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ORANGE (5-5-13) — Grossmont College left fielder VANESSA McHUGH, who was recently named to the All-Pacific Coast Athletic Conference team, collected two hits and a stolen base Saturday (May 4), but the rest of the Griffins combined for just one other basehit as Santiago Canyon College took a 7-0 decision in the first game of a CCCAA Southland regional series.

The host Hawks (31-9) need to win just one of two possible games Sunday in the best-of-three series to advance to the super regionals.

Grossmont (24-14) collected two hits off Santiago Canyon pitcher Terry-Lee Rahe, who lasted just 2 2/3 innings. But when the Hawks called on Josie Tucker, who allowed just one hit and a walk to close the contest.

Tucker also led the offense with a pair of home runs, one in the 3rd inning when the Hawks scored five times, then a 2-run shot in the 5th to give her four RBI. Hannah Romanski also hit a 2-run homer while Morgan McGee added a solo shot in the 5-run rally for Santiago Canyon .

Game 2 starts at noon, with an "if necessary" contest to follow.

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SAN MARCOS (5-2-13) — Grossmont College shortstop CLARISSA NORRIS and left fielder VANESSA McHUGH have been named to the 2013 All-Pacific Coast Athletic Conference team, as selected by the head coaches. Both were first team selection.

In addition, catcher KASEY CAMPBELL and center fielder KATY CREWS earned second-team berths.

The pitcher of the year was Palomar freshman Carlie Daniel, while the player of the yeasr was Steele Canyon High alum GABRIELLE BEASLEY of Southwestern.

Other local products selected included first-team pitcher LAURA NELSON (Mount Miguel) and second-team first baseman ALEXANDRA MOOTRY (Patrick Henry), both of San Diego Mesa.

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SACRAMENTO (4-28-13/Revsied 4-29-13) — The anticipated switch in playoff seeding went against s Grossmont College, which received the No. 10 seed in the opening round of the CCCAA state women's fastpitch championship. PAIRINGS

However, the Griffins (24-13) will not meet the No. 7 in San Diego Mesa, instead meeting Santiaho Canyon, the No. 6 team in the RPI power index. afte Grossmont was dropped to the No. 11 spot to avoid an intraconference pairing.

The best-of-3 series with the Hawks (30-9) opens Saturday (May 4) at 2 p.m. in Orange. Game 2 is Sunday (May 5) at noon, with a third game to follow if necessary. The schools met early in the season, with Grossmont taking a 5-4 victory on the road.

Entering the final week of the regular season, Grossmont looked aimed to take the No. 10 seed, but since the playoff formula would mean a meeting with Pacific Coast Athletic Conference rival San Diego Mesa, the Griffins seened destined to get swapped with Cerritos to avoid intraconference pairings.

However, when the computer spit out the final numbers, Grossmont actually bested Cerritos by the smallest of margins. The Griffins' RPI power index total was .58090; the Falcons were at .58072.

Still, the playoff selection committee elected to drop Grossmont one spot rather than up to the position they earned according to the committee's own computer.

Also advancing to the playoffs from the PCAC are co-champions Palomar and Mesa. Southwestern, listed at No. 13 by the RPI, and San Diego City, listed 16th, did not gain a postseason nod,

Instead, No. 20 Chaffey and No. 24 Ventura was invited, although both schools lost to SDCC this season. However, the top two schools from each of the six Southland conference receive automatic bids.

Griffins center fielder Katy Crews (Photo by Linda Byerline)

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EL CAJON (4-24-13) — In a must-win game for the opposition, Grossmont College, already the third-place finisher in the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference, fell to visiting San Diego Mesa, 8-2, allowing the Olympians to secure a co-title with Palomar on the final day of the regular season.

Granite Hills High alum TARIN MARKS, a right fielder who posted only nine RBI all season, drove in a pair of runs for the Olympians (30-8, 11-4 PCAC). Marks also scored twice.

Mount Miguel product LAURA NELSON struck out four Griffins and allowed just one earned run. She yielded seven hits, three of them by Grossmont shortstop CLARISSA NORRIS, who scored both of Grossmont's runs. Two of Norris' hits went for doubles, while LAUREN SCARRY also doubled.

With her 3-for-3 outing, Norris is the Grossmont batting champion with a .436 average, while also leading the ballclub in total hits and doubles.

Despite the setback, Grossmont (24-13, 9-6 PCAC) is expected to remain the No. 10 seed for the playoffs; the pairings will be announced Saturday.

However, the No. 10 seed typically plays the No. 7 seed, but that's Mesa , with the No. 6 slot currently filled by Palomar according to the state RPI power ratings. Thus, Grossmont could be vaulted ahead of Cerritos to No. 9 to avoid playing another conference opponent.

It's only speculation, yet if the switch occurs, Grossmont would open the CCCAA Championship against current No. 8 Santiago Canyon of Orange, a ballclub which the Griffins have already beaten on the road back on Feb. 6.

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EL CAJON (4-20-13) — Freshman second baseman JENNIFER SCHUFF registered her greatest day as a collegiate player, driving in three runs including the game's first for the winning RBI, lifting Grossmont College past visiting Imperial Valley, 9-0 in five innings, in Pacific Coast Athletic Conference action Friday (Apr. 19).

Schuff wasted little time on her big day.

Following a leadoff triple by VANESSA McHUGH, Schuff placed the ball down on the right side of the diamond, forcing the only play to first base to give the Griffins the lead for keeps after just two batters.

Schuff, a Patrick Henry High product, later added a 2-run single in the 2nd, pushing the advantage to 4-0. The Griffins then posted five additional markers in the 3rd to push the contest into run-rule territory.

That was all Griffins pitcher KELSEY TOWNSEND would need. The sophomore from Mira Mesa allowed just two hits over three innings to gain the victory. SHANNON TYSON (Santana) closed out the final two frames to garner the save.

McHugh, the left fielder, batted 2-for-3, with a run and an RBI. Meanwhile, first baseman MARY LIEBERKNECHT went 1-for-1 with a walk, two runs, and a 2-run single in the 3rd, an inning when pinch-hitter KARLI BULL came off the bench to drive a run-scoring single.

Grossmont (24-12 overall, 9-5 PCAC) can still finish in second place with a regular season-ending win at home over San Diego Mesa on Tuesday (Apr. 23). If the Griffins win, the teams will share the runner-up award. If Mesa wins, they will gain a share of the PCAC crown with Palomar, which completed its conference slate at 11-4.

Notes: In the latest Southland power rankings, Grossmont moved up two spots to 10th thanks to Monday's road victory at Saddleback. Meanwhile, Southwestern, which upset both Palomar and San Diego Mesa in recent days, is currently in the 16th and final postseason slot.

