Helix shortstop Chanelle Ward attempts to turn the double play vs. West Hills. (Photo by Tony Bordine)
	EASTERN LEAGUE Falcons re-gain lofty status © East County Sports.com TIERRASANTA (5-1-13) — You won't hear it from the lips of any player or coach, but the mountain has been climbed by the Scripps Ranch Falcons. Champions of the Eastern League for four consecutive seasons (2008-11) until upended by Mira Mesa last season, the Falcons have all-but-mathematically wrapped up another crown after MAKAYLA MARTIN beat her old ballclub in shutting out Serra, 7-0. Martin struck out 11 batters in spinning Tuesday's (Apr. 30) 3-hitter at the Conquistadors. Scripps Ranch now holds a two-game lead with three to play heading into Thursday's meeting with second-place Patrick Henry. Yet even if they lose, the remaining two ballgames are against opponents in the Eastern League's second division. Any doubts that the pennant race could come down to a dramatic finish were quickly erased on the first trip to the plate by Martin. Following a lead double by SUSANNE MORRIS, MARISA DATKO was hit by a pitch, then Martin drove both runners home on a double to the gap for a fast 2-0 start. In the 4th, AMANDA ROBINSON doubled, then BRYANA DATKO singled to start another rally. Robinson scored on an ALLIE RUSSELL grounder, followed by an RBI basehit on a LAUREN LIPE grounder through the left side of the infield. The 5th inning saw consecutive basehits by MICHAELA PRINCE, Robinson and Bryana Datko for a run to make it 5-0. Then in the 7th, ALLISON PETTY and SAMANTHA NELSON also collected RBI. For the Conquistadors, center fielder ELONTAY COLLINS pumped a leadoff triple in the 4th, but was left stranded. MIRA MESA 13, MORSE 1 (5 inn.) — KATIYANA MAUGA moved within one of equaling the CIF San Diego Section career home run record Tuesday (Apr. 30), registering her 40th in the Marauders' pasting of visiting Morse in an Eastern League ballgame. Mauga opened the game's scoring with a 3-run blast, as Mira Mesa posted nine runs in the 1st inning to quickly put away the Tigers. The early scoring came as easy as 1-2-3, as in needing just three batters to score. QUIRISA MAUGA led off with an infield single, an ASHLEY MORAN ground ball was booted for an error, then Katiyana Mauga drilled a 1-0 pitch beyond the barrier in right field. For the contest, the senior batted 2-for-2 plus a walk. Mira Mesa sent 14 players to the plate, with Quirisa Mauga collecting two hits including an RBI double on her second go-round, scoring on a Moran triple. Meanwhile, AMARA CALIGAGAN, KYLIE NELSON and JORDYN NOWAKOWSKI each posted a run-scoring single. Caligagan later pumped a 3-run double to center field in the 3rd to mount a 13-0 cushion, then Nelson, the third baseman, ended the contest by snaring a line drive to invoke the run rule. PATRICK HENRY 6, CHRISTIAN 0 — Junior pitcher ERIN SHICK fired a 3-hit shutout, setting up Patrick Henry for Thursday's (May 2) showdown with Scripps Ranch after downing the Christian Patriots in an Eastern League affair. Patrick Henry, which rests two games behind the Eastern leading Falcons, must win the head-to-head battle, then get some help to forge a co-championship; the Patriots haven't won a league crown since 2006. Shick struck out seven batters, but needed each one as Patrick Henry could not break away from Christian until the 5th inning, when they registered five runs to break open a 1-0 ballgame. The early run saw SIERRA ALTMEYER accept a bases-loaded walk in the 2nd, forcing home SYDNEY JAMES. Christian had chances, including a 1st-inning single by ALYSSA HARRIS, then a double in the 4th by JENNY ESQUIVEL, who went 2-for-3 against Shick. But in the 5th, James accepted another leadoff base-on-balls to start another rally. ANYA VANDERSIP also walked, with both advancing into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt by MONTANA POTTS, with both runners coming home on a throwing error on a ball hit by catcher RYLIE RUCKLE. Leading 3-0, Altmeyer collected another basehit, followed by an RBI single by MEGHAN FISHER, then a 2-run double to right-center field by ALLY FAILLACE. James batted 1-1, but reached on all four plate appearances with two walks and getting hit by a pitch.
	Patrick Henry's Anya Vandersip (Photo by Linda Byerline) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-1-13) — Valhalla High turned tragedy to triumph twice in extra innings Tuesday (Apr. 30), allowing the Norsemen to claim a 3-0 victory over archrival Granite Hills on a walk-off, 3-run homer by MADISON LABSHERE.

