Matching pair

Mira Mesa and Christian high school hold solid futures with freshmen pitchers Alicia Garcia (top) of the Marauders, and the Patriots' Gaby Grabowski. (Photos by Nathan Price, youatplay.com) VIEW / PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-15-12) — The Eastern League title chase was punctuated long ago by Mira Mesa, yet the Marauders and host Christian Patriots put some fine-tuning to their games in preparation for the start of the CIF San Diego Section playoffs.

In a contest much closer than the final score, the second-ranked Marauders pulled away with four runs in the 7th inning, taking an 8-2 decision at Dawson Field. But the team still took much away in anticipation of the playoff pairings, which will be announced Tuesday (May 15) at 6:30 p.m. at the new section offices at the San Diego Hall of Champions.

"We definitely got really for the playoffs with this one," said Marauders slugger KATIYANA MAUGA, who blasted a 2-run homer to center in the 7th to give Mira Mesa a final regular-season record of 24-5-1 after capping a perfect mark in Eastern play. "We expect to get to the championship, but we will be tested."

Mauga, one of four Marauders with NCAA Division I scholarships, also knocked in her little sister, QUIRISA MAUGA (double) with her blast. Later in the inning, AMBER CORDERO knocked in a pair of runs with a double to lock away the victory..

However, Christian gave the Marauders a tough time. Now fielding a complete, healthy lineup for just the third ballgame all season, the outfield registered several nice catches – including leaping grabs by ANAYA TOBIASON in center field and KELLY ROBINSON in right field – while the offense collected eight hits.

Included was the ninth home run of the season by MARY GRABOWSKI, now matching her new uniform number with career blast No. 19. The USD bound senior saw freshman sister GABY GRABOWSKI allow just five hits in a strong pitching effort on the afternoon, Then ALYSSA HARRIS opened the 6th with a shot off the base of the centerfield fence for a double.

The older Grabowski, catching for her sister for the only time of their prep careers, then lifted her homer beyond the swings and into the parking lot in left fence. The back fence is 237 feet from the plate.

Placing the bunt is Christians Anaya Tobiason. Catching for Mira Mesa is Tani Leasau. (Photo by Nathan Price, youatplay.com) VIEW / PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Tobiason and KAYLA KRUEL registered two hits each for Christian, who expect to receive one of the top seeds in the Division V playoff field, receiving a bye until Friday's first round. The play-in games are slated for Wednesday.

Trailing 2-0, Christian nearly tied the contest in the 5th. With two runners in scoring position, a basehit would've scored both with two outs. However, ELIZABETH COFFIN raced from the infield to snag a flare ticketed for shallow center field to maintain the lead for starting pitcher ALICIA GARCIA.

LANI VANTA, who is headed for Weber State and is a club ball teammate with several Christian players, then tossed the 7th inning to cap the contest.

The El Capitan Vaqueros have something to get excited about: the school's first league championship in the Grossmont Conference since 1985. (Photo by Nathan Price, youatplay.com) VIEW / PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Valhalla's Danielle Uy smacks one of two Norsemen homers against Steele Canyon. (Photo by James Labshere)

Norsemen make strong CIF playoff push, stun Steele Canyon to create GHL logjam © East County Sports.com RANCHO SAN DIEGO (5-12-12) — With their back against the proverbial San Diego CIF wall in the hope of gaining a postseason berth, if Valhalla High did see its season come to end Friday (May 11), it still will be a memorable one. Norsemen sophomore pitcher ASHLEY MADARA yielded just four hits, while ABIGAIL METSCH and DANIELLE UY each slugged home runs, as Valhalla ruined the championship aspirations of visiting Steele Canyon , 7-2, at Leto Field. Utilizing a strong 3-1 run to close its campaign, not only did Valhalla catch Grossmont to finish in a tie for fourth place in the Grossmont Hills League standings, they also prevented the Cougars from claiming an outright GHL crown. Instead, it will be a three-way tie for the top spot, with Steele Canyon sharing honors with Granite Hills and West Hills. A young team hampered by injuries over the first half of the season, the Norsemen (15-14 overall, 4-6 GHL) finally leaped over the .500 plateau – usually an important consideration by the SDCIF seeding committee – as the ballclub continued to develop with a new coaching staff. The result was another convincing, wire-to-wire triumph after scoring twice in the 1st nning on four hits and a walk, despite two baserunners getting thrown out at the plate. Included were doubles by MADISON LABSHERE and DIONNA SMITH. Labshere would score on a KIKI BROWN basehit, while Smith came home on a KATIE SCHMIDT single. Then in the 2nd, Metsch smacked a leadoff homer to dead-center field for a 3-0 advantage. Steele Canyon (19-11, 7-3) made some noise when MOLLY HUTCHISON homers on the first pitch in the 4th, but Valhalla answered with three markers in the 5th to ice away the victory. The hosts collected 11 hits off Cougars pitching. LIANA GORNEY singled, then Uy belted a 2-run homer, which also scored pinch-runner KYRA AYALA. Later, Labshere again singled, with Schmidt collecting another RBI with a double. Steele Canyon's other run was driven in by KALI SCHWARTZ, who batted 2-for-2 , scoring KYLIE STEAGALL (single) in the 6th. During Valhalla 's recent run for a playoff bid, Madara is 3-0 with a 1.12 ERA (4 runs over 25 IP, including her first career shutout against Helix). Steele Canyon's Molly Hutchison hits a 3rd-inning, solo homer vs Valhalla. (Photo by James Labshere) GRANITE HILLS 4, HELIX 3 (11 inn.) – In East County's longest game of the season by innings, the Eagles gave head coach ERIN COYNE her first league title – Coyne already owns a SDCIF championship – after outlasting her alma mater, the host Highlanders, in a marathon Grossmont Hills League game. Senior TARIN MARKS scored the game-winning run after accepting a lead walk in the 11th, although she needed to go station-to-station to get there. BRIANNA TYSELING followed with a bunt single, with both runners advancing on a BROOKLYN SCHWEN grounder to the right side, then KIMMY TRIOLO walked to load the bases. ALISSA BUDVARSON followed to collect the game-winning RBI, but it was ugly. A light-hit dinker landed in the middle of the infield, but when no Helix defender was able to corral the ball, Marks skated home. Early on, the Eagles scored twice in the 1st, including consecutive singles to open the ballgame by Triolo, Budvarson and VICTORIA HATHAWAY for a 1-0 lead. However, the Scotties answered back to eventually take a 3-2 advantage, including an RBI double by SARA GONZALES. Meanwhile, senior SAMANTHA CUNNINGHAM, in her final home game, went 3-for-4, then she threw out a runner at the plate from her spot in center field to prevent the Eagles' go-ahead run from scoring in the 7th. Granite Hills got even in the 6th on a two-out, run-scoring double by Marks, bringing home FELICIA VINCENT (lead single). Meanwhile, pitcher KAILA DeWITT capped her complete-game effort with 7 1/3 innings of shutout ball. WEST HILLS 3, GROSSMONT 0 – Less than 48 hours after the Wolf Pack believed they fumbled away the Grossmont Hills League title, front-running Steele Canyon also dropped the ball, then West Hills pitcher NOELLE JOHNSON tossed a 2-hit shutout at the host Foothillers to gain a share of the GHL crown. Johnson finished with nine strikeouts, but she was able to breeze after giving herself a comfortable 3-0 lead in the 1st inning by smashing a 3-run homer. The Pack started with small-ball as KAYCEE AQUININGOC lined a single to right, MELISSA EGGLESTON bunted her to second, then CORTNEY HORNE also slipped a basehit to right, with courtesy runner JAYDE ROBERTS stealing second base. However, the strategy proved moot when Johnson lined the ball over the fence in left-center field. KATIE BYRD followed the homer with a double. Byrd matched teammate ARIANNA QUINTANILLA by going 2-for-3. Meanwhile, Johnson carried a no-hitter into the 6th, when Grossmont shortstop AUBRIE MAY and designated player CEL DAVILA recorded basehits.

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (5-12-12) — The decade of decline is officially over for the El Capitan Vaqueros.

Junior left-hander DELANIE GOURLEY overcame allowing an early run with 6 2/3 innings of shutout ball, while a drive off the bat of sophomore MARISSA CUEVAS allowed SAMANTHA LOZANO to score the game-winning run in walk-off style, allowing El Capitan to finally defeat six-time league champion Santana, 2-1.

