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LAKESIDE (5-1-11) — El Capitan High raced to an early lead by scoring 16 times in the 1st, taking Saturday's (Apr. 30) opener of a home-and-home series in defeating Mount Miguel, 20-0 in five innings, in a Grossmont Valley League rain makeup contest.

The victory allowed the Vaqueros to remain on the tails of GVL leading Santana, resting just one game back in the loss column with four ballgames remaining.

El Capitan coach JOE COTA elected to go with a completely different battery against the Matadors, as pitcher NICOLE BALINGER tossed a 3-hit shutout with seven strikeouts while freshman catcher MARISSA CUEVAS batted a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate.

CINDY GONZALEZ, who played third base, and RACHEL ACHENBACH each added three hits, while TAYLOR HUNT collected a pair of hits, including a double.

"We tried a lot of different things and brought up some JV players," noted Cota. "At least Mount Miguel never gave up and kept hustling, which is a positive reflection on the job done by KATHLEEN (GALBRAITH, the Mount Miguel head coach)."

For Mount Miguel, the team was hindered since several regulars, including both starting pitchers, were unable to participate. Thus, shortstop RAVEN WIECHMAN was utilized as the emergency pitcher.

"It was the first time Raven has pitched all season," said Matadors assistant coach ASHLEY WEST, "She did well over her final four innings, allowing just four runs. She also only walked four."

Replacing Wiechman at shortstop was BLIME MACIAS, who singled and turned a double play in the 4th. An inning later, CATHERINE QUIJADA and ALIYAH CHAVEZ collected consecutive basehits. TANISHA HOOD sacrifice bunted both into scoring position, yet they were stranded.

The two teams meet again on Tuesday (May 3) in Spring Valley.

Top: Christian shortstop Monique 'Mo' Elliott. Middle: Christian catcher Mary Grabowski. Bottom: Patrick Henry's Alexandra 'Z' Mootry. (Photos by Jill Gentry) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

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EL CAJON (4-30-11) — The softball season has yet to reach May, yet Patrick Henry High is already counting down the games to an Eastern League crown.

The Patriots dropped their magic number to three after downing host Christian, 15-4 in six innings, at Dawson Field.

A run to a league title seemed unthinkable following a less-than-auspicious start to Henry's season. But now, the ballcub has joined Grossmont as among the hottest in the county after winning for the seventh time in eight starts.

"It comes down to all of us working hard in practice," said third baseman JESSICA PING. "And everyone is doing their part to get runs across."

With production from throughout the batting order through six Eastern League ballgames so far, five have resulted in run-rule decisions, including Friday's (Apr. 29) win.

Ping batted 3-for-4, matching teammate ALEXANDRA MOOTRY by driving in three runs to subdue Christian.

Mootry registered a 2-run single in the 1st inning, while Ping also recorded an RBI to mount a quick 5-0 advantage. In the 5th, the pair flip-flopped roles, with Ping knocking in a pair of runs while Mootry recorded a single marker.

And when LEXEE HUTCHENS and CARLY MITCHELL both added 2-for-5, three runs scored outings, the Patriots were able to end another ballgame early behind a 4-hitter twirled by pitcher GRACE HERNANDEZ.

For Christian, junior catcher MARY GRABOWSKI was again the focal point of the team's offense.

After reaching on an error to allow a run to score in the 1st, Grabowski bombed a 2-run double off the outfield fence in the 3rd.

The blast made Henry reconsider pitching to her in the 5th with an "unintentional intentional walk" even though they held a 12-run cushion. Although Christian was less-than-thrilled with the strategy, the hosts got the last laugh when sophomore ANAYA TOBIASON followed by hitting the ball past the Henry third baseman to drive in a run.

Patrick Henry will commence the final calendar month of the season by hosting Helix – winners in 4-of-5 – in a non-league ballgame at 4 p.m. Monday (May 2). Meanwhile, Grossmont Valley League leading Santana will receive its first major test in several weeks by going to Carlsbad in a 3:30 p.m. start.

El Centro-SOUTHWEST 16, EL CAJON VALLEY 1 (6 inn.) — While Santana and Helix high schools elected not to take any chances and not makeup a rain-delayed Grossmont Conference Tournament game Friday (Apr. 29), the Eagles and Braves decided to meet in a Hilltop Tournament pool play game.

The only run for El Cajon Valley came in the bottom of the 4th inning. Braves first baseman MONICA DUGGAN, who collected half of her ballclub's four hits, led with a single as ECVHS eventually loaded the bases, followed by a walk to JESSICA SNOW for the RBI.

In 2009, a ruling by the CIF-San Diego Section noted that all tournament pool-play contests must be played prior to the championship contest of an event. However, the CIF reversed course last season and allowed such rain-delayed ballgames to be made up and not count against a school's "scheduling points," which dictates how many games a school can play during the regular season.

Thus, unsure, both directors of athletics at the Grossmont Conference schools agreed that the risk of a forfeit was not worth it without proper clarification, so the makeup from Mar. 24 was cancelled.

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (4-29-11) — Entering the season with high expectations, a series of roadblocks have hampered a pair of highly-touted East County pitchers.

While Grossmont's RACHEL STALFORD has soared past the pack to propel the Foothillers into the Grossmont Hills League lead as the league schedule hit the midway point, West Hills' NOELLE JOHNSON and Valhalla's TORREY ROOK have been left to pick up the pieces to unfulfilling regular seasons.

Thus, when the pair met Thursday (Apr. 28), only one could reclaim a bit of lost glory in a battle which remained tied entering the final inning.

Going to right field for a basehit is Granite Hills' Kimmy Triolo. For Steele Canyon, the catcher is Molly Hutchison. The Cougars won, 14-3. (Slideshow by Suzy Lahitte) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

West Hills at Valhalla PHOTOS (Slideshow by James Labshere)

"It's too bad because Torrey is such a sweet kid," said West Hills coach MIKE APPLEBAUM. "But too many walks and too many pitches finally did her in."

Rook yielded nine walks, including four free passes and a hit batter in the 7th, to push the advantage to West Hills.

Senior HEATHER VALLES opened with a base on balls, then Johnson was plucked high in the shoulder by a Rook riseball. A wild pitch sent both runners into scoring position.

Third baseman CORTNEY HORNE followed a basehit to center field to propel West Hills in front, followed by a KATIE BYRD sacrifice fly to deep right to make it 4-2. The remaining runs came on walks to finally force Valhalla to the bullpen.

Meanwhile, Johnson escaped a major jam of her own in the bottom of the 7th. Valhalla loaded the bases with just one out, thanks to a DIONNA SMITH double, a walk, and a baseit by catcher NAOMI TELLEZ. But with the potential game-tying run at the plate, Johnson coaxed an infield popup, then closed out the victory by registering her 9th strikeout of the contest.

Both ballclubs got on the board in the 4th inning to open the scoring.

West Hills saw Horne, who went 2-for-3 and scored three times, stroke a lead double for the team's first hit off Rook. The freshman eventually came home on a chopper up the middle by ARIANA QUINTANILLA.

The Norsemen immediately answered to grab the lead.

Tellez walked, then scored on a booming Rook double to left-center field. Courtesy runner ELSA MONTES then gave Valhalla the lead after a flare by senior RACHEL DIEDRICH sailed just over the shortstop.

However, the Wolf Pack pulled even in the 6th when Horne (safe on error) scored again, this time on a JAYMEE BUSH basehit.

The ballclub's combined to strand 19 baserunners, including 10 by the Norsemen.

GROSSMONT 10, HELIX 3 – The host Foothillers made it a clean sweep of the first round in Grossmont Hills League play after mounting an early 10-0 advantage to down the crosstown rival Highlanders.

Center fielder AMANDA PORTER and first baseman MEGAN CRISCI each collected three hits among 14 by Grossmont, while KAITLYN NICKS, RACHEL STALFORD and AUBRIE MAY added two hits apiece.

Meanwhile, Stalford collected another pitching victory after limiting Helix to five hits. The Scotties didn't aid their cause after committing seven errors to allow five unearned runs.

Grossmont scored twice in the 1st and 2nd innings, then doubled the lead in the 3rd thanks to a 3-run double by HAYLEY KASDEN, who also knocked in a run on a fielder's choice for a 4 RBI performance.

In the 4th, sophomore SARAH NICKS went to left-center field with a 2-run double, scoring senior KAITLYN NICKS and sophomore TAYLOR WATERS.

Helix avoided the run rule in the 5th when KAI PENN put down a squeeze bunt to score CARLY ACEVES, the pinch runner for RAEISHA CARTER (single). CLAUDETTE SMITH later walked with the bases loaded, then the senior outfielder singled home GABRIELLE GUZMAN in the 7th.

The setback snapped Helix' 4-game winning streak, leaving them in a 3-way tie for third place with West Hills and Valhalla.

STEELE CANYON 14, GRANITE HILLS 3 (6 inn.) – The visiting Cougars produced six runs in the 2nd and 4th innings to soar over the Eagles in Thursday's (Apr. 28) Grossmont Hills League ballgame.

Second baseman MICHELLE BEASLEY batted 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles to fuel an 11-hit attack.

GABRIELLE BEASLEY finished with four RBI, the first two coming on a 2nd-inning basehit to open the scoring. AMANDA HARTNETT also stroked a 2-run single during the rally.

In the 4th, COURTNEY JOHNSON belted a 2-run double, while MOLLY HUTHCISON and VANESSA KELLEMS also drove in runs, making a winner of pitcher BRITTANY HOPKINS, who tossed four innings of relief.

For Granite Hills, DESIREE MEJIA went 2-for-3, while SAVANNAH BROOKS drilled a deep double.

SANTANA 9, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 – Sultans pitchers AMBER SCHISLER and KYLIE BRASE tossed a tandem 1-hit shutout to subdue the Braves in Thursday's (Apr. 28) Grossmont Valley League ballgame.

AMANDA GRABLE batted 3-for-3 with a pair of doubles for Santana, scoring twice and driving in a pair of runs.

In addition, Santana received 2-for-3 outings by ARIEL RASMUSSON (triple, 2 runs) and Schisler (RBI).

For El Cajon Valley, senior VIRGINIA HOPPER, the designated player, broke up the no-hit bid with a basehit with two outs in the 3rd inning.

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (4-28-11) — It was an afternoon of quick routs Wednesday (Apr. 27) in the Eastern League, as Patrick Henry, Mira Mesa and Scripps Ranch all needed just five innings to dispose of their opponents.

PATRICK HENRY 20, MORSE 0 – Patriots pitchers GRACE HERNANDEZ and KATELYN LIVINGSTONE combined on a 1-hit shutout of the host Tigers. The pair faced just two batters above the minimum.

ALEXANDRA MOOTRY collected 11 total bases in the contest, capped by a 3-run homer in the 5th. Mootry also slugged a triple and a pair of doubles, good for four RBI and four runs scored.

The effort may have been even better, but a 3rd-inning shot which cleared the fence in dead-centerfield by more than 20 feet was ruled a ground-rule double.

Meanwhile, catcher VICTORIA BRETZ also posted a career outing by going 4-for-4 with four runs and a pair of RBI.

Other top contributors were LEXEE HUTCHENS (3-for-5, 5 runs, 3 RBI) and CARLY MITCHELL (3-for-4, 2 doubles, 5 RBI).

ELSEWHERE... Mira Mesa's Kelsey Townsend tossed a 4-hit shutout at Christian in a 15-0 triumph, while Scripps Ranch bombed Serra, 13-0.

Helix pinch runner Carly Aceves turns the corner in scoring the winning run in the bottom of the 11th inning, stunning visiting West Hills, 2-1. (Photo by Tony Bordine) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Michelle Beasley (3) of Steele Canyon seeks to swipe second base as Grossmont shortstop Aubrie May collects the throw from her catcher. (Slideshow by Loren Kramer) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (4-27-11) — Grossmont High pitcher RACHEL STALFORD didn't allow a critical mistake to bother her.

After a key error allowed Steele Canyon to overcome a 3-run deficit to score three times in the 6th inning, Stalford answered back with an RBI single to bring home AUBRIE MAY in the 7th, the difference in the Hillers' 4-3 triumph to secure undisputed possession of first place in the Grossmont Hills League.

Both sides entered Tuesday's (Apr. 26) showdown with perfect 3-0 league marks and the only winning records among the six schools. But after May found the gap in right-center field for a one-out double, Stalford's basehit to right snapped the short-lived, tied ballgame.

Grossmont's defense also made up for its 6th-inning error with a key stop in the 7th.

Steele Canyon answered back with a lead single, but when the runner attempted to take an extra base, Hillers centerfielder AMANDA PORTER fired a strike to HEATHER KASDEN at second base for the out.

The Cougars later received a bloop double by catcher MOLLY HUTCHISON with two outs, but Stalford retired VANESSA KELLEMS, Steele Canyon 's hottest hitter, on an easy grounder to first base to secure Grossmont's fifth straight triumph.

"Rachel didn't allow anything to bother her – mistakes are part of the game," said Grossmont coach JERRY LERUD. "Then she got the big hit and didn't lose her focus to get Kellems after Hutchison flared the ball over the head of our first baseman."

Grossmont seemed destined for a romp after posting three runs before Stalford ever entered the pitching circle.

In the 1st, Porter reached second base on a throwing error to open the contest, moving to third on a Kasden basehit to right field.

Stalford followed with an RBI double to right-center, then Kasden came home on a single to right by senior KAITLYN NICKS, the Hillers' third consecutive hit. JILL SULLIVAN, Stalford's courtesy runner later came in on a passed ball.