One small mistake was quickly overcome, as KAYLIE HIPWELL singled after twice failing to advance BRANDI KOHEL (lead single) with a bunt. But when Norsemen second baseman DIONNA SMITH crashed the ground following a misstep at first base, everything stopped after she grabbed a knee in agony.

A preliminary report noted Smith may have suffered a hyper-extended knee pending a further diagnosis, with the game delayed some six minutes while she was attended to.

However, the potential disaster of losing a starter just two weeks prior to the playoffs turned around in an instant. On the very first pitch following the delay, Labshere sent a line drive over the center field fence for her seventh home run of the season.

Following an injury delay, Madison Labshere smacks the very nexr delivery for a walk-off, 3-run homer to stun Granite Hills, 3-0. (Photo by James Labshere)

Everything seems to be going right for Valhalla (15-11), which has won five of its last six outings.

"We're playing like we did last season," added Labshere, who went 2-for-4 at the plate. "We started slow, but now we're taking care of business."

Meanwhile, Norsemen junior ASHLEY MADARA kept Granite Hills at bay all afternoon, spinning a 1-hit shutout. Madara struck out three in her 8-inning shutout.

The only Eagles hit was a 4th-inning single by cleanup batter VICTORIA HATHAWAY.

Granite Hills center fielder ALISSA BUDVARSON kept the game alive in the bottom of the 7th, reaching above her head while on the warning track to rob MIRANDA THOMAS of either a home run or a potential RBI double.

Valhalla received a nice catch in foul territory by third baseman ABIGAIL METSCH in the top of the 7th. She ran into the fence at the Granite Hills dugout to retire Hathaway.

Grossmont's Kayla Appenzeller (11), moments after her tie-breaking basehit, makes the slide and is safe at second base vs. Steele Canyon. (Photo by Steve Crisci)

GROSSMONT 5, STEELE CANYON 1 — After collecting just five hits through five innings, the Foothillers doubled their total with one big inning, scoring five times in the 6th inning to drop the host Cougars in Tuesday's (Apr. 30) Grossmont Hills League contest.

The Steele Canyon loss means West Hills clinched at least a share of the GHL crown, the Wolf Pack's third title since the league was created four years ago.

The Grossmont hit parade in the 6th saw WHITNEY DIBB lead off with a single, but she only had advanced to second base with two outs. Then the roof fell in on Steele Canyon .

Senior KAYLA APPENZELLER singled home Dibb for a 2-1 lead. MEGAN MALWITZ reached on an error, followed by consecutive run-scoring basehits by MEGAN CRISCI and KATHERINE TREGO and CEL DAVILA.

For the contest, Davila batted 3-for-4, including a double in the 3rd, scoring on a single by SARAH NICKS.

Steele Canyon tied the ballgame in the 4th, when KYLIE STEAGALL led off with a double, scoring when TORI YANITOR lined a single to center field. The Cougars eventually placed two runners on base in the frame, but the Hillers escaped on a double play.

West Hills freshman putcher Miranda Groover (Photo by Tony Bordine)

WEST HILLS 10, HELIX 5 — In a rare ballgame which saw both teams reach double digits in basehits Tuesday (Apr. 30), the Wolf Pack was better able to cash in their opportunities in their Grossmont Hills League victory in La Mesa. The triumph clinched at least a share of the GHL title for West Hills, gaining a rare pennant before the calendar turned to May.

West Hills infielder ARIANA QUINTANILLA went 2-for-4 with a double and four RBI, making a winner of pitcher MIRANDA GROVER.

"I could not be more proud of the way these girls have battled and fought and come together this year after a bit of a rough start," said head coach MIKE APPLEBAUM. "We are very young, but everyone finds a way to contribute and pick each other up. They are mature far beyond their age.”

Applebaum did not hear about Steele Canyon 's setback to Grossmont until he came home, so he needed to share the news of the GHL to his players via social media.

"Now hearing that we've locked at least a share of the league title, I don't know if I could be any happier for my girls," he added. "I just know that we won’t settle for just a share, and we want it all. They deserve it. They've earned it."