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EL CAJON (4-18-14) — Grossmont College, which wasn't expected to contend for the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference title this season, proved everyone wrong by remaining in contention until the final week of the season.

However. the Griffins dream ended Wednesday (Apr. 17), when visiting Palomar took a 12-0 run-rule decision to eliminate the G-House(23-12 overall, 8-5 PCAC) behind the hitting of Brenna Parker and the pitching of Carlie Daniel.

Parker, the designated player, hit a pair of home runs, part of a 4-for-4, 3-run, 5-RBI performance. Daniels fired a 1-hit shutout.

Palomar leads San Diego Mesa by 1.5 games, Grossmont is in third, yet could still grab a share of second place by closing out the season with wins over Imperial Valley on Friday, then Mesa on Tuesday.

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MISSION VIEJO (4-16-13) — In an important non-conference game with playoff implications, Grossmont College pitcher KELSEY TOWNSEND delivered with both her arm and bat to help upend host Saddleback College, 5-1, Monday (Apr. 15).

Townsend held down the Gauchos with five strikeouts, scattering seven hits to post her 20th pitching victory of the season. But that was only half of her effort.

"We haven't let Kelsey bat all season," noted head coach DOUG HARTUNG. "So we let her take some cuts."

Coach, perhaps you should've let her bat all season.

In her first plate appearance, Townsend lashed the ball down the left-field line, driving in a pair of runs for a 3-0 lead. The sophomore would later walk with the bases loaded in the 6th, giving her three RBI on the afternoon.

The Griffins also completed a strange double play in the 3rd.

Second baseman JENNIFER SCHUFF raced into shallow right field to snap a pop-up for an out, then fired to second base where shortstop CLARISSA NORRIS was covering.

The throw was late, so the Saddleback runner at third base attempted to sneak home. However, Norris was alert and fired the ball to Campbell at the plate for the unusual 4-6-2 twin-killing.

The victory was also important if you took a look at playoff criteria.

"We entered the game with a slightly better RPI (power rating) and record," added the coach. "So this game could really help us when they determine the playoff pairings."

In fact, No. 11 Grossmont entered the week one step ahead of the Gauchos, who are 12th in the Southland.

The Griffins (23-11) opened the scoring in the 3rd when VANESSA McHUGH singled to left, stole second base, then came home on a basehit by KASEY CAMPBELL.

Grossmont will control its own destiny to capture a fifth PCAC title in seven years, completing the regular season with three must-win games, all at home, starting Wednesday against Palomar.

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EL CAJON (4-13-13) — Grossmont College still controls its own destiny to capture the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference championship, but the ballclub's margin of error is now gone.

On Friday (Apr. 12), the Griffins fell to San Diego Mesa, 9-2, leaving the teams tied for second place, one full game behind Palomar. However, if Grossmont captures its final three PCAC contests – including meetings at home with Mesa and Palomar – it would mean a fifth G-House crown in seven years.

It's a difficult road, yet possible entering the final 10 days of the regular season.

Grossmont struck early with a 1st-innng run by left fielder VANESSA McHUGH, who led-off with a single, eventually scoring on an error. In the 3rd, center fielder KATY CREWS registered one of her two basehits, coming home on a hit by catcher KASEY CAMPBELL.

However, three Griffins errors led to three unearned runs to give Mesa the lead.

Grossmont (22-11 overall, 8-4 PCAC) travels to Mission Viejo for Monday's non-conference game against Saddleback (20-11).

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SAN DIEGO (4-11-13) — In the school's highest-scoring game this century, Grossmont College out-lasted host San Diego City College, 16-12, in a Pacific Coast Athletic Conference shootout Wednesday (Apr. 10) at Betty Hock Field.

The triumph maintained the Griffins share for the PCAC lead, but the top-slot is now less crowded. Grossmont (22-10 overall, 8-3 PCAC) remains tied with Palomar, but San Diego Mesa fell out of the 3-way deadlock when the Olympians fell to Southwestern, 4-1.

The wild-scoring affair saw City scored three times in the 1st inning, yet Grossmont bounced back to assume a 13-6 advantage midway through the 5th inning.

"We needed one more run, then get three outs, to win by run-rule," noted Griffins coach DOUG HARTUNG. "But by the end of the 6th inning, it was a 1-run game."

Clinging to a 13-12 lead, Grossmont's bats returned to life by scoring three times in the 7th

JENNIFER SCHUFF opened with a single, then scored when the throw on a MARY LIEBERKNECHT sacrifice bunt sailed into the right-field corner.

KAITLYN TOWNSEND followed with an RBI single to right, then she later scored when KATY CREWS singled up the middle.

Meanwhile, in the bottom of the 7th, winning pitcher KELSEY TOWNSEND registered a 1-2-3 inning, but barely.

"City's first two batters lined out to center and left field," noted Hartung. "Then the third out came on a fly-out to right."

"City keeps playing us tough, so we're just happy to get out of there with a win."

For Grossmont, leadoff batter VANESSA McHUGH went 4-for-6 with two doubles and four RBI, often driving in Schuff, who went 4-for-5 and scored four times.

In addition, Crews went 3-for-6, while catcher KASEY CAMPBELL batted 3-for-4 with two walks and a 5th-inning homer to left field.

Grossmont finished with 22 total hits, two each by third baseman LAUREN SCARRY, right fielder ALLIE CIMMARUSTI and designated player Kaitlyn Townsend.

In fact, the top five Griffins batters all registered at least two RBI. Meanwhile, the Knights' top three batters accounted for 10 of the ballclub's 16 hits. Leading the group was a 4-for-4, 4-run, 2-RBI effort by Lisa Pena, which included a 2-run homer to the 5th, triggering the rally from a 7-run deficit.

Note: The previous mark for runs came in the second game of a season-opening doubleheader in 2007, when Grossmont outlasted Mt. San Jacinto, 17-10.

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CHULA VISTA (4-4-13) — With less than three weeks remaining in the regular season, Grossmont College is getting on a roll.

On Wednesday (Apr. 3), the Griffins ran their winning streak to five straight – the last three by shutout – after blanking host Southwestern on a shutout by KELSEY TOWNSEND, 4-0, in Pacific Coast Athletic Conference action in the South Bay.

"Kelsey's pitching has been phenomenal," said head coach DOUG HARTUNG. "I'm happy and proud of her hard work, which has been very good."

The Grossmont triumph, coupled with San Diego Mesa's 2-1 win over Palomar, moved the G-House (21-10 overall, 7-3 PCAC) into a 3-way tie for first place with five conference contests remaining.

For Townsend (18-6), it was her second 2-hit shutout of the week, putting the sophomore in line for PCAC player of the week laurels. And with three consecutive shutouts overall, she extended her string to 19.1 innings without allowing a run.