After that, Stalford (2 strikeouts) and Cougars pitcher COURTNEY JOHNSON (5 K's) each tossed five innings of shutout ball until the hosts finally answered in the 6th thanks to the potent Hutchison-Kellems combo.

Hutchison led with a walk, promptly scoring on a Kellems double. Three batters later, a fly ball by ASHLEY BARANOV was dropped to score a run, then JESSICA THOMPSON stroked a double to bring home Baranov to knot the game at 3-all.

For Grossmont, May batted 3-for-4, while Kasden and Stalford each went 2-for-4 at the plate.

Granite Hills shortstop Katy Crews (left) applies the tag on Valhalla's Kyla Clapham. No work is the Norsemen baserunner was ruled safe or out (Slideshow by Suzy Lahitte) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

The sweet stroke by Valhalla catcher Naomi Tellez in smacking a 5th inning homer for the Norsemen. (Photos by James Labshere) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

VALHALLA 12, GRANITE HILLS 5 – The visiting Norsemen scored four times in the 1st, but when the Eagles climbed back to within 4-3, the Orange exploded for seven runs in the 4th when sophomore DIONNA SMITH belted a leadoff homer, racing to Tuesday's (Apr. 26) Grossmont Hills League victory.

Valhalla pitcher TORREY ROOK allowed just three hits, but control problems again plagued her (5 walks, 2 hit batters) until walks by Granite Hills fueled both of Valhalla's big innings.

In the 1st, following a hit batter and three walks to tie the contest at 1-all, MEGAN HUGHES and MADISON HAUSEUR connected for back-to-back RBI hits. Hauseur went 3-for-4 to drive in a pair.

NAOMI TELLEZ also homered for Valhalla in the 6th to cap a 2-for-3, two RBI outing.

Driving in runs for Granite Hills were TARIN MARKS and KRISTINA LAHITTE.

EL CAPITAN 1, MONTE VISTA 0 – Vaqueros freshman MARISSA CUEVAS collected her first career game-winning RBI in unexpected fashion. The designated player hit a routine ground ball in the bottom of the 1st inning, allowing TAYLOR HUNT (double) to waltz home from third base.

Although unexciting, it still proved to be the only run of the contest after El Capitan pitcher DELANIE GOURLEY equaled a Grossmont Conference record for a 7-inning game with 19 strikeouts to blank the visiting Monarchs in a Grossmont Valley League ballgame Tuesday (Apr. 26).

Hunt opened the 1st with a double, followed by a bunt single by RACHEL ACHENBACH. A fielder's choice saw Gourley replace Achenbach at first, but Hunt was checked back to third. Catcher CINDY GONZALEZ walked to load the bases, then Cuevas drove in the run on a ground ball to third.

Meanwhile, El Capitan announced it will make-up its scheduled GVL home opener against Mount Miguel this Saturday (Apr. 30) at 10 a.m.

SANTANA 21, MOUNT MIGUEL 0 (5 inn.) — AMBER SCHISLER and KYLIE BRASE combined on a 4-hit shutout over the Matadors in Tuesday's (Apr. 26) Grossmont Valley League contest.

ARIEL RASMUSSON batted 5-for-5 and scored four times, while AMANDA GRABLE went 4-for-4 and crossed the plate three times.

Meanwhile, KAYTI GRABLE was 3-for-3 and scored four times, once on her 3-run homer to left field in the 2nd, while TAYLOR BARRY added an RBI double.

For Mount Miguel, catcher CATHERINE QUIJADA collected half of her team's basehits. Once she was sacrificed to second base on a BLIME MACIAS bunt, but was stranded in scoring position.

The Matadors also had a shot in the 2nd following consecutive walks to ANTONIA GARCIA and TANISHA HOOD, as both advanced on a sacrifice bunt by DESURI FOSTER, but Schisler was able to escape the scoring threat. They also placed runners at second and third in the 3rd, thanks to RAVEN WIECHMAN (walk) and Quijada's second hit, then again in the 5th, yet finished with seven left on base.

Steele Canyon's Vanessa Kellems (left) make the turn around third base, scoring from first on a triple by Michelle Beasley at University City. (Photo by Loren Kramer) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-26-11) — A trio of East County fastpitch programs that struggled over the first month of the season are starting to make progress, each now owning current winning streaks as the heart of league play dominates the remainder of the schedule.

Included are 3-game strings by Christian and Helix, while El Cajon Valley captured its second straight in Monday's (Apr. 25) action.

CHRISTIAN 7, SERRA 5 – Immediately after the visiting Lady Q-Dawgs scored twice in the 6th inning to grab a 5-4 advantage, the Patriots answered with three runs – capped by a 2-run single by catcher MARY GRABOWSKI – to secure an Eastern League triumph at Dawson Field.

Christan attributes its recent turnaround to last week's roadtrip to the Colorado River.

"The river trip really brought the team together – that's what happens when you put a bunch of girls in one house for three days, we all got closer," said Grabowski. "Besides, I was thinking about avoiding an oh-fer at the plate."

Following a setback in Blythe to Palo Verde Valley, the Patriots won at Holtville before returning home the next day to defeat DeSales (N.Y.). Then they needed to rally twice to down the Conquistadors.

Trailing 2-0, Christian scored four times in the 4th to take the lead, only to see Serra counter, taking the lead on consecutive bases-loaded walks to Chelsea Aguilar and Taylor Moran.

But in the Patriots 6th, sophomore ANAYA TOBIASON slugged a one-out double, eventually scoring when a grounder hit by KELLY ROBINSON, who was recently promoted from the junior varsity, was booted to tie the contest at 5-all.

Three batters later, Serra was forced to pitch to Grabowski with the bases loaded. Entering the contest with a .486 batting average, the USD bound junior lined a shot to left field, allowing KEYLEE SCHULZ (safe on error) and MONQIUE ELLIOTT (single) to come home to take the lead.

"I was thinking about hitting anything over the plate," added Grabowski, East County's batting leader. "It worked."

In the 7th, Tobiason saved the victory for pitcher MELANIE STARK with the glove when the second baseman snared a pair of line drives ticketed for right-center field.

"The Lord was with me – that's what allowed me to make both plays," said Tobiason, a sophomore. "It was breath-taking to find the ball in my glove both times."

The ballclub's roadtrip and an influx of new players aided the team's turnaround to ignite the current string of victories.

"Everyone cheers everyone else up – it's a huge thing," added Tobiason.

EL CAJON VALLEY 7, MORSE 6 – In a near-mirror finish to the Christian High contest, the host Braves gave up the lead in the 6th, only to roar back in the bottom of the inning to secure Monday's (Apr. 25) non-league triumph over the Tigers.

After MONICA DUGGAN scored on a passed ball to knot the score at 6-all, MERLINDA LOPEZ later stepped to the plate with the bases loaded and delivered a two-out basehit to bring home CHELSEA BALL (single) with the go-ahead run.

Lopez, a junior, posted a 2-for-3 outing plus a walk, highlighted by her game-winning hit

Duggan, a junior first baseman, batted 3-for-4, including an RBI single in the 1st, when the Braves scored twice to answer Morse's quick 3-0 start. Ball, the shortstop, went 2-for-3 with a walk, while KAMY ROJAS also registered a pair of basehits.

The Braves, which had lost 10 straight (nine by run-rule), now owns two consecutive wins, in part due to the return of ALYSSA GARCIA to the pitching circle.

HELIX 20, LINCOLN 2 (5 inn.) – Third baseman PRECIOUS SEETIA-NOA slugged a 3-run homer while SAVANNAH McCULLY tossed four strong innings, as the Highlanders collected their third consecutive victory after run-ruling the host Hornets in non-league action Monday (Apr. 25).

Settia-Noa's blast to left field highlighted a 7-run outburst in the 3rd inning. Meanwhile, McCully struck out six batters in her four frames, then KEANA NAKATA tossed a perfect 5th inning to give Helix its longest winning streak since 2008 when they won 10 straight ballgames en route to a 12-1 start.

Left fielder SAMANTHA CUNNINGHAM and second baseman SYDNI TOILOLO each collect three basehits, while first baseman RAEISHA CARTER belted a 2-run double when Helix scored six times in the 2nd to jump to an early lead.

In addition, McCully and GABRIELLE GUZMAN each garnered a pair of RBI after walking twice with the bases loaded, part of 11 free passes issued by Lincoln pitchers.

UNIVERSITY CITY 12, STEELE CANYON 4 – In a contest featuring five home runs, the Cougars hit just one opposed to four for the host Centurions, the difference in Monday's (Apr. 25) non-league contest.

VANESSA KELLEMS paced Steele Canyon with a solo homer in the 3rd, part of a 3-for-3 outing. Kellems also singled to start a 3-run rally in the 5th.

MICHELLE BEASLEY followed with a triple to score Kellems, followed by a run-scoring single by MOLLY HUTCHISON, then an RBI double by COURTNEY JOHNSON.

Meanwhile, Cougars pitcher KATIE WATKINS, who has seen limited action all season due to injury, got back in the circle after being sidelined for more than a month and pitched two innings. But it's Watkins' off-the-field news which was noteworthy.

"Katie's had her rights set on college for awhile now, and worked hard to obtain her goal by signing with Fort Lewis College," said Steele Canyon coach JULIE BOHE. "She had a true love for the game, unfortunately, an injury at the beginning of the season set her back, so she's needed to put in twice the usual effort to recover in a timely manner."

Fort Lewis, based in Durango, Colo., plays in the NCAA Division II Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.

© East County Sports.com
SAN CARLOS (4-24-11) — Patrick Henry High senior first baseman ALEXANDRA MOOTRY knew she needed to make an adjustment at the plate.

"We talked about laying off any high pitches," said Patriots coach DON SHAFFER. "But she said she was going to swing at the first good strike she saw."

In Saturday's (Apr. 23) Falcon Fiesta rain make-up, both thoughts came to fruition.

Mootry swung at the first pitch – a low fastball – and deposited the ball over the left-center field fence, as the 2-run homer gave Henry a 5-0 verdict over San Dieguito. The victory was the Pats' fifth in their last six starts.

Meanwhile, GRACE HERNANDEZ tossed her third shutout of the season. She limited the Mustangs to four basehits and struck out five.

Hernandez and third baseman JESSICA PING drove in 1st-inning runs for Henry (10-7).

LEXEE HUTCHENS batted 2-for-4 and scored twice, including a marker on Mootry's homer. A third run would score on an error to build an early 5-run cushion in the 2nd.

© East County Sports.com
SCRIPPS RANCH (4-23-11) — A team no where to be found in the county rankings by either of the major news media services may be the hottest team in the City Conference.

Patrick Henry High rolled to its fourth consecutive Eastern League victory Friday (Apr. 22), rallying late to nip host Scripps Ranch, 3-2, in a battle of undefeated co-league leaders.

The Patriots scored three times in the 5th inning to overcome a 2-0 deficit, then pitcher GRACE HERNANDEZ shut down the Falcons over the final three frames. Hernandez was aided by a game-ending double play to grab undisputed possession of the Eastern League lead.

"It was a big win for us," said Henry coach DON SHAFFER. "Grace pitched great, but more importantly, when the entire team plays strong defense, we usually win."

Nothing described the defensive effort better than when Scripps Ranch brought the potential game-winning run to the plate with one out in the 7th following a sharp basehit by catcher Maggie Sevilla.

Hernandez coaxed a ground ball directly at Patriots third baseman JESSICA PING, who started a baseball-style double play. Shockley tossed to second baseman CARLY MITCHELL, who made the pivot and throw to ALEXANDRA MOOTRY at first base to cap the triumph.

The Falcons broke the scoreless contest with two runs off Hernandez in the 4th, but Patrick Henry immediately responded to get to Scripps Ranch pitcher Taylor Curran.

KELLY JERTBERG accepted a lead walk, then was replaced at first base on a fielder's choice by LEXEE HUTCHENS. Then with two outs, the bats woke up by registering four consecutive basehits.

Mitchell singled to right field, but when the ball skipped past the out-stretch glove of the defener, Hutchens scored and Mitchell hustled to third base with an RBI triple.

Mootry then tied the ballgame with another single to right field. Hernandez singled to place runners on the corners, then Ping also registered a basehit on a flare which just sailed over the head of the Falcons' first baseman, scoring Mootry for the Pats' first lead of the contest.

"We've been working on going to right field, then we do it four straight times," added Shaffer. "This makes up for our recent poor practice which led to our (non-league) loss to Serra earlier in the week."

Mootry and Hernandez each registered two of Henry's seven hits.

Patrick Henry completes a busy 4-game schedule this week with a Saturday (Apr. 23) contest with San Dieguito.

Steele Canyon's Bealsey twins – Michelle and Gabrielle. No, we don't know who is whom... lol (Photo by Loren Kramer) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

MIRA MESA 11, STEELE CANYON 6 — The often-delayed and controversial Grossmont Conference Tournament came to a silent conclusion Friday (Apr. 22), in a ballgame played with next-to-no knowledge by the general public. Plus, the contest was held at Mira Mesa, even though the winner of the Grossmont Hills League pool was slated to be the host site.

In the end, Marauders sophomore shortstop Katiyana Mauga knocked in a season-best six runs thanks to three doubles to help Mira Mesa become the first non-Grossmont Conference school to capture the annual event.

No information was reported by Steele Canyon.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-22-11) — Grossmont High School was facing its version of Judgment Day.

As told in The Terminator movie trilogy, Apr. 21, 2011, was the day the newly self-aware Skynet system launched nuclear missiles in an effort to destroy the human race.

With more than one-third of the Foothillers’ roster absent, head coach JERRY LERUD was forced to go with reserves and recall players from the junior varsity to fill out the batting order.