Friday's (May 11) victory was the Vaqueros first over the Sultans in almost a decade to the day. On May 14, 2002, El Cap pitcher ANGELA LEATHERMAN also beat Santana on the final day of the regular season in a 5-0 triumph.

More importantly, El Capitan's season series split with the Sultans left the teams tied for first place in the Grossmont Valley League.

For Santana, it only added to its Grossmont Conference record streak of six straight league titles. But for the Vaqueros, it's their first crown since 1995, when they nipped Monte Vista by just a half-game in the final season of the old Grossmont 2A League.

"I think my mom was still in high school when we last won (league)," said Gourley, who struck out 12 batters to raise her record to 15-5. "It's really refreshing for our team to know that we can do it and now we're that much more confident."

El Capitan's C.J. Merrill gets ready to tag Amber Schisler for the out on the steal. (Photo by Nathan Price, youatplay.com)

Unlike the teams' first meeting, when a pair of El Capitan errors allowed Santana to win on an unearned run, the sides exchanged roles to gain a similar conclusion.

The 7th inning saw KASSIE BATTAGLIA send a hot
1-hopper of the middle for a basehit, then Gourley, the team's top hitter, was asked to bunt, moving the runner to second with a sacrifice.

"I take pride in my hitting, but I do what's best for the team," said Gourley. "We have really stepped up and worked hard on our hitting and it really paid off."

Santana third baseman Alicia Zuniga collects the ball to nail Rachel Auchenbach of El Capitan on a solid throw by Sultans center field Tara Grennan (not shown). (Photo by Nathan Price, youatplay.com)

The contest then seemed headed for extra innings when a Lozano grounder was fielded by Santana pitcher AMBER SCHISLER, who turned and caught the lead runner between bases, chasing her back to second base before tossing to shortstop ARIEL RASMUSSON for the second out.

However, C.J. MERRILL followed with an infield single to deep shortstop to move Lozano to second base, then Cuevas shocked even her teammates by taking an outside pitch sharply down the line to the opposite field.

"It was an outside pitch – I remember because I never hit them," noted Cuevas. "But I really have been working on it, then yesterday (Thursday) at practice was the first time I hit one over the fence."

"It only took me all season."

Although the defender extended to reach the ball, it was dropped and ruled an error, as Lozano was waved home for a piece of local history.

"I didn't see if she caught it or not," added Cuevas. "I just saw the ball on the ground, then I turned to see if (Lozano) made it. And when she made it, it was pretty awesome."

Early on, Santana needed just three batters to score.

Rasmusson opened the ballgame with a walk, then registered the first of her four stolen bases. A deep fly ball to right field by KAYTI GRABLE allowed Rasmusson to take third base, scoring moments later on a an infield single by Schisler.

El Capitan answered with several scoring opportunities, stranding two runners in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th. However, they finally got even in the 3rd.

Battaglia and Gourley opened with consecutive walks, so Schisler (who later re-entered the circle) was removed. However, after an out, Merrill was hit by a pitch, then Cuevas lifted a sacrifice fly to centerfield for an RBI to bring home Battaglia.

Both teams had chances to win it down the stretch,

In the El Cap 4th, RACHEL AUCHENBACH and Battaglia stroked consecutive two-out singles, but when a runner attempted to take an extra base, Santana centerfielder TARA GRENNAN fired a strike to ALICIA ZUNIGA at third base for the third out.

The outfield assists fired up Santana, who quickly answered in the 5th as Rasmusson walked and stole two bases, then Schisler walked and kept running to take second base with no one out. However, Gourley escaped with three straight strikeouts, part of her 12 for the contest.

Gourley's strikeouts lifted her career total to 955, moving into second place on the CIF San Diego Section career list after passing former Francis Parker pitcher Amye McIntyre (951, 2007-09).

Then in the 6th, it was the Sultans turn with defense, as Zuniga fielded a pop-up off a bunt, firing to second baseman TAYLOR BARRY for a double play.

Rasmusson collected two of Santana's four hits off Gourley. Battaglia went 3-for-3 plus a walk among El Capitan 's seven hits off a pair of Sultans pitchers.

Santana's Ariel Rasmusson (right) steals third base, one of her four thefts vs. El Capitan. Defending is Vaqueros shortstop C.J. Merrill. (Photo by Nathan Price, youatplay.com)

"It took all season, but the ladies got it done," said Mount Miguel head coach KATHLEEN HANKLA. "This was the best game they have played all season and a great way for the seniors to go out on."

All season long, the Matadors battled to keep extending opponent's innings with errors. However, this time, the team committed just two errors while Vargas yielded just two hits, as the Braves never brought more than four batters to the plate in any given inning through the afternoon Friday (May 11). Included were seven chances without an error by Mount Miguel outfielders MARLEESA CHAVEZ, DEMETRIA ANDERSON and DEJANAY POPE.

Mount Miguel also struggled to score, only receiving basehits by BLIME MACIAS and ALIYAH CHAVEZ through five innings. But in the 6th, the Matadors tallied all of their runs.

Vargas started the game's lone scoring rally with a double to right field, moving to third on an error. She opened the scoring by a Chavez double to center field, then Macias continued the streak of two-base hits with her own drive to center and a 2-0 advantage.

Finally, ANGELICA GORDON singled home Macias to build a 3-0 cushion. Then in the 7th, Anderson hauled in the game-ending fly ball to clinch the victory. Historically, it's the first time that Mount Miguel and El Capitan captured league games (in the same league) on the same day since 1991.

Warhawk-Friar Classic
CHRISTIAN 12, SANTA FE CHRISTIAN 1 (6 inn.) – Under the previous SDCIF administration, this Warhawk-Friar Classic rain-out would never be allowed to be played after a tournament's championship had been completed. But the new staff had no problem with it, so nearly three weeks later, the Patriots travelled to Solana Beach and whipped the Eagles by run rule.

GABY GRABOWSKI tossed 1-hit ball in her five innings of work, striking out six batters. The freshman also stroked a pair of RBI doubles among her three hits.

Meanwhile, older sister MARY GRABOWSKI bombed her seventh home run of the season, giving her 17 for her career. The senior also posted a run-scoring double for three RBI on the afternoon Friday (May 11).

ALYSSA HARRIS batted 3-for-3, scoring on the home run in the 6th, while KAYLA KRUEL knocked in three runs, including a 2-run double.

In addition, KELLY ROBINSON scored twice after reaching on an error and getting hit by a pitch.

Christian, which is expected to be among the top Division V seeds when the SDCIF playoff pairings are announced Tuesday, will cap the season with another make-up game, hosting Eastern League champion and second-ranked Mira Mesa on Monday's Senior Day.

The in-depth focus of El Capitan pitcher Delanie Gourley, who struck out 12 batters Friday to move into second place on the CIF San Diego Section career strikeout list. (Photos by Frank Price, youatplay.com) VIEW / PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
SAN CARLOS (5-11-12) — The San Diego CIF playoff seeding committee received little assistance following Thursday's (May 10) regular-season finale between Serra and Patrick Henry high schools.

The Conquistadors were able to make a trio of unearned runs stand up for a 3-2 victory, leaving the two ballclubs, along with Scripps Ranch, in a 3-way tie for second place behind league titlist Mira Mesa.

And since there are no tiebreakers, the CIF committee will need to dig into the archives from the first half of the season to determine which team is placed above another when creating postseason pairings.

At least Patrick Henry went down with a fight. After being limited to three singles through six innings, the host Patriots scored twice in the bottom of the 7th before Lady Q-Dawgs pitcher Makayla Martin registered a game-ending strikeout.

"It's games like this which teach you how to handle pressure," said Martin, a freshman. "I knew Patrick Henry would be tough, so I relied on my defense."

While Serra played error-free ball, two of Patrick Henry's three miscues cost senior pitcher GRACE HERNANDEZ a victory on Senior Day. She allowed just three singles while striking out seven.

Down 3-0, the Patriots’ rally started when MADDY BARRAZA smacked a sharp two-hopper up the middle for a one-out single, followed by an infield basehit by ALLY FAILLACE. Both are freshmen.

Following an infield fly for the second out, senior KELLY JERTBERG walked to load the bases. Then Patrick Henry scored both of its runs on an unusual play.

MONTANA POTTS send a roller up the middle, which was knocked down by the second baseman. Barraza scored, but coach DON SHAFFER also waved Faillace home, surprising the defense and beating the late throw home for a 2-run infield single.