Meanwhile, Grossmont defeated the Jaguars for the 25th time in 27 meetings over the last nine seasons, including 10 times without allowing a run.

The Griffins registered all of their runs in the decisive 5th inning.

The rally started when first baseman MARY LIEBERKNECHT, who saw her hitting streak end Monday against Citrus, led-off with a basehit. BANESSA McHugh then put down the sacrifice bunt, but a throwing error kept her and pinch-runner KARLI BULL on the bases.

JENNIFER SCARRY was walked by Jaguars pitcher Gabrille Beasley to load the bases, then a mix-up by Southwestern's defense gave Grossmont the lead.

KATY CREWS, the PCAC leading in RBI entering the ballgame, hit a high popup behind the shortstop. The ball landed without being touched – although SWC ruled it an error – as Bull raced home to snap the scoreless contest.

CLARISSA NORRIS followed with a 2-run double to the gap in the right-center field to make it 3-0. Catcher KASEY CAMPBELL followed with a basehit to right field to bring home Crews.

Among Grossmont's final five PCAC games, the first is at San Diego City, then four straight at home, against Palomar, Mesa (twice, including the Apr. 23 season finale) and Imperial Valley. Meanwhile, this Saturday's non-conference game at College of the Desert has been cancelled due to a major public event in Palm Desert.

Griffins pitcher Kelsey Townsend fired her second straight shutout to stop Citrus. (Photo by Linda Byerline) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

On Tuesday (Apr. 2), the PCAC named Townsend, a sophomore pitcher from Mira Mesa High, as one of its Female Athletes of the Week for tossing her shutout against Imperial Valley. She struck out 10 batters without yielding a walk in the run-rule win.

By Nick Pellegrino
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EL CAJON (4-2-13) — With the entire state focused on Monday's (Apr. 1) only ballgame scheduled in California, the Grossmont College Griffins seem to be turning the corner in their quest to capture a fifth Pacific Coast Athletic Conference title in seven years.

The Griffins utilized the improving arm of pitcher KELSEY TOWNSEND to post consecutive shutouts for the first time this season after blanking visiting Citrus College, 4-0. Townsend allowed just two hits in posting her fourth whitewash of the season, while the Owls (14-10) were shut out for the first time all season.

"We were still a young team at the beginning of the season, but we're growing together," said sophomore KASEY CAMPBELL, Townsend's catcher. "We're improving our pitch selection, while ANA (LANDEROS, an assistant coach) helps us figure out what to throw, too."

Townsend registered four strikeouts, but more importantly, yielded just two walks – the fifth straight game to allow two or fewer bases on balls.

Grossmont also achieved a milestone after collecting its 20th victory of the season, reaching the mark for the sixth time since capturing its first PCAC crown in 2007.

One of the major reasons was displayed against Citrus: run-production by the entire batting order. Three of the team's runs were scored by the bottom third of the lineup.

"The offense is pretty solid throughout," noted Campbell, the No. 7 hitter, who singled and scored in the 4th inning. "It's great to be a part of so many good hitters."

The Griffins (20-10) scored twice in consecutive innings to support Townsend.

In the 3rd inning, designated player KAITLIN TOWNSEND was hit by a pitch and stole second base. She advanced to third on a wild pitch, then scored on a two-out single to right field by third baseman JENNIFER SCARRY.

However, when the defender failed to pick-up the ball, Scarry moved to second base, scoring when centerfield KATY CREWS singled the next pitch up the middle.

An inning later, following a hot liner for an out off the bat of Campbell, ALLIE CIMMARUSTI and Schuff singled, then first baseman MARY LIEBERKNECHT walked to load the bases.

The Owls registered an out at the plate, but VANESSA McHugh stroked an RBI single to right field for a 3-0 lead, then a throwing error on the infield on a ball hit by Scarry.

The Griffins seek to extend their 4-game winning streak when they return to PCAC action Wednesday (Apr. 3) at Southwestern.

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IMPERIAL (3-28-13) — Imperial Valley College pitcher Megan Lerno was simply doing her job, mowing down batters and keeping her Arabs in a scoreless game against visiting Grossmont College .

"For three innings, we couldn't do anything against Megan," said Griffins coach DOUG HARTUNG. "Then all of the sudden she lost it."

Grossmont went on to score seven times against a pair of IVC pitchers in the 4th inning, going on to a 10-0 decision in five innings in Wednesday's (Mar. 27) Pacific Coast Athletic Conference contest.

While the Arabs (7-19, 1-7 PCAC) were run-ruled for the sixth straight outing (and 7th in 8 starts), the Griffins (18-10, 5-3) moved to within a half-game of second place after San Diego City rallied from a 5-2 deficit to upend San Diego Mesa, 6-5.

Lerno dominated for three-plus frames, recording seven of her first 10 outs on strikeouts. Then Grossmont hit the ignition switch, never allowing Lerno to register another out.

KATY CREWS stroked a one-out single, then KASEY CAMPBELL and ALLIE CIMMARUSTI were both hit by a pitch to load the bases.

Then the parade of walks began – to JENNIFER SCHUFF, MARY LIEBERKNECHT (playing first base for the injured NICOLE OBNEY), KAITLYN TOWNSEND and BLIME MACIAS – forcing home four runs to open the scoring.

VANESSA McHUGH and Crews capped the rally, as McHugh stroked an RBI single to make it 5-0, then Crews went to center field with a 2-run double.

Meanwhile, Grossmont pitcher KELSEY TOWNSEND struck out 10 batters while scattering six hits without a walk to post her third shutout of the season. Her previous blanking came against PCAC-leading Palomar.

The Griffins return home for a non-conference game against Citrus, starting at 3 p.m. Monday (Apr. 1).

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SAN MARCOS (3-23-13) — Following a physically and emotionally draining ballgame, Grossmont College head coach DOUG HARTUNG only had one thing on his mind.

"After all of that, even though I have a ton of other things to do tomorrow, I need to go surfing," Hartung noted.

Hartung will be enjoying the Dawn Patrol at La Jolla Shores after his Griffins outlasted perennial state power Palomar, 10-9, in Friday's (Mar. 22) Pacific Coast Athletic Conference thriller.

For Grossmont, the triumph clinched the season series from the Comets for the fifth time in seven seasons.

A mullering or rake over was in the offering after going through the washing machine, trailing 6-0 through four innings. However, Grossmont made the bottom turn, eventually carving out a lead, before avoiding getting goofy footed during a dramatic finish.

SURF GLOSSARY

Tied at 7-all entering the 7th, the Griffins again got to Palomar pitcher Carlie Daniels (10-2), handing her just the second loss of the season.

