Melanie Goff

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
RUSTON, La. (9-15-11) — Grossmont College standout MELANIE GOFF, the two-time Pacific Coast Athletic Conference pitcher of the year, has re-gained a Division I softball scholarship after accepting an offer from Louisiana Tech of the Western Athleitc Conference.

Goff was signed by Lady Techsters head coach SARAH DAWSON, the former Christian High standout who later became MVP of Women's Pro Fastpitch.

"We're excited about the addition of Melanie to our squad for the upcoming season," said Dawson. "Hr primary role will be as a pitcher, but her athleticism will also give her the chance to contribute on defense as well as in the lineup."

The Mira Mesa High product was originally signed by Arkansas, but a change in the coaching staff saw Goff lose her scholarship, so she returned home and joined the Griffins, capturing a pair of PCAC championships.

"I know it is Mel's dream to be playing Division I ball," added Dawson. "She had a long road to get to this point, so I am xcited to see her get the opportunity to contribute to our team."

Louisiana Tech is currently renovating its playing field in preperation to hosting the WAC Championships this spring. Last season during the event, the Lady Techsters upset nationally-ranked Fresno State in key a deep run in the postseason event.

Along with her pitching achievements, Goff led the PCAC in batting as well, gaining a first-team berth on the all-state team.

"We're so happy for Mel to get back with a Division I program," said Griffins assistant coach ANA LANDEROS. "She has to be one of the best to ever play for Grossmont, so it's great to see her get rewarded for all of her hard work."

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EL CAJON (6-10-11) — RICK TRESTRAIL, who salvaged the Grossmont College women's fastpitch program from folding when he took over as head coach prior to the 1998 season, is stepping down from the post following 14 successful seasons.

Trestrail, who posted a 316-165-3 (.656) mark, built the team into a preeminent program in the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference, finishing in first or second place over the past 13 consecutive seasons, including four PCAC championships in the last five years.

Trestrail's impact on the Griffins athletic program is immeasurable.

"Rick had a very illustrious and fulfilling career," said JIM SPILLERS, Grossmont's director of athletics. "He'll probably teach three more semesters, so resigning from his coaching component will be his first step toward total retirement."

Trestrail, 63, plans to spend more time on his six acres of land he owns in San Diego's back country near Julian.

“I’ve been coaching for 41 years, so I think it’s time for me to move on and do something else,” Trestrail said. “I have a bunch of hobbies I want to spend more time doing.”

Since he was 14, Trestrail has played drums and performed in a variety of rock-and-roll bands. He and his band have stepped away from the nightclub scene and now play at private functions.

“I still enjoy music a lot,” Trestrail said.

He is also a Hot Rod enthusiast.

“I built a 1934 Ford coupe with three windows and 383cc stroker engine,” Trestrail said. “I’ve shown that car at several car shows. My band has also played at some car shows.”

Prior to coaching the Grossmont College softball team, Trestrail spent part of three decades coaching high school and college football. He was a defensive assistant at his alma mater Poway High (1972-79), was a head coach at Sacred Heart in San Francisco and head coach at University of St. Mary College in Leavenworth, Kan., for four years.

Under Trestrail, Grossmont fastpitch went 25-9 this past season, giving him a 5-year ledger of 139-51 (.732) to cap his career along with winning four PCAC pennants.

Hartung named replacement
Meanwhile, Spillers already announced a replacement for Trestrail, naming El Cajon Valley High head softball coach DOUG HARTUNG to take over.

"It all came together this past week," said Hartung, who started his second stint with the Braves in 2011 after nearly a full decade of success at Valhalla, where he captured the 2004 SDCIF championship and was a two-time East County coach of the year. "I'm pretty excited to take a step up and keep the program competitive."

According to Hartung, BRUCE WHITLOW, his long-time assistant, first interviewed for the position, but when it was determined that he couldn't accept it, he directed Grossmont toward Hartung's direction.

Whitlow will remain on Hartung's coaching staff, while ANA LANDEROS, who's been a part of Grossmont softball for a decade as a successful player or assistant coach under Trestrail, will also be retained.

"Bruce has been with me for 17 or 18 years," noted Hartung. "But keeping Ana will be important for continuity in the program. She's been instrumental with recruiting, which is also something I look forward to doing, too."

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SACRAMENTO (5-9-11) — Despite being ousted in the opening round of the CCCAA state playoffs in two games, there was plenty of good news for the Grossmont College women's fastpitch team.

Griffins pitcher MELANIE GOFF gained a berth to the all-state community college team, while catcher ALYSSA TAYLOR was tabbed to the all-Southern California team, as selected by the state coaches association.

Goff, the 2-time Pacific Coast Athletic Conference pitcher of the year, also led all PCAC players in batting as well. Her achievements landed the sophomore from Mira Mesa High among the top 10 in the balloting.

Meanwhile, Taylor, who finished second to Goff in batting while leading the PCAC in home runs and RBI to just miss capturing the rare Triple Crown, was an easy pick on the Southland team. The sophomore is out of La Jolla High.

State players of the year were Adriana Perez (Antelope Valley) and Mckaylee Pittman (College of the Siskiyous). Pitchers of the year were Kailey Snyder (Santa Barbara) and Cortney Allen (Sacramento). Coaches of the tear were Paula Congleton (Santa Barbara) and Nicole Borg (College of San Matro).

Grossmont, the PCAC champions for the fourth time in five seasons, were eliminated by Saddleback College, 10-0 in 5 innings, in Sunday's (May 8) ballgame, giving the Gauchos from Mission Viejo a 2-game sweep of the best-of-3 series to advance to next weekend's Super Regionals.

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EL CAJON (5-8-11) — Grossmont College attempted to throw a curveball at visiting Saddleback in Saturday's (May 7) CCCAA South Regional playoff opener.

Griffins pitcher MELANIE GOFF recently was awarded her second Pacific Coast Athletic Conference pitcher of the year award, but lost to the Gauchos in a late, regular-season contest. Meanwhile, No. 2 starter HANNAH RAPOPORT downed Saddleback with six solid innings, although the contest was held in early February.

So, yes, Saddleback was surprised to see Rapoport step into the circle to open the best-of-3 series – or maybe not so much.

The Gauchos (21-13) erupted for seven runs in the 1st inning, going on to an 11-4 triumph over Grossmont, which needs to sweep two ballgames on Sunday to advance to next weekend's Super Regionals.

Like a thoroughbred, Saddleback bolted out of the gate on a 3-run homer by Rachel Watson to make it 4-0, then scored three more times to finally chase Rapoport.

Grossmont (25-8) attempted a stretch run, trimming the deficit to 7-3.

In the 2nd, MARISSA MALDONADO singled home SONIA RAY, who batted 2-for-3 along with LAUREL VALLELY.

Then in the 5th, a double to left by Goff scored Rapoport, with Goff later scoring on a bloop single to center field by ANGELA LOVELADY.

In the 6th, Mandy Gutierrez blasted a 2-run homer, allowing Saddleback to re-gain its 7-run cushion.

The other Grossmont run came in the 7th when ALYSSA TAYLOR tripled home Lovelady.

Gauchos pitcher Chelsea Bertoglio won her 16th game, allowing six hits and walking just one – Grossmont's first batter of the contest.

Meanwhile, Christina Bolin, the Orange Empire Conference player of the year, batted 3-for-3 and scored twice, while Ashley Putkamer finished 3-for-4 with three runs scored, including two doubles that both went off the top of the wall.

Game two will be played Sunday at noon. A third game would follow, if necessary.

In other regional action, Palomar was also upset at home, falling to Long Beach, 5-4.

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SAN MARCOS (5-2-11) — Following one of the best seasons ever by a Grossmont College pitcher, sophomore MELANIE GOFF headlines a list of selections by gaining her second Pitcher of the Year award as the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference announced its annual all-conference selections in women's fastpitch Friday (Apr. 29).

Goff, who posted a 23-9 record in 2010, did even better this spring by going 20-4 plus a pair of saves, winning twice as many games as her closest PCAC rival. Goff was an unanimous honoree.

On the flip side, the coaches' rational for Player of the Year seems stranger than pro wrestling's Rey Mysterio. While Grossmont College's Lucha Libre, high-flying style allowed the Griffins to capture a fourth PCAC title over the past five seasons, the other major postseason awards failed to go in the direction of the G-House.

In the final PCAC statistics, Griffins catcher ALYSSA TAYLOR came within one spot of earning a rare Triple Crown award. Taylor towered above all conference batters by leading in home runs (10) and RBI (41), then was just a single spot short for the batting crown, finishing with a .443 batting average as runner-up behind Goff (.495).