Fortunately, it was good ol' human brain power rather than a machine which decided Thursday's (Apr. 21) non-league contest.

Fouling off pitch after pitch, sophomore MOLLIE SIMPSON battled through 12 pitches before coaxing a walk, but the fourth ball went for a wild pitch to allow HAYLEY KASDEN to score the walkoff run from third base in a dramatic 7-6 decision over Otay Ranch.

The Foothillers, co-leaders of the Grossmont Hills League, earned an early 6-0 lead, but an unsightly eight errors by the young lineup allowed the Mustangs to finally tie the game in the 7th until Simpson countered with the best at-bat by any player all afternoon.

"We played like we practiced, which wasn't very good – we were goofing off," recalled Simpson. "And since I wanted to make up for my error, I really focused and battled."

Right after Otay Ranch scored three times in the 7th – courtesy of Grossmont errors over four consecutive batters – Kasden came up and was hit by a pitch. Hillers pitcher RACHEL STALFORD, who thought she had an easy win with a 6-run lead, then lined a single to right-center, sending Kasden to third.

One out later, Simpson came up and fouled off an inside fastball, an outside curve, a pair of off-speed deliveries, and most anything else the Mustangs pitcher had to offer, finally landing a 3-2 count.

The 12th pitch skipped into the dirt, so while Simpson headed to her base, Kasden raced home to end a game destined to be the nightmare performance of the season.

"It wasn't going very good, but we made up for it," added Simpson, who also plays field hockey for Grossmont. "Now we have to get our focus back if we want to win league."

The Hillers meet Steele Canyon next week for the GHL lead in a battle among the only league schools with winning league records.

Grossmont jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the 1st inning as the first six batters all registered basehits.

Following consecutive singles by AMANDA PORTER and AUBRIE MAY, Kasden knocked both in with a double, scoring herself when Stalford followed with another 2-base hit.

Catcher SARAH NICKS made it five straight hits with an RBI single, then Simpson also singled. Two outs later, JV call-up CEL DAVILLA walked to reload the bases, then a Porter basehit was good for the 5th run.

In the 2nd, after May reached on a single, she later stole third base. But when the throw bounced to the fence, the junior shortstop easily scored.

However, after recording eight hits over the first two frames, the only other Hillers hit was Stalford's single in the 7th to finish with the unusual line of 7 runs, 9 hits and 8 errors.

For Otay Ranch (7-10), standout sophomore Sashel Palacios reached base four times on a double, two errors and a walk, while junior first baseman Sonia Mazon went 2-for-3 with a sacrifice bunt.

Mazon also lined out to Grossmont right fielder TAYLOR WATERS in the 5th. But when an Otay Ranch runner was moving on contact, the relay from Waters to cutout first baseman Devilla to the shortstop May covering second base went for an inning-ending double play.

Stalford finished with six strikeouts and only one earned run allowed.

© East County Sports.com
SAN CARLOS (4-21-11) — A trio of Eastern League ballgames. And a full complement of run-rule victories.

Patrick Henry High completed the triple by jumping on top of visiting Serra High early, racing to an easy 11-1 conquest Wednesday (Apr. 20). The victory sets the stage for Friday's 3:30 p.m. showdown at Scripps Ranch, which is also undefeated in league play.

With No. 1 pitcher GRACE HERNANDEZ given the day off while recovering from a mild illness, KAITLYN LIVINGSTONE stepped into the circle to collect her first victory in two starts this season in tossing a 4-hitter at the Lady Conquistadors.

"Grace said she could've pitched, but we wanted to make sure she would be at 100 percent for Scripps Ranch," Patriots coach DON SHAFFER said about his left-hander. "So we sent Kaitlyn out there and she was great."

Patrick Henry (8-7 overall, 3-0 EL) busted the game open with six runs in the 4th inning, but good vibes started from the team's very first batter.

Patriots centerfielder LEXEE HUTCHENS led off by sending a drive to right field. When the ball tipped off the defender's glove, the speedy Hutchens circumnavigated the bases for a quick 1-0 lead.

Hutchens posted a big outing, recording hits on her next two at-bats, finishing the day batting 2-for-3 with an RBI and three runs scored.

Pats first baseman ALEXANDRA MOOTRY, who has a brother who attended Serra, did a beatdown on his alma mater with a pair of extra-base hits, belting a double and triple for three RBI, then scoring both times.

Meanwhile, catcher VICTORIA BRETZ posted a perfect day at the plate in addition to successfully handling Livingstone to stop the Lady Q-Dawgs. Bretz batted 2-for-2 with a double, an RBI and scored twice.

THE BISHOP'S 17, MOUNT MIGUEL 2 (5 inn.) – It took awhile to get going, as the Matadors bat came alive late to score twice in the 4th and 5th innings before getting run-ruled by the Knights in Wednesday's (Apr. 20) non-league contest in La Jolla.

"The fire that was in the team in our last game against El Cajon Valley just wasn't there," said Matadors head coach KATHLEEN GALBRAITH. "NICOLE VARGAS pitched a great game, only walking 3 batters. Still, she faced a lot of batters due to the errors, yet pushed through it and was full force until the end."

© East County Sports.com
LAS VEGAS (4-20-11) — The Santana Sultans raced through four opponents to advance to the title game of the Blazer Classic, but met their match Tuesday (Apr. 19) in the championship final.

After whipping Valhalla, 6-0, on a combined 1-hitter by AMBER SCHISLER and KENDRA KUPER in the semifinals, the Carson Colts claimed the crown in the finale, 7-0, at Big League Dreams.

Carson (21-3), the leaders of the Marine League in the CIF Los Angeles Section, now own a 7-game winning streak, while snapping a 9-game run by Santana (17-5).

SANTANA 6, VALHALLA 0 – Amber Schisler struck out a pair of Norsemen over three shutout innings, while Kendra Kuper registered half of her six outs in strikes in the championship semifinals of the Blazer Classic.

TARA GRENNEN smacked the Sultans' sixth homer of the tournament, leading the 4th innings with a shot to centerfield to mount a 5-0 advantage. ARIEL RASMUSSON continued the rally with a basehit, scoring on a triple down the right-field line by AMANDA GRABLE.

Santana jumped to a quick lead with four runs in the 2nd.

MALLORY BOYD gained the game-winning RBI with a booming double over the head of the left fielder. Boyd later scored on a Grennen basehit, giving her a pair of RBI in batting 2-for-3 in the contest. The other runs scored on a Norsemen error.

Valhalla advanced to the third-place game against Granada Hills. No information on this ballgame was reported.

CARSON 7, SANTANA 0 – The powerful Colts scored on four of their five trips to the plate to snap the Sultans' long winning streak.

For Santana, Ariel Rasmusson batted 2-for-3, including a double in the 1st inning among the team's four hits.

In other tournament action, El Capitan shortstop KATIE CARMICHAEL made a rare pitching start, yet avoided trouble all contest against Las Vegas High in a 10-2 victory. Carmichael allowed 11 hits, but the Wildcats managed just a pair of 1st-inning runs.

However, the Vaqueros stormed back with 10 unanswered runs, including eight runs (all unearned) in the 3rd, when LVHS committed four of its six errors in addition to a 2-run double by KASSIE BATTAGLIA.

© East County Sports.com
LAS VEGAS (4-19-11) — Santana High participated in its own version of Home Run Derby along the Strip.

Paced by a pair of bombs by AMANDA GRABLE, the Sultans clouted five homers Monday (Apr. 18), including four against Hilltop, to earn a berth into the championship round of the Blazer Classic, hosted by Las Vegas' Durango High at Big League Dreams of southern Nevada.

The unusual tournament limits each game to a mere 80 minutes, yet there are no ties (even in pool play), meaning some contests can last more than two hours. But not in the case of the Sultans, who needed just five innings for their sweep.

SANTANA 6, HILLTOP 1 – The home run assault began with back-to-back shots by KAYTI GRABLE to left field then AMBER SCHISLER to right field in the 1st inning to club the Lancers.

AMANDA GRABLE added a 2-run shot in the 3rd, which also scored ARIEL RASMUSSON (single), then KENDRA KUPER posted a 2-run blast in the 4th.

Schisler allowed a mere pair of singles to post the victory over Hilltop (8-6).

SANTANA 3, Las Vegas-CLARK 1 – Kuper pitched the final 4 1/3 innings, registering seven strikeouts to unbolt the Chargers (13-9).

Amanda Grable opened the 3rd inning with a home run to left, then slugged a run-scoring double in the 4th, followed by a Kayti Grable sacrifice fly for a 3-0 lead.

Grable was joined by Amber Schisler in batting 3-for-3 to bar Clark .

SANTANA 5, Wilmington-BANNING 0 – Amber Schisler came within two outs of a complete game shutout of the Pilots (15-3), which had scored in double figures a resounding 10 times this season until getting completely shutout for the first time all season.

The Sultans scored on four of their five turns at the plate.

In the 1st, Kayti Grable (double) and Amber Schisler (RBI single) posted consecutive two-out hits, then Santana collected an unearned run in the 2nd.

Amanda Grable capped a 2-run 4th with another basehit to centerfield, with the final run coming in the 5th when Kendra Kuper walked with the bases loaded.

Santana will tangle with Valhalla in Tuesday's (Apr. 19) championship semifinals. The Norsemen also posted a 3-0 pool play record.

The Norsemen supplied their sweep over North Hollywood (9-1 in 5 inn.), Las Vegas-Cimarron-Memorial (4-2), and Las Vegas HS (2-1).

In game one, NAOMI TELLEZ hit an early solo homer to back the combined pitching effort of TORREY ROOK (6 strikeouts) and CANDICE STAMPER (5). Rook then came back and registered 11 K's against Cimarron-Memorial.

Then in game three, KYLA CLAPHAM received a rare pitching start, recording 7 strikeouts for the victory.

Scores reported to the Las Vegas Review-Journal include: El Capitan 2, LV-Desert Oasis 1; LV-Liberty 4, El Capitan 0; Monte Vista 4, LV-Tech 1. (No information was reported by El Capitan or Monte Vista.)

The other semifinal features Granada Hills and Carson.

POINT LOMA 5, PATRICK HENRY 0 – Following a pair of key Eastern League victories to vault into first place last week, the Monday (Apr. 18) blues smacked the Patriots squarely in the face in falling to host Point Loma in a non-league contest.

Playing on the new turf field on the south side of the PLHS campus, true hops of the ball didn't assist the Henry defense, which committed five errors to hand the Pointers five unearned runs.

Pats pitcher GRACE HERNANDEZ yielded a mere four hits and struck out five batters, but the rest of the ballclub failed to offer much in assistance in the first of four ballgames for Patrick Henry this week.

CHRISTIAN at HOLTVILLE – No information reported by the Patriots.

Granite Hills receives assistance from an up-and-coming groundskeeper. (Slideshow by Suzy Lahitte)

Granite Hills first baseman Nicole Obney registers the out on Grossmont batter Amanda Porter (4). Grossmont won, 7-2, to grab a share of first place with Steele Canyon in the Grossmont Hills League. (Photo by Suzy Lahitte) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-17-11) — Grossmont High shortstop AUBRIE MAY slugged a 1st-inning home run, jump-starting the Foothillers to a 7-2 pasting of host Granite Hills in Saturday's (Apr. 17) lone Grossmont Hills League contest.

May, the second batter of the ballgame, sent a shot to center field for her fourth homer of the season for a 1-0 lead. She later opened a 3-run rally in the 4th with a basehit to break open a narrow 2-1 advantage. For the contest, May, a junior, batted 3-for-4.

Meanwhile, Hillers pitcher RACHEL STALFORD matched her pitching effort with her bat. The senior yielded just four hits to the Eagles, while she went a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate, including an RBI single in the 6th to push the lead to 7-1.

The victory allowed Grossmont (12-7-1 overall) to catch idle Steele Canyon (12-7) for a share of the GHL lead. The next league contest will pits these teams, both 3-0 in league, against each other following spring break on Tuesday (Apr. 26) at Steele Canyon.

Following May's homer, the Hillers gained an unearned run in the 2nd on an RBI basehit by KAYLA APPENZELLER. The hit brought home HEATHER DEMENT, who reached on an error, then was sacrificed into scoring position on a bunt by SARAH NICKS.

In the 5th, Grossmont loaded the bases on a May single, a walk to HAYLEY KASDEN, then a basehit by Stalford.

Dement then registered the at-bat of the contest, fouling off four pitches before eventually walking on the 10th pitch to force in May. Nicks followed with a 2-run double to right-center field for a 5-1 cushion.

In the 6th, four consecutive basehit produced a pair of runs. AMANDA PORTER and May singles to chase the Eagles starting pitcher, then Kasden and Stalford followed with RBI shots to right field.

On the final hit, Kasden attempted to score from second base, but Granite Hills center fielder DESIREE MEJIA fired a strike to catcher KRISTINA LAHITTE for the out at the plate.

The lone Eagles runs saw Mejia single to advance TARIN MARKS (walk) to third base, but when the ball was bobbled in the outfield, Marks waltzed in for an unearned run in the 3rd.

Granite Hills also received consecutive 1-out doubles from freshman BROOKLYN SCHWEN and Lahitte in the 7th.

Jennifer Hartman spun a 2-hit shutout with four strikeouts for the victory, only yielding basehits to DIONNA SMITH and TORREY ROOK.

Anissa Pinedo paced Bonita Vista by batting 3-for-3, good for four RBI, as the Barons scored three times in the 1st, 2nd and 4th innings, then Carolyn Wright drove in her final run on a walkoff single in the 5th.