However, with the potential tying and winning runs on base, Martin escaped with her fifth and final strikeout.

"You can find the real athlete in you in games like this," added Martin. "That's why it was important for us to hang on to get into second place."

Even without a senior on the roster, Serra's runner-up finish is the school's best since a third-place finish in 2004. The Q's last Eastern League title came in 2003. Patrick Henry shared the league crown with Scripps Ranch last season.

Christian High's Alyssa Harris smacks a solo homer in the 3rd inning vs. Scripps Ranch. (Photo by Lupe Harris)

The big blow for Scripps Ranch was a leadoff homer by pinch-hitter Kasey Newman in the 5th inning, helping snap Christian's 2-game winning streak.

For Christian, ALYSSA HARRIS went 3-for-3, including a one-out, solo homer in the 3rd. Harris, the shortstop, also scored three times, including once in the 7th when the Patriots posted three runs in an attempt to pull out the victory.

Freshman GABY GRABOWSKI knocked Harris home with a double. She went 1-for-2 plus a pair of sacrifice bunts, one being a safety squeeze to register a second RBI on the afternoon.

Meanwhile, right fielder KELLY ROBINSON batted 2-for-3, reaching base a third time by getting hit by a pitch which led to a 7th-inning run.

MIRA MESA 17, MORSE 2 – The second-ranked Marauders extended their winning streak to nine straight after whipping the Morse Tigers by a 15-run margin for the second time this season in Thursday's (May 10) Eastern League contest.

The assault on offense featured a pair of home runs by KATIYANA MAUGA, who went 4-for-6 at the plate. Mauga finished with four RBI.

Grossmont Valley League
MONTE VISTA 4, MOUNT MIGUEL 2 – The host Matadors overcame some early mistakes, shoring up its defense to get back into Thursday's (May 10), GVL rain make-up game. However, with a chance to pull out a victory in the bottom of the 7th inning, the Monarchs completed the game-saving defensive stop to gain a season series sweep.

Down 4-0, CATHERINE QUIJADA walked, ANGELICA GORDON singled, then BLIME MACIAS doubled to get Mount Miguel on the scoreboard. ALIYAH CHAVEZ followed with an RBI single, as both remaining baserunners advanced to second and third bases as the potential game-winning run came to the plate.

NICOLE VARGAS followed with a line drive up the middle which would have easily tied the ballgame. However, an unnamed Monte Vista defender snagged the ball for the game-ending out.

Monte Vista received a 2-run single by EMMA DeMARS, one of just four hits by the Monarchs. They were robbed on several defensive gems by Mount Miguel .

In the 3rd, Matadors third baseman CLAUNITTA HARMON fielded a hot grounder, stepping on the bag then firing to first base for an inning-ending double play.

Conversely, Monte Vista escaped from a bases-loaded situation after Harmon reach base, DEJANAY POPE doubled, then Quijada walked.

Granite Hills' Kimmy Triolo opens the bottom of the 1st with a home run – her third bomb in her last three games – the lone marker in a 1-0 triumph over West Hills. (Photo by Suzy Lahitte) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

A Day for Defense

Granite Hills second baseman Felicia Vincent blocks the base (with the softball) for the out.

Eagles baserunner Alissa Budvarson slides in a vain attempt to avoid the tag by West Hills second basemann Katie Byrd (right).

Eagles outfelder Tarin Marks races into the gap to rob West Hills of an extra-base hit. (Photos by Suzy Lahitte)

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-10-12) — Granite Hills High junior KIMMY TRIOLO possesses a special working arrangement with her catcher.

"We've been together so long, we often know what the other is thinking," said Triolo. "So we often know what pitch we want to throw next.”

There's just one catch. Triolo and her catcher CORTNEY HORNE are teammates on their Power Surge 18 Gold club team. On Wednesday (May 9), the pair were high school opponents, so when Triolo "knew" what pitch Horne would call next, she slugged a leadoff home run for the lone score in Granite Hills' 1-0 decision over visiting West Hills.

Triolo's blast as the first batter in the bottom of the 1st inning stood up all afternoon behind a 3-hit shutout by KAILA DeWITT.

"It was a 2-2 pitch and I was thinking, 'we'd throw a riseball next,'" Triolo recalled. "And there was the riseball, but it didn't rise."

Triolo, a junior, who is hitting hotter than a jalapeno, punched the ball out for her third career homer – and her third bomb in her last three contests.

For 5th-ranked West Hills, the defeat knocked them out of a tie for first place in the Grossmont Hills League, opening the door for Steele Canyon to take the crown outright. It could also take the Wolf Pack out in the battle for the top seed when the SDCIF Division III playoffs commence next week.

Meanwhile, Eagles coach ERIN COYNE took an educated guess and placed DeWitt, a freshman, in the pitching circle instead of Triolo.

"Kaila pitched great – West Hills never caught up to her," added Triolo.

Coyne went with DeWitt after learning Helix had upset the Wolf Pack just a week earlier by throwing SAMANTHA CUNNINGHAM, who is admittedly a junk-ball pitcher.

"And I throw screwballs, risers and curves, too," noted DeWitt. "So all coach had to tell me before the game was to be ready to play and know what you’re suppose to do (with pitch selection)."

And with solid play by the Granite Hills defense, including a running catch by TARIN MARKS to rob West Hills of an extra base hit, DeWitt cruised to her first career shutout.

"We've been an under-estimated team all season," added Triolo. "Hopefully, we can prove everybody wrong and make a playoff run like Grossmont did (to the championship) last year."

The Eagles finished with seven hits, including doubles by first baseman VICTORIA HATHAWAY and catcher KRISTINA LAHITTE.

The Flyin' Hawai'ian
Granite Hills freshman Kaila DeWitt (left) tossed a 3-hit shutout to down West Hills, 1-0, then gets congratulated by her Eagles teammates. (Photos by Suzy Lahitte)

STEELE CANYON 13, HELIX 5 – The Cougars gained undisputed possession of first place in the Grossmont Hills League with one ballgame remaining after quickly blitzing the visiting Highlanders by scoring 11 times in the opening three innings.

Coupled with a West Hills setback to Granite Hills on Wednesday (May 9), Steele Canyon moved into position for its first outright league crown since taking the final four titles in the old Grossmont North League (2006-09). The Cougars were co-champions last season.

Cougars pitcher GRACE KRAMER posted another career outing for strikeouts, this time plowing down 14 Scotties batters in tossing a 7-hitter.

On offense, AMANDA HARTNETT went to left field with a drive, which rolled toward the Great Wall, allowing the senior to circle the bases for a 2-run, inside-the-park homer, also scoring ALYSSA MASCARI (single).

Meanwhile, JESSICA THOMPSON batted 4-for-4 with a double, while KYLIE STEAGALL was 1-for-1 plus a pair of walks, raising her batting average to .524 this season. Her hit was a double in the 1st, which followed consecutive basehits by TORI YANITOR and Harnett, to drive in the opening run.

AZEVEDO also registered an RBI single in the 1st, when Steele Canyon jumped to a 5-0 advantage.

In the 2nd, a double-steal started by RACHEL BEASLEY allowed ELIZABETH MELLO to score from third base to mount a 9-0 cushion.

Helix answered in the 3rd when SAMANTHA CUNNINGHAM knocked in a pair of runs with a single. The rally saw CHANELLE WARD walk, then SYDNI TOILOLO doubled to place two runners in scoring position.

In addition, MARISSA HAMPTON posted a 2-run single in the 5th.

Kiki Brown of Valhalla smacks another home run, as the Norsemen take out Grosmsont, 10-2, in Wednesday's Grossmont Hills League contest. (Photo by James Labshere)

VALHALLA 10, GROSSMONT 2 – Less than 24 hours after the Foothillers registered an important victory with San Diego CIF Division I playoff implications over Otay Ranch, Grossmont got rapped by host Valhalla in Wednesday's (May 9) Grossmont Hills League ballgame at Leto Field.

DIONNA SMITH drove in a pair of runs in the 1st inning, when the Norsemen mounted a 3-0 lead. KIKI BROWN then added the finishing touches on the wire-to-wire triumph with a home run in the 6th.

ASHLEY MADARA tossed a 5-hitter to gain the victory, carrying a 1-hit shutout into the 6th inning before Grossmont's KATHERINE TREGO hit a lead homer to open the 6th. But by then, Valhalla led 8-0, then Brown matched Trego with her blast to right-center field.