Seemingly, Taylor was a hands-down pick as Player of the Year. But instead, PCAC coaches gave the nod to Palomar's Danielle LeBeau.

A quick glance of the statistics showed that LeBeau batted a mere .111 (1-for-9) against Grossmont (.435 overall), as the Griffins captured the head-to-head season series.

A near Triple Crown vs. a .111 average. Go figure.

But that's what annually happens at the PCAC women's fastpitch coaches meeting. An obvious lack of integrity in voting has cost the Griffins for years, but this may be the most unprofessional display to date.

According to PCAC personnel, among the all-conference nominees, Palomar overloaded the ballot with players in order to gain as many selections as possible. Included was the nomination of pitcher Monica Villarreal, a talented sophomore who defeated Grossmont this season, but otherwise participated in a mere three of the Comets' 15 PCAC ballgames. Villarreal received Honorable Mention.

Some question what happened to the two-thirds needed to qualify rule? Nevertheless, an administrator with little to no background in women's fastpitch who operated the postseason coaches meeting was taken advantage of, thus did not take charge to disallow such an unfounded nomination.

In addition, PCAC coaches named a mere trio of Grossmont players to the first team, while Palomar was represented by twice as many – a full half-dozen were tabbed – plus received the Coach of the Year citation.

For Grossmont, Goff and Taylor were joined on the first team by center fielder HANNAH RAPOPORT. Second team picks were shortstop ANGELA LOVELADY and second baseman SONIA RAY.

In another shocking disappointment, honorable mention from the Griffins included CLARISSA NORRIS. The third baseman finished second to Taylor in RBI and fourth overall with a .434 batting average, just a single point behind LeBeau and less than 10 points behind Taylor, yet Norris failed to even make the PCAC second team.

Interestingly, the math skills of the coaches could come into question. A total of 13 players were tabbed to the first team, but only nine were announced to the second team, which sounds like four members of the honorable mention – topped by Norris – were left out.

Also taking honorable mention was Grossmont left fielder KIM ARIZA.

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SAN MARCOS (4-28-11) — One of diamond sports' rarest feats, the Triple Crown of hitting (winning league titles in batting average, home runs and RBI), barely eluded Grossmont Conference catcher ALYSSA TAYLOR.

Taylor paced all Pacific Coast Athletic Conference batters with 10 homers and 41 RBI, but her .443 average was only good enough for second place, as Griffins teammate MELANIE GOFF took over the PCAC Silver Bat award after posting a .495 mark this season.

LeBeau struck out 8 in the five-inning run rule game, walking one. She helped her own cause by going 2-for-3 at the plate, driving in two runs and scoring two.

Jen Mathis' home run sparked a 10-run third inning by the Comets, whose win in the final day of the conference season gives them a final regular-season record of 24-10 (13-2 in conference).

Grossmont captured the regular season series from Palomar, 2-1, clinching its share of the PCAC crown last week, for its fourth pennant in five seasons.

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EL CAJON (4-21-11) — The final week of the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference regular season will be one to remember for Grossmont College right fielder LAUREN VALLELY.

Better known as a support player, the Grossmont High product made keys plays which directly led to a pair of victories, giving the Griffins their fourth PCAC championship in five seasons.

Following a perfect throw from the right-field corner to nail a San Diego Mesa College baserunner in the 7th inning of Tuesday's triumph, Vallely then utilized her bat in Wednesday's (Apr. 20) finale against Imperial Valley.

Vallely placed a perfect squeeze bunt to bring home CLARISSA NORRIS to open the scoring, then Grossmont pitcher MELANIE GOFF took over by posting 12 strikeouts in spinning a 4-hit shutout during a 3-0 conquest over the Arabs.

The Griffins (25-7 overall) cap the PCAC schedule with a 13-2 record to guarantee at last a share of the crown following the rain make-up contest. Palomar (22-10, 12-2) can also grab a piece of the title with a win at San Diego City in another rain game, which won't be played until next Tuesday (Apr. 26) downtown at Betty Hock Field.

SDCC, which will place third this season for the program's third upper-division finish in five seasons, went 9-0 against the three schools below them in the standings, but 0-5 against Grossmont and Palomar.

"Still, I think we're going to have most of the team down there to watch," said Goff, obviously seeking a Knights victory so Grossmont may claim an outright pennant.

Norris opened the 2nd with a basehit, advancing to third base on a wild pitch and a sacrifice bunt by SONIA RAY. Vallely followed with another bunt to squeeze in the run.

Norris was also key to score a run in the 4th, slugging a double to left-center field to score ALYSSA TAYLOR, the PCAC home run leader who was pitched around and finally walked by IVC (8-21, 2-13).

In the 5th, HANNAH RAPOPORT accepted a 2-out walk, stole second base, then Goff stroked an RBI single to left field.

For the Arabs, shortstop Alex Coronado-Turin, who went 2-for-2 with three intentional walks in Tuesday's home finale victory against Southwestern, was the only player who could touch Goff. Tarin went 3-for-3 with a double, reaching second base on each of her plate appearances, but no teammate was able to drive her in.

"Turin is IVC's best player who no one has heard of," said Grossmont assistant coach ANA LANDEROS. "But she's going to make the all-conference team."

By virtue of a 2-1 series advantage over Palomar, Grossmont still isn't guaranteed a higher playoff seed over the Comets. The state utilizes a power-rating system to determine postseason berths. Thus, the Griffins could to sent on the road for the opening round of the Southern California regionals.

Based on the most recent RPI ratings, speculation could find Grossmont making a long haul to either Antelope Valley College in Lancaster or to Santa Barbara City College. If a shorter trip is in order, the Griffins could go to Mission Viejo to meet Saddleback.

"No matter who we play, we can go far because there are a lot of talented girls on our roster," noted Goff. "We can go far if we have the proper mindset."

Alyssa Taylor

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EL CAJON (4-20-11) — Grossmont College catcher ALYSSA TAYLOR continues her torrid display of power, propelling the Griffins to within one final step to capture yet another Pacific Coast Athletic Conference championship.

Taylor bombed her PCAC leading 10th homer of the season in the 1st inning to grab a quick 3-0 lead Tuesday (Apr. 19), powering the G-House past visiting San Diego Mesa, 3-1.

"Alyssa goes 'ya-ya' all the time for us," said winning pitcher MELANIE GOFF ('ya' is short for 'yard'). "She hits the ball with power harder than anyone I've ever seen."

The blast was Taylor 's fourth over a 7-day period, to all-but-mathematically clinch the home run title. Her three homers last week, including a pair of 2-run shots against San Diego City, earned Taylor the PCAC female athlete of the week award.

In addition, Taylor surpassed teammate CLARISSA NORRIS for the conference leadership in runs batted in.

Thus, could a Triple Crown be in the offing, too?

Although Taylor raised her batting average over the .460 plateau to overtake Palomar's Danielle LeBeau for second place, it would be tough to catch Goff for the batting crown with one regular season contest remaining.

Either way, Taylor may be the leading candidate for PCAC player of the year since Goff is the runaway leader for the pitching award (one person can not win both citations).

"And Alyssa is the only catcher in the conference who calls her own game," said assistant coach ANA LANDEROS, adding to the list of Taylor 's credentials. "She was the one who helped Mel pitch her perfect game last week."

Taylor's homer came after Mesa seemed unsure whether to pitch to her.

Following a one-out walk to Goff, ANGELA LOVELADY lined a single to start a 2-for-3 outing (she later doubled). Then with Goff at the plate, both advanced on stolen bases and a wild pitch to score Goff.

So instead of pitching around Taylor with an open base, they challenged the sophomore out of La Jolla High.

Big mistake.

Taylor's shot to left field landed just clear of the scoreboard and short-hopped the perimeter fence to the school's fastpitch facility, a poke of around 230 feet.

The last PCAC player to smack more than 10 homers in a season was Mesa 's Lindsay Fleet, who hit 15 in 2006.

For Taylor, her mind remains focused on the rain makeup contest with Imperial Valley, slated for 1 p.m. Wednesday (Apr. 20) to complete the regular season.

"If we play our game, we'll be fine," said Taylor .

A victory over the Arabs will give Grossmont at least a share of the PCAC crown with Palomar; it would be the Griffins' fourth title in five seasons. However, Palomar still has two contests remaining with third-place San Diego City, so members of the G-House seek an upset by the Knights to claim an outright pennant.

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SAN DIEGO (4-16-11) — While Grossmont College remained in one championship race, another one may have been decided.

On Friday (Apr. 15), Griffins catcher ALYSSA TAYLOR bombed a pair of home runs, powering the G-House to a 7-2 triumph over host San Diego City College at Betty Hock Field.

