Aubrie May of Grossmont (6) is safe at the plate, despite the efforts of Helix catcher Desirae Bordine. (Photo by Steve Crisci)

Grossmont's Amanda Porter (4) makes the turn to score vs. Helix.The Foothillers won, 7-1, to capture their 11th league title in 22 years. (Photo by Steve Crisci) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Paid Advertisement East County Gamers 18U Fastpitch Travel Team Tryouts: Sun., May 29th, 3 p.m. Magnolia Elem. School, El Cajon WEBSITE - EMAIL the Coach Phone: (619) 742-7389

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LA MESA (5-15-11) — After trailing in the Grossmont Hills League pennant race for the first time all season, the Grossmont Foothillers bounced back on the final day of the regular season, gaining a share of the GHL crown by bouncing neighborhood rival Helix, 7-1, in Saturday's (May 14) finale.

The triumph gives the Hillers their first title since capturing the old Grossmont North League championship in 2006.

The school is now capturing pennants at a stellar 50 percent clip with its 11th title over the past 22 seasons, dating back to the original split of the Grossmont Conference following the 1988 season.

SENIOR DAYS

Christian Patriots

Christian Softball Class of '11 (l-r): Alexis McGuire, Jeannie Vest, Monique Elliott and Keylee Schultz of the Patriots. (Photo by Gabriela Grabowski)

Grossmont Foothillers

Grossmont Softball Class of '11 (l-r): Head coach Jerry Lerud, senior Kaitlyn Nicks, assistant coach Rick Garcia, senior Rachel Stalford, and "senior" assistant coach and Leo Tuck of the Foothillers. (Photo by Steve Crisci)

Patrick Henry Patriots

Patrick Henry Softball Class of '11 (l-r): Alexandra Mootry, Maddie Adams, Jessica Ping, Carly Mitchell and Rachel Shockley of the Patriots. (Photo by Don Shaffer)

Santana Sultans

Santana Softball Class of '11 (l-r): Emily Schisler, Caitlin Arndt, Amanda "Peanut" Grable and Mallory Boyd of the Sultans.

Steele Canyon Cougars

Steele Canyon Softball Class of '11 (l-r): Gabrielle Beasley, Michelle Beasley, Courtney Johnson, Ashley Baranov, Katie Watkins, Vanessa Kellems and Chelsey Harmeson.

Valhalla Norsemen

Valhalla Softball Class of '11 (l-r): Kyla Clapham, Torrey Rook, Rachel Diedrich, Carli Gilstrap and Candice Stamper of the Norsemen. (Photo by James Labshere)

West Hills Wolf Pack

West Hills Softball Class of '11 (l-r): Vanessa McHugh, Heather Valles, Savanna Baggett and Taylor Hallahan of the Wolf Pack.

El Capitan Vaqueros

No seniors for the El Cap Softball Class of '11.

Email your team's senior photo (with IDs) HERE

ARIANA QUINTANILLA proved to be an integral part of both West Hills rallies. The sophomore opened the 3rd with a basehit to left field, going station-to-station to score.

Quintanilla advanced to third on a bloop single to right-center field by JAYMEE BUSH and a VANESSA McHUGH sacrifice bunt, HEATHER VALLES walked on a 9-pitch at bat to load the bases, then Johnson singled to right for the ballgame's opening run.

An inning later, Quintanilla later accepted a two-out walk, coming home on a line double to right-center by Bush, who then scored on a double to left-center by VANESSA McHUGH.

Valhalla had chances early after placing runners on the corners in the 1st. But Johnson escaped with a ground out. Then in the 7th, a baserunning error was turned into an out when Johnson fielded a comebacker, then fired to third base for a tag out by CORTNEY HORNE.

SANTANA 11, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 (6 inn.) – The Sultans placed the finishing touches on their Grossmont Valley League pennant by racing past the host Braves. With Saturday's (May 14) triumph, Santana is now 20-0 in league play since the creation of the GVL, and 53-3 in the school's run of five straight league crowns.

KAYTI GRABLE paced the offense by going 3-for-4 with a triple.

The Sultans jumped to a 2-0 lead on run-scoring singles by CAITLIN ARNDT and TARA GRENNEN in the 2nd inning, then broke it open with seven runs in the 3rd.

Included were RBI singles by Arndt and Grable, followed by a 2-run triple by AMBER SCHISLER, who then came home on a KENDRA KUPER double.

Schisler also tossed five innings of shutout ball to gain the win, with KYLIE BRASE pitching the final frame to close out the contest.

Registering hits for El Cajon Valley were MONICA DUGGAN, MERLINDA LOPEZ and CHELSEA BALL.

The Braves also turned a double play in the 4th when center fielder EVELYN GLAUDE snared a line drive, then fired to Duggan at first base to catch the Sultans baserunner.

Note: Santana's string of five consecutive league titles equals the 4th-best mark in CIF San Diego history. The record is nine by Christian (Central and/or Harbor leagues, 1986-94), followed by seven straight by USDHS (Western League, 1989-95) and Mountain Empire (Citrus West League, 2000-06).

Valhalla's Torrey Rook slides safely into second base against Steele Canyon. (Photo by James Labshere)

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RANCHO SAN DIEGO (5-14-11) — After trailing throughout the Grossmont Hills League season, Steele Canyon High completed a late-season run to gain no worse than a share of the league pennant, capped by Friday's (May 13) run-rule victory over visiting Granite Hills, 10-0 in five innings.

The triumph puts the pressure on Grossmont, the league leaders since Opening Day, which fell a half-game back entering the final day of the regular season. The Foothillers now must defeat Helix on Saturday morning to forge a co-championship.

"We lost a lot of seniors from last year's team, so a lot of people didn't expect much from us," said senior shortstop MICHELLE BEASLEY, who drove in three runs and scored twice. "We're all happy because we worked hard to get what we got."

It took awhile to configure the pieces, yet Steele Canyon is now healthy for the first time all season, just in time for Wednesday's (May 18) opening of the SDCIF playoffs.

"We knew the team would struggle, but we pulled it out," noted right fielder VANESSA KELLEMS, a senior headed for South Dakota State.

Streaking toward the finish line, the Cougars ignited for three runs in their first trip to the plate, then were handed five unearned runs in the 4th inning.

Meanwhile Cougars pitcher COURTNEY JOHNSON carried a perfect game through the first time through the Granite Hills lineup.

In the 1st, Beasley led off with a sharp basehit to right field, eventually scoring on a basehit by KALI SCHWARTZ, who was returned to the cleanup slot. Two batters later, TORI YANITOR, the latest to return to action from injury, rapped a 2-run single to score MOLLY HUTCHISON and Schwartz.

