," added Lahitte, East County's ERA champion over the past two seasons. "It's good to have the team up and cheering."

All seven of Lahitte's no-hitters have come against quality programs. In her sophomore season (2008), she stopped West Hills, Carlsbad and Helix; during her junior year (2009), it was Oceanside, Mira Mesa and Helix.

Lahitte tied the mark set by former Santana great CHERYL FOREHAND, who also owns the conference's single-season no-hit record with four in 1979 – one of the circuit's longest-standing records.

VALHALLA 2, LA COSTA CANYON 1 – Norsemen junior TORREY ROOK, who finished second behind Lahitte in strikeouts among East County pitchers last season, posted her own impressive outing in Tuesday's (Mar. 9) opening round of the Cougar Classic at Kit Carson Park.

Backed by a pair of 1st-inning runs, Rook limited the powerful Mavericks to just four hits to quickly move Valhalla to the top of its pool. Rook struck out 11 without issuing a walk, then aided her cause with a triple to grab a quick 2-0 lead.

Senior KAITLIN McGINLEY opened the home-half of the 1st by walking, stealing second base, moving to third on a sacrifice bunt from MADISON LABSHERE, then scoring when senior CORA CORDOVA pushed the ball to the right side of the infield for the RBI.

With two outs, the Norsemen managed a second run when Rook found the gap in left-center field for a triple, coming home on a passed ball.

Christian scored five times in the 5th inning to overcome a 5-3 deficit, while the left-hander struck out nine Pirates over six innings to capture a ballgame called after six innings due to darkness. Four of the runs were unearned, but the Patriots put on the pressure to force mistakes.

"In our last inning (batting), we went all out," said catcher MARY GRABOWSKI, who registered three RBI, including a 2-run single in the 1st. "We worked hard to get around the bases."

The hustle resulted in a trio of Oceanside errors in the fateful 5th.

Following a lead single by Gunter, shortstop MO ELLIOTT put down a bunt, which she beat out for a basehit. But when the throw sailed wide and inside the bag, rolling deep into the right-field corner, both runners circled the diamond to tie the contest.

Third baseman RICKI GENTRY followed with a basehit, then tried to race to third when fellow senior ALLIE SCOTT singled to right field. The throw to third base skipped past the defender, allowing Gentry to score the go-ahead run.

Scott was awarded third base when the ball went out of play, then she came home when Grabowski grounded to the right side.

"We came out strong, but it died down a little bit when Oceanside scored (four times in the 2nd)," noted Grabowski. "But we were able to build up the intensity again."

Christian capped the victory by turning a baseball-style double play. Second baseman Miranda Cazares knocked down a sharp ground ball ticketed for centerfield, tossing to Elliott covering second base, who relayed to Scott at first base to beat the setting sun.

GROSSMONT 7, CLAIREMONT 3 – Excuse her tardiness, but it took Foothillers sophomore AUBRIE MAY longer than expected to make an impact on the 2010 fastpitch season.

May tagged a 1-0 pitch to right field for a leadoff home run, while KAITLYN NICKS later tagged a go-ahead, 3-run shot in the 3rd to power Grossmont past the Chieftains in Tuesday's (Mar. 9) opening preliminary round game of the Cougar Classic.

"It's exactly how I wanted to start the season," said May on her homer. "We're going to be facing better competition, but we'll compete a lot better, too."

NOELLE JOHNSON struck out nine Panthers to collect the complete-game victory. She also registered an RBI triple.

On the offense, the Wolf Pack received two hits each from shortstop BRI AUSTIN, cacther MICHERIE KORIA and first baseman JENNA BASNIGHT. All three are seniors.

SCRIPPS RANCH 3, SANTANA 2 – The Sultans sprung to a 2-0 lead, but the Falcons rallied, winning on a walkoff, 2-run double by senior left-fielder CORINNA LOPEZ in the bottom of the 7th to stun Santana in Cougar Classic pool play action Tuesday (Mar. 9) at Kit Carson Park.

Both pitchers – the Sultans' AMBER SCHISLER and Scripps Ranch's Meredith Brown – struck out 8 batters, but the Santana bullpen couldn't save the victory for Schisler.

The Sultans scored single runs in the 3rd and 4th, courtesy of an RBI groundout by CARLA CARRILLO to plate AMANDA GRABLE, then a run-scoring basehit from MICHELLE THILLE to bring home ALEX BREIDT.

In other opening day action in the Cougarr Classic, Hilltop stunned tournament host Escondido, 2-1, Other scores were: defending SDCIF Division III champ University City 7, San Pasqual 0; Carlsbad 8, Brawley 0; Rancho Buena Vista 3, El Centro-Southwest 0; Mission Hills 2, Point Loma 0; Rancho Bernardo 6, Westview 2; and San Marcos rallied late from a 5-1 deficit to finish in a 7-7 tie with Cathedral in a game called due to time limit,

© East County Sports,com
SANTEE (3-6-10) — West Hills High pitcher NOELLE JOHNSON, who shared the East County rookie of the year award in 2009, demonstrated her continuing improvement in Friday's (Mar. 5) season-opening triumph.