With the win, Grossmont moved to within two triumphs of another Pacific Coast Athletic Conference crown after the Griffins scored three times in both the 1st and 3rd innings to secure an early victory.

Meanwhile, Taylor may have clinched the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference home run title with her 8th and 9th shots of the season. Taylor enters the final week of the regular season with a cushion over teammate CLARISSA NORRIS and Palomar's Jen Mathis, who both have five.

The Griffins started fast when HANNAH RAPOPORT rapped the first pitch of the ballgame for a booming triple to right-center field, scoring on a basehit by MELANIE GOFF.

Taylor followed with her first blast for a 3-0 lead. She added another 2-run homer in the 3rd, which also scored ANGELA LOVELADY, to cap a 4 RBI performance. The catcher later singled to finish a 3-for-3 outing at the plate, which also moved her into contention for the PCAC batting race.

However, Goff, the current PCAC batting leader, posted a 3-for-5 outing, including run-scoring basehits in the 1st and 5th innings. Rapoport went 2-for-5 against Knights pitching.

Meanwhile, Grossmont left fielder KIM ARIZA posted a 3-for-4 outing, part of a 14-hit attack by the Griffins, before leaving the contest early.

In the 5th, when attempting to steal second base, a SDCC defender severely tagged Ariza in the head. Although Ariza reportedly did not lose consciousness, after the game she was taken to a local hospital for precautionary measures with a concussion.

The Griffins cap the schedule with a pair of home games. On Tuesday (Apr. 19), they entertain San Diego Mesa at 3 p.m., then will meet Imperial Valley in a rain makeup affair at 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Melanie Goff

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CHULA VISTA (4-14-11) — Grossmont College sophomore MELANIE GOFF added another item to an impressive resume in her bid for a second consecutive Pacific Coast Athletic Conference pitcher of the year citation.

On Wednesday (Apr. 13), Goff faced 15 batters from Southwestern College... and retired them all, finishing with a perfect game as the Griffins downed the host Jaguars, 9-0, in a 5-inning, run-rule shortened contest.

Goff registered five strikeouts, while retiring the remaining Southwestern batters on four fly balls and six grounders in what is believed to be the first perfect game in school history.

A quick check of records shows a 2004 effort by MELISSA BARON, who fell just one batter short of perfection, as the closest in achieving the feat. Baron retired 20 consecutive Imperial Valley College batters before Ebony Lofton sent a basehit up the middle.

"Coming off a disappointing effort by the entire team against Saddleback, everybody, especially Melanie, had really great focus," said Griffins assistant coach ANA LANDEROS. "Her ball was really moving – it was jumping out of her hand."

The lone ball which posed some danger to Goff's bid at perfection came on the leadoff batter in the bottom of the 5th (and final) inning. As with most perfect games, sometimes you need to be lucky as well as good.

Moments after the Grossmont coaching staff elected to have the left- and right-fielders exchange positions, a challenging drive was sent to left field. However, the speedy KATY SECOND was able to haul in the drive.

Meanwhile, second baseman SONIA RAY capped Grossmont's 4-run rally in the 1st with a 2-run homer. Earlier in the frame, CLARISSA NORRIS stroked a 2-run single to score HANNAH RAPOPORT (single) and ALYSSA TAYLOR (walk), with Norris scoring in front of Ray on the homer.

Rapoport batted 2-for-3 with a double, scoring three times, while Goff also went 2-for-3, including a 2-run triple in the 4th for Grossmont's 22nd consecutive triumph over Southwestern. By coincidence, the streak began in 2004, the year of Baron's near perfecto.

The Griffins (22-7 overall, 10-2 PCAC) cap a brief 2-game roadtrip with a 3 p.m. Friday ballgame at San Diego City . The Knights rest just one-game behind PCAC co-leading Grossmont and Palomar.

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EL CAJON (4-12-11) — Saddleback College freshman Rachel Watson, who led Tesoro High to a 2009 CIF-Southern Section title before taking a year off from softball, clubbed a 3-run homer Monday (Apr. 11), powering Saddleback College to a 10-2 triumph over host Grossmont College in a non-conference contest.

The win for the Gauchos (14-10) avenged a 5-4 setback to the Griffins back on Feb. 9 in Mission Viejo, giving the ballclubs a split of their season series.

Grossmont (21-7) scored its runs in the 6th inning, the first coming on a leadoff homer by ALYSSA TAYLOR. The catcher's blow to left was her 7th of the season, extending her Pacific Coast Athletic Conference lead over teammate CLARISSA NORRIS and Jen Mathis of Palomar (5 each).

Grossmont returns to PCAC action with four games to close the regular season, starting 3 p.m. Wednesday (Apr. 13) at Southwestern. In addition, a make-up date for last week's postponement with Imperial Valley has not been announced.

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EL CAJON (4-9-11) — Grossmont College is again in a dead-heat for the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference lead after Friday's (Apr. 8) home game with Imperial Valley College was postponed. Because the Arabs needed to travel two hours and with unpredictable weather in San Diego County, the schools mutually agreed to delay the proceedings.

Meanwhile, Palomar played its scheduled contest, run-ruling Southwestern, 13-0 in five innings. Thus, the Griffins and Comets are tied with 9-2 PCAC records.

The make-up date for the Grossmont-IVC game is yet to be determined with just 11 days remaining in the regular season. Next for the G-House is a non-conference home game against Saddleback at 3 p.m. Monday.

In other PCAC action Friday, San Diego City needed 9 innings to nip district rival San Diego Mesa, 1-0, at P.R. Mendoza Field in Kearny Mesa.

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EL CAJON (4-7-11) — Grossmont College has again climbed the mountain.

Spearheaded by a 4-hit shutout from reigning Pacific Coast Athletic Conference pitcher of the year MELANIE GOFF, the Griffins blanked archrival Palomar College, 5-0, in Wednesday's (Apr. 6) showdown which could well determine this season's titlist.

The victory gives Grossmont a 2-1 season series advantage in the final meeting between the county's top two programs over the past two decades, with the G-House (21-6 overall, 9-2 PCAC) moving a half-game in front of the Comets (17-8, 8-2).

There are no guarantees, yet, should both ballclubs run out their remaining PCAC contests, the schools will be co-champs, giving Grossmont its fourth pennant in five seasons. The Griffins lead the recent series, 8-5, over Palomar.

Goff struck out four Comets batters without issuing a walk to overwhelm Palomar for the second time this season. Earlier, she downed her San Marcos based foes in the PCAC opener just days after tossing a no-hitter against Chaffey.

"It was a vastly different atmosphere than it was the last time we played at Palomar," said Griffins assistant coach ANA LANDEROS. "It was more relaxed, more controlled on our part, with everyone ready to play."

While Goff retired Palomar's first 8 batters (and 13 of the first 14), Grossmont placed runners on base in almost every inning, registering all the runs Goff would need with a pair of markers in the 2nd inning thanks to the bottom of the batting order.

SONIA RAY was credited with a double on a line shot which whisked through the Palomar shortstop, scoring when LAUREN VALLELY cleared the head of the left fielder on a double which short-hopped the fence. And when MARISSA MALDONADO singled home Vallely, the Griffins raced to a 2-0 advantage.

"We wanted to do what we did to Mesa and score a lot of runs, but do it a lot earlier and not wait until the 6th or 7th inning," noted Landeros. "It was the first thing we talked about at practice."

"So when Sonia got that first double – she smoked the ball – it was the spark we needed."

In the 4th, CLARISSA NORRIS went to the opposite field to collect a solo homer to right for a 3-0 cushion. It was her 5th home run of the season.

Then Grossmont's big guns struck in the 5th.

Piecing together three consecutive basehits, HANNAH RAPOPORT singled to left, Goff ripped an RBI double to left-center, then ANGELA LOVELADY landed a basehit to left to score Goff.

Meanwhile, Norris batted 2-for-2 with a walk, to raise her batting average to .447.

Grossmont completes the homestand against Imperial Valley on Friday (Apr. 8) with a special 1 p.m. starting time (weather permitting), then Saddleback at 3 p.m. Monday.

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KEARNY MESA (4-2-11) — The championship for the Pacific Coast Conference women's fastpitch will be on the line Wednesday (Apr. 6), when defending titlist Grossmont College hosts Palomar College in an epic battle between San Diego County 's top two programs over the past two decades.

First pitch is slated for 3 p.m.

However, the Griffins must win the contest after losing their final "life line." On Friday (Apr. 1), Grossmont rallied from an 8-1 deficit to force extra innings, yet still fell to host San Diego Mesa, 9-8 in 9 innings, at P.R. Mendoza Field.

The setback dropped the G-House out of a first-place deadlock with idle Palomar, slipping a half-game back. However, a victory over the Comets next week would give Grossmont the season series, which could be an important tie-breaker.