Hannah Flippen and San Diego State bound Kayla Jordan – the top two batters in the Bonita Vista batting order – each scored twice, while catcher Kelsey Ramirez registered a sacrifice fly.

CHRISTIAN at PALO VERDE VALLEY – No information reported by Christian (3-8) on Saturday's (Apr. 16) non-league game with the IVL co-leading Yellowjackets (20-3).

© East County Sports.com
MIRA MESA (4-16-11) — Following less-than-expected results entering Eastern League play, changes can be found throughout the Patrick Henry High batting order.

"The girls simply got fed up with losing," said Patriots coach DON SHAFFER. "Thus, our practices have been crisper and our play in games is sharper."

Thus, no one on the ballclub was surprised after Henry walloped Mira Mesa, 12-2 in five innings, to grab a share of first place with Scripps Ranch. And contributors could be found everywhere.

"Our top two batters – LEXEE HUTCHENS and CARLY MITCHELL – both drove in three runs," added Shaffer. "That doesn't happen often, which means the bottom of the order was getting on base."

The Hutchens-Mitchell combo also scored five times, but the RBI production may be key when the Patriots meet Scripps Ranch next Friday (Apr. 22) in an anticipated showdown for the Eastern League lead.

"Lexee, our little freshman, is getting better and better and better," noted the coach. "While the rest of the team pressured the Mira Mesa defense into making some errors."

The bottom four of the Henry lineup – JEN SCHUFF, KELLY JERTBERG, RACHEL SHOCKLEY and JESSICA PING – all registered one basehit each, but when the quartet also reached base on four of the Marauders' five errors just when the batting order turned over, Mira Mesa was in trouble.

Included were three errors in the 5th inning, when Henry erupted for seven runs in invoking the run rule.

For the contest, Ping twice reached base on errors and scored both times. Shockley, who recently re-joined the ballclub following a preseason injury, singled and set-up another rally with a sacrifice bunt.

Meanwhile, Patriots pitcher GRACE HERNANDEZ made the adjustment to an emergency catcher to spin a 3-hitter. Hernandez' battery mate was catcher RYLIE RUCKLE, who was recalled from the junior varsity due to an injury to the regular backstop.

SCRIPPS RANCH 15, CHRISTIAN 4 (5 inn.) – No, it wasn't Christmas, yet the Patriots were in a giving mood, handing the Falcons 10 runs in the 1st inning on six errors and three walks in a run-rule, Eastern League setback Friday (Apr. 15).

Scripps Ranch needed to register a mere three basehits to reach double figures in runs.

Christian received much of its offense from catcher MARY GRABOWSKI, who registered an RBI double in the 4th, then a 2-run single in the 5th in a 2-for-3 outing.

Steele Canyon's Kaylie Azevedo steals third base. (Photo by James Labshere)

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (4-15-11) — The anticipated cakewalk to the Grossmont Valley League crown nearly took another detour. However, give the Santana Sultans credit for withstanding a pair of strong bids by pulling out another victory in the 7th inning.

Following a miraculous 6-run rally after two outs in their final at-bats Tuesday, the Sultans saw visiting El Capitan score twice in the 7th to deadlock Thursday's (Apr. 14) GVL contest, only to watch Sultans catcher KAYTI GRABLE drive home ARIEL RASMUSSON with a blast to the center field fence, good for a 3-2 walkoff triumph over the Vaqueros.

Sure enough, El Capitan pitcher DELANIE GOURLEY served the riser, but out of the strikezone. However, Grable just went with the high pitch to deposit a deep fly ball which one-hopped the fence in straightaway center for the game winning single.

Rasmusson set the stage by taking third base in unusual fashion.

After reaching on a slap single, then stealing second base, Rasmusson saw teammate AMANDA GRABLE pop out to first base. While the defender fought the wind to make the grab, no one covered third base, so the sophomore simply took off.

"JOHN (FAILLA, the third base coach) had me coming and I saw the base was open, too," said the Sultans shortstop. "So I booked it to third."

While Kayti Grable connected on a pitch out of the strike zone, El Capitan tied the contest in similar style.

Santana pitcher AMBER SCHISLER was just two outs away from a no-hitter – facing the minimum number of batters – until RACHEL ACHENBACH slammed the ball into the left-center field gap for a clean double.

Gourley, arguably the best hitter in the GVL, followed to bat with an open base at first. However, Santana, too, tried to slip a ball out of the strike zone on the sophomore, but Gourley instead lined a 2-0 pitch up the middle for a run-scoring single.

Santana then switched pitchers, only to see a wild pitch, another pitch in the dirt, then another line single to center by CINDY GONZALEZ to shockingly tie the contest.

Earlier, Gonzalez accepted a leadoff walk in the 2nd, but was picked off by Kayti Grable. Over the first 6 1/3 innings, Gonzalez was the lone baserunner off Schisler, who ended up with no decision; KENDRA KUPER collected the victory in relief.

The Sultans broke the scoreless contest with an unearned run in the 5th, as a basehit by AMANDA GRABLE loaded the bases. But when the ball rolled through the defender for an error, TARA GRENNEN, who was held up at third base with only one out, was released to score.

Grennen lined a 1-out single to center, then Rasmusson's slapper went for an infield single when no one covered first base.

In the 6th, CAITLIN ARNDT hustled into second base with a 1-out bloop double, coming home on a 2-out basehit by Kuper.

EL CAJON VALLEY 10, MOUNT MIGUEL 9 – In another Grossmont Valley League contest decided in the bottom of the 7th, ALYSSA GARCIA marked her return to the roster by delivering a walkoff basehit, capping a Braves rally from a 9-5 deficit, including four runs in their final turn to trim the visiting Matadors.

Garcia, one of the Braves' starting pitchers in 2010, elected to participate in the school's drama department this spring. However, she returned as an emergency replacement when MIRANDA MULLENS was lost for the season due to injury. Her return aided the Braves on two fronts.

Returning to the pitching circle, Garcia limited the Matadors to just two runs through three innings, as ECVHS built a 5-2 advantage. However, not quite in top shape following a 10-month layoff, Mount Miguel tagged her for sevens runs in the 4th inning to take the lead

"Alyssa worked hard for as long as she could go," said head coach DOUG HARTUNG. "But that worked out well for GINA GARCIA, too."

Instead of needing to go all seven innings, Gina Garcia (no relation) only needed to pitch the final 3 1/3 innings, which the senior did successfully without allowing a run – and setting the stage for the big comeback.

In the 7th, after KAMY ROJAS (safe on error) and MONICA DUGGAN (single) would score on passed balls, MERLINDA LOPEZ and JESSICA SNOW both walked and advanced into scoring position.

RAYCHELE SHADDIX, who grounded out to the right side of the infield to allow a runner to score from third base for an RBI in the 6th, repeated the feat with another roller to second base to plate Lopez with the tying run.

Alyssa Garcia then followed with a sharp basehit to center to score Snow, ending El Cajon Valley's 10-game losing streak (nine sans Mullens). Snow, the Braves catcher, batted 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles and two runs scored.

Mount Miguel rallied from deficits of 3-1 and 5-2 before erupting in the 4th inning after placing their first three batters – CECILIA GARCIA (walk), NICOLE VARGAS (single) and RAVEN WIECHMAN (single) – to load the bases.

The next two batters walked to make it 5-4, then left fielder ANGEL PEREZ moved the Matadors in front with a 2-run single. The rally was capped on a 2-run double by catcher ALIYAH CHAVEZ.

"BLIME MACIAS had an amazing defensive game for us," said Mount Miguel coach KATHLEEN GALBRAITH. "She had 8 putouts and no errors."

"Despite losing a hard-fought game, I am very proud of my girls and how far they have come. This proved to the girls what they are capable of achieving."

Due to a postponement and a bye date, the ballgame was the GVL opener for Mount Miguel (1-12 overall). El Cajon Valley moved to 5-13 (1-2 GVL).

Helix' Raeisha Carter smacks this pitch for a homer. (Photo by Suzy Lahitte)

HELIX 13, GRANITE HILLS 3 – The Highlanders might lead the East County in runners left on base, leaving the ballclub frustrated until finally busting out in Thursday's (Apr. 14) Grossmont Hills League contest.

"We've had so much difficulty getting that one big hit with runners on base," said Helix coach KELLIE NELSON. "I've been telling the girls to hang in there and keep working hard because we were going to break through."

The contest actually stayed close until the Scotties erupted for six runs in the 7th inning on an array of hits with runners in scoring position.

KAI PENN slugged a 2-run double to bring home DESIRAE BORDINE and CARLY ACEVES, who each registered 1-out singles. Penn then scored on a booming triple by CLAUDETTE SMITH.

Walks to CHANELLE WARD and PRECIOUS SEETIA-NOA loaded the bases, with all three scoring when a basehit by SYDNI TOILOLO was booted in the outfield. Toilolo was credited with a pair of RBI.

Helix took the early lead with two runs in the 1st, then RAEISHA CARTER bombed a 3-run homer in the 3rd for a 5-1 cushion.

The Eagles received a run-scoring double by DESIREE MEJIA to score TARIN MARKS in the 3rd, and an RBI single by SAVANNAH BROOKS to score MICHELLE MILLER in the 4th.

Grossmont catcher Sarah Nicks hauls in this foul pop-up to help defeat West Hills, 5-0. (Photo by Steve Crisci)

Following her shutout of Valhalla earlier in the week, Stalford limited West Hills to just five basehits for the victory. And just like in the win against the Norsemen, Stalford rode a big, 1st-inning of offense by the Hillers, who scored four quick runs.

Grossmont loaded the bases when a hit-by-pitch to AUBRIE MAY was sandwiched around walks to AMANDA PORTER and HAYLEY KASDEN.

Stalford followed with a 2-run single to right-center field for a 2-0 lead, then KAITLYN NICKS followed with a 2-run double to left-center to double the advantage.

The only other run came on the third home run of the season by May, who went deep to centerfield in the 5th.

West Hills loaded the bases in the 4th on singles by CORTNEY HORNE, SAVANNA BAGGETT and JAYMEE BUSH. However, Stalford escaped with one of her nine strikeouts.

The only other Wolf Pack hits were registered by shortstop TAYLOR HALLAHAN, who went 2-for-3 plus a walk.

The home run swing of Valhalla's Candice Stamper. (Photo by James Labshere)

The victory allowed Steele Canyon to maintain a half-game lead over Grossmont in the Grossmont Hills League.

After Valhalla took a 2-0 lead in the 2nd, the Cougars immediately moved even on a 2-run homer by catcher MOLLY HUTCHISON, when the guests scored three times in the 3rd to start a string of nine consecutive runs.

CANDICE STAMPER homered for Valhalla to leadoff the 7th, when the team scored four times to make things interesting down the stretch. Both homers went to centerfield.

MADISON LABSHERE later belted a 2-run single, but Steele Canyon went to the bullpen to close out the contest, making a winner of Cougars starter COURTNEY JOHNSON.

Valhalla's Madison Labshere fields the up-the-middle grounder. (Photo by James Labshere)

© East County Sports.com
SAN CARLOS (4-14-11) — Patrick Henry High second baseman CARLY MITCHELL garnered an inside-the-park home run to back the shutout pitching of junior GRACE HERNANDEZ, leading the Patriots to a 10-0 run-rule triumph over visiting Christian High in Wednesday's (Apr. 13) Eastern League opener.

Mitchell's blast went for a 2-run homer when her drive down the right-field line barely skipped underneath a diving effort by Christian's ALEXIS McGUIRE, who may be East County's most inspirational player.

"Carly did a nice job going inside-out with her swing, sending the ball to right field," said Henry coach DON SHAFFER. "Then the Christian outfielder nearly made an outstanding catch."

And, potentially, an unexpected grab.

McGuire, a senior, is a member of the school's cheerleading squad with absolutely no prior softball experience, yet volunteered to help out a ballclub short on numbers. McGuire hustled toward the line in an attempt to glove the ball, yet just missed hauling in the low liner headed for the corner.

"Alexis is a gamer," noted Christian coach GEORGE GENTRY. "She may not always know what to do, but her determination is outstanding."

The 3rd-inning homer built an 8-0 lead for Patrick Henry (6-6 overall, 1-0 EL) after also scoring four times in the 1st. ALEXANDRA MOOTRY keyed the initial rally with a 2-run single as part of a 2-for-4 outing, which included a double.

Also for Henry, JENNIFER SCHUFF batted 2-for-2 with a pair of runs and an RBI, while senior RACHEL SHOCKLEY went 2-for-3.

Meanwhile, Hernandez struck out five batters to run her record to 5-5. Among the four hits allowed were a pair to Christian starting pitcher MELANIE STARK, while JEANNIE VEST and MARY GRABOWSKI also collected basehits.

Christian's MONIQUE ELLIOTT also pitched an inning, posting a pair of strikeouts.

Grossmont left fielder Kayla Appenzeller with the sliding catch against Valhalla. (Photos by Steve Crisci) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-13-11) — When it comes to predicting the order of finish in the Grossmont Hills League, even Grossmont High pitcher RACHEL STALFORD admits its hard to place the Foothillers.

"When we hit, we're as good as anybody," said the senior. "But when we don't, it can get pretty scary."

So when the Hillers posted three runs in their first at-bats Tuesday (Apr. 12), Stalford took it from there, striking out 14 batters in a 4-0 blanking of visiting Valhalla. Included were nine batters over the opening three innings (although one Norsemen reached on a dropped third strike).

"We have all the pieces, it's just a matter of putting them all together," added Stalford, who is starting to receive interest from the college ranks. "And we're a young team, which helps because it means we're scrappy."