Grossmont (18-10, 5-3 PCAC) loaded the bases on a one-out double by KAITLYN TOWNSEND, a fielder's choice by leadoff hitter VANESSA McHUGH when the ball went to second base but Townsend returned in time, then a basehit by LAUREN SCARRY.

Catcher KASEY CAMPBELL followed with what turned out to be the game-winning RBI, getting hit by a pitch for the second time in the contest.

CLARISSA NORRIS then equaled a season-high with her fourth hit of the ballgame for another run. The rally was capped by a sacrifice fly by KATY CREWS to right-center field.

Palomar (17-5, 6-2 PCAC) answered with a pair of runs in the bottom half of the frame, then had the potential game-tying run at second base. However, a pop up to JENNIFER SCHUFF at second base ended the marathon.

The top of Grossmont's batting order went a composite 9-for-17 with five runs and six RBI. Meanwhile, Townsend, the No. 9 batter, collected both of her hits in the 5th when the Griffins started their comeback.

Five hits, three walks, and another HBP on Campbell which produced the first of six runs to tie the game. Both sides then exchanged single runs in the 6th.

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EL CAJON (3-22-13) — Left fielder VANESSA McHUGH extended her Pacific Coast Athletic Conference lead in runs scored by coming home three times Thursday (Mar. 21), including once on a 3-run double by KASEY CAMPEBLL in the 3rd inning, leading Grossmont College to a 12-3 pasting of visiting Imperial Valley College.

McHugh, who now has 36 runs scored for the season (no one else is at 30), went 2-for-2 plus a pair of walks, as the Griffins scored three times in the 1st to take a 3-2 lead, then four more times in the 3rd to eventually win by run rule in the 5th.

Campbell's big hit came with two outs after JENNIFER SCHUFF and MARY LIEBERKNECHT singled, then McHugh walked, sending a drive to the fence in left-center field.

In addition, center fielder KATY CREWS, right fielder ALLIE CIMMARUSTI and Schuff, the second baseman, all registered two hits each for Grossmont.

The pitching victory went to KELSEY TOWNSEND, who struck out seven and allowed just a pair of earned runs. Townsend leads the PCAC in victories and innings, and is second in strikeouts.

For the Arabs (7-18, 1-6 PCAC), catcher Sissy Castillo and third baseman Alexis Martinez each went 2-for-3 at the plate.

Grossmont (17-10 overall, 4-3 PCAC) now travels to test first-place Palomar in a must-win contest to stay in the race for the PCAC pennant. Friday's (Mar. 22) game starts at 3 p.m. in San Marcos.

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KEARNY MESA (3-21-13) — Mount Miguel High product LAURA NELSON tossed a 2-hit shutout, leading San Diego Mesa College past Grossmont College, 10-0, in Wednesday's (Mar. 20) Pacific Coast Athletic Conference game held at P.R. Mendoza Field.

The win allowed the Olympians to expand their lead over the Griffins (16-10 overall, 3-3 PCAC) to 1.5 games for second place in the conference.

The hits for the Griffins were by VANESSA McHUGH and CLARISSA NORRIS, who each went 1-for-2 to creep their batting averages closer to the .500 mark.

The Griffins host Imperial Valley on Thursday (Mar. 21) at 3 p.m. in a make-up from last week's rainout.

No statistics were reported by Mesa to the state website.

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EL CAJON (3-17-13) — In a rain make-up from Opening Day, Grossmont College bombed El Camino College of Torrance for the fifth time in six meetings, run-ruling the Warriors in an easy 10-2 decision in five innings during Saturday's (Mar/ 16) non-conference meeting.

The schools were to open their campaigns at the Golden West Tournament in Huntington Beach before bad weather settled over Surf City, USA.

Grossmont pitcher SHANNON FYSON ran her record to 3-2 after limiting El Camino to just a run on three hits in 3.2 innings. KELSEY TOWNSEND mopped up, getting touched for an unearned run while recording the final four outs.

On offense, the Griffins' KASEY CAMPBELL and KATY CREWS each pounded a pair of extra base hits.

In the 4th inning, Crews belted a triple, then scored on a Campbell home run. Both players also doubled. Campbell's homer were her fourth of the season, moving her into a tie for second place among Pacific Coast Athletic Conference sluggers.

Grossmont (16-9) returns to PCAC action Wednesday at San Diego Mesa.

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EL CAJON (3-16-13) — A small mistake of walking the bottom batter in an opponent's batting order cost Grossmont College a ballgame.

"We walked City's No. 9 batter to load the bases," said Griffins head coach DOUG HARTUNG. "And we knew that City's No. 1 and 2 batters already had hits."

And when the pair at the top of the San Diego City College lineup again responded with basehits, the door swung open to a 4-run rally in the 6th inning, enough to topple Grossmont, 6-4, in Friday's (Mar. 15) Pacific Coast Athletic Conference.

"There isn't much difference with a lot of our teams, so you always need to execute the little things," added Hartung. "Unfortunately, something like a walk was enough to do a great deal of damage."

Through five innings, Grossmont held a 2-1 lead, as VANESSA McHUGH batted 2-for-4 while NICOLE OBNEY went 2-for-3. Both posted a run and an RBI.

The Griffins (15-9 overall, 3-2 PCAC) held one last change after gaining a pair of 2-out hits in the 7th, but a ground ball left the team just short.

On Saturday (Mar. 16) Grossmont will makeup a rain out from Opening Day, hosting El Camino at 1 p.m.

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EL CAJON (3-14-13) — Grossmont College moved into sole possession of second place in the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference after staving off a late Southwestern College rally to claim a 5-4 decision Wednesday (Mar. 13).

The victory, coupled with Palomar's 4-2 decision over San Diego Mesa, allowed the Griffins (15-8 overall, 3-1 PCAC) to remain a half-game behind the Comets, while Mesa dropped 1 1/2 games off the pace.

Grossmont mounted an early 5-0 cushion before the visiting Jaguars scored twice in both the 5th and 7th innings, and before Griffins pitcher KELSEY TOWNSEND closed out the game with one of her eight strikeouts, setting down Jessica Thompson with the potential tying run on second base.

A 3-run outburst in the 1st inning allowed Grossmont to cruise most of the afternoon.

CLARISSA NORRIS led off by blasting the first Jaguars pitch for a double, followed by a run-scoring triple by KASEY CAMPBELL for a quick 1-0 lead. A couple of errors allowed two other runs to come home.

However, it was a 5th-inning run by VANESSA McHUGH which proved important. McHugh went station-to-station on a basehit, a steal of second base, to third on a ground ball to the right side, then home when Norris doubled to left-center.

Norris posted another perfect day at the plate. She went 2-for-2 with an RBI double and a pair of walks, raising her batting average to .475 this season. Meanwhile, McHugh went 2-for-3 with a double and two runs scored.