Keying the comeback was lightly-used MARISSA MALDONADO, who started the climb from a 7-run deficit.

"Marissa filled in for a few games during the San Diego City Tournament," said assistant coach ANA LANDEROS. "I told her if she kept working hard, especially on her hitting, she would get her chance."

Maldonado came through with an important 2-run double in the 6th inning, short-hopping Mesa 's breakaway fence located more than 230 feet from home plate. The blast ignited a 3-run rally, then the Griffins added four more markers in the 7th to shock the Olympians and overcome a series of errors which led to six unearned runs by Mesa.

However, a pair of Point Loma High products produced the game-winning run, as Kelsey McGowan, who was hit by a pitch with one out, eventually scored on a basehit to center field by Alexa Da Rosa.

It was the second time Mesa has secured a extra-inning, home field victory over Grossmont; last year's triumph snapped the Griffins' school-record 20-game winning streak, although the G-House still captured all of its remaining PCAC games to go on to win the school's third championship in four seasons.

Obviously, Grossmont seeks for history to repeat.

Down 8-1, the Griffins rallied by chasing Mesa starting pitcher NATALIE SMITH (Helix), as ALYSSA TAYLOR batted 3-for-5 with a pair doubles.

In addition, SONIA RAY went 2-for-5 with a triple, while CLARISSA NORRIS also went 2-for-5 with a double.

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EL CAJON (3-31-11) — Just for you computer geeks, Grossmont College played a ballgame Wednesday (Mar. 30) which featured binary code, first introduced by German mathematician and philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz during the 17th century.

Fortunately for the Griffins, they owned a majority of the ones, while visiting San Diego City settled with the zeroes.

Behind a 3-hitter by pitcher MELANIE GOFF, Grossmont posted single runs over the first five innings before the Knights registered their lone run in the 6th inning, allowing the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference co-leading Griffins to post a 5-1 triumph.

Grossmont is now 20-5 overall (8-1 PCAC) after extending its winning streak to seven, needing one more victory to match its season high.

Griffins catcher ALYSSA TAYLOR singled home Goff in the 1st, following by a run-scoring basehit by right fielder LAUREN VALLELY to plate left fielder KIM ARIZA in the 2nd.

Passed balls allowed runners – Taylor in the 3rd; and pinchrunner KATY SECORD in the 4th – to score from third base, Ariza then lined a 5th-inning single to left to score SONIA RAY.

For the contest, Goff went 2-for-4 with a double at the plate. In the circle, she struck out seven Knights batters. Meanwhile, Taylor, Ariza and Vallely each batted 2-for-3 as part of an 11-hit attack.

Grossmont ran its home-field winning streak over San Diego City to eight straight seasons; the last Knights victory at the G-House came in 2003.

On Friday (Mar. 25), there wasn't much to play for.

"It took us awhile to get going," admitted assistant coach ANA LANDEROS.

Still, there were no worries. After the host Arabs scored twice in the 6th inning to trim a 4-0 deficit in half, Grossmont answered back with a 4-run outburst to end any doubts, going on to an 8-2 triumph over Imperial Valley.

The victory was the Griffins' 15th straight over the Arabs, all in Pacific Coast Athletic Conference play, re-elevating the G-House into a tie for first place with idle Palomar.

Winning pitcher MELANIE GOFF stopped IVC with 12 strikeouts in tossing a 4-hitter.

"We have good scouting reports on IVC, so Mel knew exactly what to do," added Landeros.

Goff, who also leads the PCAC in batting, added to her numbers by going 3-for-4, including a key double in Grossmont's big rally.

ANGELA LOVELADY followed with a triple to score Goff, then she scored on a basehit by ALYSSA TAYLOR. Later, CLARISSA NORRIS slugged a 2-run double.

For the contest, Lovelady batted 2-for-3 with a pair of RBI, while Norris went 2-for-4 and scored twice.

Grossmont closes out the second of three PCAC rounds of play next week, hosting San Diego City on Wednesday (Mar. 30), then goes to San Diego Mesa in an April Fool's Day contest on Friday (Apr. 1). Both are slated for 3 p.m.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-24-11) — On the day of the passing of Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor, namesake ALYSSA TAYLOR again proved to be the difference maker.

Taylor snapped a scoreless pitchers' duel with her conference leading 6th homer of the season, leading Grossmont College to yet another victory over Southwestern, this time 4-0, in Wednesday's (Mar. 23) Pacific Coast Athletic Conference women's fastpitch game.

Taylor's low liner to left field was enough to give the Griffins their 21st consecutive victory over the Jaguars dating back to 2004. The catcher also led Grossmont in its 20th straight win in the series by going 3-for-3 with a pair of doubles and three RBI earlier in the season.

The last victory for Southwestern in the series came nearly seven years ago on Mar. 31, 2004, in taking a 6-3 decision. Since then, the Griffins (18-5, 6-1 PCAC) have yet to fall in winning 21 consecutive ballgames, including a 20-0 pasting in 2007.

Although Grossmont would go on to score three times in the 4th inning, Taylor 's blast was enough for winning pitcher MELANIE GOFF. She stopped Southwestern on just two hits to earn her PCAC leading 13th victory of the season. Goff struck out two.

Following Taylor 's homer, CLARISSA NORRIS singled, then scored on a SONIA RAY double to right-center field. The other run came on an error.

In the 5th, Goff slugged a double off the top of the fence in left, also eventually scoring on another Jags error.

Grossmont returns to action with a Friday trek to Imperial Valley.

© East County Sports.com
MIRA MESA (3-20-11) — The annual San Diego City College Tournament may have been decided in Friday's (Mar. 18) opening game of the 2-day event at Miramar College's Hourglass Field.

Santiago Canyon College of Orange took advantage of a depleted Grossmont College line-up which lost a player due to a 1st-inning injury, to nip the Griffins, 2-1.

The Hawks went on to remain undefeated in the event, while Grossmont went unbeaten in four other ballgames by out-scoring the opposition by a 45-2 count to post a 4-1 tournament mark – the second-best record among the 10 teams (not 11; San Bernardino Valley cancelled without explanation earlier in the month).

Grossmont 10, Victor Valley 0 – ALYSSA TAYLOR drove in four runs with a 2-run homer and a pair of doubles to rumble the Rams in Friday's (Mar. 18) second game.

Grossmont 16, Mt. San Jacinto 0 – Taylor blasted a 2-run homer to open the scoring in the 1st, as MELANIE GOFF and HANNAH RAPOPORT combined on a 5-inning shutout of the Eagles in Saturday's (Mar. 19) first of three contests.

Grossmont 7, Allan Hancock 0 – Goff tossed a complete-game shutout, backed by a 3-for-4 outing by CLARISSA NORRIS, who belted a 2-run homer to bury the Bulldogs.

Grossmont 12, Rio Hondo 2 – Taylor slugged a 2-run triple in the 1st, while Norris added a homer in the 3rd as part of a 2-for-3, four RBI performance to make a winner of Rapoport, who tossed a complete game for the Griffins (17-5).

© East County Sports.com
SAN MARCOS (3-17-11) — In yet another dramatic battle between San Diego County's top women's fastpitch programs, this time it was Palomar College which garnered the late, key hit, allowing the Comets to nip visiting Grossmont College, 2-0, in Wednesday's (Mar. 16) showdown in the North County.

The decision leaves the teams' season series level at 1-1 – the ballclubs are again tied for the top spot in the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference standings at 5-1 – with one head-to-head contest remaining, slated for Apr. 6 at Grossmont.

"As the game kept going, we're thinking about when someone would get that key hit," said Griffins assistant coach ANA LANDEROS. "Unfortunately, we never got it."

Instead, Palomar's Kelli Starr registered the contest's lone RBI hit, slugging a 2-run triple in the bottom of the 6th inning to snap an outstanding pitchers' duel.

The victory went to the Comets' Monica Villarreal, who struck out 14 batters in tossing a 1-hit shutout. The only Grossmont basehit was a 4th-inning single to right-center field by ANGELA LOVELADY.

Villarreal out-dueled Grossmont's MELANIE GOFF, the 2010 PCAC Pitcher of the Year, who took her first setback of the season to fall to 10-1 despite tossing a 5-hitter. Villarreal, the William Penn University transfer who missed the teams' first meeting due to injury, moved to 9-2 overall.

Starr, the Palomar leadoff batter, went 2-for-3 against Goff. She singled in the 1st, but was stranded.

Then in the 5th, former Temecula-Great Oak High teammates Jasmine Allan and Courtney Krause hit consecutive basehits off Goff. Jacelyn Meester moved both of them up a base with a sacrifice bunt, and Starr followed with her triple over the center fielder to score both runs.