Brown and Smith each batted 2-for-3, while ABIGAIL METSCH and DANIELLE UY each scored twice.

"Good-bye, and thanks for reading   East County Sports.com."

SAVANAH FENN capped the victory with a 3-run double in the 6th, clinching the pitching win for Schisler, who pitched 5 2/3 innings, with KYLIE BRASE entering to get the ballgame's final out on strikes.

Schisler and KAYTI GRABLE each batted 2-for-3.

No information was reported by Monte Vista.

EL CAPITAN 14, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 (5 inn.) – KATIE CARMICHAEL tosed the shutout to claim Wednesday's (May 9) GVL contest at ECVHS.

Granite Hills catcher Kristina Lahitte (right) gets the out after Steele Canyon tried a double steal, but infielder Katy Crews (not shown) fired the ball back in time to nail Rachel Beasley at the plate. Steele Canyon won to retain a share of first. (Photo by Suzy Lahitte) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
MIRA MESA (5-9-12) — For the first time since 2007, the Mira Mesa Marauders can label themselves as Eastern League champions.

Buoyed by a 2-hit shutout by freshman ALICIA GARCIA, the host Marauders scored late to down second-place Patrick Henry, 5-0, Monday (May 8), ending a 4-year drought after dominating the league when claiming three SDCIF crowns to open the century.

"I'm happy for all of our seniors, who've all been on really good teams before I got here, but just didn't win league," said Garcia. "Now they can go out as winners – although we'd like to win CIF, too."

The victory moves second-ranked Mira Mesa (22-5-1) into position to challenge for the top seed when the CIF San Diego Section playoffs open next week. The Marauder still have two regular season games remaining, but can't be caught since Patrick Henry and Serra both have three losses in league play.

Garcia allowed just a pair of basehits, but one occurred after Patrick Henry placed the leadoff batter on base due to an error in the 4th. But with two on and only one out, Mira Mesa received a major break.

On a popup which saw Marauders second baseman QUIRISA MAUGA step back just two steps to make the catch, neither umpire called for an automatic out on an infield fly.

"I guess because Quirisa was on the outfield grass, they didn't make the call," admitted Mira Mesa coach BRAD GRIFFITH.

One of the Patrick Henry runners came halfway off first base, but by the time she raced back to the bag, Mauga fired to ELIZABETH COFFIN for an inning-ending double play, keeping the ballgame scoreless.

Mira Mesa took immediate advantage to score the only run they would need.

Following walks to LANI VANTA and KATIYANA MAUGA, TANI LEASAU laced a basehit to center field, with Griffith vigorously waving Vanta home.

The Marauders then erupted for four runs in the 6th to put away the victory.

"We didn't just sit on our one run, we kept adding on," added Garica.

AMBER RATZA reached on a one-out error, MARISSA RILLO reached on a bunt single which hit a defender instead of spinning foul, then Vanta followed with an RBI single to left for a 2-0 lead.

Quirisa Mauga followed with a 2-run triple to right-center field, as a Patriots defender went for a do-or-die dive but missed instead of conceeding a single. Mauga would score on a wild pitch.

Katiyana Mauga was the only player with two hits, including a double.

For Patrick Henry, the only basehits were singles by catcher MADDY BARRAZA (2nd inning) and shortstop JENNIFER SCHUFF (5th).

CHRISTIAN 4, MIRA MESA 1 – The only difference between this year's Patriots and previous editions can be found directly on the scoreboard.

"Even though we're a small school playing in a big-school league, we would still get wins against some of those schools," noted Christian High coach GEORGE GENTRY. "This year, we haven't got those wins."

That changed in Tuesday's (May 8) Eastern League contest.

MELANIE STARK ignited a pair of 2-run rallies with basehits, scoring both times, then she retired six of the game's final seven batters to register the save, giving Christian a 4-1 triumph over host Morse.

With the victory, Christian (5-17 overall, 2-6 league) has won two straight, gaining some steam just in time for next week's CIF Division V playoffs. The Patriots are anticipating a No. 2 seed in a battle with Calipatria and Horizon when the SDCIF seeding committee officially meets to determine playoff pairings.

Stark opened both the 1st and 3rd innings with basehits, leaving the rest to the top of the Patriots batting order.

On the first go-round, ANAYA TOBIASON bunted Stark to second base, then ALYSSA HARRIS pounded a ground-rule, RBI double to open the scoring. Harris later took third, then scored when MARY GRABOWSKI went with an outside pitch to lift a sacrifice fly to right field for a 2-0 lead.

Two innings later, Tobiason followed Stark's single with one of her own to place runners on the corners. Harris grounded out to first base, allowing Stark to score for an RBI and a 3-0 advantage, then Tobiason scored on a double-error when a Grabowski popup was dropped, then the throw to the plate sailed elsewhere.

The 4-run cushion was enough for Christian starting pitcher GABY GRABOWSKI, who struck out nine batters over her five innings, with the lone run allowed coming unearned in the 5th. Stark then mopped up to post the save, striking out a pair to give Patriots pitchers a total of 11 Ks on the afternoon.

Granite Hills' Victoria Hathaway with the big slide into second base vs. Steele Canyon. (Photo by Suzy Lahitte) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Valhalla's LadySara Federico (16) smashes a solo homer to left field against West Hills. (Photo by James Labshere)

West Hills' Jaymee Bush (14) climbs the ladder to secure the throw in action at Valhalla. (Photo by Dave Reed) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Granite Hills' Kristina Lahitte (left), Michelle Miller. (Photo by Suzy Lahitte)

Christian High catcher Anaya Tobiason places a bunt for a basehit, one of her four basehits in Monday's 13-3 road victory at Mount Miguel. (Photo by Lupe Harris)

Pats' Lauren Loudermilk (top) and Sidney Reinhold. (Photos by Lupe Harris)

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (5-8-12) — When it comes to "Rainy Days and Mondays" YOUTUBE – a 1971 hit by The Carpenters – just count West Hills High out.

A week after dropping a rain make-up to Helix on a Monday, the Wolf Pack were pushed for seven innings by Valhalla in another re-scheduled ballgame before holding on to a 5-4 triumph in Grossmont Hills League action at Leto Field.

CORTNEY HORNE belted a 3-run homer and JAYMEE BUSH added a 2-run double when West Hills posted all of its runs in the 3rd inning for a 5-1 cushion. However, when the Norsemen chipped back for single runs in the 4th, 5th and 6th frames, the ability for West Hills to maintain its share of the GHL lead became tenuous.

In the 7th, Valhalla first baseman KIKI BROWN, who belted a walkoff grand slam exactly seven days ago (on Monday) to shock University City, would not receive a similar opportunity. The Pack pitched around her for her second walk of the contest, which did bring the potential winning run to the plate, but winning pitcher NOELLE JOHNSON escaped to keep West Hills in a first-place deadlock with Steele Canyon with two contests remaining.

Johnson struck out seven Norsemen – all over the first three innings – to raise her record to 16-5.

The Norsemen struck early when DANIELLE UY walked, moved to third on a MADISON LABSHERE double, then came home on a wild pitch by Johnson in the 1st.

Meanwhile, sophomore GABBY WATKINS, a mid-season call-up from the junior varsity, tossed a pair of shutout innings against the 5th-ranked team in the San Diego Section for Valhalla. But in the 3rd, a stretch of seven straight Wolf Pack batters registered hits or sacrifices in their second trip through the batting order.

KAYCEE AQUININOGOC opened the rally with a basehit, MELISSA EGGLESON reached on a bunt single, then Horne deposited her sixth home run of the season over the centerfield fence.

Against the bullpen, the Pack continued the hitting streak with consecutive singles by KATIE BYRD and Johnson, KATHERINE ARUAJO bunted both teammates into scoring position, coming home on Bush's double to left.

Valhalla's comeback saw DIONNA SMITH walk in the 4th, eventually scoring on a pinch-hit single by BROOKE HAYES.

In the 5th, Labshere singled, Brown walked, then KATIE SCHMIDT registered an RBI single to trim the deficit to 5-3.

An inning later, freshman catcher LADYSARA FEDERICO belted a solo home to left-center.

However, Johnson survived by stranding nine Norsemen baserunners over the final four frames.