Not only did Johnson toss a 3-hit shutout, the sophomore also delivered her first interscholastic home run, powering the Wolf Pack past visiting El Centro-Central, 11-0.

"Noelle played a fantastic game," noted MIKE APPLEBAUM, who is taking over the head coaching duties this season. "And we needed it because we were missing some key players."

Absent from the West Hills line-up card due to illness or injury were all-CIF centerfielder ALEX MILLER, all-league catcher MICHERIE KORIA, plus junior KAITLYN STREIT, who is expected to start this season.

However, Johnson didn't need much assistance after striking out nine Spartans in a contest called after six innings.

The Wolf Pack collected five extra-base hits to back Johnson. The hit parade featured triples by seniors BRI AUSTIN and ALYSSA EVJEN, plus doubles from senior JENNA BASNIGHT and freshman MELISSA EGGLESTON, who hopes to replace Johnson on the all-East County freshman team this season.

For the contest, West Hills collected 16 hits, including a 4-for-4 outing by second baseman FAITH KORIA, who stole three bases and scored twice. TAYLOR HALLOHAN registered three hits, while ASHLEY EDELMAN (3 runs), Austin (2 RBI) and Evjen (3 RBI) posted two hits each.

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CHULA VISTA (3-5-10/revised 3-14-10) — The head coaching debut of former Mount Miguel High standout AMANDA BEASLEY at her alma mater did not go as planned after Chula Vista tossed a no-hitter at the Matadors in Thursday's (Mar. 4) season-opener in the South Bay.

For the Spartans, Sarah Tippetts pitched the first three innings, then Tiana Houston pitched the 4th, as the pair of juniors combined on the no-hitter. (Informationn courtesy of Chula Vista High).

© East County Sports.com
ESTHERVILLE, Iowa (1-30-10) — Santana High School's CARLA CARRILLO and MICHELLE THIELLE have elected to remain as teammates into the future, both agreeing to play in 2011 for Iowa Lakes Community College.

The Lakers are an NJCAA power, posting no fewer than 56 victories over three of the past four seasons (207-49 during the span).

Carrillo was 8th in the Grossmont North League and third among all East County catchers with a .404 batting average last season. The power hitter ranked third in home runs and fourth in doubles, earning a first-team berth on the all-East County team.

Thielle, the Sultans' shortstop, a second-team All-East County selection by the local media, was the region's top-hitting shortstop at .450 (sixth overall). She also rated among the leaders in stolen bases, helping Santana reach the SDCIF Division III championship game.

Both players also compete for the same club team, the North County based Southern California Breakers.

From historic Golden Gymnasium, West Hills' Alex Miller officially signed with PLNU on Jan. 15. (PLNU courtesy photo)

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POINT LOMA (10-20-09) — West Hills High centerfielder ALEX MILLER, a first-team All-East County selection this past season, is reported to have made a verbal agreement to play women's fastpitch for Point Loma Nazarene University in 2011. The announcement was made on the website of her travel club, the San Diego Renegades.

Miller batted .521 to finish second among all East County players as a junior in 2009, helping the Wolf Pack to a 24-9 overall record.

Miller will play under first-year Sea Lions coach Cheryl Schaefer, who was just named as an inductee into the NAIA Hall of Fame. Schaefer replaced long-time coach Dave Williams, who will take open the program at Cal State San Marcos this spring.

Kaitlin McGinley

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RANCHO SAN DIEGO (1-10-10) – Valhalla High second baseman KAITLIN McGINLEY has committed to Sonoma State for the 2011 season.

As a junior in 2009, McGinley was selected the Grossmont South League's player of the year (as voted by the coaches), gaining a berth on the All-East County first team (chosen by the media).

McGinley led all GSL batters with a .452 batting average (5th overall in East County), easily leading the region in stolen bases (34).

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RANCHO SAN DIEGO (12-16-09) — Valhalla High shortstop CORA CORDOVA has accepted an athletic scholarship to play for Southern Utah University. The Thunderbirds, an NCAA Division I program located in Cedar City, Utah, are two-time champions in the Summit League over the past three seasons.

"SUU has a beautiful campus and has a solid softball team which I am excited to be a part of," said Cordova. "I'm looking forward to my senior year at Valhalla with a commitment to coach Doug Hartung and my teammates to help bring a CIF championship to our school."

Cordova batted .294 with the Norsemen (19-14-1) last season, earning a berth on the All-Grossmont South League second team, helping the team finish just one game behind GSL champ Steele Canyon in the standings. In the SDCIF Division II playoffs, Valhalla took its opener over Point Loma, but were eventually knocked out in an extra-innings affair to Hilltop.

The T-Birds coaching staff features several familiar names, including the recent appointment of former Chico State head coach Jamie Brown as an assistant.