Villarreal, meanwhile, allowed only two baserunners. She retired the first 11 G-House batters, eight on strikeouts, before Lovelady broke up her perfect game with her basehit.

The only other Grossmont batter to reach base, HANNAH RAPOPORT, worked Villarreal for a walk with two out in the 6th. Rapoport stole second base and went to third when the throw sailed into shallow center field. But Villarreal struck out Goff, the PCAC batting leader, to end the scoring threat.

Grossmont will next participate in the San Diego City College Tournament – weather permitting – this weekend. Games will be played at San Diego Miramar College's Hourglass Field in Mira Mesa. REVISED TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE HERE.

© East County Sports.com
SAN MARCOS (3-15-11) — Following three citations among the honorable mention as Pacific Coast Athletic Conference female athlete of the week, Grossmont College pitcher MELANIE GOFF finally captured the main award, conference officials announced Monday (Mar. 14).

Goff was honored after she raised her pitching record to a perfect 10-0 after blanking San Diego Mesa, 5-0, last week, leaving the Griffins undefeated following the first round of PCAC action. Goff finished with a 3-hitter of the Olympians, while also batting 2-for-3 with an RBI, improving the team's winning streak to 8 consecutive victories.

Goff, the conference's reigning Pitcher of the Year, has struck out 49 batters against a mere 9 walks this season, and she's batting a stellar .531 to also rank among state and PCAC leaders.

Grossmont pitcher Melanie Goff (Photo by Lenny Gemar) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-10-11) — Order has been resumed in the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference after Grossmont College completed a perfect first round through the conference schedule after Griffins pitcher MELANIE GOFF tossed a 3-hitter to shutout visiting San Diego Mesa, 5-0, in Wednesday's (Mar. 9) contest at the G-House.

A year ago, the Olympians needed extra innings to snap Grossmont's school-record 20-game winning streak, but the Griffins closed the conference slate undefeated to avoid a late Palomar charge to take the PCAC championship. Mesa's win also snapped a 7-game losing streak in the series.

However, Grossmont waltzed in beginning another winning streak against Mesa after Goff dazzled once again to run her record to a perfect 10-0 (plus a save) this season. The Griffins (13-3, 5-0 PCAC) have mounted an 8-game win streak.

"We just don't like to lose," said Goff. "And I feel real confident with the defense behind me. The infield is performing like a wall."

Goff also aided the offense, which scored three times in the 4th inning to snap the early pitchers' duel against Mesa's Natalie Smith (Helix).

HANNAH RAPOPORT reached on an error, moving to third base on Goff's basehit through the left side. ANGELA LOVELADY followed with an RBI single to center, then SONIA RAY lifted a sacrifice fly for a 2-0 lead.

Two batters later, Ray put down a perfect suicide squeeze bunt to bring home Lovelady.

An inning later, KIM ARIZA walked, then Rapoport doubled to right to place two runners in scoring position. Goff and Lovelady followed with identical RBI singles through the left side for a 5-run cushion.

Grossmont will take a week off before resuming PCAC play next Wednesday (Mar. 16) at second-place Palomar. The Griffins hold a 1-game lead over the Comets.

Meanwhile, Mesa, despite its 13-5 overall record, fell to 1-5 against teams with winning records, defeating only L.A. Harbor. The Olympians have been outscored 23-5 in those setbacks.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-7-11) — Grossmont College pitcher MELANIE GOFF was honored with another Pacific Coast Athletic Conference citation among its female athletes of the week for 2011. It was the third honor for the Griffins' sophomore – the most by any fastpitch player.

Goff leads all PCAC players in both pitching and hitting. She owns a perfect 9-0 pitching record (plus a save), and owns a conference-best .522 batting average for the G-House, which cracked the Top 20 in the state RPI power ratings with a 7-game winning streak.

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (3-5-11) — Many were surprised looking at the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference standings to find Grossmont College tied for the top spot with an improved San Diego City College ballclub entering Friday's (Mar. 3) first-place showdown at Hock Field.

While the Knights demonstrated marked improvement, the Griffins still came out on top.

Sophomore pitcher MELANIE GOFF spun a tidy 2-hit shutout to out-duel a pair of City pitchers, pacing Grossmont to a 2-0 triumph. The victory leaves the Griffins (12-3, 4-0) alone on top of the PCAC standings, while the Knights (8-9-1, 3-1) slipped into a second-place tie with Palomar.

While Goff was striking out four to keep SDCC off the bases – only three Knights reached base all contest – City carried a no-hitter into the 5th inning, when the Griffins awoke with four hits to snap the scoreless pitchers' duel.

But the momentum for the rally came courtesy of a pair of important defensive stops to end the 4th.

First, catcher ALYSSA TAYLOR threw out a City baserunner at third base, firing a strike to third baseman CLARRISA NORRIS on an apparent missed sign by the Knights.

SDCC later had another runner in scoring position with two outs when second baseman SONIA RAY fully extended to knock down a sharp one-hopper, registering the out at first base to strand the runner and end the scoring threat.

Grossmont then strung together a succession of hard-hit balls.

Norris smashed a line drive to the left side, but shortstop BRITT WRIGHT (a Monte Vista product) snared the ball for an out. Ray and LAUREN VALLELY followed with line singles, with Ray moving to third base on a return throw error from the outfield.

SHELBY EULAC-SHIELDS followed with what turned out to be her first collegiate game-winning RBI with a basehit over Wright. The run was earned as KIM ARIZA followed with another single, but the Knights then escaped the bases-loaded jam.

Grossmont posted an insurance run in the 7th when Vallely walked, pinch-runner KATIE SECORD (Mountain Empire) advanced to second on a Eulac-Shields sacrifice bunt, then came home when an Ariza slap to third base was thrown away down the right-field line.

Grossmont (12-3), winners of seven straight ballgames, closes the first round of PCAC play on Wednesday (Mar. 9) by hosting San Diego Mesa at 3 p.m. Mesa was the ballclub which snapped the Griffins' school-record 20-game winning streak with an extra-inning victory last season.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-4-11) — CLARISSA NORRIS and ALYSSA TAYLOR each struck their third home runs of the season, powering Grossmont College past visiting San Bernardino Valley, 12-2, in Thursday's (Mar. 3) rain make-up, non-conference contest.

Taylor blasted a tape-measure, 2-run shot in the 1st inning, a drive destined to reach the street level if not for hitting high off the tree branches in left field, helping the Griffins (11-3 overall) to a quick 2-0 lead.

Norris followed with her own 2-run blow in the 3rd, pushing the advantage to 5-0. For the contest, Norris batted 2-for-2 with four RBI, while ANGELA LOVELADY went 3-for-4 with an RBI.

Meanwhile, winning pitcher HANNAH RAPOPORT struck out three in tossing a 4-hitter, snapping the Wolverines' 3-game winning streak. The freshman came within one out of a shutout before SBVC (8-5) scored twice with two outs in the 5th.

Grossmont completes the week with Friday's 3 p.m. Pacific Coast Athletic Conference ballgame at San Diego City from Betty Hock Field. Both ballclubs are tied for first place at 3-0 in PCAC play.

© East County Sports.com
CHULA VISTA (3-3-11) — Extending a streak which began in 2004, Grossmont College stretched its winning streak over Southwestern College to 20 straight after again downing the Jaguars, 7-2, in Wednesday's (Mar. 2) Pacific Coast Athletic Conference contest.

Griffins catcher ALYSSA TAYLOR batted 3-for-3, with a pair of doubles and a walk, good for three RBI to bolster the conference leaders (10-3 overall, 3-0 PCAC).

Included was a run-scoring double to start a 2-run rally in the 1st inning, then an RBI basehit when Grossmont scored three more times to take a commanding 5-0 lead in the 2nd.

In addition, second baseman SONIA RAY also scorched an RBI double in the 6th, while left fielder KIM ARIZA went 2-for-4.

That was enough for winning pitcher MELANIE GOFF, who struck out four Southwestern batters. It was Goff's first outing since gaining a second consecutive PCAC female athlete of the week citation for her pitching triumph over Palomar.

Grossmont will host San Bernardino Valley in a rain make-up contest at 1 p.m. Thursday, then close the week with a PCAC affair against PCAC co-leader San Diego City at 3 p.m. Friday.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-1-11) — For the second time this season, a scheduled doubleheader with Pasadena City College was called off, this time due to wet grounds Monday (Feb. 28).

Meanwhile, the Grossmont Griffins will give it a second try with San Bernardino Valley in a rescheduled game this Thursday, with the twinbill switched to a 1 p.m. single game at Grossmont's north campus diamond.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-26-11) — The number 14 brings up some iconic figures in the world of sports.