For Southwestern (11-8, 1-3 PCAC), GABRIELLE BEASLEY ( Steele Canyon ) ignited both late rallies by the Jaguars with a double and a triple, scoring both times. However, the ballclub fell to within a half-game of last-place Imperial Valley .

The Griffins seek to avenge their only conference setback of the season, hosting San Diego City on Friday (Mar. 15) at 3 p.m.

By Nick Pellegrino
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EL CAJON (3-7-13) — In the school's most important victory since DOUG HARTUNG took over as head coach last season, Grossmont College pitcher KELSEY TOWNSEND scattered four hits, lifting the Griffins to a decisive 8-0 run-rule triumph over Palomar in Wednesday's (Mar. 6) Pacific Coast Athletic Conference contest.

Townsend registered a pair of strikeouts, gaining a majority of her outs on ground balls, which were all scooped up by an errorless infield defense.

Meanwhile, NICOLE OBNEY collected the game-winning RBI by driving in the game's initial run in the 2nd inning. It was her amazing sixth GWRBI of the season for Grossmont (14-9 overall, 2-1 PCAC), which moved into a tie for second place and within a half-game of the front-running Comets (12-4, 3-1).

"We made every one of our nine hits count," said Hartung. "Palomar played great defense, so we needed to drive in each of our runs – nobody came home because of errors. We capitalized on all of our hits."

Six of Grossmont's nine hits went for extra bases, including a home run by KASEY CAMPBELL in the 3rd, when Grossmont built a 4-0 lead.

The Griffins first got on the board when CLARISSA NORRIS doubled in the 2nd, eventually scoring on Obney's basehit. Grossmont then scored three times in the 3rd and 4th innings.

Campbell's homer was followed by a 2-run double by Obney, who finished with three RBI. An inning later, KATY CREWS cleared the loaded bases with a 3-run double for a 7-0 cushion.

The Griffins then capped the ballclub's first run-rule win over Palomar since 2010 (and first at home since 2008) on a walk-off double by VANESSA McHUGH in the 5th. McHugh's hit to left-center field scored KARLI BULL, the pinch-runner for ALLIE CIMMARUSTI, who had the final of five Grossmont doubles.

Grossmont, a winner in five of its last six starts, is slated to host Imperial Valley on Friday (Mar. 8) (weather permitting) at a special 1 p.m. matinee contest.

© East County Sports.com
HUNTINGTON BEACH (3-4-13) — Grossmont College completed a successful run at the Golden West College Tournament, posting a 4-1 record which included Sunday (Mar. 3) afternoon's 12-2 run-rule pasting of Pasadena to capture third place at the 3-day event.

Griffins catcher KASEY CAMPBELL was named to the all-tournament team for her performance, which included a 3-run homer to help top the Lancers in the final ballgame. Her 2nd-inning blast to left field ignited Grossmont to a 3-0 advantage.

JENNIFER SCHUFF and CLARISSA NORRIS each batted 3-for-3, while KATY CREWS went 2-for-4 with four RBI, making a winner of Griffins pitcher KELSEY TOWNSEND.

In the semifinals, Southwestern overcame a 2-0 deficit to beat Grossmont, 7-2. Both runs by the Griffins came in the 1st, when Campbell tripled home VANESSA McHUGH (lead walk, stolen base), then Crews came through with a 2-out, RBI basehit.

The Jaguars went on to take the crown after downing Chaffey in the final.

Grossmont (13-8 overall) returns to PCAC action with a pair of home games this week, entertaining Palomar Wednesday (Mar. 6) and Imperial Valley Friday (Mar. 8), both starting at 3 p.m.

© East County Sports.com
HUNTINGTON BEACH (3-3-13) — Grossmont College advanced to the championship game of the Golden West Tournament after defeating the host Rustlers in walk-off fashion during Saturday's (Mar. 2) semifinals, 3-2.

Moments after Golden West scored twice in the top of the 7th inning to get even and ruin the shutout bid of Griffins pitcher KELSEY TOWNSEND, Grossmont needed just two batters to still make a winner of Townsend (5 strikeouts).

VANESSA McHUGH opened the bottom of the 7th with a booming triple to left-center field. Moments later, LAUREN SCARRY slapped a hot shot off the pitcher's glove. The Golden West shortstop charged forward to collect the loose ball and fire home, but McHugh was already across the plate with the game-winning run on the infield single.

The Griffins (12-7) opened the scoring with two runs in the 4th.

CLARISSA NORRIS scored on a basehit by KATHY CREWS, who later scored on a double by ALLIE CIMMARUSTI.

The Griffins will return to Orange County for Sunday's 10 a.m. tournament chamionship round, meeting conference rival Southwestern. The teams opened PCAC play last week, with Grossmont taking a 4-3 decision in the South Bay.

© East County Sports.com
HUNTINGTON BEACH (3-2-13) — Grossmont College came out of its pool at the Golden West Tournament after sweeping a pair of games Friday (Mar. 1), gaining a meeting with the host Rustlers in Saturday's knockout phase.

The Griffins (11-7 overall) whipped L.A. Harbor, 21-1 in 5 innings, then outlasted Moorpark, 9-6.

In the opener, the Seahawks allowed 10 runs in the 1st inning to the G-House.

CLARISSA NORRIS homered and doubled, while LAUREN SCARRY hammered a homer among her two hits.

In game two against the Raiders, VANESSA McHUGH doubled home two runs for an early lead.

Moorpark rallied to get even at 3-all, but Scarry answered with a 3-run homer in the 4th. The Raiders came back to within 6-5, but KASEY CAMPBELL put the victory away with a 2-run double in the 5th.

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (2-28-13) — It had been a long season for San Diego City College second baseman McKENNA CLARKE, a product of Monte Vista High.

The Knights sophomore was batting just .156 (5-for-32) this season... until Wednesday (Feb. 27).

Clarke broke loose against the Grossmont Griffins, going 2-for-3 with two runs and a pair of RBI, giving host SDCC a surprising 10-2 win in Pacific Coast Athletic Conference action. Both schools rest even with 1-1 marks in PCAC play.

Grossmont (9-7 overall) held the lead through the first half of the ballgame at 2-0 behind consecutive doubles by ALLIE CIMMARUSTI and JENNIFER SCHUFF in the 2nd inning, then a run-scoring grounder by KATY CREWS to bring home CLARISSA NORRIS (double) in the 3rd.

Meanwhile, the Knights (9-8-1) collected just two hits through three frames before the wheels fell off for Grossmont, allowing four runs in the 4th, then a walk-off six runs in the 5th.

Included was a game-tying basehit by Clarke, then the Knights gained a pair of unearned runs to take the lead.

In the 5th, six hits and another error was enough to end the ballgame early.