In the 4th, Granite Hills dropped a ball to allow leadoff batter AMANDA HARTNETT to reach base. The small mistake led to a big inning, as Kellems singled sharply to left to score Hartnett, then Beasley registered a basehit up the middle to score Johnson (walk) and Kellems.

Beasley collected her third RBI in the 5th when Granite Hills thought there were two outs, so made the play at first base. Two batters later with the bases loaded, Hutchison collected a walkoff basehit to cap her 2-for-3, two RBI outing.

For Granite Hills, TARIN MARKS broke up the perfect game bid with a lead walk in the 4th, but was then thrown out by Hutchison in an attempt to steal second. KIMMY TRIOLO then stopped the no-hit effort with a booming double to the right-center field fence.

Johnson allowed just two hits in four innings of work, leaving with an 8-0 lead, as KATIE WATKINS mopped up for one inning of relief.

Five different Cougars knocked in runs, including two each by Hutchison, Schwartz and Yanitor, while eight of the nine starters recorded basehits.

Eastern League — All three of Friday's (May 13) ballgames ended in 5 innings by run rule, as Patrick Henry dropped Morse, 14-2; Mira Mesa stopped Christian, 14-2; and Scripps Ranch blanked Serra, 10-0.

For Patrick Henry, the victory meant a co-title with Scripps Ranch, an opponent they could meet again in the SDCIF Division II pool. Meanwhile, Christian is highly expected to gain a postseason berth as the smallest school among Division IV entrants.

Morse scored twice in the 3rd inning to close the deficit to 3-2, but the Patriots answered back with 7 runs in the home-half of the frame.

ALEXANDRA MOOTRY drove in four runs by collecting three doubles in a 3-4 outing. CARLY MITCHELL (2-for-3) and RACHEL SHOCKLEY (3-for-3) also registered a pair of RBI for Henry.

Meanwhile, Mira Mesa sophomore Katiyana Mauga, the reigning Eastern League player of the year as a freshman, doomed Christian early with home runs in the first two innings. The shortstop hit a 2-run shot in the 1st, then hit a grand slam in the 2nd for six RBI and a 9-0 advantage.

For Christian, MONIQUE ELLIOTT went 2-for-3 to collect half of the team's hits, including a basehit when the Patriots scored both of their runs in the 3rd inning.

Following consecutive singles by ALEXIS McGUIRE, Elliott and JEANNIE VEST to load the bases, ground ball outs by MARY GRABOWSKI and ANAYA TOBIASON sent runners from third base home.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-13-11) — On two different levels, all Steele Canyon High wanted was a second chance.

After falling to Grossmont in the first round of Grossmont Hills League action, the Cougars needed a victory in Thursday's (May 12) rematch to forge a co-championship to extend the school’s remarkable run of league crowns.

And for sophomore catcher MOLLY HUTCHISON, she also needed a reprieve after three straight popups.

Second chances came in two forms for Hutchison.

After popping out twice, including one on a standout snag by Foothillers first baseman MEGAN CRISCI in front of the Steele Canyon bench in foul territory, Hutchison was in line for a third straight out on another pop out. But when the routine play was dropped, Hutchison's second chance saw her send a screaming liner over the fence above the batter's eye in centerfield.

An inning earlier, Steele Canyon believed a solo homer by KALI SCHWARTZ, a middle-of-the-lineup hitter all season who was placed at the bottom of the batting order against Grossmont, would be the difference.

Schwartz lined an 0-1 pitch out of the park between centerfield and the right-center scoreboard, giving Steele Canyon a 2-1 lead.

Hillers shortstop AUBRIE MAY smashed the fence with a drive to right field. When May turned for second, she peeked and saw the defender still chasing the ball, so she jetted around for a leadoff triple.

And when HAYLEY KASDEN lifted a fly ball to left field, May tagged and scored to make it 2-2 on the sacrifice fly.

"It was some ballgame – either team could've won it," said Hillers head coach JERRY LERUD.

Grossmont third baseman KAITLYN NICKS was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded – the second hit batter of the 1st inning – to force home May with the opening run. May smacked the ball hard on all four trips to the plate, going 3-for-4 and a line out to center.

Plays at the plate then were decisive.

In the 2nd, following basehits by KAYLA APPENZELLER and May, Kasden lined a single to center field, as Appenzeller was sent home. However, the Cougars' AMANDA HARTNETT gunned her down on a solid throw to Hutchison.

"When I charged the ball, I could hear the people, so I knew the runner was going home," said Hartnett.

An inning later, Hartnett delivered the basehit which resulted in another play at the plate.

MICHELLE BEASLEY reached on a bad-hop single through the infield, moving to second on a sacrifice bunt by GABRIELLE BEASLEY. Hartnett then sent a basehit to left, as Cougars coach JULIE BOHE sent her runner home. The throw was up the first-base line just enough to score the tying run.

Hartnett later robbed Grossmont's RACHEL STALFORD of extra bases by streaking into the left-center field gap to snag a line drive.

Schwartz then pounded her go-ahead homer from the odd batting position of the No. 9 spot.

"After I struck out, then had a bad swing on a foul ball, I just got more focused on what I needed to do," Schwartz added. "Our lineup has definitely been a project in development, but this one seems to work for us."

COURTNEY JOHNSON pitched the final four innings for the Cougars, collecting the win in tossing 1-hit ball (May's triple). Grossmont's Stalford struck out eight in defeat.

If Steele Canyon closes the season with a victory, the Cougars will take its fifth league title in six seasons. The opportunity will now take place Friday (May 13), as Saturday's game at home against Granite Hills was rescheduled because of the school prom.

Grossmont closes at 9 a.m. Saturday (May 14) at historic rival Helix.

WEST HILLS 4, HELIX 0 – The 2011 version of Wolf Pack pitcher NOELLE JOHNSON is starting to look more like her 2010 model. The junior struck out 11 batters in tossing a 1-hit shutout at host Helix in Thursday's (May 12) Grossmont Hills League contest.

"We heard Helix, over the entire batting order, is a team which generally doesn't strike out too much," said West Hills coach MIKE APPLEBAUM. "So this was indeed an impressive performance."

The only hit off Johnson, last season's East County pitcher of the year, was a one-out single by Highlanders third baseman PRECIOUS SEETIA-NOA in the 5th inning.

Meanwhile, the Pack scored twice in the 2nd and 4th innings to support Johnson's effort.

CORTNEY HORNE, the runaway leader for East County freshman of the year laurels, started the 2nd with a basehit, moved to second on a grounder by another frosh in KATIE BYRD, then scored on a SAVANNA BAGGETT basehit.