MIRANDA GROOVER struck out four batters to gain the victory.

West Hills placed 20 batters on base. Along with 12 basehits, they received seven walks and a hit batsman, eventually mounting an 8-1 lead. Included was a 4-run rally in the 1st inning.

MELISSA EGGLESTON paced the Pack offense with three singles and a walk, stealing four bases and scoring twice.

Grossmont Valley League
EL CAPITAN 10, MONTE VISTA 0 (6 inn.) — For the eighth time this season, Vaqueros pitcher DELANIE GOURLEY collected the pitching win and the game-winning RBI In the same game, blanking the visiting Monarchs in GVL action Tuesday (Apr. 30).

Gourley collected 14 strikeouts against Monte Vista, continuing her climb on the state career list. Now with 1,296 Ks, the senior left-hander moved into 11th place according to the CalHiSports Record Book.

Receiving a ton of support on offense, Gourley drove in the initial run with a 1st-inning double, then her teammates took over.

Sophomore first baseman SAM LOZANO followed with a 2-run homer for a 3-0 cushion. Then in the 3rd, junior catcher ERIN HUMPHREYS belted a 3-run homer to push the advantage to 6-0.

Among the four hits allowed by Gourley, two were collected by Monte Vista's senior catcher, Emma DeMars.

SANTANA 23, MOUNT MIGUEL 0 (5 inn.) — Senior pitcher KENDRA KUPER came within one pitch of a perfect game, settling for a 1-hit shutout of the host Matadors.

Kuper, who registered seven of the first 14 outs in strikes, lost her bid for a perfect game and no-hitter when Mount Miguel freshman DeANNA HERNANDEZ beat out a chopper hit toward shortstop. She stole second base, but Kuper registered strikeout No. 8 to cap the victory.

Santana posted six runs in the 1st to decide Tuesday's (Apr. 30) contest quickly, featuring a 2-run double to right-center field by freshman JORDAN TEEGARDIN.

Senior catcher KAYTI GRABLE, who moved into fourth place on the CIF San Diego Section career home run list with her 32nd bomb in her last outing, batted 3-for-3 with four RBI against the Monarchs.

Also driving in three runs each for Santana were KYLIE BRASE (3-for-3) and SYDNEY VATES (2-for-2).

In addition, MacKENZIE REYNOLDS batted 2-for-2 (2 RBI), SAVANAH FENN went 2-for-2 (2 runs, walk), ARIEL RASMUSSON was 2-for-3 (3 runs, 2 stolen bases), while TARA GRENNAN posted a 2-run double.

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (4-30-13) — Two goals down, one to go. That's the outlook for the Santana Sultans.

After claiming the Grossmont Valley League title last week, the Sultans can now be considered the best team in East County following Monday's (Apr. 29) pasting of Steele Canyon, 7-0, in a non-league ballgame at Santana.

Senior catcher KAYTI GRABLE took control of the contest early, slugging her fifth home run of the season in the 1st inning. She later added a 2-run double in the 5th to account for almost half of her team's offense.

"She (the Steele Canyon pitcher) got the first two batters out on riseballs," noted Grable. "So she threw me a riseball on the inside, but it was called a ball. So she threw me another one, but it didn't do much."

Except to fly away onto the tennis courts beyond the barrier in left field to open the scoring.

In the 5th, with ASHLEE GROOVER (walk) and ARIEL RASMUSSON (double to left-center) on board, Grable drove them both home with a line double.

The effort was more than enough to support winning pitcher AMBER SCHISLER, who fired a 6-hit shutout at the Cougars. She struck out two.

The banner of being East County 's best is nice, but the Sultans have a bigger prize on their minds.

"It's nice, but we will keep working hard until we win the CIF championship," added Grable, who is headed for Northern Illinois next season."

Santana (18-6) busted open the ballgame by scoring four times in the 2nd, as another leadoff walk would haunt the Cougars.

Freshman SYDNEY VATES accept the free pass, CATHRYN CANCILLAR-PETTY reached on an infield single, then KENDRA JUPER bunted the pair into scoring position.

KYLIE BRASE followed with an RBI basehit, then Rasmusson singled home two more runs.

For Steele Canyon (15-10), BRITTANY FITCH went 1-for-1 with a pair of walks.

EL CAPITAN 21, MOUNT MIGUEL 1 (5 inn.) — COURTNEY WILLIAMS gained the pitching win for the Vaqueros, striking out four in a 5-inning, complet-game effort against the Matadors.