The comeback started on a lead homer by Jazmine Hamme in the 4th, sending the ball over the left-field fence at Betty Hock Field.

For the Griffins, Norris again dominated at the plate by going 3-for-3 with a pair of doubles, raising her season average to .452, the second-best mark among PCAC batters.

In addition, LAUREN SCARRY, Cimmarusti and Schuff all added two basehits each.

Next for the Griffins in the Golden West Tournament, which opens a 2-day run on Friday (Mar. 1). The first-day opponents will be L.A. Harbor (3:30 p.m.), followed by a game with Moorpark.

© East County Sports.com
CHULA VISTA (2-23-13) — KATIE CREWS registered three separate run-scoring basehits, while NICOLE OBNEY was credited with yet another game-winning RBI, powering Grossmont College past host Southwestern, 4-3, in Friday's (Feb. 22) Pacific Coast Athletic Conference opener in the South Bay.

Crews, who went 3-for-4, drove in runs in the 1st, 5th and 7th innings with singles, all off Jaguars pitcher GABRIELLE BEASLEY, the reigning PCAC pitcher of the year out of Steele Canyon High.

However, it was Obney who garnered her fifth winning hit of the season moments after Crews tied it.

The winning rally saw KASEY CAMPBELL smack a 2-out double, then hot-hitting CLARISSA NORRIS received one of her three intentional walks. Crews followed with a basehit to right, scoring pinch-runner KARLI BULL to make it 2-2. Obney followed with a single to right-center to bring home Norris.

Grossmont added an important insurance run in the 7th, when Crews singled home Norris after her second free pass and a passed ball.

Southwestern, which finally snapped a 20-game losing streak (2004-12) to Grossmont last season, saw Beasley match Griffins winning pitcher KELSEY TOWNSEND by each tossing 6-hitters. Townsend struck out four, while Beasley got seven batters on strikes, but also walked five.

In other PCAC openers, Palomar blanked defending champ San Diego Mesa, 1-0, on a 5-hitter by Carlie Daniel . Meanwhile, host Imperial Valley downed San Diego City, 6-0.

The Griffins (9-6 overall, 1-0 PCAC), winners in 8 of their last 11, get five days off before returning to conference action on the road Wednesday (Feb. 27) against San Diego City at Hock Field.

Courtesy, Santa Ana College media relations
SANTA ANA (2-22-13) — Needing three runs in the 8th inning, Santa Ana College rallied for a walk-off 10-9 win over Grossmont College in Thursday's (Feb. 21) non-conference game. Alyssa Yglesias drove a double to centerfield that brought Genna Main home from third base for the winning run.

The Dons had a 7-5 lead going into the seventh inning, but Grossmont (8-6) rallied for a pair of unearned runs to tie the game when VANESSA McHUGH stroked a 2-run single.

In the 8th, it didn't take the Griffins long to reclaim the lead for the first time since the third inning. With a runner starting the inning on second base via the international tie-breaker rule, Grossmont got a RBI-double by CLARISSA NORRIS, who then scored on a sacrifice fly by NICOLE OBNEY.

But the Dons (9-3) had the same advantage of a runner at second to start the bottom of the eighth. Heather Robertson came in as a pinch hitter and delivered with a RBI-double to pull the Dons within one. Genna Main then followed with a RBI-double of her own, scoring pinch runner Eryn Martinez to tie the game at 9-9. After Alexandra Perkins successfully advanced Main with a sacrifice bunt, Yglesias brought Main home for the game-winning run.

Norris and catcher KASEY CAMPBELL both went 2-for-4 for Grossmont. Meanwhile, Obney was perfect in five plate appearances. She singled to help start a 4-run rally in the 4th, walked twice, and posted a pair of sacrifices.

Pending a playable field, the Griffins open Pacific Coast Athletic Conference action at 2 p.m. Friday at Southwestern.

Clarissa Norris

© East County Sports.com
SAN MARCOS (2-18-13) — Grossmont College shortstop CLARISSA NORRIS has been named one of the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference's Female Athletes of the Week. Norris shares the citation with Palomar College basketball player Maureen Fegan for the period ending Sunday (Feb. 17).

Norris was a force with the bat at the San Diego City College Tournament over the weekend. The sophomore batted 10-for-18 (.555) over five contests played at Hourglass Field at Miramar College, including an overwhelming 9-for-12 (.750) on the second day, propelling the Griffins into the championship finale.

Norris went 3-for-3 in a 7-5 win over Allan Hancock, and was 4-for-6 to down Los Angeles Mission 12-11 in the semis.

The product of Grossmont High also knocked in the Griffins' only run to give the Griffins a 1-0 lead before state-ranked College of the Desert came back to win 9-1 in the final.

© East County Sports.com
MIRA MESA (2-17-13) — The Grossmont College women's fastpitch team was unstoppable at the annual San Diego City College Tournament, defeating every opponent... well, except one.

State-ranked College of the Desert (13-3) was the only team able to stop the Griffins, taking a pool-play contest on Friday, then claiming Saturday's (Feb. 16) championship game, 9-1, at Hourglass Field next to Miramar College.

The rest of the day belonged to Grossmont (8-5), downing Allan Hancock, 7-5, then surviving a marathon semifinal against L.A. Mission, going three ITB frames to claim a 12-11 decision.

Sophomore catcher KASEY CAMPBELL was named to the all-tournament team, while CLARISSA NORRIS was huge with the bat, going 9-for-12 over the final three games.

Norris went 3-for-3 against Hancock, including a 2-run single in the 1st inning, then drove in two more runs while batting 4-for-6 against the Free Spirit. In the semis, the Grossmont High product also knocked in the team's only run with a line single to score VANESSA McHUGH to give the Griffins a 1-0 lead before the Roadrunners took over.

In game one, Norris gave Grossmont a 2-0 lead, only to watch the Bulldogs answer with three runs in the bottom half of the frame. However, the Griffins responded with five runs in the second, with Campbell belting a go-ahead 3-run homer to left-center field for a 5-3 advantage.

Game two saw L.A. Mission hold a 4-1 lead entering the 6th (and final) inning (time limit). However, Grossmont got even when Norris knocked in a pair of runs, then scored by stealing second a base then coming home on a basehit from ALLIE CIMMARUSTI.

The tiebreaker saw Grossmont out-score L.A. Mission, 8-7, including thee runs in the 9th. JENNIFER SCHUFF belted a 2-run triple for the game-winning hit.

© East County Sports.com
MIRA MESA (2-16-13) — The return of former Santana High standout SHANNON FYSON to the pitching circle proved to be triumphant. The freshman struck out four batters and walked just one, leading Grossmont College to a 9-2 victory over Santa Barbara City College on the first day of the San Diego City College Tournament.

The Griffins (6-4) fell in their event opener to state power College of the Desert, 8-0, before Fyson led the ballclub in a bounce-back performance.