JENNY SHEPARD, Baggett's courtesy runner, took third base on an error to setup a sacrifice fly to deep center field by ARIANA QUINTANILLA.

Two innings later, Quintanilla accepted a one-out walk, stole second then moved to third on an error, scoring on the first of two hits by JAYMEE BUSH, who later scored on a slap single from TAYLOR HALLAHAN.

Valhalla catcher Naomi Tellez waits on deck. (Photo by James Labshere) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

A wild 7th inning saw Valhalla score twice to grab a 7-6 lead, only to watch the Eagles answer back to force extra innings.

The late Norsemen runs saw CANDICE STAMPER drill a double to left-center field, then score the go-ahead run when MEGAN HUGHES followed with an RBI single to center.

Granite Hills answered back for a third time on a DESIREE MEJIA basehit.

Valhalla pitcher TORREY ROOK finally outlasted a pair of Eagles pitchers to gain the victory. Rook struck out nine batters, while she also batted 3-for-5 with a double.

Granite Hills received a pair of doubles from first baseman NICOLE OBNEY to drive in a pair of runs, while KIMMY TRIOLO scored three times on 3-for-4 hitting, including a 2-run homer.

Looking over several coaches projections for the SDCIF Division II playoffs (as discussed privately with East County Sports.com), Valhalla 's victory should keep them in front of Westview and El Centro-Central to gain a berth into the postseason field.

EL CAPITAN 9, MONTE VISTA 1 – No matter who is plugged into the top of the Vaqueros batting order, that player seems to produce over the past month.

So head coach JOE COTA surely was pleased when a pair of different players – TAYLOR HUNT and KASSIE BATTAGLIA – both produced from the No. 1 spot to dissolve the host Monarchs in Thursday's (May 12) Grossmont Valley League ballgame.

Leadoff singles by Hunt started rallies in both the 1st and 3rd innings. Then Battalgia, entering as a pinchitter in the 5th, blasted a double to set the stage for more run production.

The offense made for an easy day for winning El Capitan pitcher DELANIE GOURLEY, who left with a 9-0 advantage through four innings of work. Fellow sophomore NICOLE BALINGER then tossed the final three frames.

Gourley registered 11 of her 12 outs on strikes, which isn't unexpected, but Balinger followed suit with five K's to garner the save.

Hunt opened the ballgame with a basehit, moved to second base on a JENNA PORTER sacrifice bunt then came home on a basehit by freshman MARISSA CUEVAS.

The Vaqueros' modus operandi continued in the 3rd with another lead single by Hunt, as El Capitan busted a contest open by scoring six times. Including were run-scoring basehits by Gourley, ASHLEY DIETRICH, KATIE CARMICHAEL and MacKENZIE GANDY.

In the 5th, Carmichael singled, CINDY GONZALEZ was hit by a pitch, with a Gandy grounder advancing both into scoring position. Battaglia then rifled her shot over the head of the left fielder.

SANTANA 12, MOUNT MIGUEL 2 (5 inn.) – The improving Matadors shined brightly by taking a quick 2-0 lead, but the Grossmont Valley League champion Sultans answered with 12 unanswered runs to take Thursday's (May 12) run-rule decision.

Mount Miguel struck for a pair of runs in the 1st inning thanks to lead walks to BLIME MACIAS and CATHERINE QUIJADA. A grounder to the right side by senior CARRIEANN NASON brought home Macias, then ALIYAH CHAVEZ singled to center field to plate Quijada for a 2-0 Matadors advantage.

However, Santana tied it in the 1st, then scored six times in the 2nd – featuring a 3-run homer by AMANDA GRABLE – running their league record since the creation of the GVL to 19-0.

For the Sultans, TARA GRENNE stroked 3 doubles in a 3-for-3 performance to drive in three runs. Meanwhile, senior CAITLIN ARNDT went 2-for-2 with a double, while winning pitcher AMBER SCHISLER batted 2-for-3 with a double and struck out six batters in four innings of work in the circle.

CHULA VISTA 12, EL CAJON VALLEY 5 – In Thursday's (May 12) non-league contest held in the South Bay, the Braves erupted for five runs in the 2nd inning before the Spartans rallied for the win.

CHELSEA BALL opened the scoring for ECVHS with the first of her two basehits. Later in the frame, KAMY ROJAS lined a 2-run single to left, then MONICA DUGGAN went to center with her 2-run knock in her 2-for-4 outing.

Also registering basehits for El Cajon Valley were sophomores NOELLE PONTIUS and JESSICA SNOW and junior RAYCHELE SHADDIX.

SCRIPPS RANCH 11, PATRICK HENRY 4 – The Falcons shook off the effect of an early 1-0 deficit by scoring six times in the 4th inning, then three more markers in the 5th to gain a share of the Eastern League championships with the host Patriots.

Scripps Ranch infielder EMILY GUSSE batted a perfect 4-for-4, with a double and a pair of runs scored, while first baseman KATIE DERN went 3-for-4 to head a 13-hit attack.

Patrick Henry tried to rally in the 5th, as a walk was sandwiched around four basehits to score three runs and chase the Falcons' starting pitcher. However, reliever TAYLOR CURRAN came on to register a strikeout and a double play to escape the jam.

For the Patriots, JESSICA PING continued her hot hitting streak, going 3-for-4. RACHEL SHOCKLEY and GRACE HERNANDEZ also added two hits each for a total of 10 for Henry.

© East County Sports.com
TIERRASANTA (5-12-11) — A controversial decision forced Christian High to go with another pitcher, but by the time she was properly warmed up, Serra High scored three times, the difference in a 7-6 verdict in Wednesday's (May 11) Eastern League fastpitch contest.

Patriots pitcher MELANIE STARK attempted to score from first base on a bases-loaded double by MARY GRABOWSKI. Stark made a slide in an attempt to score, but with the throw sailing up the third base line, the Conquistadors catcher followed suit.

"The umpire said Melanie hit her with spikes-up," said Christian coach GEORGE GENTRY. "But she's 10 feet away from the plate – she was in a normal position with a regular slide."

Nevertheless, the umpire ejected Stark following Grabowski's 2-run double, giving the Patriots a 7-5, 4th-inning lead. But now, Christian needed to utilize a pitcher who had not warmed up, and since all of the team's bench players were already in the contest, Gentry was forced to use an "irregular substitution" and recall a starter back into the ballgame to replace Stark.

By the time the new pitcher was able to gain form, Serra punched across three runs in the bottom-half of the 4th to regain the lead. And with no further scoring, the Lady Q-Dawgs held on to win, clinching fourth place over the Patriots.