Grossmont clawed to a quick 3-0 lead after collecting half of the team's eight hits on the afternoon at J.S. MacDonald Field.

Following a lead walk and stolen base by AMANDA PORTER, a double by AUBRIE MAY made it 1-0 after just two batters. Stalford, batting cleanup, posted a run-scoring single, eventually scoring on a MEGAN CRISCI basehit.

Stalford finished batting 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI, also driving in May (also 2-for-4) in the 5th inning.

Valhalla managed just a pair of singles off Stalford, both with two outs by KYLA CLAPHAM in the 3rd and CARI GILSTRAP in the 5th.

SANTANA 7, MONTE VISTA 3 – Placing a rubber stamp on the biggest upset of the East County softball season was just one out away Tuesday (Apr. 12). But the roof caved in.

The host Monarchs led the Grossmont Valley League favorite Sultans, 3-1, with the countdown fully underway to the final out. But it came too late when Santana parlayed two errors and a pair of walks for a run, followed by consecutive basehits by AMBER SCHISLER, EMILY SCHISLER and MALLORY BOYD.

"Needless to day, Monte Vista was deflated," said Sultans assistant coach JOHN FAILLA. "They certainly deserved to win the game, then they committed a couple of errors."

KENDRA KUPER reached on a 1-out error, BRIDETTE FRIES walked, then an out later, AMANDA GRABLE walked to load the bases.

A ground ball off the bat of KAYTI GRABLE looked like the game-ender, but the throw to first base skipped in the dirt, with Kuper scoring to make it 3-2.

Amber Schisler, the starting pitcher, who only lasted 2 2/3 innings before getting pulled in favor of Kuper, then grounded between first and second base. Monte Vista's first baseman fielded the ball, but Schisler beat her to the bag.

However, while the players scrambled in the dirt, not only did pinch-runner CATHRYN PETTY score to tie the ballgame, Amanda Grable hustled home from second base to take a shocking 4-3 advantage.

Moments later, designated player MALLORY BOYD, who batted 2-for-4 drove in two runs with the team's third consecutive basehit. Boyd finished with three RBI, also driving in Petty in the 4th to start the climb from a 3-0 deficit.

Kuper pitched the final 4 1/3 innings to garner the victory for the victory. She struck out six without issuing a walk in her shutout stint of relief.

Helix pitcher Keana Nakata. (Photo by Tony Bordine) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Steele Canyon at Helix PHOTOS (Slideshow by Loren Kramer)

STEELE CANYON 2, HELIX 1 (8 inn.) – Twenty-four hours after collecting the game-winning hit against West Hills, Cougars first baseman KALI SCHWARTZ repeated the feat on Tuesday (Apr. 12). The sophomore tagged a two-out homer in the 8th inning, allowing Steele Canyon to edge the upset-minded Highlanders.

The blast down the right-field line was the first varsity home run for Schwartz, who pulled a 2-0 pitch with two outs.

"It looked like it was going to kiss the foul pole, maybe going about a foot inside the line," said Cougars coach JULIE BOHE. "When Kali hit it, all of us in the dugout were going,'stay fair, stay fair!'"

The clout made a winner of Cougars pitcher GRACE KRAMER, who tossed six innings of shutout relief in a combined 3-hitter with starter BRITTANY HOPKINS.

Helix tied the contest on a leadoff homer by sophomore RAEISHA CARTER in the 2nd. Carter fouled off several 2-2 pitches before going over the tall wall in left field.

The Cougars took the initial lead in their first turn at the plate with an unearned run.

GABRIELLE BEASLEY opened the contest with a basehit, then was replaced at first base on a fielder's choice by MICHELLE BEASLEY. Catcher MOLLY HUTCHISON lined a hot roller past the third baseman for a double, with the run eventually coming home when a ball off the bat of COURTNEY JOHNSON was booted.

West Hills' Cortney Horne slides into second base on her stolen base attempt, while Granite Hills' Katy Crews (39) applies the tag. No report whether she was safe or out. (Photo by Suzy Lahitte) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

WEST HILLS 7, GRANITE HILLS 2 – Moments after the visiting Eagles moved even at 1-all, the Wolf Pack answered with five runs in the bottom of the 3rd inning, a rally ignited by sophomore ARIANNA QUINTANILLA in Tuesday’s (Apr. 12) contest.

"We gave Ari a shot in left field," said West Hills coach MIKE APPLEBAUM. "And remember (professional women's) tennis player Tracy Austin, who grunted when she serves. Ari does the same thing when she swings the bat."

The grunt was humorous on her first swing (and miss) of the bat. But swing No. 2 was captivating when Quintanilla smashed her first varsity homer into the shrubbery beyond the centerfield fence.

"After the game, we still couldn't find the ball," added the coach. "That's how far it went."

Quintanilla finished with a 2-for-3 outing, including the game-winning RBI, while freshman CORTNEY HORNE batted 3-for-3 with an RBI in the 3rd, plus a run-scoring double in the 6th.

Meanwhile, Wolf Pack pitcher MELISSA EGGLESTON scattered eight hits to gain the victory. She struck out nine Eagles.

For Granite Hills, KIMMY TRIOLO went 3-for-4, including a single in the 3rd to score FELICIA VINCENT with the tying run. Then in the 7th, the Eagles scored their other run on an error, but when the batter attempted to take an extra base, Wolf Pack centerfielder TAYLOR HALLAHAN fired a strike to VANESSA McHUGH at second base for the tagout.

EL CAPITAN 11, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 (5 inn.) – In a nice bounce-back performance, Vaqueros sophomore NICOLE BALINGER tossed a 3-hit shutout in El Capitan's Grossmont Valley League opener against the visiting Braves Tuesday (Apr. 12).

Balinger struck out five batters.

Center fielder TAYLOR HUNT paced the offense with a 3-for-4 outing, while MacKENZIE GANDY smacked an RBI double when El Capitan scored five times in the 2nd inning to build a 7-0 cushion.

SERRA 15, MOUNT MIGUEL 0 (5 inn.) – The Lady Q-Dawgs posted a 9-spot on the Matadors in the 1st inning, rolling to Tuesday's (Apr. 12) non-league win in Tierrasanta.

Fortunately, Mount Miguel did not roll over, fighting back in the 5th inning in an attempt to prevent the run rule.

The Matadors loaded the bases when RAVEN WIECHMAN singled up the middle, BLIME MACIAS beat out an infield tapper for a scratch single, then ALIYAH CHAVEZ was hit by a pitch. However, the Conquistadors retired the next two batters to post the shutout.

"We were patient at the plate and loaded the bases in the second," added KATHLEEN GALBRAITH, who took over as the Matadors head coach just days before the season started. "We were able to get a couple of walks and put the ball in play, but were unable to capitalize on it."

Steele Canyon first baseman Kali Schwartz bombed a 2-run double Monday, the only runs in a 2-0 decision over West Hills on the opening day of the Grossmont Hills League schedule.. (Slideshow by Frank Price and Nathan Price, youatplay.com) VIEW/PURCHASE ADDITION PHOTOS

West Hills at Steele Canyon (PHOTOS by Loren Kramer)

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (4-12-11) — Steele Canyon High first baseman KALI SCHWARTZ knows a thing or two about driving.

So on the day Schwartz earned her California drivers permit to operator a motor vehicle, the sophomore also drove the ball. She belted a 2-run double in the 3rd inning for the only runs of the game to power-drive the Cougars past visiting West Hills, 2-0, in Monday's (Apr. 11) Grossmont Hills League opener.

"I saw NOELLE (JOHNSON, the Wolf Pack pitcher) was throwing a bunch of 1st-pitch strikes," noted Schwartz. "So I jumped on it."

Steele Canyon's Gabrielle Beasley. (Photo by Nathan Price, youatplay.com) VIEW/PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Steele Canyon also posted a perfect defensive effort to slow down the West Hills running game, backing the shutout pitching of COURTNEY JOHNSON to capture the battle between two ballclubs eyed as co-favorites entering the league schedule.

The defensive effort was again led by the middle of the infield in second baseman MICHELLE BEASLEY and twin sister GABRIELLE BEASLEY at shortstop.

"The Beasleys are really, really good," added Schwartz. "Overall, everyone put everything on the field to win this game."

Although Noelle Johnson struck out 12 batters for the Pack, Courtney Johnson made several out-pitches to escape a couple of mild jams, including when West Hills had two runners on base in the 5th.

"Courtney just kept hitting the corners," noted Cougars catcher MOLLY HUTCHISON. "Although always in the back of your mind you have to be aware of what the batter is doing, if you make your pitches, you're usually successful."

The game-winning rally saw center fielder VANESSA KELLEMS accept a lead walk. One out later, MICHELLE BEASLEY singled, but both advancing into scoring position on a Hutchison sacrifice bunt.

One pitch later, Schwartz delivered a blow into the wind, yet splitting the gap in left-center field.

Both teams registered five hits, with Michelle Beasley going 2-for-3 for Steele Canyon (10-7 overall, 1-0 GHL). For the Wolf Pack (8-6-1, 0-1), EMILY SPENCER batted 2-for-3, while TAYLOR HALLAHAN was 2-for-4.

Rook drilled a 2-out shot to left field in the 5th to double Valhalla 's lead. The homer was Rook's second of the season, moving her to within one of the team leader, catcher NAOMI TELLEZ. Also scoring was KYLA CLAPHAM, who lined a single to left, stole second base, then moved to third on a passed ball.

Both Valhalla leadoff batters who reached base would score, including CARLI GILSTRAP to open the 2nd inning. Following her liner to left for a basehit, CANDICE STAMPER walked, MEGAN HUGHES bunted them along, but a throwing error allowed Gilstrap to score.

With Stamper advancing to third, MADISON HAUSEUR followed with a ground ball to the right side, forcing the play to go to first base while Stamper waltzed home for a 2-0 cushion.

Meanwhile, Rook, who only allowed two basehits, seemed to be in constant trouble because of six walks, as the Highlanders placed runners on third base on four different occasions. However, Rook escaped each time, as the Scotties stranded 10 runners for the contest.

It was the fifth straight victory for Valhalla (7-6, 1-0), moving over the .500 plateau for the first time since the opening week of the season. Gilstrap and Clapham registered two hits each for the Norsemen, while Helix fell to 4-9-1 (0-1 GHL).

SCRIPPS RANCH 1, GROSSMONT 0 (9 inn.) – Another solid pitching performance by the Foothillers' RACHEL STALFORD was wasted when the visiting Falcons scored an unearned run in the 9th inning to stake claim to Monday's (Apr. 11) non-league triumph.

Stalford registered six strikeouts, while Meredith Brown of Scripps Ranch had seven.

The lone run saw Katie Dern and Taylor Tye stroke consecutive leadoff singles, with both runners getting bunted into scoring position. Then with two outs, a simple ground ball was booted to allow Dern to score the lone run of the contest.

The Hillers, who registered nine hits, placed runners on second base in the 1st, 5th and 6th innings, then a runner on third base in the 7th, but never found anyone to drive them in.

CHRISTIAN at POINT LOMA — No information reported by Christian.

© East County Sports.com
CARMEL VALLEY (4-10-11) — Nationally-ranked Bonita Vista High remained the No. 1 ballclub in the CIF-San Diego Section after capturing its third tournament of the season.

The Barons ran their record to a perfect 20-0 by capturing a pair of Final Four contests en route to the championship of the Falcon Fiesta by again downing a pair of North County schools. First, they whipped Rancho Bernardo, 9-2, in the semifinals, then took out Carlsbad, 8-5, in the title game.

Meanwhile, some East County programs were able to get in consolation games on Saturday (Apr. 9), while others were again postponed by rain or wet grounds.

STEELE CANYON 4, WESTVIEW 0 – Cougars pitchers COURTNEY JOHNSON (4 innings) and GRACE KRAMER (3) combined to down the Wolverines on a 3-hitter. Kramer registered three strikeouts to save the victory for Johnson.

In a repeat to almost every Steele Canyon triumph, when twins GABRIELLE and MICHELLE BEASLEY reach base, the Cougars (8-7) will score, just like in the 3rd and 5th innings in Saturday's (Apr. 9) contest played at Carlsbad High.

Both seniors singled to open the 3rd, MOLLY HUTCHISON walked to load the bases, then clean-up hitter KALI SCHWARTZ lined a 2-run single to centerfield to score both Beasleys for a 2-0 lead.

In the 5th, Gabrielle singled and Michelle doubled to place two runners in scoring position. Hutchison followed with a sacrifice fly for an RBI, then Schwartz bunted to squeeze in another run and give the Steele Canyon first baseman her third RBI against Westview (6-5), chasing Kaylynn Pierce, the Wolverines' top pitcher.

SAN MARCOS 4, WEST HILLS 2 (8 inn.) – The Wolf Pack stormed back with a pair of runs in the bottom of the 7th inning, but the Knights' Carlie Daniel hit a two-run double in the 8th to win under ITB rules.

San Marcos pitcher Christina Clermont struck out 9 to edge West Hills starter MELISSA EGGLESTON, who recorded 7 strikeouts.

San Marcos (11-5) broke the pitchers' duel with a pair of runs in the 6th, including a solo homer by Katie Bushee, before the Pack (8-5-1) answered during the final trip to the plate to force extra innings.

The middle of the batting order made the breakthrough against Clermont when clean-up batter COURTNEY HORNE smacked a home run to left field.

SAVANNAH BAGGETT reached second base when her deep drive to right field was ruled an error. Baggett then scored the tying run on a sacrifice bunt by pinch-hitter KAYLA ARAUJO, then designated player KATUE BYRD, who was recently promoted from junior varsity, collected an RBI with her first varsity hit with a basehit to left.