"Considering this was the first time that Shannon has pitched after a 2-year break, it was an outstanding effort," said assistant coach WAYNE WEIGHTMAN. "But the most impressive part was her control – she only walked one batter."

Right fielder ALLIE CIMMARUSTI provided most of the offense with a pair of triples, including a bases-loaded shot to cap a 5-run outburst by the Griffins. The sophomore also scored twice.

The big rally saw NICOLE OBNEY drive in Grossmont's first run, giving her the game-winning RBI for an amazing fourth time already this season.

For Desert (11-4), Roadrunners pitcher Alyssa Fuimaono tossed a 3-hit shutout with six strikeouts.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-14-13) — KELSEY TOWNSEND tossed her first shutout of the season Wednesday (Feb. 13), allowing Grossmont College to extend its winning streak to four following a 3-0 blanking of visiting Mt. San Jacinto in a rain make-up ballgame.

Townsend, a sophomore out of Mira Mesa High, struck out seven batters in scattering seven hits. The closest chance for the Eagles saw a runner at third base get caught in a rundown when the batter missed the pitch in an attempt at a squeeze play.

"It's great how the defense backed me up," said Townsend, who plans to study to become a health administrator. "I am enjoying the opportunity to pitch and trying to be successful."

Meanwhile, the Griffins (5-3) scored all the runs they would to support Townsend in the 1st inning, when VANESSA McHUGH was hit by a pitch, advanced when LAUREN SCARRY walked, then scored from second base on an RBI single by NICOLE OBNEY.

For Obney, it was her third consecutive game-winning RBI. She earlier collected a 7th-inning game-winner at Santiago Canyon, then drove in the first run in a romp over Chaffey.

In the 4th, ALLIE CIMMARUSTI singled and was eventually sent home. She was out by a wide margin, yet scored when the catcher dropped the ball.

The other Grossmont run came in the 6th on a booming, pinch-hit double to right-center field by MARY LIEBERKNECHT.

The Griffins return to action this weekend at the San Diego City College Tournament, to be held at Hourglass Field next to San Diego Miramar College in Mira Mesa.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-12-13) — Grossmont College answered a 3-game losing streak with its current 3-game winning streak, moving above the .500 plateau following Monday's (Feb. 11) triumph over visiting Chaffey, 11-3 in five innings, in non-conference action.

NICOLE OBNEY drove in runs in three different innings, backing a complete-game pitching effort of KELSEY TOWNSEND.

Obney registered a bases-loaded walk for the first of her three RBI, posted a sacrifice fly, then added a run-scoring double when the Griffins (4-3 overall) gained a walk-off win in the 5th inning.

In addition, catcher KASEY CAMPBELL recorded a pair of RBI with three hits while scoring twice. Third baseman LAUREN SCARRY also had three hits and three runs, plus an RBI.

The Griffins complete a brief homestand with a make-up game against Mt. San Jacinto this Wednesday (Feb. 13) at 3 p.m.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (2-8-13) — The Grossmont College women's fastpitch team may have been rained out of Friday's (Feb. 8) home-opening doubleheader with Mt. San Jacinto, yet the Griffins still feel like winners.

Earlier in the day, SHANNON FYSON, who helped pitch Santana High to the 2010 CIF Division III championship game, elected to join the Grossmont College pitching staff.

Fyson, who posted a 11-4 record with one shutout as a senior for the Sultans, will join KELSEY TOWNSEND to give the Griffins a 1-2 punch in the pitching circle.

"We were lucky to pick up Shannon," said head coach DOUG HARTUNG. "She was taking classes at Grossmont, including one with Kelsey, and the two of them talked."

Fyson was an All-Grossmont Valley League second-team selection in 2010.

A year earlier, she ranked among the East County leaders with a .423 batting average when Santana played in the tough Grossmont North League, also posting a 14-3 record with four saves, the most victories and most saves by any Grossmont Conference pitcher that season.

During her two years on the Santana varsity, her 25 victories was second only to All-CIF San Diego performer and 2010 East County Pitcher of the Year NOELLE JOHNSON of West Hills, who registerd 28 wins.

© East County Sports.com
ORANGE (2-7-13) — The season is less than two weeks old, yet Grossmont College delivered another game-winning hit in the 7th inning to secure a road victory.

On Wednesday (Feb. 6), Granite Hills High product NICOLE OBNEY knocked in high school teammate KATY CREWS with the tie-breaking run, giving the Griffins a 5-4 decision over powerful Santiago Canyon.

Unlike last week's win at Golden West, when ALLIE CIMMARUSTI delivered a solo homer with two outs to break a tie, Grossmont (3-3) rallied with a pair of runs to overcome a 4-3 deficit, handing the Hawks (6-1) their first setback of the young campaign.

CLARISSA NORRIS started the comeback by reaching on an error, eventually scoring on Crews' basehit to knot the ballgame. Obney followed with a double to center field to bring home Obney from second base.

For the contest, Obney had a perfect day at the plate, reaching base on all four appearances. After twice getting hit by a pitch, the first baseman singled in the 5th, then collected her game-winner in the 7th.

Meanwhile, Crews went 2-for-3, with a run and two RBI. The center fielder also drove in second baseman JENNIFER SCHUFF (also hit by a pitch) in the 5th, when the Griffins scored twice to start a comeback from a 4-1 deficit.

Grossmont pitcher KELSEY TOWNSEND allowed just one earned run over seven innings to gain the victory. Townsend struck out four and allowed just six basehits.

The contest concludes a season-opening roadtrip for the Griffins, who will host Mt. San Jacinto of south Riverside County in Friday's (Feb. 8) home-opening doubleheader, starting at 1 p.m.

© East County Sports.com
GLENDALE (2-3-13) — CLARISSA NORRIS and KATY CREWS each registered five RBI, including grand slams in a 12-run explosion in the 6th inning, powering the Grossmont College women's fastpitch team past Mt. San Jacinto, 20-3, in Saturday's (Feb. 2) action at the Glendale College Tournament.

Both Norris and Crews batted 3-for-4, while catcher KASEY CAMPBELL went 2-for-4 with a triple and a pair of RBI.

For the tournament, Grossmont (2-3 overall) posted a 1-3 record. They return to action Wednesday (Feb. 6), capping a season-opening road trip at Santiago Canyon at 3 p.m.

Note: Mt. San Jacinto will join the Pacific Coast Athletic Conference in 2013-14.

© East County Sports.com
GLENDALE (2-2-13) — The long ball slugging by Grossmont College continues.

On Friday (Feb. 1), LAUREN SCARRY, NICOLE OBNEY and KATY CREWS all knocked in runs against Moorpark College. However, all three hits were the only ones collected by the Griffins in the opener of the Glendale College Tournament, as the Raiders held on to a 4-3 triumph.