Serra's game-winning rally started on an error and a walk, then sophomore centerfielder Elontay Collins drilled a 3-run homer to right field.

The game opened as a free-for-all, with both sides scoring four times in the 1st. Included was a 2-run double by ALYSSA HARRIS, who went 2-for-2 with a walk for a perfect outing at the plate.

Serra then took a 5-4 lead in the 2nd, but Grabowski, who drove in three runs, gained her first RBI on a 3rd-inning grounder to the right side to knot the contest at 5-all.

For Christian, ANAYA TOBIASON and MONIQUE ELLIOTT each batted 2-for-4 and scored twice.

Grossmont third baseman Kaitlyn Nicks tags out a West Hills baserunner in the Hillers' 9-5 victory. (Photo by Steve Crisci) ADDITONAL PHOTOS HERE

© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (5-11-11) — The top two pitchers – sophomores AMBER SCHISLER of Santana and El Capitan's DELANIE GOURLEY – on the best pair of teams faced each other Tuesday (May 10) to determine the Grossmont Valley League championship.

And both carried no-hitters into the 6th inning.

"They're both great pitchers," noted Sultans third baseman AMANDA GRABLE. "But we were a little bit better."

In an Old School contest reminiscent of the women's pro league of the 1970s, when scoreless games lasting 20 or more innings were the norm, Gourley finished with a 3-hitter. However, Schisler lasted through all seven innings to toss a no-hitter to take down the Vaqueros, 3-0, for another Sultans pennant.

Gourley was her dominant self, striking out 17 batters. But it was Grable who made plays on offense and defense which allowed Santana to clinch another title.

Following five no-hit innings, Grable opened the 6th with a triple to right-center field. Little sister KAYTI GRABLE followed but a 1-2 pitch landed in the dirt wide of the plate, bouncing to the backstop to bring in the only run Schisler would need.

"I was looking for a changeup and that's what she threw so I hit it," said Amanda Grable, a senior headed to North Dakota State. "When (Gourley's) on her A-groove, she can be good, but we got the hits we needed."

The Grable sisters also converted consecutive RBI basehits in the 7th after El Capitan mishandled a grounder which would have resulted in the third out.

Fittingly, Amanda Grable handled the final ground ball to close out Schisler's gem.

The league crown was the school's fifth straight. They shared the Grossmont North League crown with West Hills in 2007, and now own four straight outright crowns, posting a composite league record of 42-1 during the stretch.

GROSSMONT 9, WEST HILLS 5 – The Foothillers' RACHEL STALFORD slugged a 3-run homer in the 1st inning to set-up her own pitching victory in downing the host Wolf Pack in Tuesday's (May 10) Grossmont Hills League ballgame.

The book-end decision saw Grossmont score four times in both the 1st and 7th innings.

"We got on them early with Rachel taking the ball deep," said Hillers coach JERRY LERUD. "The wind was really blowing at West Hills, so she went with the pitch and took the ball out to right-center."

Bases on balls doomed the Pack from the start, as passes to AMANDA PORTER and HAYLEY KASDEN were surrounded by an error on an AUBRIE MAY grounder to load the bases. A wild pitch scored Porter, then Stalford belted her bomb.

Grossmont's big finale in the 7th saw Porter and May open with consecutive singles, both scoring on a Kasden double. Stalford's third hit placed runners on the corners, with a wild pitch scoring Kasden, then a HEATHER DEMENT basehit to right-center brought home courtesy runner JILL SULLIVAN.

SARAH NICKS knocked in the other Foothillers’ run with a 6th-inning double.

For West Hills, catcher CORTNEY HORNE batted 3-for-3 with a walk, while HEATHER VALLES went 2-for-3 with a sacrifice and a pair of stolen bases.

You Make The Call

Steele Canyon baserunner Alyssa Mascari (14) tries to avoid the tag by Valhalla catcher Naomi Tellez. Was she safe? CLICK HERE You make the call! (Photo by Loren Kramer) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Johnson struck out six batters. Meanwhile, Valhalla again was burned on runs scored by batters who walked – this time, for three of Steele Canyon's four runs.

In the 2nd inning, Cougars catcher MOLLY HUTCHISON accepted a one-out free pass, The next two batters reached on errors to load the bases, with VANESSA KELLEMS cashing in the walk with a basehit to left field to open the scoring.

Steele Canyon busted the game open with three runs in the 5th thanks to a pair of lead walks to KAYLIE AZEVEDO and Kellems, the bottom two batters in the batting order.

Azevedo was erased on a fielder's choice, but GABRIELLE BEASLEY lifted a bloop single over third base to load the bases, then with two out, Hutchison blasted a 3-2 pitch over the head of the centerfielder for a 3-run double.

"Molly came through for another clutch hit," said Cougars coach JULIE BOHE. "While Courtney did a fantastic job shutting down Valhalla, which can be dangerous once they get going."

Azevedo, who gained the start in right field, aided Johnson with a slap single on offense, plus a pair of nice catches, including a grab of a hard liner by TORREY ROOK. One of Valhalla's top hitters, Rook lost a pair of potential hits on drives caught by Steele Canyon 's outfield.

Among the Norsemen hits was a 7th-inning double by KYLA CLAPHAM.

EL CAJON VALLEY 8, MOUNT MIGUEL 6 – Braves senior VIRGINIA HOPPER, who only gained a few at-bats all season, gained a berth in the No. 9 spot in the batting order Tuesday (May 10) against the Matadors. And the move made head coach DOUG HARTUNG again look like a genius.

Trailing 4-3 in the 6th inning, Hopper delivered a go-ahead, two-run single with the bases loaded, as ECVHS scored five times over the final two frames to claim a Grossmont Valley League triumph at Trude Field.

"Virginia 's only been up a few times and just has a couple of hits for us all season," noted Hartung. "It had to be one of the biggest hits of her career."

Just like in the Valhalla game (see above), walks heavily contributed to the offense on both teams. Hopper came to the plate following three free passes, knocking in two, with the third later scoring on an error.

In the 7th, a lead walk to MERLINDA LOPEZ was cashed in on a hit by JESSICA SNOW, who was credited with a 2-run double after the outfielder tripped and fell while chasing the deep fly ball.

The contest featured four lead changes.

After the Braves scored in the 1st when KAMY ROJAS walked and eventually scored on a MONICA DUGGAN basehit, the Matadors answered right back to take a 2-1 lead.

ECVHS tied it in the 3rd on another basehit by Duggan (2-4, 2 RBI), then Rojas stole home in the 5th for a 3-2 advantage.