POWAY 2, GROSSMONT 0 – The Foothillers collected six hits and gained baserunners in almost every inning, yet still fell behind the second shutout of the season by Poway pitcher Alayna Brenman. Grossmont stranded seven runners on base.

Hillers pitcher RACHEL STALFORD and first baseman MEGAN CRISCI each registered a pair of basehits, yet still fell in Saturday's (Apr. 9) played at Escondido High.

TORREY PINES 10, GRANITE HILLS 0 – The tournament host Falcons (17-4-1) tallied seven times in the bottom of the 5th to run-rule the Eagles (5-9-1), who were limited to just three hits by winning pitcher Taylor Lee.

Half of Torrey Pines' 12 hits were doubles, including a pair by Julia Yacker. The Falcons also received two RBI each by Alexa Lomberg, Zehna Gilliam and Mary Lee.

All other tournament games – including contests slated for Helix, Valhalla and Patrick Henry – were called due to wet grounds.

MONTE VISTA 14, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 – No information reported.

MOUNT MIGUEL at EL CAPITAN – This GVL opener was postponed due to wet grounds.

© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (4-9-11) — Powered by a shutout from senior ASHLEY BARANOV, Steele Canyon gained a berth into the championship game of the Grossmont Conference Tournament following Friday's (Apr. 8) one-sided 13-0 run-rule verdict over host Monte Vista.

The victory allowed the Cougars to match West Hills and Grossmont with 4-1 records, but with fewer runs allowed, gained the berth against Mira Mesa. Helix is 3-1 with a game remaining among the Grossmont Hills League pool, but was ousted from consideration under tiebreaker criteria.

Steele Canyon entered knowing it needed to not only win, but also allow two runs or less no matter how many runs it scored.

"There was extra pressure to pitch well to keep them from scoring," said Baranov, who will enroll at San Diego State this fall. "The whole team was motivated to show them and dominate."

Steele Canyon scored in every inning, including a 7-run outburst in the 3rd inning to mount a 10-0 cushion. Included was a 2-run double by AMANDA HARTNETT.

The Cougars then capped the scoring when designated player JESSICA THOMPSON went to the opposite field and tagged an outside fastball for a solo home run to right field.

"I've always liked outside pitches, so I was able to take it to right and drive it," noted Thompson, a junior, of her first varsity homer.

Last season, replaying a similar rain-out between the schools proved moot when West Hills raced to a perfect 5-0 pool record while Steele Canyon already had one loss. But with the potential of a 4-way tie (Helix is 3-1 with a rain make-up to be played), all of the schools remain in tournament championship consideration. Both MIKE APPLEBAUM of West Hills and BRAD GRIFFITH of Mira Mesa also preferred that Monte Vista complete its pool-play schedule.

As for that GCT title game, it will be played at a still-to-be-determined date. Since the Grossmont Hills League ( Steele Canyon ) and Eastern League (Mira Mesa) play on different days, the school will probably need to find a Monday or Saturday to play, with one projected date of Mon., May 9 – more than a month from the originally slated date for the GCT final.

WEST HILLS 6, EASTLAKE 1 – The Wolf Pack beat the rain by defeating the visiting Titans in Friday's (Apr. 8) Falcon Fiesta rain make-up contest behind a 4-hitter by pitcher NOELLE JOHNSON. She struck out six batters.

Eastlake actually took the initial lead, but West Hills answered with three runs in both the 3rd and 5th innings.

A bunt single by HEATHER VALLES tied the ballgame, then Johnson went deep to right field for a sacrifice fly to bring home MELISSA EGGLESTON with the go-ahead run. Freshman COURTNEY HORNE followed with a line drive for an RBI double to plate TAYLOR HALLAHAN.

Two innings later, the heart of the West Hills lineup again dominated.

Eggleston led with a slap single, then stole second base, moving to third on another Hallahan basehit.

Valles answered with another bunt to drive in a run, then Johnson again went to left-center for another double, driving in two to give the junior three RBI for the contest.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-8-11) — A resolution to complete the Grossmont Conference Tournament was ordered Thursday (Apr. 7), with Monte Vista directed by district administration and SDCIF officials to play Steele Canyon to complete the pool-play portion of the tournament schedule.

The rain make-up is now slated for 4 p.m. Friday (Apr. 8) at Monte Vista. Thus, the GCT championship contest, featuring Mira Mesa as one of the finalists, will be held at a future date.

Steele Canyon needs to win the ballgame to tie West Hills for the pool lead. Then, the Cougars need to win by a certain margin to edge the Wolf Pack under tiebreaker criteria.

Of course, with impending rains in the forecast, there are some projections that the GCT final may not occur until May. Stay tuned.

MATER DEI 19, EL CAJON VALLEY 7 (5 inn.) – In Thursday's (Apr. 7) only scheduled game among East County schools, the visiting Crusaders scored in every inning to run-rule the Braves.

Included was a solo home run by starting Mater Dei pitcher Maritza Lopez.

However, the Braves had some moments, including a nice double play started by EVELYN GLAUDE. The shortstop snared a hard roller ticketed for center field, stepped on second base, then fired to first baseman JESSICA SNOW for the twin-killing.

On offense, MONICA DUGGAN registered a pair of RBI. After a run scored on her ground ball to drive in a run when ECVHS scored five times in the 4th inning, she also posted a sharp basehit to left for another run in the 5th when the Braves nearly forced a delay of the run rule to extend the ballgame.

"We're having fun, the team's attitude is fine and we're getting through it," said Duggan, the left fielder. "We're staying aggressive at the plate and trying hard."

And with pitching help expected soon, El Cajon Valley will hold a legitimate shot at placing as high as third place in the Grossmont Valley League.

© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (4-7-11) — Avoiding trouble all afternoon, it wasn't an elegant outing by West Hills pitcher MELISSA EGGLESTON, but it still was a shutout.

Despite collecting eight hits, El Capitan stranded 11 baserunners without pushing across a run, as Eggleston and the Wolf Pack claimed a 2-0 decision in Wednesday's (Apr. 6) Grossmont Conference Tournament make-up game.

The win gives the Pack a 4-1 mark in the tournament, holding the tiebreaker over pool co-leader Grossmont. However, Steele Canyon, which is 3-1 in the event, is appealing to the conference to force Monte Vista to re-schedule a game with the Cougars, forcing the postponement of Thursday's scheduled GCT championship contest.

If the appeal fails, Mira Mesa will travel to West Hills for the finale, with both coaches – Mira Mesa's Brad Griffith and West Hills' MIKE APPLEBAUM –mutually agreeing to delay the ballgame to a future date no matter the result of the appeal.

Helix and Grossmont are also 4-1, but due to tiebreakers, neither are under consideration for a title game appearance.

Eggleston, pitching behind Wolf Pack No. 1 hurler NOELLE JOHNSON, has filled in well during a busy week of rain make-up games. Despite allowing eight hits and two walks, plus another baserunner due to an error, not a single Vaqueros batter could drive in a runner in scoring position.

"Melissa made a series of clutch pitches," said Applebaum. "Pitching behind Noelle has taken a lot of pressure off her, so now she's throwing with so much more confidence."

TAYLOR HALLAHAN continued to dominate on the basepaths. She reached on a 2-out, bunt single in the 3rd inning, stole a pair of bases, then scored on a bunt single by HEATHER VALLES.

In the 5th, Valles again reached on a bunt single, took third base when she stole second and the ball sailed into the outfield, then scored on Johnson's double to left.

For El Capitan, pitcher DELANIE GOURLEY took another hard-luck loss. With the bat, Gourley paced the Vaqueros by going 3-for-3 with a walk.

GROSSMONT 6, EL CAMINO 0 — Foothillers pitcher RACHEL STALFORD continues to impress when pitching in the North County, spinning a 4-hit shutout against the host Wildcats in eastern Oceanside.

Stalford struck out seven batters, with each of El Camino's hits going for just singles in the Falcon Fiesta affair.

Meanwhile, HAYLEY KASDEN gave Stalford all the support she needed prior to taking a step into the pitching circle, clouting a 3-run homer in the top of the 1st. AMANDA PORTER opened the frame with a walk, KAITLYN NICKS singled, then Kasden sent a drive over the barrier in right field.

Kasden would finish with four RBI, adding an RBI single in the 2nd. Again, the top of the Grossmont batting order continued its hot hitting, as Porter lined a single, then Nicks doubled to set-up Kasden.

The Hillers also scored a pair in the 6th on a 2-run single by AUBRIE MAY. Nicks walked to leadoff, followed by a basehit by Kasden and an infield single by Stalford to load the bases.

SANTANA 10, OTAY RANCH 3 – Sultans pitcher AMBER SCHISLER continues to prove you don't need fancy strikeout totals to win. Without fanning any batters Wednesday (Apr. 6), Schisler continued to coax a series of ground balls to garner a non-league victory against the visiting Mustangs.

Santana exploded out of the gate on back-to-back home runs by AMANDA GRABLE and KAYTI GRABLE in the 1st. Both bombs landed in the tennis courts beyond the left-field fence. Kayti Grable later added a 2-run single in the 2nd for a 6-1 advantage.

"The entire team is starting to pick it up with the bats," said Sultans assistant coach JOHN FAILLA. "Before it was just 2-3 players, but now we're getting production from the entire line-up."

After Otay Ranch crawled to within 6-3 on a 2-run homer by Sonia Mazon in the 4th, EMILY SCHISLER lined a 2-run single for the Sultans in the 5th

Kayti Grable batted 3-for-4 with four RBI, while Amber Schisler belted a pair of doubles in also going 3-for-4.

Santana also received two hits each from TARA GRENNEN, KENDRA KUPER and CAITLIN ARNDT as part of a 16-hit attack.

VALHALLA 18, MOUNT MIGUEL 1 – Taking a break from her normal starting pitching chores, Norsemen senior TORREY ROOK took over with her bat, driving in five runs with a 4-for-4 effort in Wednesday's (Apr. 6) run-rule rout at Leto Field.

Rook, who moved to first place to make way for pitcher CANDICE STAMPER, capped her outing with a 3-run homer in the 4th. Rook also tripled, but failed to complete the cycle when an obvious double off the fence in center field was limited to a single when runners in front of Rook were held up in order to hold down the score.

Meanwhile, Stamper tossed a 2-hitter at the Matadors, recording seven strikeouts.

For the contest, Valhalla collected 20 basehits, including 3-for-3 with 3 runs outings by second baseman DIONNA SMITH and center fielder KYLA CLAPHAM.

HILLTOP 5, HELIX 2 – The visiting Lancers jumped to a 4-0 lead before the Scotties took their first swings, going on to Wednesday's (Apr. 6) non-league triumph. Three of the four runs were unearned, as Helix pitcher KEANA NAKATA took the hard-luck loss despite allowing just five basehits for the contest.

Highlanders shortstop CHANELLE WARD produced a big day with the bat, driving in both Helix runs.

In the 3rd inning, Ward’s grounder to the left side brought home CLAUDETTE SMITH, who reached base after stroking a deep triple to right-center field. In the 7th, Ward popped a double to an identical locale to plate KAI PENN.

Ward and second baseball SYDNI TRILOLO each went 2-for-4, while left fielder SAMANTHA CUNNINGHAM batted 2-for-2 with a walk.

"Chanelle was hitting the ball well and driving it," noted Helix coach KELLIE NELSON. "The team just needs to cut down on one poor inning so we can start to win some of these close games."

On another note, Helix is 3-1 in the Grossmont Conference Tournament, but will not makeup its rain delayed game with Santana until after the championship game since the Scotties don't hold any tiebreakers in order to advance to the finale.

MISSION HILLS 6, STEELE CANYON 5 – The Cougars suffered another road loss by a 6-5 count, this time falling to the Grizzlies in Wednesday's (Apr. 6) non-league ballgame in southern Vista. And just like the Helix game (see above), four runs in the 1st inning doomed an East County ballclub.

However, Steele Canyon was able to tie the game briefly, when VANESSA KELLEMS bombed a 3-run homer in the 4th. However, Mission Hills answered with 2 runs in their half of the 4th.

"It was a very competitive game against a Division II, North County team," said Cougars coach JULIE BOHE. "And we kept trying to come back, but we stranded two runners in the 6th."

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-6-11) — For the second time in 24 hours, Valhalla pushed the go-ahead run home in the 7th inning, this time nipping visiting El Capitan, 2-1, in Tuesday's (Apr. 5) Grossmont Conference Tournament contest at Leto Field.

NAOMI TELLEZ, who earlier homered, scored on a squeeze bunt by MEGAN HUGHES, to hand another frustrating setback to the Vaqueros.

Tellez homered to left field to open the 2nd inning off El Capitan pitcher DELANIE GOURLEY, who registered 15 strikeouts, including the first nine outs on strikes. She pitched a 2-hitter, but lost as Valhalla scored without the aid of a basehit.

Tellez led with a walk, with Valhalla pitcher TORREY ROOK, who tossed a 1-hitter, sacrificing Tellez into scoring position while reaching on a dropped third strike. An out later, Hughes placed her successful bunt.

Rook struck out eight and walked four, with the lone hit allowed helping El Capitan score in the 3rd after Gourley opened the frame with a ground single up the middle

RACHEL AUCHENBACH bunted Gourley to second, who then came around on a passed ball and a wild pitch to tie the contest.

The game's only other basehit saw Valhalla's CANDICE STAMPER, who registered her first hit of the season Monday, now start a modest 2-game hitting streak with a ground single up in the middle in the 3rd.