STEELE CANYON 4, GRANITE HILLS 2 – The Cougars utilized fly balls to take advantage after placing runners in scoring position in Monday's (May 7) early going. KALI SCHWARTZ lifted a sacrifice fly to open the scoring in the 1st, then MOLLY HUTCHISON bombed a 3-run homer in the 3rd, allowing Steele Canyon to stay even with West Hills on top of the Grossmont Hills League after downing the host Eagles.

For Hutchison, the bomb was her league-leading ninth of the season, giving her a share of the East County lead with Santana's KAYTI GRABLE and AMBER SCHISLER.

Schwartz, following a single, walk and hit batsman, put the ball high into center field, allowing TORI YANITOR to score. However, Granite Hills leadoff batter KIMMY TRIOLO answered back with a solo homer to quickly knot the score.

But in the 3rd, following consecutive leadoff singles by AMANDA HARTNETT and KYLIE STEAGALL, Hutchison matched Triolo with an identical shot to center field for a 4-1 advantage.

Granite Hills got one run back with a two-out rally in the 3rd, when KRISTINA LAHITTE singled home ALISSA BUDVARSON, but Steele Canyon pitcher GRACE KRAMER closed the contest with 4 1/3 shutout innings to collect the victory, allowing just three singles the rest of the way. Kramer finished with 11 strikeouts, including five to close-out innings.

The only other scoring opportunity was thwarted by the Eagles defense in the 5th. In a 1st-and-3rd situation, Schwartz took second base, then when Steagall headed home, KATY CREWS returned the ball to Lahitte for the out at the plate.

Grossmont Valley League
SANTANA 8, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 – AMBER SCHISLER, KYLIE BRASE and KENDRA KUPER combined on a 2-hit shutout in Monday's (May 7) GVL rain make-up affair. Schisler tossed three solid innings, but Brase gained the pitching victory when the contest extended beyond five innings.

ARIEL RASMUSSON was the lone player to collect two hits, including a lead double which basically decided the game early on, scoring moments later on a KAYTI GRABLE basehit.

Schisler then followed with a 2-run homer to left for a 3-0 lead, re-taking the East County lead with her 10th longball of the season. The East County single-season record is 12, set by Grable two seasons ago. Brase also belted a homer to leadoff the 5th.

Other Santana runs were produced by AHNALIN BARKHIMER, who singled in MacKENZIE REYNOLDS (single, stolen base) in the 3rd. Later, ASHLEE GROOVER drove in Barkhimer (safe on error) and Grable (walk) with a 2-run double to deep left in the 6th.

The Braves received leadoff singles by DIANE FRIAS (3rd) and JESSICA SNOW (5th).

While the Pointers never got any offense started against Gourley, who registerd 17 strikeouts and faced just 22 batters (one over the minimum), the Vaqueros didn’t get rolling until the 6th inning, as Gourley hit a double, coming home on a double by C.J. MERRILL.

Gourley and KENZIE GANDY each batted 2-for-3 for El Capitan.

The victory was significant as it affects playoff seedings in Division III.

The lone Point Loma baserunners were Katie Mceachern (safe on error) in the 1st, while Carmen Tryka singled in the 5th, but was thrown out attempting to steal by El Cap catcher CINDY GONZALES. The out gave the momentum swing to the Vaqueros, who scored in the very next inning.

CHRISTIAN 13, MOUNT MIGUEL 3 (6 inn.) – Buoyed by a 3-run homer by MARY GRABOWSKI, the visiting Patriots erupted for nine runs in the 2nd inning to take Monday's (May 7) non-league victory at Trude Field.

Junior catcher ANAYA TOBIASON had a career outing with four hits, while GABY GRABOWSKI drove in three runs with a pair of doubles to fuel the Patriots offense, allowing MELANIE STARK to collect the win in the pitching circle.

In addition, ALYSSA HARRIS collected two basehits, TAYLOR MILLER slugged a double, while DANIELLE WEATHERFORD gained her first varsity hit by legging out an infield single.

For the Matadors, second baseman ANGELICA GORDON prevented the shutout by looping a 2-run triple into the right-field corner, while first baseman ALIYAH CHAVEZ also registered a basehit.

GROSSMONT 7, OTAY RANCH 6 – The host Mustangs scored three times in the bottom of the 7th inning, but the Foothillers survived when CEL DAVILA entered to record the final out to to save the game for DANI McMILLAN to take Monday's (May 7) non-league ballgame in the South Bay. Davila recorded the final out on a comebacker, throwing to second baseman HAYLEY KASDEN covering at first base.

The Hillers saw catcher SARAH NICKS go 3-for-4, driving in two runners with a double in the 5th, while AUBRIE MAY batted 2-for-3, including a 2-run double in the 6th.

MADISON 11, MONTE VISTA 1 – No report by the Monarchs.

© East County Sports.com
CLAIREMONT (5-6-12) — With most of the roster missing because of SAT testing, Helix High fielded just two starters from its main roster, utilizing a 9-player squad in Saturday's (May 5) rain make-up, falling to host Clairemont, 11-1 in five innings, in a non-league contest.

The lone run for the Scotties saw SAMANTHA CUNNINGHAM register a double, coming home on a basehit by SARAH GONZALES.

West Hills' Kayla Araujo with her second RBI single to help defeat Steele Canyon, 3-0. Both teams joined Granite Hills to create a 3-way tie for first place in the Grossmont Hills League. (Photo by Lupe Harris)

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (5-5-12) — East County's tightest pennant races this century may be decided by one player.

On Friday (May 4), West Hills High senior NOELLE JOHNSON tossed her first no-hitter of the season, facing the minimum 21 batters to register a 3-0 verdict over Steele Canyon to forge a 3-way tie at the top of the Grossmont Hills League standings. The ballclubs are joined by Granite Hills with 5-2 marks entering the final week of the regular season.

Johnson saw just one batter reach base on a 4th-inning error. But after a fielder's choice, Wolf Pack catcher CORTNEY HORNE fired the softball to second baseman KATIE BYRD, who was covering first, to pick off a Cougars runner to end the inning and prevent Steele Canyon from turning over its line-up.

"Everyone on our team was pumped up for this game," noted Johnson. "It was discussed – one of our goals was to win league. And one of the reasons we won this game was our defense."

Byrd registered a pair of key defensive stops along the way. Along with the pick-off play, she made an impressive scoop when covering first base in the 6th to prevent a throwing error by a teammate on a bunt.

"I just got there in time on the pick off," noted Byrd. "Playing defense is playing our game."

Meanwhile, the first two West Hills runs were knocked in by junior third baseman KAYLA ARAUJO, who smacked RBI singles in the 4th and 6th innings, each time scoring Horne's courtesy runner, JANELLE HIPOLITO.

"Winning means you must get a hit to get a run," said Araujo. "When we play our game like we did today, we can go all the way."

After Horne reached on a one-out single, ARIANNA QUINTANILLA bunted Hipolito to second, then dropped a basehit to center field to break open the pitchers' duel.

In the 6th, Horne beat out an infield single to shortstop that saw the defender backhand the ball, but the throw was a step too late. Hipolito then stole second base, scoring on Araujo's sharp basehit to left field.

Araujo moved to third when JAYMEE BUSH followed with another line single, but when the ball was booted in the outfield, both runners took an extra base to make it 3-0.

That was all Johnson needed, striking out seven batters in raising her record to 16-5 for the season in front of a large Senior Day crowd. Steele Canyon pitcher GRACE KRAMER collected six Ks in a strong effort.

West Hills will meet Granite Hills at 4 p.m. next Wednesday at The Rock.

GRANITE HILLS 6, GROSSMONT 4 – Eagles pitcher KIMMY TRIOLO slugged a grand slam while pitching six shutout innings Friday (May 4), then survived a frantic Foothillers rally in the bottom of the 7th inning to secure the victory to keep Granite Hills in the mix in the Grossmont Hills League pennant chase.

At the plate, Triolo, the leadoff batter, went 3-for-4, including a single to open the contest, then a double in the 3rd. Both times, courtesy runner ERICA VASQUEZ scored, first advancing on a wild pitch and an RBI single by VICTORIA HATHAWAY, then on an error on a ball hit by MICHELLE MILLER.

But in the 4th, Vasquez wasn't needed when Triolo was able to take a home run trot.

The inning started on a one-out basehit by BROOKLYN SCHWEN, then BRIANNA TYSELING received a gift single when a Grossmont defender ran into the base umpire. KAILA DeWITT walked to load the bases, then Triolo cleared them to make it 6-0.