"That run came back to be a big play with two outs," noted Hartung. "Kamy caught the catcher throwing the ball back to the pitcher a little too slowly, so she timed it perfectly."

Mount Miguel answered with two runs in the 5th for a 4-3 lead, but the Braves battled back once more,

"Walks were not friendly to either team," added Hartung. "And we also scored a couple of runs on passed balls."

HELIX 6, GRANITE HILLS 3 – Highlanders seniors CARLY ACEVES and CLAUDETTE SMITH each knocked in a pair of runs Tuesday (May 10), as the Scotties erupted for six runs in the 6th inning to stun the visiting Eagles.

If there's a recurring theme throughout all three Grossmont Hills League contests, it's that leadoff walks are destructive.

"That's why coaches hate it when you walk the leadoff batter," said Helix coach KELLIE NELSON. "They score something like 75-to-80 percent of the time."

Sure enough, a lead walk to CHANNELLE WARD was followed by an error on a hard grounder by RAEISHA CARTER.

Cousins PRECIOUS SEETIA-NOA and SYDNI TOILOLO then belted consecutive RBI singles in the game. Three batters later, an Aceves grounder brushed the glove of the diving Granite Hills shortstop, with two runs scoring on the go-ahead single.

Smith then slugged a double, bringing home SAMANTHA CUNNINGHAM (walk) and Aceves.

Granite Hills opened the scoring in the 5th. Following two-out basehits by MICHELLE MILLER and KIMMY TRIOLO, a grounder off the bat of freshman BROOKLYN SCHWEN, allowed a pair of unearned runs to score.

In the 7th, Eagles right fielder TARIN MARKS slugged a one-out homer to left-center field.

© East County Sports.com
SKYLINE (5-10-11) — Christian High senior MONIQUE ELLIOTT was among more than 200 student-athletes recognized by the San Diego High School Sports Association for outstanding work on the field, in the classroom, and community service at Monday (May 9) morning's breakfast gala held at the Scottish Rite Center in Mission Valley.

Elliott was named as the top student-athlete from Christian, joining classmate DANIEL STRAUSS, along with one person of each gender from all CIF-San Diego Section schools, for "teamwork, leadership, citizenship, and selfless dedication to the school community," as stated under HSSA guidelines.

Elliott then heavily contributed in the afternoon's Eastern League softball game, slugging a double among a season-high 21 hits by the Patriots (7-13, 2-6 EL) in a 15-10 conquest of host Morse (6-17, 1-7 EL). The victory gives the teams a split of the home-and-home series.

Junior catcher MARY GRABOWSKI again paced the Christian offense, batting 4-for-5 with five RBI, including a grand slam in the 4th inning to turn a 6-5 nailbiter into a 12-5 cushion after the Patriots scored six times in the frame. Grabowski's shot went to deep left-center field.

In addition, ANAYA TOBIASON went 4-for-5 with a double, while KEYLEE SCHULTZ and JEANNIE VEST contributed three hits each.

Vest also garnered an unusual sacrifice fly after the Morse first baseman raced into foul territory to catch a popup. By the time the defender turned back toward the infield, Christian's MELANIE STARK tagged up from third base and hustled home to score.

Stark also collected two hits and an RBI, along with teammate ALYSSA HARRIS. Meanwhile, junior KELLY ROBINSON gained the start at first base for an injured player, also registering a run-scoring basehit.

© East County Sports.com
TIERRASANTA (5-7-11) — Coaches know it as the sandwich situation, facing a weaker opponent between ballgames with top contenders. The problem: the longer the second-division stays in the contest, the greater chance for an upset.

Fortunately for Patrick Henry, first baseman ALEXANDRA MOOTRY again delivered in the clutch.

Buried in a scoreless ballgame, Mootry blasted a 2-run double to start a 4-run rally in the 5th inning, pacing the Patriots past host Serra, 6-0, in Friday's (May 6) Eastern League contest.

Matadors show improvement on defense © East County Sports.com SPRING VALLEY (5-8-11) — Down to just nine players in uniform, Mount Miguel High was pleased with its defensive effort despite falling to visiting Monte Vista, 11-1 in five innings, in Saturday's (May 7) Grossmont Valley League contest. Several of the Matadors made important contributions despite unfamiliar surroundings. "Many of the girls played in different positions that they were not used to and they played amazing defense all game," said Matadors head coach KATHLEEN GALBRAITH. "It was one of our best defensive games all season." Meanwhile, Monte Vista's pitching carried a perfect game into the 4th inning, when Mount Miguel thwarted the effort on three consecutive basheits by TANISHA HOOD, ALIYAH CHAVEZ and CARRIEANN NASON. An inning later, Nason, playing shortstop for the first time, registered all three outs to retire the Monarchs. Mount Miguel then scored its lone run on a bases-loaded single by Chavez following consecutive walks to NICOLE VARGAS, DEMETRIA ANDERSON and CATHERINE QUIJADA. Monte Vista is not a participant with East County Sports, thus no information is reported by the Monarchs.

GRACE HERNANDEZ finished with a 5-hit shutout, moving Henry (15-7 overall) to 8-0 in league, needing just one additional triumph to gain an automatic berth to the CIF Division II championship.

Oh, that sandwich situation? Next up for the 9th-ranked Patriots is a showdown with No. 12 Scripps Ranch to determine this season's pennant winner. The contest has been pushed back and will now by played next Thursday (May 12) at Henry.

Mootry, who was recently injured in an auto accident, displayed no ill effects after her 2-for-3, three RBI performance. The outing also included a 7th-inning triple to bring home JENNIFER SCHUFF, who gained a lead walk.

Following both of Mootry's run-scoring hits, third baseman JESSICA PING answered with RBI hits as part of her 3-for-4 performance.

With the victory, Patrick Henry moved 1 1/2 games ahead of Scripps Ranch. The Falcons saw its slated contest with third-place Mira Mesa postponed to next week due to SAT testing.

For Serra, sophomore Savanna Case and freshman Taylor Moran each went 2-for-3, including a Moran double.

MORSE 7, CHRISTIAN 6 — The celler-dwelling Tigers were handed three unearned runs on a pair of errors in the 7th inning to snap a 4-4 tie, while the Patriots could only rebound with two runs to fall short on Senior Day in Friday's (May 6) Eastern League contest at Roma Dawson Field.

The late charge saw catcher MARY GRABOWSKI pound a triple, scoring on a basehit by ANAYA TOBIASON. The second baseman then stole second base, coming home on a single by freshman ALYSSA HARRIS before Morse got out of the inning.