With Williams in the circle, DELANIE GOURLEY played first base, collecting another game-winning RBI with a run-scoring double in the 1st. She batted 3-for-5 with three RBI.

Catcher ERIN HUMPHREYS batted 4-for-5 and knocked in a run, Williams went 3-for-5 with a double and a par of RBI, while right fielder BREAN NOBLE was 2-for-3 with an RBI triple.

Norsemen pitcher Miranda Thomas fired a 3-hit shutout at La Costa Canyon (Photo by James Labshere)

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-28-13) — Valhalla High pitcher MIRANDA THOMAS carried a no-hitter into the 4th inning, but when she lost it, her teammates stepped forward. The Norsemen responded with two runs over the next three innings, whipping visiting La Costa Canyon in Saturday's (Apr. 27) non-league game at Leto Field.

Thomas finished by tossing a 3-hitter in her shutout. She struck out two batters, retiring the majority of Mavericks hitters on ground balls, leading to Valhalla 's third straight victory.

ABIGAIL METSCH countered LCC's 4th-inning double with one of her own in the bottom half of the frame. Following basehits by Thomas and LADYSARAH FEDERICO, both courtesy runners – EMILY HOWARD and ANNAMARIE IULIANO – would score. Metsch sent her shot over the head of the left fielder for a 1-0 lead, then BRANDI KOHEL's infield single scored another.

An inning later, Valhalla loaded the bases, allowing Thomas to send a blooper over the first baseman to bring home two additional runs in DIONNA SMITH (2-for-3) and MADISON LABSHERE (3 walks).

The final 2-run rally saw Metsch open the 6th with a double. She scored on a basehit by KAYLIE HIPWELL would later score on an EMILY ORDONEZ basehit.

SCRIPPS RANCH 3, El Centro-SOUTHWEST 2 (8 inn.) — MAKAYLA MARTIN collected the game-winning hit and the pitching win, although it took longer than expected, in leading the host Falcons past the invaders from the Imperial Valley in Saturday's (Apr. 27) non-league contest.

Martin singled to right-center field for the winning hit, driving home MARISA DATKO, who opened the 8th inning with a single, then moved into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt by MICHAELA PRINCE.

Scripps Ranch held a 2-0 advantage throughout most of the ballgame, thanks to RBI from ALLISON RUSSELL and BRYANNA DATKO in the 4th.

However, Southwest's Taylor Ross was central to single runs in get even, scoring in the 5th, then driving in Maci Lerno (3-for-3) with the tying run in the 5th.

Martin finished with seven strikeouts.

PATRICK HENRY 3-8, OTAY RANCH 4-1 — The Patriots gained a split of Saturday's (Apr. 27) non-league doubleheader in the South Bay thanks to pitcher ALLY FAILLACE, who fired a 1-hitter at the Mustangs in the nightcap.

The lone hit could've been a killer, when all-CIF catcher Sashel Palacios boomed an RBI double in the 4th for a 1-0 lead. However, Faillace closed the contest by retiring 12 consecutive batters, allowing her teammates to rally for the victory with eight unanswered runs.

In the bottom of the 4th (PHHS was the home team), a throwing error allowed two runs to score. Patrick Henry then added five runs in the 6th, featuring a 2-run triple by sophomore SYDNEY JAMES.

SIERRA ALTMEYER went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI for the Patriots.

In the opener as the visiting team, Patrick Henry scored twice in the 7th on RBI by Faillace and James, only to allow two in the home-half in a tough setback.

The comeback started in the 6th with a bases-loaded walk to MONTANA POTTS. Altmeyer went 3-for-4 to start her 5-hit day at the plate. The Mustangs' Palacios was limited to just one hit in each contest.

In a re-scheduled, non-league doubleheader from Apr. 20, Gourley struck out 14 Eagles batters and hit a 3-run homer in Saturday's (Apr. 27) opener. But in Game 2, the left-hander pitcher did something different, earning her first save of the season, allowing thw Vaqueros to sweep Olympian by scores of 8-1 and 7-3.

In the opener, Gourley dominated with her strikeouts without issuing a walk. The lone run allowed came unearned on a dropped fly ball.

Gourley's big hit came in the 2nd inning. Following consecutive singles by NICOLE BALINGER and KELSEY HENZIE, she pulled her homer to deep right field for a 5-0 lead.