Grossmont (1-2 overall) later fell to Victor Valley, 11-4, and San Diego Mesa, 8-0, at the Glendale Sports Complex.

Day Two of the event continues Saturday, meeting Mt. San Jacinto.

© East County Sports.com
HUNTINGTON BEACH (1-31-13) — Grossmont College sophomore ALLIE CIMMARUSTI crushed a solo home run with two outs in the 7th inning, as the Griffins rallied twice to nip host Golden West College, 6-5, in Wednesday's (Jan. 30) rain-delayed season opener at Brazney Diamond.

Cimmarusti's blast, the second of the ballgame by Grossmont, cleared the barrier in left-center field. In the 4th, left fielder CLARISSA NORRIS clouted a leadoff homer with a shot to center.

The Rustlers (1-1) scored twice in the 1st, but Norris' homer trimmed the deficit in half. The Griffins then scored three times in thr 5th to take a 4-2 lead, only to see GWC answer right back with a 3-spot for a 5-4 advantage.

However, in the 6th, Grossmont moved even when centerfielder VANESSA McHUGH singled, moved to second base on a walk, then scored on a RBI single to left by catcher KASEY CAMPBELL.

An 11-hit attack saw McHugh,Campbell, third baseman LAUREN SCARRY and second baseman JENNIFER SCHUFF also collect two hits each. All recorded a single and a double, as Grossmont pounded six extra-base hits.

For Golden West, freshman shortstop Missy Gilbuena hit a 2-run homer to open the scoring.

The Griffins are now 8-2-1 in their last 11 season openers, including five straight victories. They continue their season-opening roadtrip by participating in the Glendale College Tournament on Feb. 1-2. The home opener will be a Feb. 8 doubleheader against Mt. San Jacinto.

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (1-15-13) — Seeking to bounce back from its first sub-.500 campaign this century, the 2013 edition of the Grossmont College women's fastpitch team is already finding similarities from a ballclub which just 14-20 last spring.

A year ago, the Griffins were hampered went their No. 1 pitcher accepted a four-year college scholarship between semesters, making its virtually impossible to find an adequate replacement. And now, one of the pitchers expected to share the No. 1 role in the pitching circle is also out, facing arm surgery.

"We were going to be right in the middle of it last season, but we lost Hannah Rapoport to Colorado Christian University," said Grossmont head coach DOUG HARTUNG on a player who became Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference player of the year. "And it's again going to be hard to win conference without a No. 1 pitcher."

"We were going to be right in the middle of it last season, but we lost Hannah Rapoport to Colorado Christian University," said Grossmont head coach DOUG HARTUNG on a player who became Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference player of the year. "And it's again going to be hard to win conference without a pair of No. 1 pitchers."

It's not what the Griffins expected when looking in the mirror, yet they plan to make the most of the talent which remains on the roster.

"Our pitcher is going to be KELSEY TOWNSEND," noted Hartung. "She will be getting a lot of work because back-up duties will have to go to one of our infielders. Fortunately, Kelsey is one of our hardest workers, so she looks forward to the challenge."

Working with the pitchers is returning catcher KASEY CAMPBELL, an all-Pacific Coast Athletic Conference selection last season.

"I expect good things to happen with Kasey," added the coach. "And she's been really hitting the ball well."

Also returning will be sophomore CLARISSA NORRIS, who can hit for power and average.

Many of the positions are still up for grabs.

"We have a combination of players who can start, so it's hard to tell how we'll do if we want to be better than last year."

The Griffins will field a host of players from Granite Hills High.

NICOLE OBNEY seeks to start at first base, KATY CREWS is the shortstop when not pitching, while MARY LIEBERKNECHT (who only played travel ball) could be the designated player when not catching.

The rest of the infield should find JENNIFER SCHUFF at second base, and ALLIE CIMMARUSTI at third base.

The outfield will be anchored by sophomore VANESSA McHUGH in center, a all-PCAC selection, with the corner spots filled by either TORI ROEL, LAUREN SCARRY, BLIME MACIAS and KARLI BULL.

In addition, Townsend's twin sister, KAITLYN TOWNSEND, returns to softball following a 1-year hiatus. Like her sibling, she can swing the bat.

The three members of Hartung's coaching staff – Ana Landeros-Barr, Bruce Whitlow and Steve Wisnosky – all return. In addition, the staff includes longtime Grossmont Conference coach Wayne Weightman (most recently the baseball coach at El Cajon Valley HS), and Michelle Goff, the sister of former Grossmont all-state pitcher MELANIE GOFF, who now performs at Louisiana Tech.

Griffins second baseman Sonia Ray. (ECS file photo by Ruth Mims)

© East County Sports.com
OSKALOOSA, Iowa (6-22-12) — SONIA RAY, who languished through four years of high school ball, finally gained an opportunity to display her skills at Grossmont College and has now earned a softball scholarship to a 4-year school.

Ray, the Griffins' starting second baseman, accepted at offer from William Penn College, a member of the Midwest Collegiate Conference. The Statesman (46-19) not only advanced to the NAIA National Championship this past spring, they also led the MCC with 10 players earning berths on the MCC All-Academic team.

"Before I came to Grossmont, people would not recognize me because I came from Mount Miguel High," noted Ray. "By blending in with Grossmont's prestige athletes like MEL (GOFF, who is now at Louisiana Tech), ALYSSA (TAYLOR, now at NW Oklahoma), and ANGELA (LOVELADY, Oklahoma City Univ.) as a freshman, people began to recognize me for my performance rather than the reputation of previous organizations I had participated in."

"Once a Matador, recognized as a Griffin, and excited to be a Statesman, regardless of what uniform I have proudly worn, I've always been the same athlete."

Ray eventually wants to become a sports agent, athletic director, or coach, helping the lost, hidden-talent athletes just like herself.

"I've worked hard my whole life dreaming of the day that I will be able to participate in a sport at the University level. Now that it has come. I shared my joy the moment I signed my letter of intent, now back to work to reach the next step."

Ray is the second Griffins ballplayer to accept a scholarship since East County veteran coach DOUG HARTUNG took over this past spring; the first was HANNAH RAPOPORT, who now performs for Colorado Christian. Two others are also currently looking at offers from other 4-year schools.

"The daughter to one of my assistant coaches went to William Penn about five years ago," said Hartung about KIM WHITLOW, another former Griffins ballplayer out of El Capitan High, who graduated from WPC in 2006. "So we are well-acquainted with the program and feel Sonia will fit right in."

"Sonia is just one of the hardest worker we had. even diving and laying out for balls during practice. She'll do fine there and looks forward to the experience."

Kyrstin Gemar (DSU photo)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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