Players who wore 14 on their jersey include such stars as former San Diego Chargers quarterback Dan Fouts (football), Oscar Robertson (basketball), Ted Lindsay (hockey), and a trio of notables from baseball: Ernie Banks, Pete Rose and Gil Hodges.

On Friday (Feb. 25), Grossmont College celebrated the number 14 in its own way, defeating visiting Imperial Valley, 14-0, in Pacific Coast Athletic Conference action.

The first-place Griffins (9-3 overall, 2-0 PCAC) totaled 14 hits to collect their 14 runs, posting their 14th consecutive victory over the Arabs under head coach RICK TRESTRAIL, who is in – you guessed it! – his 14th season guiding the program.

Catcher ALYSSA TAYLOR walked twice, giving her 14 walks for the season, raising her on-base percentage to .680 (uh, 6 plus 8 = 14).

Meanwhile, MELANIE GOFF allowed just one hit – a 4th inning single (1 hit in the 4th, sort of like a "14") – to collect the pitching triumph. Goff and center fielder HANNAH RAPOPORT each batted 3-for-4, as the Griffins scored once in the 1st inning, then exploded for 13 runs in the 3rd in the run-rule shortened, 5-inning contest.

By the way, Grossmont will need to wait before playing its 14th game of the season – Saturday's (Feb. 26) doubleheader with Long Beach has already been canceled due to impending rain showers expected in the area.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-24-11) — The get-no-respect Grossmont College women's fastpitch team had something to prove entering Wednesday's (Feb. 23) Pacific Coast Athletic Conference opener against 9th-ranked Palomar.

"You could say we had a chip on our shoulder," noted assistant coach ANA LANDEROS. "Of course, Palomar is a great team, but we've played a bunch of strong teams, too, and held our own."

So the Griffins, unranked and unloved, went out and proved themselves, twice scoring immediately after Palomar tied the ballgame to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory in a battle of San Diego County's top two programs over the past decade (Grossmont leads the recent series, 7-4).

Sophomore catcher ALYSSA TAYLOR drove in single runs in the 1st and 3rd innings, then SONIA RAY drew a bases-loaded walk in the 5th to supply the margin of victory in the first of three scheduled meetings between the ballclubs.

"Palomar is a proven team – they took defending state champion Cypress to nine innings in Cathedral City over the weekend," noted Landeros. "But I think a lot of people are overlooking us."

Considering Grossmont has captured three PCAC crowns over the past four seasons, plus a victory in this year's opener, any team which hopes to contend will need to go through the Griffins to get there.

The ballclubs kept exchanging single runs.

In the 1st, MELANIE GOFF accepted a one-out walk, then scored on Taylor 's booming double to right-center.

After that, every time Palomar (6-4 overall, 0-1 PCAC) scored to tie it, the Griffins (8-3, 1-0 PCAC) would answer.

In the 3rd, following an RBI triple by the Comets' Regina Norris, Grossmont received consecutive basehits by HANNAH RAPOPORT and Goff. A fielder's choice placed runners on the corners, with Rapoport scoring the tie-breaking run on a suicide squeeze by Taylor.

In the 5th, Norris, who went 3-for-4 to take the early lead in the PCAC batting race, singled to make it 2-2. However, Grossmont countered yet again.

Goff doubled to right-center, then CLARISSA NORRIS (no known relation) reached on an error. Taylor, who had already burned Palomar twice, was intentionally walked to load the bases, but Ray took an extremely close pitch for a walk to force home the go-ahead marker.

Goff then survived a 1-out double in the 6th to retire Palomar's final five batters to collect the pitching triumph. She struck out three and walked just one, while matching Taylor by going 2-for-2 at the plate.

Grossmont is slated to host Imperial Valley at 1 p.m. Friday (Feb. 25), then entertain Long Beach in a Saturday doubleheaderr. Griffins officials may seek to move the IVC game to Imperial to avoid potential problems with another cold front moving into the area.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-19-11) — Grossmont College pitcher MELANIE GOFF, a top contender for all-state honors this season, added to her impressive resume by tossing her first career no-hitter to propel the Griffins to a doubleheader sweep of visiting Chaffey College.

Goff struck out six Panthers to capture Friday's (Feb. 18) opener, 9-0, in her no-hitter. The University of Arkansas transfer then returned in the second contest to throw five innings of relief to collect another victory in a 9-5 decision.

"Mel is getting so much more comfortable out there and it showed today," said Grossmont assistant coach ANA LANDEROS. "She's gaining more confidence in herself."

With a relatively inexperienced catcher, the coaching staff made a recent switch and now has Landeros calling most of the pitches from the dugout. The move allowed Goff to avoid Chaffey from determining any pitching patterns.

"Mel just kept getting stronger – she was in a groove," added the coach.

The no-hitter was the school's first since a record-breaking day back in 2009, when the Griffins received a pair of no-hitters on the same day at the Soboba Classic in south Riverside County. KELLIE WATSON blanked San Bernardino Valley in the first game, then CHARNEL ZETSCH stopped L.A. Harbor in game halted after four innings by request of the dominated Seahawks.

While Grossmont catcher ALYSSA TAYLOR learns the ropes behind the plate, her defensive development hasn't hindered her batting. Taylor went 2-for-2 in the opener, including a 2-run homer to left-center field. For the contest, she posted three RBI and scored three times.

In addition,CLARISSA NORRIS and SONIA RAY each went 2-for-3. Included was a 2-run double by Norris to jump-start the Griffins to a 3-0, 1st-inning lead.

Norris later smacked a key homer in the second game, belting a 2-run shot when Grossmont scored four times in the 6th to snap a 5-5 tie.

The rally started when KIM ARIZA opened the frame by getting hit by a pitch and stealing second base. HANNAH RAPOPORT followed with her third hit of the game, a line single to right to score Ariza with the go-ahead run.

A throwing error by the Chaffey pitcher allowed Rapoport to score, then Norris tagged an 0-2 pitch deep over the right-field barrier for a pair of additional runs.

"Clarissa just sat on it – it was such a nice swing," noted Landeros about Norris, who now ranks second on the ballclub in batting average behind Goff.

Rapoport and Goff each went 3-for-4, both slugging triples in a 13-hit attack for Grossmont (7-3).

Notes – The rained-out doubleheader with Pasadena from Jan. 31 has been rescheduled for Feb. 28. No date was yet been set for Thursday's rained-out twinbill with San Bernardino Valley.

Goff, the team's No. 1 pitcher, made the most of her part-time move to catcher to trash the pitching of Mt. San Antonio College, which has won four state titles over the past decade. Goff tagged three Mounties pitchers by going 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles and four RBI.

Earlier in the week, Goff entered to pitch in relief in the 7th inning, registering three straight outs to collect a save against host Saddleback College.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-12-11) — While community college baseball continues to search for runs due to government-mandated changes to bats, no such problems can be found in women's fastpitch.

On Friday (Feb. 11), a pair of perennially playoff participants played an old-fashioned slugfest, as visiting Mt. San Antonio outlasted Grossmont College, 14-10, in a non-conference ballgame.

The game featured the most runs in a Griffins game since they steam-rolled Barstow, 25-0, in 2008. It was also the first Grossmont contest to see both teams score in double figures since game two of a 2007 season-opening doubleheader win over Mt. San Jacinto, 17-10.

Both sides went deep into their respective bullpens, yet no relief was found by either ballclub. The Mounties, the California state champions in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2009, went three-deep without success from their 30-player roster.

Among the long list of offensive numbers for the Griffins included MELANIE GOFF going 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles and four RBI. Meanwhile, HANNAH RAPOPORT went 2-for-5 with three RBI.

© East County Sports.com
MISSION VIEJO (2-10-11) — At least for one day, Grossmont College found a solution to its dilemma on which pitcher to use.

They went with both of them.

HANNAH RAPOPORT tossed six strong innings Wednesday (Feb. 8), then after getting trouble to start the 7th inning, MELANIE GOFF registered three straight outs for the save to close out a 5-4 triumph over previously undefeated Saddleback.

Through six frames, Rapoport yielded just three hits to the Gauchos, although two were solo homers. But when the freshman opened the 7th by allowing a third solo homer and a double, Goff was summoned to the circle.

Saddleback placed a sacrifice bunt to move the potential tying run to third base, but Goff finished with a strikeout and a pop out to shallow center field to KIM ARIZA for the Griffins' second straight victory.

Goff and CLARISSA NORRIS powered the Grossmont offense, each going 3-for-4 with a run scored, as the Griffins (4-2) scored three times in the 3rd to mount a 4-0 advantage.

Goff opened with a basehit, ANGELA LOVELADY walked, then Norris singled to left for an RBI.