"This was probably our best all-around game of the season, both on defense, offense and pitching," said Eagles coach ERIN COYNE.

Things got interesting in the 7th.

KIRA ELLIOTT opened with a basehit for Grossmont, but Triolo retired the next two batters. However, the top of the Hillers batting order took off in front of a large Senior Day gathering.

AMANDA PORTER singled, with Elliott and Porter scoring on a double by AUBRIE MAY, Grossmont's only senior.

CEL DAVILA then singled, with May and Davila scoring on another 2-run double, this time by catcher SARAH NICKS.

This brought the potential game-tying run to the plate, but Triolo escaped on a fly ball to center field. She struck out four batters.

Granite Hills (12-9 overall), plus Steele Canyon and West Hills, enter the final week of the regular season in a 3-way tie at the top of the GHL standings with 5-2 league marks. Grossmont (15-11, 4-4), the defending co-champions from 2011, needs the results of all eight league contests to fall perfectly next week in order to forge a 4-way tie -- unlikely, but it did happen in 1984!

VALHALLA 2, HELIX 0 – In another ballgame which went down to the final batter, the host Highlanders placed a pair of runners on base to bring the potential winning run to the plate, but Norsemen pitcher ASHLEY MADARA registered the final out with her 7th strikeout to escape La Mesa with a Grossmont Hills League triumph Friday (May 4). Madara finished with a 6-hit shutout, stranding nine Helix baserunners.

"This is a bunch of dedicated girls – we played it out to the end," said Scotties head coach EMILY KOWALSKI. "We just couldn't quite get that breakthrough hit."

With two outs, KEANA NAKATA and CHANELLE WARD, the top two hitters in the Helix batting order, both singled.

Valhalla also left nine runners on base, yet were able to push across single runs in the 1st and 3rd innings, with leadoff batter DANIELLE UY scoring both times.

In the 1st, Uy singled, then moved to third on a MADISON LABSHERE basehit. Valhalla then attemped a squeeze play, but when the dirt landed outside in the dirt, Uy scored on the wild pitch.

The Norsemen (13-13, 2-5) have now matched last season's overall victory total even with a roster dominated with freshmen and other underclassmen.

Grossmont Valley League
EL CAPITAN 12, MOUNT MIGUEL 3 – The Matadors held the early lead before Vaqueros pitcher KATIE CARMICHAEL settled in, allowing just one hit over the final five innings to collect a Grossmont Valley league triumph Friday (May 4).

Carmichael finished with a career-high 12 strikeouts in her 3-hitter, then added a 3-run double in the 6th inning.

DELANIE GOURLEY paced El Capitan's offense with four hits, including a double, while CINDY GONZALES, SAMANTHA LOZANO and RACHEL AUCHENBACH each registered three hits and walked once.

Matadors first baseman ALIYAH CHAVEZ gave the hosts a fast start. In the 1st, she doubled to center field to bring home CATHERINE "Cat" QUIJADA and NICOLE VARGAS to take a 2-1 lead. The rally included sacrifice bunts by MARLESSA CHAVEZ and BLIME MACIAS to advance the runners into scoring position.

In the 2nd, Chavez then walked and scored on a CLAUNITTA HARMON basehit to move to within 4-3. Mount Miguel pitching then retired 7-of-8 batters before the Vaqueros finally answered back in the 6th when Gourley, C.J. MERRILL and Lozano all reached base, with the trio scoring on Carmichael's double.

One of the improvements by Mount Miguel over recent weeks has been its defense. Included were 7th-inning stops by Quijada, as the catcher fired to third baseman ANGELICA GORDON to nail an El Cap runner attempting to take an extra base, while Blime made a diving catch at shortstop to end the inning.

EL CAJON VALLEY 9, MONTE VISTA 3 – No report.

Tippy-toe Time

Christian High's Mary Grabowski gets on her toes to slug this 7th-inning, 2-run homer against host Patrick Henry in Eastern League action Thursday. (Photo by Lupe Harris)

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
SAN CARLOS (5-4-12) — With one of the youngest rosters in the City Conference, a heavy load has been placed on Patrick Henry pitcher GRACE HERNANDEZ.

"Grace has been carrying us on her back all season," said Patriots coach DON SHAFFER. "And today was among her finest efforts.”

Hernandez carried a no-hitter into the 7th inning, leading Patrick Henry to a 4-2 victory over visiting Christian in Thursday's (May 3) Eastern League contest.

The triumph sets-up a Tuesday showdown at league-leading Mira Mesa for a chance to take the league title. The Pats rest 1 1/2 games back, so they must defeat the Marauders, then hope someone else also defeats them to gain a share of the crown.

Hernandez saw her bid for a perfect game go away on a two-out error in the 5th. But four outs later, she entered the 7th with a shot to place another entry in the school record book.

"I have a very good defense and you can't win consistently without a great defense," noted Hernandez.

Third baseman BAILEY HAWKE provided most of the glove-work, twice robbing Christian's ALYSSA HARRIS. In the 2nd, she snared a line drive ticketed for left field, then handled a hot, one-hopper to retire the shortstop in the 5th.

Meanwhile, Patrick Henry finally scored its second run on the team's 11th hit in a strange display of offense.

In the 1st, the hosts collected four hits, including a triple, a double, two singles and a sacrifice bunt, yet could only muster a single run.

The inning started simply enough, when Christian missed on a diving attempt of a line drive in the corner, allowing leadoff batter MEGHAN FISHER to triple, scoring moments later on a MONTANA POTTS basehit. However, following a Hernandez sacrifice bunt, baserunners needed to hold onto balls which were catchable, as a SIERRA ALTMEYER double left Potts at third, then both runners needed to hold on a blooper which fell in the infield for a single by ALLY FAILLACE.

"We had so many chances to score," noted Shaffer. "It's something we need to keep working on.”

Patrick Henry finally broke loose in the 4th when Hernandez singled home JENNIFER SCHUFF (lead single), then Altmeyer pounced her second double of the contest, good for a pair of runs to bring home Fisher (bunt single) and Hernandez.

Christian avoided the no-hitter when catcher ANAYA TOBIASON hit a clean single up the middle for a basehit to open the 7th. Tobiason stole second base, but it turns out the theft wasn't needed when MARY GRABOWSKI belted a 1-1 pitch over the centerfield fence for a 2-run homer.

Hernandez then capped her complete-game effort with a pair of ground balls, then her sixth strikeout of the ballgame.

Fisher batted 2-for-4 with a pair of runs scored. Faillace and catcher MADDY BARRAZA also registered two hits each.

MIRA MESA 12, SERRA 3 – Designated player AMBER CORDERO and left fielder MERCEDES HUMPHREY each slugged home runs Thursday (May 3), moving the Marauders within a game of their first Eastern League title since 2007 after downing the host Conquistadors.

Cordero, who batted 3-for-4, led off the 2nd inning with her homer, starting Mira Mesa's recovery from an early 2-0 deficit on a pair of unearned runs. Mira Mesa went on to take a 3-2 lead in the 2nd, starting a stretch of runs over five consecutive frames.

The team's biggest outburst came in the 5th with four runs, capped by Humphrey's 3-run bomb in her 2-for-5 outing.

ALICIA GARCIA pitched the first five innings for Mira Mesa (21-5-1 overall, 7-0 league).

For Serra (12-9, 4-3), Makayla Martin hit a solo home run with two outs in the 6th.

Mira Mesa can clinch the Eastern crown when they entertain second-place Patrick Henry this Tuesday at 3 p.m.

Granite Hills third baseman Michelle Miller (left) prevents Jessica Thompson of Steele Canyon from reaching the bag. The Cougars won, 7-2, to gain first place. (Photo by Suzy Lahitte) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (5-3-12) — In a battle of Grossmont Hills League co-leaders, Steele Canyon High pitcher GRACE KRAMER struck out 11 batters without a walk in tossing a 3-hitter, leading the Cougars past visiting Granite Hills, 7-2, Wednesday (May 2).

Kramer retired the first 11 Eagles batters she faced (and 15 of 16), only yielding a two-out homer in the 4th inning on a VICTORIA HATHAWAY drive which smacked off the top of the centerfield fence and bounced over. But by then, Steele Canyon already mounted a 3-0 advantage in the wire-to-wire victory.