Grabowski went 2-for-3, including a double, while shortstop MONIQUE ELLIOTT paced the Patriots by going 4-for-4 at the plate.

Elliott is reportedly narrowed her college choices to a pair of NCAA Division I programs in Fairleigh Dickinson University (26-22, 9-11 Northeast Conference) or Louisiana Tech, coached by former Patriots great SARAH DAWSON.

The Patriots and Tigers conclude their home-and-home series Monday (May 9), with Morse serving as the home team.

VALLEY CENTER 5, STEELE CANYON 3 — In an important, last-season non-league contest with playoff implications, the Jaguars received a 2-run, go-ahead double by sophomore shortstop Hana Gilbert in the 6th inning to take out the host Cougars.

Valley Center (14-10) is considered one of the top contenders in Division IV (along with Mater Dei, Palo Verde Valley and Holtville), which is the weakest of the CIF San Diego Section's five divisions.

Thus, Grossmont Conference schools, already hurting following a poor run prior to league play, may feel the ramifications of this single game when the playoff pairings are announced – the regular season ends next Saturday (May 14).

No information was reported by Steele Canyon (14-12).

Steele Canyon's Grace Kramer pitched a 1-2-3 inning in the 8th, then gained the victory in relief when she singled home the game-winning run. (Photo by Loren Kramer) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (5-6-11) — There's something about playing Steele Canyon High which brings out the best in the Helix High softball team.

But there's also a reason the Cougars have captured league titles over four of the past five seasons.

Despite another strong Highlanders effort which forced extra innings, Steele Canyon overcame a 3-run deficit by scoring three times in the bottom of the 7th, then again scored an 8th-inning run to shock the Scotties, this time by a 4-3 count in Grossmont Hills League action Thursday (May 5).

"Helix always finds a way to play us really tough," said Cougars coach JULIE BOHE. "But our girls know how to win, too."

A dramatic final turn at the plate saw consecutive singles by Steele Canyon's GRACE KRAMER, VANESSA KELLEMS and MICHELLE BEASLEY break the Helix shutout bid.

A blooper by KAYLIE AZEVEDO landed for a basehit, but Kellems was stuck at third base with less than two outs, loading the bases. However, sophomore TORI YANITOR, who has missed most of the season, came on to smack a 2-run single to send the contest into overtime.

"Tori hurt her ankle in the first week of the season and didn't start playing until recently," added Bohe. "We've been careful with her and only use her as our designated player, so, obviously, that was her biggest hit of the season."

Kramer then entered the pitching circle in relief of ASHLEY BARANOV, who avoided the loss by the Cougars' late rally. Kramer retired Helix in order in the 8th, then was a central part of the winning effort.

MOLLY HUTCHISON opened with a walk, then Baranov reached when she legged out what was to be a sacrifice bunt for a scratch single.

Kramer followed with a line single to right field for the walkoff, game-winner.

The Highlanders grabbed a 2-0 lead in the 4th on a basehit by senior CARLY ACEVES, bringing home RAEISHA CARTER, who belted a lead double.

Two innings later, it became 3-0 when Carter slammed a homer to left-center, part of the first baseman's 2-for-4 outing.

Grossmont High displayed top defensive form to retain the GHL lead. Shortstop Aubrie May (top) hangs in there to get the force out on a runner from Valhalla, while first baseman Megan Crisci (bottom) lunges into foul territory for the grab. (Photos by Steve Crisci) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Grossmont was seeking to become just the second team in 13 years to go undefeated in league play. So after Granite Hills upended the plans, the Hillers jumped on Valhalla early.

"That was something we definitely talked about," said Grossmont pitcher RACHEL STALFORD, who struck out six to gain the victory. "It was just mental mistakes which cost us, so we played as a team and our defense was right on."

With errorless play behind her, Stalford also delivered with the bat by collecting a season-high five RBI after she matched teammate AMANDA PORTER in going 3-for-4 at the plate.

After driving in single runs in the 1st and 2nd innings, Stalford's third single of the contest went for three runs when she elected to remain at first base.

"The throw hit CARLI (GILSTRAP, the Valhalla third baseman) in the back of the head," noted Stalford. "Although I could've kept running, I stopped in respect for her."

Gilstrap was fine and remained in the contest, but the damage on the scoreboard was already done.

HAYLEY KASDEN added a 2-run single early in the 2nd to make it 3-0, part of a 12-hit Grossmont attack.

Valhalla's lone run came in the 4th on a series of consecutive singles by TORREY ROOK, MADISON LABSHERE, then Gilstrap for the RBI.

WEST HILLS 6, GRANITE HILLS 2 – Following four scoreless innings, the visiting Wolf Pack scored in every inning thereafter to slow down the suddenly hot Eagles in Thursday's (May 5) Grossmont Hills League ballgame.

West Hills right fielder EMILY SPENCER finally kick-started the offense, stroking a lead double in the 5th to ignite a 3-run rally. Spencer later singled home a run in a 2-for-3 outing.

Granite Hills infielder Katy Crews (right) with the tagout of a West Hills baserunner. (Photo by Suzy Lahitte) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Valles went 2-for-4 with a pair of stolen bases. Then in the 7th, freshman catcher CORTNEY HORNE bombed a 2-run homer to left field, short-hopping the stands on the adjacent field for her second homer of the season – an estimated shot of some 240 feet.

Down 4-0, Granite Hills scored single runs in the 6th and 7th frames.

First baseman NICOLE OBNEY cleared the head of the West Hills right fielder for a triple, scoring on a RAE SHEW basehit, also to right. An inning later, TARIN MARKS stroked a lead double, eventually scoring on another Obney basehit.

EL CAPITAN 6, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 – The youthful Vaqueros are beginning to see some development from their youngsters, including center fielder TAYLOR HUNT. The sophomore posted her second consecutive 2-for-3 outing at the plate to help defeat the host Braves in Thursday's (May 5) Grossmont Valley League contest.

Hunt drove in half of El Capitan 's run, keying a 4-run rally in the 4th inning by driving home a pair with a single. An inning later, Hunt drove in CHRISSY MILLER for an insurance run.

That was enough for starting pitcher DELANIE GOURLEY in her final start before meeting Santana next Tuesday (May 10) to determine the GVL championship. Gourley struck out nine during her three innings of prep time, yielding a leadoff double to ECVHS junior CHELSEA BALL in the 2nd.

Vaqueros catcher CINDY GONZALEZ was credited with the game-winning RBI in the 3rd after she was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.