SONIA RAY lifted a sacrifice fly to bring home Lovelady, then LAUREN VALLELY belted a double to left-center to plate Norris.

Saddleback (3-1) received solo homers from centerfielder Shannon Wilkison and third baseman Mandy Gutierrez, before second baseman Rachel Watson homered on the first pitch in the Gaucho-7th to make things interesting.

Fortunately, Rapoport collected an RBI in the 6th to make it 5-3, slapping a single to score Vallely (safe on error) with an unearned run.

Grossmont will host state power Mt. San Antonio on Friday at noon. The Mounties have captured four of the last eight state championships, but are 0-1 after falling in their Tuesday opener at Antelope Valley, 3-1.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-5-11) — What a strange predicament for the Grossmont College coaching staff.

When sophomore MELANIE GOFF, one of the Southland's top returning pitchers, is in the circle, the rotation of other Griffins players gives them a less-than-desirable defensive alignment.

But when freshman HANNAH RAPOPORT is pitching, Goff moves behind the plate – she's both the ballclub's top pitcher and catcher – while other players move to positions they're more comfortable with, resulting in a minimum of defensive miscues.

Of course, fastpitch softball is pitching dominated, so which way do you go?

On Friday (Feb. 4), Grossmont elected to give Rapoport the pitching start, with Goff serving as her backstop. Controversial – maybe – yet you have to welcome the results.

The Griffins scored three times in the 1st and 3rd innings, going on to a 6-5 triumph over traditional state power Cerritos, the team which helped eliminate Grossmont in last season's state Super Regionals.

Rapoport was solid against the entire Falcons line-up except for two-time ASA national champion shortstop Briana Quintana, who stars with the Lakewood Ladies club program.

Quintana, the 2010 female athlete of the year at Mayfair High, slugged a pair of home runs to move Cerritos back into contention. However, Rapoport – in Goff fashion – finished the contest by tossing 3 1/3 shutout innings to perserve a 1-run lead.

Following Quintana's initial homer in the 1st, Grossmont answered with three runs.

Rapoport and Goff both singled, then ANGELA LOVELADY walked to load the bases. The three runs then followed without the ball leaving the infield.

ALYSSA TAYLOR reached on an error by the Falcons' second baseman to tie the game, CLARISA NORRIS walked to force in the go-ahead run, then SONIA RAY grounded to first base to make it 3-1.

Cerritos got a run back in the 2nd, but Grossmont posted another 3-spot in the 3rd with a display of power.

Taylor roped a low, line shot, which clipped the top of the fence in left-center and went over for a solo homer. Norris singled to left, then Ray sent a shot which landed just under the scoreboard in left for a 2-run homer and a 6-2 advantage.

"Both were shots, but Alyssa's homer must've gone 100 miles per hour," noted Griffins assistant coach ANA LANDEROS. "Everyone on both teams were quiet – everyone was in awe because she hit it so hard."

The victory was even more significant because Cerritos entered the contest following a win over previously undefeated Santa Ana, the team which downed Grossmont earlier in the week.

Grossmont continues a stretch against top-notch competition with a pair of contests against ranked opposition next week. On Wednesday, they travel to Saddleback, then return home next Friday to match-up against Mt. San Antonio, a school which has won the state title in four of the past eight seasons.

© East County Sports.com
SANTA ANA (2-3-11) — The potent Grossmont College bats erupted for six runs in the 5th inning to grab a 7-6 lead over undefeated Santa Ana. However, errors and a key passed ball allowed the Dons to rally for a 9-7 non-conference victory Wednesday (Feb. 2) at Santa Ana College Softball Complex. Boxscore

The Griffins’ (3-2) rally started on consecutive singles by KIM ARIZA, HANNAH RAPOPORT and MELANIE GOFF (RBI) to trim the deficit to 6-3.

ALYSSA TAYLOR followed later with a two-out single to score Rapoport before SONIA RAY blasted a three-run double off the wall in straight-away centerfield to give the Griffins their first lead at 7-6.

Rapoport, Taylor and ANGELA LOVELADY all went 2-for-4, but the Griffins dropped their second straight contest.

Santa Ana (5-0), which is now ranked 5th in the Southland and 10th in California following victories over San Diego Mesa (7-0), San Diego City (6-3) and traditional state power Cerritos (10-3), saw shortstop Sarah Steinbeck lead the Dons by going 3-for-4 with two RBI.

© East County Sports.com
GLENDALE (1-30-11) — In their fourth season participating in the Glendale College Tournament, the Grossmont Griffins have thoroughly dominated – except when they meet Long Beach City College.

For the second straight season, the Vikings took advantage of numerous Grossmont errors to take a 9-4 decision in Saturday's (Jan. 29) ballgame at Glendale Softball Complex.

The Griffins committed an unsightly eight errors, watching their record at the Glendale event slip to 12-3 since joining in 2008.

"We're still going through the motions of figuring out defensive combinations and determining who's going to play where," noted Grossmont assistant coach ANA LANDEROS. "But eight, shall I say, is not Grossmont softball."

However, the offense remains in high gear against Long Beach's top pitcher.

SONIA RAY (Mount Miguel) opened her college career by batting 3-for-3, while LAUREN VALLELY (Grossmont HS) went 2-for-3 with three RBI. Both are freshmen.

In addition, sophomore ANGELA LOVELADY slugged her second homer in as many days, belting a solo shot in the 5th inning.

Grossmont (3-1) will entertain Pasadena in Monday's (Jan. 31) home opening doubleheader, starting at 1 p.m.

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GLENDALE — With an all-conference citation on her resume, not one of three opponents during the opening round of the Glendale College Tournament wanted anything to do with Grossmont College catcher ALYSSA TAYLOR.

"Alyssa must've been walked something like eight times – they all refused to pitch to her," noted Griffins assistant coach ANA LANDEROS.

Responding with a huge thank you note was Grossmont freshman CLARISSA NORRIS.

Batting behind Taylor over the three contests, Norris made her Griffins debut a memorable one. The Grossmont High product batted a composite 7-for-9, including a 2-run single for the game-winning hit on her very first at-bat to power the ballclub to a 3-0 start.

"Clarissa came through all day for us," added Landeros. "It was a great way to start the season."

Norris is playing third base for Grossmont this season, dictating a move by Taylor to behind the plate. The pair combined for a cool .850 on-base percentage in victories Friday (Jan. 28) over Rio Hondo (3-0), Ventura (8-2) and the tournament host Vaqueros (14-6 in 5 innings).

In the opener, all-region pitcher MELANIE GOFF collected the first of her three triumphs on the day by spinning a 2-hitter. She struck out 8 Roadrunners, while also going 2-for-2 at the plate.

Norris jump-started the offense with her line single in the 1st for a quick 2-0 advantage, then ANGELA LOVELADY added a sacrifice fly in the 5th. In addition, HANNAH RAPOPORT batted 2-for-4.

Against Ventura 's Pirates, Norris just missed hitting for the cycle, going 4-for-4 with a triple, double and a pair of basehits.

In the nightcap against Glendale, the Griffins mounted a large lead when the time limit occurred, but tournament rules dictated that a minimum of five innings needed to be played.

Perhaps, the Vaqueros will change that rule after Grossmont slugged three of the team's four home runs in the "extra" inning.

Rapoport and Goff hit back-to-back shots in the 5th, giving both two hits for the contest. Later, Norris went yard to cap her 7-for-9 performance. The opening homer came off Lovelady's bat in the 3rd, a 2-run shot.

Grossmont (3-0) continues tournament play at 1 p.m. Saturday against an opponent to be determined.

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EL CAJON (1-27-11) — Following the greatest season in Grossmont College women's fastpitch history, which included another conference championship and advancing to the state Super Regionals, the Griffins return a strong base heading into the 2011 campaign.

In a conference once dominated by Palomar College, it's Grossmont which seeks its fourth Pacific Coast Athletic Conference title in five seasons when the team – whch posted a school-record 20-game winning streak in 2010 – opens the season Friday (Jan. 28) at the Glendale College Classic.

Heading the list of returnees is shortstop ANGELA LOVELADY, who was named to the 2010 Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-America team.

The product of Granite Hills High paced the Griffins with a .454 batting average during the regular season. She ranked 11th among all Southern California community college batters – second among all shortstops.

Of course, you also need pitching, with the Griffins welcoming the return of MELANIE GOFF. The sophomore was PCAC pitcher of the year, gaining a berth on the all-state team after ranking among the Southern California leaders in both record and ERA all season after transferring from the University of Arkansas.

Backing Goff up in the circle is freshman MARISSA MALDONADO (Monte Vista), who was heavily recruited by other PCAC schools as a potential gem.