The Cougars (17-9) now hold a one-game lead over Granite Hills and West Hills, while defending GHL co-champion Grossmont another half-game back entering the final two weeks of the season.

Granite Hills baserunner Alissa Budvarson sprints for first base, but Steele Canyon's Jessica Thompson will register the out in Wednesday's GHL ballgame. (Photo by Suzy Lahitte) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

The middle of Steele Canyon's batting order again lighted up opposing pitching, as JESSICA THOMPSON, KYLIE STEAGALL and MOLLY HUTCHISON combined for five RBI among three extra-bases hits in a 6-for-10 outing from the middle of the batting order.

Steagall (double) and Thompson (RBI triple) opened the scoring in the 1st, Thompson then doubled in TORI YANITOR (single) in the 3rd, then she came home on a Hutchison ground single to left for a 3-0 advantage.

Thompson and Steagall registered run-scoring singles in the 5th. The rest of the runs for both ballclubs were unearned.

Granite Hills' Victoria Hathaway homers. (Photo by Suzy Lahitte)

Valhalla's Dionna Smith (8) will touch them all. (Photo by James Labshere)

WEST HILLS 4, VALHALLA 1 – The Wolf Pack offense got into gear early, scoring twice in the 1st and 4th innings to top visiting Valhalla in Wednesday's (May 2) Grossmont Hills League ballgame.

Senior pitcher NOELLE JOHNSON struck out 10 batters, giving her 191 in just 137 innings this season, ranking second among East County pitchers. Johnson also knocked in the game's opening run.

In the 1st, centerfielder MELISSA EGGLESTON placed a one-out bunt single, scoring on Johnson's double. CORTNEY HORNE followed with a run-scoring single as courtesy runner JENNY SHEPARD came home for a 2-0 advantage,

The Norsemen halved the deficit when DIONNA SMITH smacked the first pitch of the 4th over the fence in center for a leadoff homer. Otherwise, Johnson allowed just four singles to raise her record to 15-5.

In the Wolf Pack 4th, another bunt single followed by a double put another run on the board, as ARIANNA QUINTANILLA reached with her speed, then took three bases on a KAYLA AURAJO drive to right-center field. Aurajo took third base on the throw home, setting up her run on a sacrifice fly by JAYMEE BUSH.

Johnson collected a pair of double, while Horne also had two hits, including a rare triple for Horne. Meanwhile, Eggleston (1-2) reached three times with a walk and getting hit by a pitch, also stealing a pair of bases.

Grossmont pinchrunner Jaeda Burnett is safe at third base despite the effort of Helix defender Chanelle Ward (7). The Foothillers won, 11-0. (Photo by Steve Crisci)

CEL DAVILA became the fourth different Grossmont pitcher to throw a shutout this season, blanking Helix on three hits. She struck out two and allowed just one baserunner to reach second base.

Davila joins MEGAN CRISCI, DANI McMILLAN and ANEVAY PEREZ in tossing shutouts. Crisci and McMillan combined on a perfect game vs. El Cajon Valley, McMillan posted a complete-game blanking of Mount Miguel, while Perez stopped Rancho Buena Vista.

The results was a sharp contrast to the ballclubs' first meeting, which Grossmont won, 14-11.

In the 1st, AUBRIE MAY doubled home AMANDA PORTER (single), then scored on a HAYLEY KASDEN basehit for a fast 2-0 lead.

Helix had a chance to answer after SAMANTHA CUNNINGHAM singled to right-center, then advanced to second on an infield error. However, Davila escaped the mini-jam, allowing just two additional basehits the rest of the way, pitching at ease after Grossmont busted open the ballgame on the team's next trip to the plate.

In the 2nd, the first seven batters reached on four singles, a pair of walks, then another basehit.

Kasden, the second baseman, and KIRA ELLIOTT each batted 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI. Crisci went 2-for-3, while Porter led the hit parade with a 3-for-4 outing.

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (5-2-12) — In a contest just as much about local bragging rights as well as a Top 10 showdown with severe San Diego CIF Division III consequences, Santana High again proved they are East County's top ballclub this season.

On Tuesday (May 1), the Sultans posted another victory over crosstown rival West Hills, capturing the Grossmont Conference Tournament championship, 2-1, on a walk-off basehit by Sultans centerfielder KENDRA KUPER in the bottom of the 7th inning.

"Kendra's been swinging the bat well over the last couple of games, getting like four or five hits in her last two games," noted Santana coach JOHN FAILLA. "So despite her striking out twice against (West Hills pitcher) NOELLE JOHNSON, we were confident she would come through for us."

Johnson registered 13 strikeouts for the Wolf Pack, but three of the fives hits she allowed came in the fateful final frame.

Sultans pitcher AMBER SCHISLER, who squeezed home ARIEL RASMUSSON in the 1st inning, drilled a one-hopper for the shoulder of the West Hills shortstop for an infield single to start the 7th.

ALICIA ZUNIGA followed with a line single to right, with Schisler – no courtesy runner needed – advancing to second base.

Johnson followed with her final strikeout, but Kuper popped the ball over the shortstop. Schisler, with the ball in front of her, saw it land between (not in front of) the outfielders and attempted to take the extra base. The throw home never made it in time, as Santana (22-5 overall) raised its record to 2-0 against West Hills (18-6) this season.

For the Sultans, they completed a 6-0 tournament sweep, capturing their first GCT crown since 2006.

Johnson had some control problems early, as Rasmusson reached on an infield single, moving to second base on a pair of wild pitches. Two batters later, Schisler bunted the ball back to Johnson, but a solid jump by Rasmusson forced the play to go to first base.

West Hills equalized in the 4th, set-up on a Johnson triple into the right-field corner on an 0-2 pitch. Courtesy runner JENNY SHEPARD beat the throw home when CORTNEY HORNE grounded to first base.

Both ballclubs had changes to unlock the tied ballgame.

Schisler escaped the 4th by snaring a low liner, throwing the ball to Rasmusson at shortstop for a double play. An inning later, Sultans second baseman TAYLOR BARRY executed a tag-and-throw double play.

In the 6th inning, both sides made costly mistakes on the basepaths.

Sultans catcher KAYTI GRABLE fired the ball to first baseman TARA GRENNAN, picking off a Wolf Pack runner to end a mild threat.

Then Santana attempted a delayed steal of the plate in the bottom half of the frame as Rasmusson, who just stole third base when West Hills failed to cover the bag, waited for Horne to toss the ball back to Johnson. However, the senior was alert and fired the ball back to her catcher for an easy out.

For West Hills, first baseman JAYMEE BUSH collected two of the Pack's five hits off Schisler. Zuniga and Rasmusson each went 2-for-3 for the Sultans.

Eastern League
MIRA MESA 6, SCRIPPS RANCH 4 – The league-leading Marauders eliminated the Falcons from title consideration after opening the contest with six straight basehits to post five 1st-inning runs and chase the Scripps Ranch starting pitcher from the circle in Tuesday's (May 1) contest at Mira Mesa.

The big inning saw three of the first four batters register doubles, allowing Marauders pitcher ALICIA GARCIA to skate to an easy win on a 6-hitter.

After the Falcons scored once in the 1st, Mira Mesa's LANI VANTA opened with a double, moving to third base on a QUIRISA MAUGA basehit. Then the run production began.

KATIYANA MAUGA followed with an RBI double, another two-base hit by TANI LEASAU was good for two runs and a 3-1 lead, then MERCEDES HUMPHREY and Garcia registered run-scoring basehits.

An inning later, Mira Mesa manufactured its other run on a Quirisa Mauga double, a sacrifice bunt by Katiyana Mauga, then a sacrifice fly to center field by Leasau to give the Marauders catcher a total of three RBI for the afternoon.

The Maugas, Leasau and Garcia all finished with a pair of basehits for Mira Mesa, which elevated to second place in the CIF-San Diego Section rankings this week behind Bonita Vista.

Scripps Ranch is now four games out with four league contests remaining, including one score which was not reported.

PATRICK HENRY 6, MORSE 0 – Less than 24 hours after the Patriots moved within a heartbeat of a Top 10 position in the U-T San Diego rankings at No. 12 in the CIF San Diego Section, senior GRACE HERNANDEZ struck out five batters in a 3-hit shutout against the host Tigers.

SIERRA ALTMEYER slugged a pair of extra-base hits, including a 2-run homer in the 7th inning, as part of a 3-RBI performance, while leadoff batter MEGHAN FISHER posted three hits and a pair of stolen bases.