SANTANA 13, MONTE VISTA 1 (5 inn.) – As the contest progressed, things kept getting better and better for sophomore catcher KAYTI GRABLE, who collected a career-high six RBI to lead the Sultans past the visiting Monarchs in Thursday's (May 5) Grossmont Valley League affair in Santee.

After garnering a run-scoring single in the 2nd inning to cap a 4-run rally, Grable again singled in the 3rd, driving in two additional runs as the score went to 10-1.

Then in the 5th, Grable again advanced her cause, this time collecting three RBI with a single swing by bombing a 3-run homer to left-center field, a walkoff shot to ignite the run rule.

Meanwhile, TARA GRENNEN added a 2-run homer for Santana. The ball also landed beyond the left-center fence, but deeper as she drilled an 0-2 pitch onto the school's tennis courts. Grennen finished with three RBI in a 2-for-3 performance.

CAITLIN ARNDT opened the scoring with an RBI double, coming home on Grennen's homer.

Santana pitchers AMBER SCHISLER and KENDRA KUPER combined on a 3-hitter.

© East County Sports.com
SAN CARLOS (5-5-11) — Mira Mesa High faced an important decision after Patrick Henry placed the potential game-tying runner on third base with two outs in the bottom of the 7th inning.

Either pitch to the Patriots' GRACE HERNANDEZ, who had gone 0-for-3 earlier in Wednesday's (May 4) Eastern League contest, or walk her and face the red-hot JESSICA PING, or walk her, too, and battle VICTORIA BRETZ, who is also on a tear.

The Marauders elected to challenge Hernandez... who slugged a walk-off, 2-run homer to center field, giving Patrick Henry a dramatic 7-6 triumph.

That's what happens when you're undefeated in league – every break seems to go your way.

"It's also a reflection on Grace and her determination," noted Henry coach DON SHAFFER. "She would admit she didn't pitch her best game and she'd been struggling at the plate, but her resolve to do whatever it takes is unquestionable."

Despite 6 1/2 less than stellar innings, which included six runs and 12 hits by Mira Mesa, plus three weak plate appearances, Hernandez turned on a 2-0 pitch for the walkoff winner, effectively eliminating the third-place Marauders from title consideration.

Meanwhile, the main reason Patrick Henry stayed in the ballgame was thanks to JEN SCHUFF, who drove in three runs in a 3-for-3 outing.

Schuff pounded an RBI single in the 2nd, then a 2-run basehit in the 4th to keep the Patriots close.

Then in the 7th, Schuff led off with her third single, moved to second base on a LEXEE HUTCHENS basehit, then scored on a double by CARLY MITCHELL. RACHEL SHOCKLEY pushed home Hutchens while Mitchell advance to third, setting-up Hernandez' heroics.

SCRIPPS RANCH 9, CHRISTIAN 1 – This Eastern League contest remained close into the 5th inning before the second-place Falcons busted the game open, remaining one game behind front-running Patrick Henry.

Senior catcher MAGGIE SEVILLA belted a 2-run homer in the 1st for Scripps Ranch.

However, Christian stayed close with a run in the 2nd when MARY GRABOWSKI singled, advanced on a KEYLEE SCHULTZ bunt, then scored on a basehit to right field by ALYSSA HARRIS.

Scripps Ranch will travel to Patrick Henry to determine the league champion next Wednesday (May 11) at 3 p.m.

Grossmont High catcher Sarah Nicks applies the tag, however, Katy Crews of Granite Hills is ruled safe in the Eagles 5-2 win. (Photo by Frank Price, youatplay.com) VIEW/PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (5-4-11) — West Hills High fully expected to be the focal point of the Grossmont Hills League pennant race, but a 2-3 start left the team disillusioned.

"We wanted to prove we were good players," said Wolf Pack first baseman JAYMEE BUSH. "We wanted to make the adjustment."

Bush held up her end of the bargain. The junior unlocked a tied ballgame with a 2-run double in the 4th inning, then made a nice defensive play for the final out to propel the Pack past visiting Steele Canyon, 3-2.

Headed by the return of East County pitcher of the year NOELLE JOHNSON, West Hills was considered the GHL's top contender this season. However, a series of setbacks have kept them floating just above the .500 mark.

"We're finally fitting the mold," added Bush. "We're starting to live up to high expectations."

Prior to West Hills' GHL title in 2010, Steele Canyon won or shared four straight league crowns, so the pressure was there for both teams to perform. It was the Wolf Pack which delivered the clutch hits despite 10 total hits by the Cougars.

Included was an RBI single with the bases loaded by SAVANNA BAGGETT to open the scoring in the 1st inning, scoring TAYLOR HALLAHAN (lead walk) to give West Hills the quick lead.

Steele Canyon got even, thanks to an appeal play in the 4th, but Bush answered right back with a booming shot over the head of the left fielder. The rally started with a KATIE BYRD single, Baggett was hit by a pitch, then both moved into scoring position on an ARIANA QUINTANIILA sacrifice bunt.

"I was looking for an inside pitch and I got an inside pitch," Bush recalled. "It felt good coming off the bat."

Steele Canyon ran itself out of a potential rally in the 4th. Almost.

Following a lead basehit by catcher MOLLY HUTCHISON, KALI SCHWARTZ put down a sacrifice bunt toward third base. Hutchison, noting no one was covering third base, tried to take the extra base, but was called out as West Hills catcher CORTNEY HORNE and left fielder HEATHER VALLES hustled to cover.

Valles caught the throw from Bush, the first baseman, for the highly unusual sacrifice bunt-double play. However, Steele Canyon appealed, claiming interference by Horne, even though she was running perpendicular to Hutchison.

Although the home plate umpire, who was only 20 feet away denied the appeal, the base umpire at first over-ruled from more than 80 feet away.

The Cougars then took advantage of the revised call when COURTNEY JOHNSON dropped the ball into left field for a run-scoring basehit to tie the ballgame.

VANESSA KELLEMS opened the 7th with a triple, scoring on a MICHELLE BEASLEY basehit to cut the lead in half, but she was stranded at first as Noelle Johnson retired the next three batters to earn the victory.

On defense, Hallahan, the West Hills center fielder, threw out Steele Canyon's Schwartz, who tried to score from second base on an ASHLEY BARANOV basehit in the 2nd. However, Horne, the catcher, actually held the ball in her bare hand (CLICK FOR PHOTO), not her glove, yet received the call from the umpire.

Bush ended the game by knocking down a ground ball, deflecting it to second baseman Vanessa McHugh, who tossed back to Bush.

You Make The Call!