SANTANA 8, GRANITE HILLS 4 – The Sultans registered five runs in the 2nd inning en route to an 8-0 lead and an easy road victory over the Eagles in Tuesday's (Apr. 5) Grossmont Conference Tournament contest.

KAYTI GRABLE and AMBER SCHISLER powered the assault with a series of back-to-back blows.

In the 2nd, following an RBI single by AMANDA GRABLE, the pair also posted run-scoring basehits. Then in the 7th, the duo went for consecutive RBI doubles.

Schisler finished with a perfect outing at the plate, going 2-for-2 with two walks. Meanwhile, CATHERINE PERRY scored twice as a courtesy runner.

Granite Hills' only runs came in the 7th to avoid the shutout.

After scoring a run on an error, third baseman MICHELLE MILLER pounded an RBI double. Then with SAVANNAH BROOKS at the plate, a pair of runners in scoring position both scored on a passed ball, which clanked off the backstop and rolled toward first base, as a hustling Miller scored from second base.

Despite the victory, Santana finished second in the Grossmont Valley League pool with a 4-1 record, finishing second to Mira Mesa, which gained its second-ever berth to the GCT title game.

MIRA MESA 2, WEST HILLS 1 – The Marauders completed a clean sweep of Hills League foes to gain a berth in the Grossmont Conference Tournament championship after nipping the host Wolf Pack.

Mira Mesa will not know its opponent in the finale until a series of rain makeups are completed, with a re-match with West Hills possible. However, Steele Canyon currently owns the tiebreaker over the Pack based on fewest runs allowed.

The Marauders took a 2-0 lead with single runs in the 1st and 4th innings, thanks to run-scoring singles by shortstop Katiyana Mauga and first baseman Amber Ratza, the latter driving home Quirisa Mauga (double).

West Hills' lone run came in the 4th, as COURTNEY HORNE singled, eventually coming home on a basehit to right field by JAYMEE BUSH.

Mira Mesa senior Kelsey Townsend allowed just four hits to gain the pitching win to defeat NOELLE JOHNSON, despite seven strikeouts by the Pack pitcher.

HELIX 19, MOUNT MIGUEL 1 – Highlanders senior SAVANNAH McCULLY tossed four innings of shutout ball, lifting the Scotties to Tuesday's (Apr. 5) easy GCT pool play triumph over the winless Matadors.

McCully only registered one strikeout, garnering the majority of her outs on ground balls to the infield.

On offense, sophomore SYDNI TOILOLO clouted a 4th-inning grand slam, scoring GABRIELLE GUZMAN, CLAUDETTE SMITH and KAI PENN. For the contest, Toilolo went 2-for-4, including a double and a sacrifice.

Third baseman PRECIOUS SEETIA-NOA batted 4-for-4 with a double and was hit by a pitch in reaching base on all five of her at-bats. She also recorded an RBI single in the 1st to start the team's biggest display of offense this season.

Meanwhile, shortstop CHANELLE WARD and catcher DESIRAE BORDINE both went 3-for-4 with a double, with Ward driving in three and Bordine knocking in a pair of runs.

Left fielder SAMANTHA CUNNINGHAM and Guzman, the second baseman, each were 2-for-4 with a double. Guzman's double scored a pair in the 4th prior to her coming home on Toilolo's slam.

Mount Miguel avoided the shutout with a run in the bottom of the 5th before the game was halted by run rule.

STEELE CANYON 20, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 – In the first pitching assignment of her varsity career, Cougars senior KATIE WATKINS faced just two batters above the minimum in throwing a 1-hit shutout at the Braves in Tuesday's (Apr. 5) GCT ballgame.

Watkins struck out two batters without issuing a walk, as the lone El Cajon Valley baserunners came on a 3rd-inning single to center by EVELYN GLAUDE and another reached on an error.

Thus, CHELSEA BALL, who did not start the game, saw her season-long 13-game hitting streak snapped.

Watkins missed the start of the season due to injury before making her initial appearance. Following her strong outing, the Cougars now have seven arms on their pitching staff.

Meanwhile, Steele Canyon first baseman KALI SCHWARTZ batted 4-for-5 with a triple, while ASHLEY BARANOV fell just short in hitting for the cycle, collecting – in order – a single, double and triple before striking out on a big cut in her attempt for a home run.

However, there is good news for El Cajon Valley. With word that No. 1 pitcher MELISSA MULLENS may be lost for the season due to injury, former Braves pitcher ALYSSA GARCIA is said to be returning after her role in a school drama department production is completed.

GROSSMONT 10, MONTE VISTA 0 – No information was reported by Grossmont. Monte Vista softball does not participate with ECS.

© East County Sports.com
ESCONDIDO (4-5-11) — After ending a disappointing 6-game losing streak, suddenly Valhalla High can't do anything wrong.

The Norsemen continued their recent climb by rallying from a 3-0 deficit, scoring six unanswered runs over their final pair of trips to the plate to stun San Pasqual, 6-3, in Monday's (Apr. 4) Falcon Fiesta game at Kit Carson Park.

MADISON LABSHERE stroked RBI singles in both the 6th and 7th innings, including the go-ahead basehit when Valhalla registered four runs during its final turn at the plate.

"Madison's been picking up her game and is coming through in the clutch," said Norsemen interim head coach LINDSAY SUTTON. "And she had smart at-bats, being very selective at the plate."

Valhalla trailed by three runs instead of two when an out at the plate was nullified on an obstruction call in the 5th inning. However, the Norsemen bounced right back.

Labshere broke the shutout bid with a line single to right field, bringing home DIONNA SMITH, who singled and stole second base. Later in the inning, MEGAN HUGHES lined a single to left with the bases loaded, bringing home NAOMI TELLEZ.

The rally in the 7th was ignited by CANDICE STAMPER, who registered her first basehit of the season.

"Candice has been getting on base with walks all season, contributing to the offense," noted Sutton. "But, yes, it was her first hit of the season – and a big one."

Following her basehit to right, Stamper advanced on a RACHEL DIEDRICH bunt, with runners moving to the corners when the catcher's throw was wide of first base.

Smith kept the momentum going with an infield single, tying the game when Stamper scored. Labshere followed with another basehit to right field to send Diedrich home for a 4-3 advantage.

Valhalla pitcher TORREY ROOK then took care of the rest. After punching a 2-run single to left to score Smith and Labshere, she retired San Pasqual (6-9-1) in order to collect her second straight victory.

"The bottom of the order got some hits in the 7th, so everyone contributed to the win," added Sutton.

WEST HILLS 8, LA COSTA CANYON 2 – After allowing an early run, the Wolf Pack posted eight straight markers to take a home-field victory in Monday's (Apr. 4) Falcon Fiesta ballgame in Santee. And outfielder TAYLOR HALLAHAN ignited the offense.

Hallahan equaled a school record by stealing six bases – including three in the 1st inning to spark a 3-run rally – as the senior batted 3-for-4 and scored three times.

"Taylor started us off with a single, then she stole second and third (bases) on consecutive pitches" said Wolf Pack coach MIKE APPLEBAUM on his centerfielder, who recently committed to Vanguard University in Costa Mesa.

The next batter walked, setting up the steal-delay steal play, which worked like a charm.

"Taylor just waited for the ball to go through, then she took off and made it home easily," noted the coach. "After that, we stole a lot of bases by not always running on the first pitch. Sometimes we waited until the second or third pitch, and we even ran with two strikes on a batter."

Considering La Costa Canyon plays in a league with opponents which love to run, including a speed laden foe in Torrey Pines, the Mavericks may need to re-think their defensive strategy.

"And their catcher has a good arm. But she wasn't getting a lot of help out there."

COURTNEY HORNE aided the Wolf Pack going 2-for-3, including an RBI single in the 1st, then a run-scoring double in the 6th to bring home Hallahan. Horne, the clean-up batter, also surprised LCC with a sacrifice bunt.

The lone bright spot of the Mavs (5-6) was a 2-run homer by Emma Capetz in the 7th.

West Hills (6-3-1) is also a frontrunner in the Grossmont Conference Tournament, needing wins over Mira Mesa and Mount Miguel to gain a berth to Thursday's (Apr. 7) championship finale, probably against Mira Mesa.

SANTANA 18, CHRISTIAN 4 (6 inn.) – The Sultans own only a handful of competitive opponents over the final six weeks of the season, so they need to do well in all of them to prepare for a SDCIF Division III title shot.

Unfortunately, one of those anticipated tough teams was going to be Christian, but the Patriots are now down to 11 players, including some with little or no playing experience.

"We just need to do as well as we can and work hard in practice to get ready," said senior AMANDA GRABLE, who is ticketed for North Dakota State. "This club's been doing it for a couple of years, so I think we know how to get ready."

Grable posted a perfect day in five trips to the plate, pounding a pair of doubles and walking three times. Meanwhile, younger sister KAYTI GRABLE, the catcher, capped a 3-for-4 outing with a 3-run double in the 6th, when the Sultans registered eight runs to invoke the run rule in Monday's (Apr. 4) non-league affair at Dawson Field.

AMBER SCHISLER tossed a 4-hitter for Santana, with all four runs allowed unearned. She carried a no-hitter into the 4th, but East County batting leader MARY GRABOWSKI of Christian smoked a hot roller past second base on an 0-3 pitch to break up the bid.

Santana (9-4) also received four RBI by center fielder EMILY SCHISLER, who ripped a 2-run single in the 3rd, then a 2-run double in the 4th.

EASTLAKE 6, STEELE CANYON 5 – No information was reported by Steele Canyon.

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CHULA VISTA (4-3-11) — About half of the members of the El Capitan High softball roster were not even born the last time the Vaqueros captured a league title (1995). But following Saturday's (Apr. 2) showing during the championship round of the Hilltop Tournament, perhaps there will be a contender to battle Santana for the Grossmont Valley League title.

Behind the pitching of Florida bound DELANIE GOURLEY, El Capitan posted a pair of shutout victories before falling in the title game to top-ranked and undefeated Bonita Vista, 6-2, in contests held at Olympian High.

Gourley tossed a 2-hitter in stopping Otay Ranch, 2-0, in the quarterfinals, following by a no-hitter in topping the tournament host Lancers, 3-0, in the semis.

The no-hitter saw Gourley register 18 of the 21 outs on strikes to match the best effort in the San Diego Section this season.

EL CAPITAN 2, OTAY RANCH 0 – Delanie Gourley stroked doubles when the Vaqueros scored in the 1st and 6th innings in blanking the Mustangs. Among El Capitan's five hits, four went for two bases.

Gourley smacked the first pitch of the ballgame for two bases, eventually scoring on a double by CINDY GONZALEZ. In between, RACHEL ACHENBACH posted a sacrifice.

In the 6th, KASSIE BATTAGLIA started with a double, later scoring on Gourley's second double

EL CAPITAN 3, HILLTOP 0 – Rachel Achenbach doubled and scored in the 4th inning, then TAYLOR HUNT doubled in a run in a 2-run 6th to top the Lancers.

Meanwhile, Gourley registered 18 strikeouts without a walk, as only seven Hilltop batters were able to put the ball in play.

BONITA VISTA 6, EL CAPITAN 2 – In the school's first tournament title game appearance this century, the Vaqueros jumped to a quick 2-0 lead against the No. 1 ranked Barons.

Gourley started the rally with a lead single, Auchenbach posted her fourth sacrifice bunt on the day, followed by walks to NICOLE BALINGER and Gonzalez.

Hunt followed with a 2-run single to center off Bonita Vista's Jen Hartman, who was named pitcher of the tournament.

However, Bonita Vista followed with six unanswered runs, including a 5th-inning homer by Ruby Elliot, who also gained an all-tournament berth.

Gourley registered 8 strikeouts, giving her 35 over her 20 innings on the day.

All-tournament team: Ruby Elliot, Bonita Vista; Jen Hartman, Bonita Vista; Delanie Gourley, El Capitan; Cindy Gonzalez, El Capitan; Rachel Auchenbach, El Capitan; Aida Martinez, Hilltop; Monica Armas, Hilltop; Maggie Sevilla, Scripps Ranch; Nikki Wallstedt, Scripps Ranch.

GROSSMONT 5, MIRA MESA 4 (8 inn.) – With four tournaments running concurrently throughout San Diego County, which game in which event can get confusing.

"I just told the girls to go out and play and not worry about it," said Foothillers coach JERRY LERUD about meeting the Marauders for the second time in 9 days, but in different events. "They were getting confused, so I asked them to relax and just play the game."

Taking the "play the game" to the extreme, Grossmont twice went down to the final out, yet scored once in the 7th, then two more in the 8th to avenge last week's 9-1 Grossmont Conference Tournament setback to claim Saturday's (Apr. 2) Falcon Fiesta contest.

The previous paragraph was triple-checked to assure accuracy.

While Mira Mesa has been romping through Grossmont Hills League opponents in GCT play, it's been a complete reversal meeting the same foes outside the conference tournament. But when Marauders shortstop Katiyana Mauga slugged a tie-breaking, solo homer in the 5th inning, there fortunes were about to change.

However, with first base open, Mira Mesa elected to pitch to AUBRIE MAY, Grossmont's top hitter for average and power, who drilled a shot to left-center field for a triple to score MOLLY SIMPSON.

Mira Mesa pushed across a run in the ITB 8th on an RBI by Tani Leasau, but the Hillers rebounded yet again.

With TAYLOR WATERS at second base, HEATHER DEMENT opened with a sacrifice bunt, then KAYLA APPENZELLER lined a basehit to left to tie the game for a third time.

AMANDA PORTER reached on a slap single to place runners on the corners, then KAITLIN NICKS belted a hot roller up the middle which cleared the infield to score Porter with the game-winning run.