Amanda Grable Morgan Kurtz

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EL CAJON (12-11-09) — An assortment of East County softball players have been college commitments in recent weeks. The list includes Santana shortstop AMANDA GRABLE, Granite Hills outfielder MORGAN KURTZ, and West Hills shortstop BRI AUSTIN.

Grable will play for the NCAA Division I program at North Dakota State.

As a sophomore last spring, Grable gained a first-team All-East County berth and a second-team All-CIF berth by the San Diego Hall of Champions. As a freshman, she was East County's newcomer of the year when Santana captured the CIF Division III crown.

In 2009, Grable captured the Triple Crown among all East County batters, compiling a .571 batting average with six home runs and 43 RBI.

Grable also established both a school and Grossmont Conference Tournament record withh 8 RBI in a single game, batting 4-for-5 with a pair of home runs against Monte Vista.

Kurtz, a junior, will advance to USD for the 2012 season.

Like Grable, Kurtz, a switch-hitter, was part of a CIF championship ballclub; her Eagles took the CIF Division I crown in 2008.

Last year, Kurtz posted the best batting average (.352) among all Grossmont South League sophomores.

Meanwhile, Austin will go the community college route and play for Arizona Western College in Yuma.

Austin gained a first-team All-East County berth and a second-team All-CIF berth last season. She batted .429, sharing the Grossmont Conference honors in triples with BRITTANY WRIGHT of Monte Vista.

CCU Press Release

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CONWAY, S.C. (7-30-09) — Steele Canyon High third baseman JAZMIN DAIGLE, who ranks among the CIF-San Diego Section career leaders in several categories, has accepted a college scholarship to attend Coastal Carolina University, an NCAA Division I program in the Big South Conference.

Daigle is one of only three players from large-enrollment schools in section history to reach career triple figures in both RBI (104) and runs scored (100), joining former All-American LISA DODD (Mira Mesa/University City, 2000-03) and TRINA HARRISON (Oceanside, 2005-08) to achieve the feat.

For her efforts, Daigle shared the 2009 East County Sports.com player of the year award.

Daigle also helped Steele Canyon to a pair of CIF Division III championships, then the final four in the Division II tournament the past two seasons, including a berth in the title game this past spring.

By coincidence, Coastal Carolina reached the Big South semifinals over the past two seasons.

"It's a beautiful campus in a beautiful location, with a good-looking softball stadium," said Daigle. "It's got a big school feel in a small town, and the weather is similar to San Diego."

Daigle also considered offers from Texas Tech, Cal State Bakersfield and Delaware State. However, in addition to a strong fastpitch program, CCU offers her major of resort and tourism management.

"It will allow me to work as in intern in either France, Italy, Spain or Germany in my fifth year," she added.

Before heading for the East Coast, Daigle will make a stop at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, participating in the ASA 18 Gold Nationals as part of her San Diego Renegades club team.

Daigle etched her name in the CIF record book in many listings, including career basehits and doubles. This past season, she ranked seventh in the East County with a .438 batting average after batting .418 (sixth) as a junior in 2008.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (7-13-09) — West Hills High assistant softball coach MIKE APPLEBAUM has been elevated to become the school's head coach for the 2010 season, vice principal DAVE RIOS announced.

Applebaum, 47, a resident of Rancho San Diego, was an assistant to Wolf Pack head coach MEAGAN HARTUNG, who has since moved to New Zealand to broaden her horizons.

“I didn’t know she was leaving until there were was something like two or three weeks left in last season,” Applebaum said. “Coaching high school ball is something I’ve always enjoyed and this was a position I’ve always wanted.”

Applebaum has coached softball as well as other sports for decades. He coached softball at Valhalla during the 2004-05 season, ironically under head coach DOUG HARTUNG, Meagan's father.

“I’m here for the long run,” Applebaum said. “West Hills has some great feeder programs and I’m also exciting about the releaguing.”

West Hills will be aligned with Granite Hills, Grossmont, Helix, Steele Canyon and Valhalla in the new Grossmont Hills League.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge,” Applebaum said.

A Patriot in Portland

Christian pitcher Alli Gunter (right). (File photo by Joanne Park)

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EL CAJON (7-8-09) — Christian High pitcher ALLI GUNTER, who equalled the CIF-San Diego Section record set by All-American Lisa Dodd for hits in a season (63), announced she signed a letter of intent with Concordia University of Oregon for the 2011 season.

Gunter posted an East County high 16 victories this past season, pacing the Patriots to the CIF Division IV championship game. The junior also ranked among the region's top batters with a .488 average, listed among the leaders in total bases and runs while playing in the competitive Eastern League.

In her 3-year varsity career, Gunter owns a career pitching record of 26-13 with four shutouts and a pair of saves. Her career batting mark stands at .445.

Concordia, an NAIA school which plays in the Cascade Collegiate Conference, posted a 27-9 record this past season, yet the Cavaliers did not receive a postseason invitation.