Steele Canyon baserunner Kali Schwartz is out at the plate, as West Hills catcher Cortney Horne applies the tag.... or did she? CLICK PHOTO for enlargement (Photo by Loren Kramer) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Grossmont's Hayley Kasden (right) is safe at third. (Photo by Steve Crisci) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

GRANITE HILLS 5, GROSSMONT 2 — The people who produced their version of the county rankings for one major media service would like to welcome the Foothillers to the Top 10 for the first time this season. And don't forget to close the door on your way out.

Grossmont gained a No. 8 berth by SignOnSanDiego to start the week, then the Grossmont Hills League leaders at 5-0 promptly gave it all back when Granite Hills proved unwelcome guests as the last-place Eagles completed one of several upsets in the East County on Tuesday (May 3).

"It's nice to see the girls are still working hard to make this happen," said Granite Hills coach ERIN COYNE. "They put it all together and actually played as a team."

The Eagles' season was hampered when USD bound outfielder MORGAN KURTZ was lost due to a broken wrist. Her absence left a hole in the batting order, while several players needed to shift positions to adequately cover on defense.

But since Kurtz' cast was removed, Granite Hills has uncovered success by piecing together several hits in an inning to produce enough offense to earn the breakthrough victory.

Down 1-0, the Eagles scored three times in the 4th inning, then two more in the 5th.

KIMMY TRIOLO started the assault with an RBI double to score DESIREE MEJIA (walk) with the tying run, then came home when NICOLE OBNEY pulled the ball to right field for a 2-run homer.

An inning later, TARIN MARKS belted a 2-out double to center to bring in KATY CREWS (lead single), then came home on a basehit by MICHELLE MILLER.

Meanwhile, Triolo limited the Hillers to just four hits without a walk. She also struck out five to out-duel Grossmont's RACHEL STALFORD (7 Ks).

Grossmont opened the scoring behind the NICKS sisters in the 2nd. Following a basehit by Stalford, KAITLYN NICKS bunted courtesy runner JILL SULLIVAN to second, then SARAH NICKS went to center field for an RBI single.

In the 4th, HAYLEY KASDEN singled and moved to third base on Stalford's bloop single over the second baseman. Kasden scored on a sacrifice fly by Sarah Nicks, who drove in both Grossmont runs.

Making the throw is Valhalla 3B Carli Gilstrap. (Photo by James Labshere) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

The troubles for the Highlanders began right away when an illegal pitch allowed KYLA CLAPHAM a free pass from third base to open the scoring.

The Norsemen would later score three times in the 3rd and 5th inning, then five more in the 7th behind a perfect outing by Clapham, who went 3-for-3 with a double. Meanwhile, Valhalla pitcher TORREY ROOK looked to be regaining her 2010 form by tossing six shutout innings, striking out five and yielding just four singles.

Helix 3B Precious Seetia-Noa (Photo by James Labshere)

Following a lead walk to DIONNA SMITH, Clapham doubled to left for a 2-0 lead, then Rook doubled the advantage by rocking a 2-run homer to center.

In the 5th, Clapham opened the frame with her third hit as the Norsemen eventually loaded the bases, with all three runners eventually scoring without the ball leaving the infield.

Valhalla later added five runs, all after two were out, in the 7th.

Helix' lone runs against the bullpen saw CLAUDETTE SMITH smack an RBI double to left field, scoring KAI PENN (hit by pitch). Smith scored on a pinchhit single by RAEISHA CARTER, who came home on a double into the left-field corner by KEANA NAKATA.

For the Highlanders, SYDNI TOILOLO and PRECIOUS SEETIA-NOA each went 2-for-3 at the plate.

© East County Sports.com
SAN CARLOS (5-3-11) — Patrick Henry High welcomed its inclusion into the Top 10 in the county rankings for the first time this season with exultation.

Winning for the eighth time in nine starts, the soaring Patriots (13-7) were rated No. 9 in the most recent SignOnSanDiego poll after taking out visiting Helix, 12-2 in 6 innings, during Monday's (May 2) non-league contest. During the streak, six of the victories have come by run rule.

Henry (13-7) is well known for pitching; yes, GRACE HERNANDEZ tossed another complete-game triumph. And the team is known for power; yes, ALEXANDRA MOOTRY clubbed another home run.

But it's the top of the Patriots batting order which has turned around a .500 ballclub into a contender thanks to 1-2 batters LEXEE HUTCHENS and CARLY MITCHELL. Against the Highlanders, the pair forced a series of Helix mistakes on defense with their speed, reaching base seven times and scoring five times.

"I just try to read the defense when I step into the batting box," said Mitchell, a senior second baseman. "Where they play me determines if I bunt or slap to get them to fish."

"We just try to cause some havoc out there."

Most noteworthy, rushed throws in order to gun down Henry's baserunners resulted in seven errors when a routine play failed to materialize when they didn't gain that extra second to throw the ball.

"People are stepping up and doing it so teams can't focus on one or two batters," added Mitchell.

A seemingly innocent sacrifice bunt by Mitchell led to a 5-run outburst in the 2nd inning. After Hutchens' lead single, Mitchell put the ball on the ground and sprinted to first base, reaching safely on the forced throwing error.

A walk loaded the bases, then JESSICA PING delivered a 2-run single. Three more errors set-up VICTORIA BRETZ and KATELYN LIVINGSTONE for RBI. And when you throw in a 2-run homer by Mootry in the 1st – the senior got a second chance when the wind took a popup to the infield out of play – Patrick Henry mounted a 9-1 advantage through two innings.

Hutchens finished by batting 3-for-5, including a pair of bunt singles, and scored three times. Mitchell was officially 1-for-3, but reached twice on errors plus a walk.

Meanwhile, Mootry, who entered the week batting an even .600, went 1-for-3 but with two RBI on her homer.

Also heading the 16-hit attack by the Patriots was RACHEL SHOCKLEY, who recently came back from injury, yet looks in midseason form after going 3-for-4, including run-scoring singles in the 1st and 5th innings. In addition, Bretz registered RBI basehits in the 1st and 2nd frames.

Helix opened the scoring thanks to center fielder CLAUDETTE SMITH, one of a half-dozen leading candidates for Grossmont Valley League player of the year laurels.

Smith reached on an infield single, then advanced on a CHANELLE WARD single, a sac bunt by SAMANTA CUNNINGHAM, then an RBI grounder by PRECIOUS SEETIA-NOA.

Smith also was instrumental for another Scotties run in the 3rd. She place a bunt to advance KAI PENN (hit-by-pitch) to second, with Cunningham registered a 2-out basehit to center to score the run.

The Highlanders (8-12-1) recorded a hit in every inning, including a 2nd-inning double by catcher DESIRAE BORDINE, but Hernandez came away mostly unscathed.

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