Meanwhile, KORTNIE WILLIAMS took advantage of getting the start at first base, going 2-for-4 with two RBI. Williams also scored the opening run in the 2nd, coming home on a basehit by shortstop TARA BLANC in her first appearance of the season. An inning later, Williams registered her first RBI to make it 2-0.

In the 5th, MONTANA OTTS (single) and Hernandez (safe on error) set the table for Altmeyer, who lifted a sacrifice fly, then Williams singled home courtesy runner SYDNEY JAMES for a 4-0 advantage.

Potts finished with two hits and a pair of runs scored, keeping second-place Patrick Henry just 1 1/2 games behind front-running Mira Mesa.

SERRA 7, CHRISTIAN 0 – For the second straight day, the Conquistadors broke open a tied ballgame with fireworks. After scoring nine times in the 9th inning to top Helix on Monday, this time the Q's tallied six times in the 6th to break open a scoreless pitchers' duel to top the host Patriots at Dawson Field.

Christian pitcher GABY GRABOWSKI tossed a 1-hit shutout in her five innings of work. But when the call went to the bullpen to start the 6th, the Lady Q-Dawys teed off. Meanwhile, the Patriots failed to collect a key basehit after placing runners in scoring position in the 1st, 2nd and 4th innings.

Despite the loss, Christian moved up one notch to become the 2nd-rated ballclub among SDCIF Division V squads in the latest rankings by the media. The only team above the Patriots is Calipatria (9-5) of the Imperial Valley, the lone school with a winning record in the division.

The Valhalla Norsemen celebrate at home plate following a walk-off, grand slam by Norsemen senior first baseman Kiki Brown (top), shocking visiting University City, 12-11, at Leto Field. (Photo by James Labshere)

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (5-1-12) — Blame this one on the sunflower seeds.

"I prefer the chili lime flavor," said Valhalla High first baseman KIKI BROWN. "It's all about the seeds."

Seeds, indeed.

Brown hit a "seed" – baseball vernacular for a home run – by going to the opposite field for a walk-off grand slam, allowing the Norsemen to stun University City, 12-11, in Monday's (Apr. 30) non-league ballgame at Leto Field.

"Their pitcher went away, so I just went that way, too," noted Brown, who has registered walk-off hits before, but never by a home run yet allow a grand slam. "It felt pretty exciting."

Anybody but the Norsemen were feeling giddy after the Centurions mounted a 10-2 lead heading toward the bottom of the 5th. Whispers in the stands included going home early by run-rule.

However, a 2-run single by KATIE SCHMIDT moved the Norsemen to within 10-5 through five innings, then Valhalla added four more runs in the 6th, most via the long ball.

DANIELLE UY belted a one-out homer to left. Then with two out, Brown just missed on a homer which was foul (although the ball sailed more than 240 feet off a shed), eventually reaching on a line single, then scoring when DIONNA SMITH went yard to left to move within 10-7.

And when KAYLIE HIPWELL and EMILY ORDONEZ added consecutive doubles, the deficit was down to 10-8.

In the 7th, University City (8-10-1) got one run back, but Valhalla 's bats remained on a roll.

KYRA AYALA accepted a one-out walk, a hard grounder by Uy went through the shortstop for a tough error, then MADISON LABSHERE singled to left to load the bases for Brown. As soon as Brown realized that UC was going to pitch her outside, she lifted a ball that was on the corner, but a touch elevated, beyond the barrier in right-center field.

The 2 1/2-hour marathon featured 31 hits, including 18 by University City. However, the Cents stranded 14 runners over the first six innings, preventing them from winning by run rule. Conversely, Valhalla rebounded by collecting 10 of its 13 basehits over the final three innings, when they scored 10 times in the remarkable triumph.

For Valhalla, Uy, Brown, Smith, Hipwell, Ordonez and Schmidt all registered two hits each. Schmidt's effort included four RBI, including a run-scoring single in the 2nd, a sacrifice fly in the 4th, then a 2-run basehit in the 5th before lining out to end the 6th.

The Centurions saw junior shortstop Kristy Patterson go 3-for-5 with four RBI, while junior Brishan Scott, who made several nice stops at third base, also went 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles.

Grossmont pitcher Cel Davila allowed just one earned run in stopping Scripps Ranch, 5-1. (Photo by Steve Crisci)

GROSSMONT 5, SCRIPPS RANCH 1 – Following an early exchange of solo home runs in the 3rd inning, the Foothillers were gifted a pair of runs during a 3-run rally in the 4th, giving the Grossmont Hills League another victory over an Eastern League school in Monday's (Apr. 30) non-league ballgame at Scripps Ranch.

AUBRIE MAY belted a homer to right to give Grossmont the initial lead, only to be matched in the bottom half of the frame by the Falcons' Bryanna Datko.

However in the 4th, consecutive basehits by KIRA ELLIOTT, KATHERINE TREJO and AMANDA PORTER loaded the bases, followed by back-to-back walks to May and CEL DAVILA to force home the go-ahead runs.

SARAH NICKS followed by an RBI single to make it 4-1, then Nicks added a run-scoring double in the 6th, driving in Davila, who singled and stole second base. Davila was also the winning pitcher for the Hillers (14-10). The Falcons fell to 10-10.

EASTLAKE 10, STEELE CANYON 5 – The Cougars carried a 4-0 lead into the 5th inning, but the visiting Titans let loose for eight runs to steal Monday's (Apr. 30) non-league game.

MOLLY HUTCHISON, who went 2-for-4 with two RBI, book-ended the scoring for Steele Canyon. Her hard ground single brought home AMANDA HARTNETT (single) in the 1st, then Hutchison smacked a lead-off homer in the 5th.

In between, the Cougars (16-9) scored three times in the 2nd.

KAYLIE AZEVEDO opened the frame with a bunt single, scoring on an ALYSSA MASCARI triple to right field for a 2-0 lead. TORI YANITOR followed with an RBI double to left, then she scored on a line basehit to right by KYLIE STEAGALL.

Eastlake's big inning saw Haydn Christenson hit a lead double, then five singles, three walks and a pair of errors allowed the Titans (7-11) to move in front to stay. Meanwhile, sister Dylan Christenson left the contest in the 4th after injuring her hand after flagging a fly ball by KYLIE STEAGALL.

Helix' Chanelle Ward (7) scores a 1st-inning run in Monday's extra-inning affair with Serra. (Photo by Tony Bordine)

SERRA 10, HELIX 1 (9 inn.) – The Highlanders have dropped more than their share of ballgames in the 7th inning in recent weeks, but this one must sting a bit more.

After surviving in the 7th inning to forge extra innings, the visiting Conquistadors busted loose for nine runs in the 9th inning to claim Monday's (Apr. 30) non-league game

"Everything Serra hit fell in the right spot and there wasn't much we could do to defend it," said Scotties coach EMILY KOWALSKI. "Both teams fought hard but we came out on the losing end – 0 again.”

For Helix (8-16), SAMANTHA CUNNINGHAM drove in the team's lone run, lining a single to score CHANELLE WARD for a 1-0, 1st-inning lead. Serra (11-8) tied the contest in the 5th before erupting in the 9th.

OTAY RANCH 6, SANTANA 3 – The Sultans may have been looking ahead to Tuesday's Grossmont Conference Tournament title game against City of Santee rival West Hills in a Top 10 showdown, falling on the road to the Mustangs in a non-league affair Monday (Apr. 30).

The difference was a 3-run homer by senior first baseman Sonia Mazon to grab a 3-1 lead in the 4th, then Otay Ranch (15-8) punched across three additional runs in the 5th.

Santana opened the scoring on an RBI double to left by KENDRA KUPER, bringing home TARA GRENNAN (lead single).

Following Mazon's homer, the Sultans got even with a pair of runs in the 5th.

Once again, Santana leadoff hitter ARIEL RASMUSSON. who batted 3-for-4 on the afternoon, opened with a lead-off basehit. KAYTI GRABLE followed with a double, but when the outfielder muffed in recovering the ball, Rasmusson circled the bases.

Grable then tied the game, coming home on a sacrifice fly by ALICIA ZUNIGA.

Santana (21-5) had one late chance after two were out in the 7th, receiving a walk and a pair of infield singles on grounders to deep shortstop to load the bases, but Otay Ranch escaped on a pop-up to shortstop.