Also returning is utility player ALYSSA TAYLOR, an All-PCAC performer at third base. She is expected to move to catches this season.

Grossmont High School is also well represented with first-year players LAUREN VALLELY, CLARISSA NORRIS and HANNAH RAPOPORT, plus Mount Miguel poroduct SONIA RAY.

The Griffins (29-9, 13-2 PCAC) will play three pool play games to open the Glendale event, meeting Rio Hondo, Ventura and the host Vaqueros. The semifinals and championship will be contested Saturday.

Grossmont's home opener is Monday (Jan. 31) in a 1 p.m. doubleheader against Pasadena.

© East County Sports.com
STARKVILLE, Miss. (5-5-10) — Grossmont College shortstop ANGELA LOVELADY, a product of Granite Hills High, has been named to the 2010 All-America community college team by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.

Lovelady, a freshman shortstop, paced the Griffins with a .454 batting average during the regular season. She ranked 11th among all Southern California community college batters – second among all shortstops – and was runner-up to fellow All-America selection Danielle LeBeau of Palomar for the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference batting title.

Lovelady also ranked among the state leaders in doubles, helping lead Grossmont (now 29-7) to its third PCAC title in four seasons.

Earlier, Lovelady was named to the All-Southland team, but failed to make the all-state team, which saw a different panel of coaches instead tab Griffins pitcher MELANIE GOFF for honors.

Melanie Goff

Angela Lovelady

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MENEFEE (4-26-10) — Grossmont College workhorse MELANIE GOFF, who ranked among the state leaders in complete games and innings pitched all season, was named to the All-California state community college women's fastpitch team, the coaches association announced.

Goff, a Mira Mesa High product, posted a 23-7 overall record, finishing second in Southern California in total victories behind only Hillary Perez-Ashley of Cerritos, the state's co-pitcher of the year with Sierra's Samantha Baker.

Perez-Ashley, who posted a 30-1 record for the top-ranked Falcons, also edged Goff as the Southland leader in shutouts, 9-to-8.

Goff tossed 24 complete games over more than 175 innings during the regular season.

Meanwhile, Griffins shortstop ANGELA LOVELADY was named to the all-Southern California team by the same 3CWFCA panel.

Lovelady ranked second in the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference with a .454 batting average, leading the circuit in doubles while tying with teammate BRITT WRIGHT for the conference lead in runs scored. Lovelady also ranked first in doubles, and second in total basehits, home runs and RBI.

She follows the footsteps of older sister ASHLEY LOVELADY, who was an all-state selection as a Grossmont catcher in 2009.

The Griffins (27-7) will host College of the Canyons (28-11) in the first round of the state playoffs, beginning with Game One of a best-of-3 set on Saturday (May 1) at 2 p.m.

Melanie Goff	Angela Lovelady
Alyssa Taylor	Kylee Wilson
Britt Wright	Kelley Seitz

© East County Sports.com
SAN MARCOS (4-23-10) — Grossmont College pitcher MELANIE GOFF, an unexpected addition to the Griffins prior to the season, has been named the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference's Pitcher of the Year. The voting was conducted by conference coaches at Thursday's (Apr. 22) postseason meeting.

Goff, a product of Mira Mesa High, ranked among the Southern California leaders in both record and ERA all season. Goff was joined on the honor roll of first-team selections by four of her teammates. The list includes catcher KYLEE WILSON (Granite Hills), centerfielder BRITT WRIGHT (transfer from Chabot College), third baseman ALYSSA TAYLOR (La Jolla) and shortstop ANGELA LOVELADY (Granite Hills).

However, conference coaches refused to acknowledge a changing of the guard at the top of the PCAC, which Grossmont has claimed in three of the past four seasons. Palomar, which captured an amazing 22 straight PCAC crowns prior to the Griffins' current streak, received six first-team berths as opposed to five for Grossmont, plus nine overall picks to just six for the Griffins.

Leading the Comets was pitcher Danielle LeBeau, who also played other positions this season unlike Goff, thus was given the Player of the Year award.

On the second team was Grossmont's Kelley Seitz (Valhalla), who was named as a utility player; she is both a first baseman and designated player.

Kylee Wilson

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-21-10) — It was only appropriate that KYLEE WILSON took the final swing of the bat to cap the greatest regular season in Grossmont College women's fastpitch history.

Batting with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 5th inning, Wilson clouted a resounding triple to right-center field, giving the Griffins their third run-rule triumph over San Diego City College this season, placing the finishing touches on an outright Pacific Coast Athletic Conference championship – the college's third title in four seasons.

Grossmont, which captured 20 straight ballgames during one stretch, will enter the CCCAA playoffs with a 27-7 overall record and ranked sixth in the Southland coaches poll.

The Usual Suspects... 2007 PCC Fastpitch Champions

Grossmont College – 2007 Pacific Coast Conference women's fastpitch champions. (Photo by Lenny Gemar)

Sun., May 8 - Regional
Saddleback 10, Grossmont 0 (5 inn.) (Gauchos win series 2-0)
Santa Ana 7, Santa Barbara 2 (Lady Dons win series 2-0)
Santiago Canyon 12, Antelope Valley 8 (series 1-1)
Antelope Valley 15, Santiago Canyon 7 (6 inn.) (Marauders win series 2-1)
Palomar 5, Long Beach 4 (series tied 1-1)
Palomar 11, Long Beach 2 (5 inn.) (Comets win series 2-1)
Cerritos 4, Bakersfield 1 (series tied 1-1)
Cerritos 11, Bakersfield 1 (5 inn.) (Falcons win series 2-1)
Riverside 2, Ventura 1 (9 inn.) (Lady Tigers win series 2-0)
Citrus 8, Cypress 1 (series tied 1-1)
Cypress 9, Citrus 6 (Lady Chargers win series 2-1)
Mt. San Antonio 10, Chaffey 0 (5 inn.) (Mounties win series 2-0)

Grossmont College Athletics Website

Pacific Coast Conference

Kyrstin Gemar (DSU photo)

LOCAL COVERAGE The Dickinson Press

Yahoo! Sports STORY

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Near PATTERSON LAKE, N.D. (11-3-09/Updated 11-4-09) — Former Grossmont College women's fastpitch standout KYRSTIN GEMAR and two of her teammates from Dickinson State University, who disappeared Sunday (Nov. 1) on a stargazing trip, were found dead Tuesday near the southwestern North Dakota campus, local authorities announced.

Gemar, 22, along with Afton Williamson, 20, of Lake Elsinore, and Ashley Neufeld, 21, of Brandon, Manitoba, were found in Gemar's white 1997 Jeep Cherokee at the bottom of a 12-foot deep pond on a farm outside of Dickinson, N.D.

Around 11:20 p.m. CT Sunday, the group twice called a friend for help, about one minute apart, before the line cut out on Sunday according to Dickinson police. One woman was difficult to understand during a 40-second call, with the friend telling authorities of hearing the woman say they were near a lake and water.

A 2007 file photo of Kyrstin Gemar slugging a game-winning sacrifice fly for the Griffins. (Photo by Lenny Gemar)

It was determined that Gemar and one of the other women attempted to call for assistance from an air bubble inside the submerged vehicle before tragically drowning. No determination on how the vehicle went into the lake has been announced.

"A couple of our former players knew about them being missing Monday, so we were hoping all day for them — using the present tense when talking positive about them," said Griffins assistant coach ANA LANDEROS. "Then we heard the news — it's so sad."

It was the second major disaster for the Gemar family recently. Last year, their house burned down in a fire.

"Their family is so awesome, and now this happened," added Landeros. "There isn't much you can say."

The combination of talents saw several colleges make her scholarship offers, yet Gemar selected a small NAIA school to continue her college career.

"Krystin was used exclusively as a designated hitter while rehabbing her shoulder," Landeros added about the former All-Pacific Coast Conference pitcher, who unseated Palomar for the 2007 conference championship. "But she was going to pitch again this season."

Since a person can only participate in two seasons at community colleges, most members of the current Grossmont roster did not know Gemar. The lone player who did is San Diego City College transfer first baseman Caitlin Aimalefoa, who was a teammate at Clairemont High School.

Dickinson State features several local players on the roster of the nationally ranked Blue Hawks. Included are former Steele Canyon High outfielder VANESSA ADAME, and former Grossmont College and Granite Hills High pitcher CHARNEL ZETSCH.

A 2007 file photo of (l-r) Kyrstin Gemar, Marissa Utley, and Lauren Hastings celebrating another victory after the Griffins raised their record to 6-0. (Photo by Lenny Gemar) Editor's Note: By coincidence, Lenny Gemar, Krystin's father, was the official team photographer in 2007, while also supplying photos for East County Sports.