It was Grossmont's first victory on a Saturday following four earlier defeats.

The Hillers took the lead early on a 2-run single to left by RACHEL STALFORD in the 1st, but Mira Mesa answered with a 2-spot in the 4th to tie the contest. Stalford eventually gained the pitching victory with three strikeouts, while Lani Vanta took the loss despite seven strikeouts.

MT. CARMEL 6, STEELE CANYON 2 – In an key Falcon Fiesta contest with important playoff implications, the visiting Cougars held the advantage over the majority of Saturday’s (Apr. 2) ballgame in Rancho Penasquitos.

"We played great ball for six innings," noted Steele Canyon coach JULIE BOHE. "We did everything we're supposed to do."

But, oh, that one remaining inning. The Sundevils answered a Cougars run in the 3rd inning by scoring six times in the home-half of the frame, going on to defeat an East County opponent for the second time this week.

Steele Canyon's BEASLEY twins – GABRIELLE and MICHELLE – remained "on fire," according to Bohe, helping produce both Cougars runs.

In the 3rd, Gabrielle Beasley stole second base, scoring when Michelle sent a flare over the shortstop. Then in the 6th, Michelle led off with a double, MOLLY HUTCHISON bunted her to third, with KALI SCHWARTZ followed with a run-scoring basehit to center field.

However, Mt. Carmel's big rally was started by a lead homer by Nikki Barba, with Sydney Johnson later adding a 2-run double with the bases loaded,

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (4-2-11) — Steele Canyon senior GABRIELLE BEASLEY was known as a play-making guard on the Cougars basketball team, leading the team in assists. And she's filling a similar role on the school's fastpitch team.

On Friday (Apr. 1), Beasley scored both of the game's only runs, allowing Steele Canyon (6-4) to down visiting San Marcos, 2-0, in a Falcon Fiesta contest.

Beasley singled to leadoff the 1st for the Cougars, eventually coming around on a run-scoring basehit by catcher MOLLY HUTCHISON. Then in the 5th, Beasley again reached base leading-off, securing a walk, stealing second base, then coming home on a basehit by twin sister MICHELLE BEASLEY.

Meanwhile, Cougars sophomore first baseman KALI SCHWARTZ batted 2-for-3 against Knights standout pitcher Christina Clermont, who reached the 100-strikeout plateau earlier in the week.

However, despite 10 strikeouts, Clermont was out-pitched by a pair of Steele Canyon underclassmen. Junior BRITTANY HOPKINS struck out five San Marcos batters over the opening three innings, then sophomore GRACE KRAMER posted four K's over the final four frames to collect the pitching victory.

Combined, Hopkins and Kramer allowed just three basehits to stop the Knights (10-3).

RAMONA 11, HELIX 9 – It's the situation all young ballplayers dream of – a walkoff grand slam homer. Unfortunately for the Highlanders, they were the visiting team.

One pitch away from victory, Bulldogs clean-up batter Cassie Ford turned the tables on Helix by sending a 3-2 pitch out of the ballpark for a dramatic Falcon Fiesta win Friday (Apr. 1) up on the mountain.

"I told our girls it was an epic win for Ramona," said Helix coach KELLIE NELSON. "This is what any player hopes for, so we just need to bounce back."

Nelson was pleased with the Scotties' offense coming off an unsatisfying setback to Mira Mesa, as Helix bats collected 13 hits off the Lady Dawgs. However, seven errors on defense allowed Ramona to rally with nine unearned runs, including all four in the bottom of the 7th.

"(Helix starting pitcher) KEANA NAKATA was great, but the defense wasn't always behind her," added the coach.

Helix mounted a 7-0 advantage backed by the bat of sophomore SYDNI TOILOLO, who went 4-for-4 with a double and three RBI. Included was a run-scoring single in the 2nd when the Scotties scored four times for a 5-0 lead, then a 2-run double in the 5th for a 9-3 advantage.

SAMANTHA CUNNINGHAM and KAI PENN both scored three times, while CLAUDETTE SMITH singled and scored in the 1st on an RBI basehit by DESIRAE BORDINE, then Smith and CHANELLE WARD registered consecutive run-scoring hits in the 3rd.

Ramona (4-6) answered with four runs in both the 6th and 7th, as Ford drove in five runs.

RANCHO BERNARDO 5, WEST HILLS 0 – A smart pitcher's duel went the way of Broncos starter Sara White when the hosts scored four times in the 6th to break open Friday's (Apr. 1) Falcon Fiesta pool play game held in the North County.

White tossed a 4-hitter at the Wolf Pack, bettering NOELLE JOHNSON, who allowed just six singles, but four of those basehits came in the decisive 6th.

Leah Gordon of Rancho Bernardo (8-4-1) was the lone player on either side with two hits.

ESCONDIDO 8, EL CAPITAN 2 – Tennessee bound senior Hannah Akamine batted 2-for-4 with three runs and a pair of RBI, while first baseman Kayla Wartner, a Hawai'i signee, added a pair of doubles, as the Cougars (8-3) scored in five of their seven at-bats to whip the Vaqueros in Friday's (Apr. 1) non-league contest in Lakeside.

Down 2-0, El Capitan scored once in the 1st, but Escondido junior Bria Harmon settled in to capture her varsity starting pitching debut. The Cougars are now 8-3 overall.

No information was reported by El Capitan.

Valhalla's Madison Labshere (left) has nothing to do but wait to place the tag on an unidentified Monte Vista baserunner. (Photo by James Labshere) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Valhalla at Monte Vista PHOTOS (Slideshow by Don DeMars)

© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (4-1-11) — Granite Hills High switches between KIMMY TRIOLO and DESIREE MEJIA in the pitching circle, so when one isn't pitching, the other seeks to contribute in other ways.

On Thursday (Mar. 31), with Triolo in a difficult duel against El Capitan's DELANIE GOURLEY, it was Mejia who was the difference-maker in gaining a Grossmont Conference Tournament triumph over the Vaqueros. Filling the batting order as the designated player, Mejia registered a pair of go-ahead hits, including the game-winner in the 8th inning of a 4-1 triumph.

Mejia, who broke a scoreless contest with a run-scoring single in the 6th, hooked a 2-run double just inside the chalk down the right-field line in the 8th when the Eagles scored three times to gain the team's fourth win in their last five outings.

"I didn't put any pressure on myself, but I still felt I had to execute for my team," said Mejia. "It's all of us all together working hard in practice, then showing it in the game."

Sophomore RAE SHEW opened the 8th by reaching on an error, Triolo slapped a liner off Gourley's glove for an infield hit, then senior NICOLE OBNEY was hit by a pitch to load the bases.

Mejia then went inside-out with her swing, placing the ball over El Cap's first baseman. Two batters later, a clean single to left field by RAE SHEW provided a bonus run.

"Desiree is our 'go to' player and always seems to come through," noted Triolo. "When we need a hit, she's our clutch hitter."

Triolo, meanwhile, escaped her own jam when the Vaqueros refused to roll over and twice brought the potential game-tying run to the plate in their half of the 8th.

After Gourley reach on an error, TAYLOR HUNT short-hopped the wall in left for a booming double. However, Triolo coaxed a foul pop and a soft grounder – both to Obney at first base – to cap her complete-game effort.

Meanwhile, Gourley suffered yet another difficult setback despite registering 14 strikeouts against just a single walk.

Down 1-0 after Mejia's initial RBI basehit, El Capitan forced extra innings with a run in the 7th.

KATIE CARMICHAEL stroked a basehit, taking second base when the ball went through an outfielder. NICOLE BALINGER bunted pinchrunner MacKENZIE GANDY to third on the sacrifice, with Gandy later scoring by beating the throw to the plate on a grounder by center fielder FELICIA ARCAMO.

SANTANA 3, STEELE CANYON 2 – The Sultans gained a measure of revenge from an earlier loss by taking a wire-to-wire victory over the Cougars in Thursday's (Mar. 31) key Grossmont Conference Tournament contest.

The win kept Santana within a game of Valley Pool-leading Mira Mesa in the quest for a GCT championship game berth. Meanwhile, Steele Canyon and Helix dropped out of a 3-way tie for the Hills Pool lead, leaving West Hills alone in first place.

The Sultans struck early with two runs in the 1st inning.

ARIEL RASMUSSON opened with a walk, moved to second on a wild pitch, then scored when a drive by AMANDA GRABLE hit the fence in left-center field. KAYTI GRABLE followed with a double to advance pinchrunner ALEX BREIDT to third base, scoring on a sacrifice fly to left by CAITLIN ARNDT.

After Steele Canyon halved the lead, Breidt would again score as a courtesy runner in the 3rd following a lead single by Kayti Grable. AMBER SCHISLER walked, then EMILY SCHISLER pounded a deep double. Breidt would come home to make it 3-1, but the ensuing pinchrunner was out at the plate.

Steele Canyon placed the potential tying and go-ahead runners on base in the 7th, but Amber Schisler would coax a fly out to her senior sister in center field for the final out. The sophomore pitcher struck out three to collect the complete-game triumph.

No information was reported by Steele Canyon .

VALHALLA 7, MONTE VISTA 4 – Norsemen senior TORREY ROOK rocked a tie-breaking, 2-run double in the 5th inning Thursday (Mar. 31), then pitched the final two innings to save the first varsity victory for starting pitcher KYLA CLAPHAM.

The host Monarchs jumped to an early 3-1 lead, but Valhalla broke through with four runs in the 5th, then a pair of markers in the 6th, gaining the school's first Grossmont Conference Tournament triumph of the season.

Trailing by two runs, a series of Monte Vista throwing errors allowed CANDICE STAMPER (walk) and DIONNA SMITH (fielder's choice) to come home and tie the game. Rook followed with a deep drive to left-center to bring home Clapham (sac bunt; reached on fielder's choice) and NAOMI TELLEZ (safe on error).

Monte Vista got a run back on a bases-loaded walk to make it 5-4, but the Norsemen answered right back with a 2-out rally when MADISON HAUSEUR (hit by pitch), Smith (walk) and Clapham (walk) loaded the bases.

MADISON LABSHERE followed with a clutch basehit to center field, bringing home Hauseur and Smith.

WEST HILLS 13, MOUNT MIGUEL 0 (5 inn.) – Wolf Pack sophomore MELISSA EGGLESTON came within one batter of tossing a perfect game, yet still achieved East County's first no-hitter of the season after blanking the Matadors in Thursday's (Mar. 31) Grossmont Conference Tournament ballgame.

The lone blemish came on a 1-out walk to Mount Miguel senior captain RAVEN WIECHMAN in the 2nd inning. Meanwhile, opposing shortstop JESSICA ALDERSON batted 2-for-2, with a double and three RBI for West Hills.

"At least Mount Miguel had a good attitude and looked like they were having fun," Wolf Pack coach MIKE APPLEBAUM said about the winless Matadors. "They seemed to be enjoying the experience."

The victory, coupled by losses by Steele Canyon and Helix, left the undefeated Wolf Pack alone in first place in the conference tournament standings at 3-0. West Hills (5-2-1 overall) has now won four straight contests.

MIRA MESA 16, HELIX 4 – Following an 8-0 setback to top-ranked Bonita Vista, the Marauders bounced back by again posting double digits on a Grossmont Hills League opponent to stay unbeaten in Grossmont Conference Tournament action Thursday (Mar. 31) in La Mesa .

And, once again, Mira Mesa did most of its damage on the second and third time through the batting order. Included was a 2-run homer by senior captain Joanna Asenjo in the 4th inning to mount a 3-0 lead which eventually reached 5-1.

In the 5th, Helix responded with three markers to make it a contest.

Cousins SYDNI TOILOLO and PRECIOUS SEETIA-NOA registered consecutive one-out doubles for the first run. RAEISHA CARTER was hit by a pitch, with both runners moving into scoring position on an illegal pitch, then scoring on a two-out single by freshman DESIRAE BORDINE.

However, Mira Mesa shortstop Katiyana Mauga answered with a 3-run homer in the 6th, as the Marauders scored five times in the 6th, then six more in the 7th, to make it a runaway. It's a pattern Mira Mesa has duplicated numerous times since veteran coach Brad Griffith returned for a third tour coaching the team this season.

The other Highlanders run came on a bases-loaded basehit by KAI PENN, allowing pinchrunner CARLY ACEVES to score in the 4th.

GROSSMONT 22, EL CAJON VALLEY 2 (5 inn.) – The Foothillers erupted for 12 runs in the 2nd inning to mount a 14-0 lead in a run-rule win over the host Braves.

Shortstop AUBRIE MAY pumped a 3-run homer in the 2nd inning, then KAITLIN NICKS pounded a 2-run shot in the 5th, with both shots going to left field.

RACHEL STALFORD pitched no-hit ball in her short stint in the circle, with DANIELLE McMILLAN going the final three frames for her first varsity save.

ECVHS scored both of its runs in the 4th, when DIANE FRIAS, CHELSEA BALL and JESSICA SNOW gained consecutive basehits to load the bases, with Frias and Ball coming home on a sharp single to centerfield by NOELLE PONTIUS.

Ball extended her hitting streak to an East County best 13 straight ballgames.

SAN MARCOS 8, PATRICK HENRY 0 (5 inn.) – Missing several key components, the Patriots were blanked on just one hit in Thursday's (Mar. 31) Falcon Fiesta pool play contest in San Carlos.

Christina Clermont tossed the shutout for the Knights, utilizing her riseball to thwart the hosts by striking out 10 batters. The lone hit was a 3rd-inning, bunt single by Henry’s CARLY MITCHELL.