In the 1st, COURTNEY WILLIAMS and Gourley both registered basehits, then JENNA PORTER was hit by a pitch to load the bases. SAM LOZANO followed by clearing the bases with a 3-run double.

The scoring was capped by a solo homer by ERIC HUMPHREYS in the 7th.

Gourley batted 2-for-2 in the opener, then 3-for-4 in the second game, including a 2-run single in the 2nd.

That was all the offense needed by Williams, the starting pitcher, who gained the victory. But when she got into a mild jam after 4 1/3 innings of work, Gourley closed with three strikeouts over the final 2 2/3 innings to garner the save.

Lozano again delivered a big hit with a 2-run double.

Gourley's career strikeout total now stands at 1,282 K's, which is good for a tie for 12th place in California state history, as listed by the CalHiSports Record Book.

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (4-27-13) — The Helix Highlanders hope to soon accomplish the advancements recently made by Chula Vista High.

The Spartans, once one of the county's lower echelon ballclubs just five years ago, are making a dash for the playoffs following Friday's (Apr. 26) victory over the Scotties, 8-3. The triumph completed a two-game sweep on the road of Grossmont Conference opponents, also defeating Monte Vista just 48 hours earlier.

Senior third baseman Bernadette Garcia, who knocked in all of Chula Vista 's runs against the Monarchs, continued her hot-hitting, batting 4-for-4 and driving in a pair of runs, including the first of four markers in the 1st inning to secure early control of the ballgame.

"It's all about our work ethic," noted Garcia, who will play for Frank Phillips (community) College in Bonner, Texas, next season. "And now we have a chance to make the playoffs.”

The Spartans (15-3 overall) are part of a 3-team pile-up at the top of the South Bay League standings, a circuit which should be decided next week when they play a home-and-home series with a top contender in Mar Vista.

Helix was stopped by freshman pitcher Natalie Samaniego, who did not allow an earned run. Meanwhile, Spartans shortstop Bella Julio again displayed the best defensive range by almost any infielder in the county.

"She picked up everything – we couldn't hit the ball past her no matter how hard we hit it," said Helix coach EMILY KOWALSKI."

The Scotties did cash in on both defensive mistakes.

Down 5-0 in the 3rd, SYDNI TOILOLO reached on an error, eventually scoring on a two-out single by SARA GONZALES.

In the 5th, DESTINI BULLOCK pulled a line drive to the outfield, bouncing right off the defender's glove. While the ball rolled to the fence, both STEPHANIE McKENZIE and Toiolo circled the diamond to trim the deficit to 6-3.

However, Garcia countered in the 6th with her second RBI basehit of the contest.

	Granite Hills' Kaila DeWitt. (Photo by Suzy Lahitte) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE
	GROSSMONT HILLS LEAGUE DeWitt lifts Granite Hills from big deficit © East County Sports.com EL CAJON (4-26-13) — The work load has been a bit stressful for Granite Hills High pitcher KAILA DeWITT. But she's making the best of a difficult situation. DeWitt, the only regular pitcher on the Eagles roster while waiting for the probable return of KIMMY TRIOLO next week, not only held down visiting Helix with her arm, she also delivered with her bat. The sophomore batted 3-for-4 with a pair of RBI, leading Granite Hills past the Highlanders, 13-5, Thursday (Apr. 25) in Grossmont Hills League action. "It is what it is," noted Eagles coach ERIN COYNE of the team's pitching situation. "But Kaila was working hard and giving it her all for the team." Being backed by a 14-hit attack helped Granite Hills rally from a 5-1 deficit, scoring 10 runs in the 5th to close the contest with 12 unanswered runs. DeWitt aided the cause with an RBI double and a run-scoring single, VICTORIA HATHAWAY batted 3-for-4 including a triple to score a run, while freshman right fielder KATIE WALL may have secured her place in the batting order for the rest of the season with a 4-for-4 performance. Helix' early advantage saw catcher DESTINI BULLOCK and KEANA NAKATA registered two hits each. WEST HILLS 7, GROSSMONT 0 — The Wolf Pack expanded their Grossmont Hills League lead to two full games with four to play after KELCI ELLIS-ALVAREZ spun a 1-hit shutout at the visiting Foothillers. The freshman struck out eight batters and walked just two, with the lone hit coming off the bat of CEL DAVILA, who doubled to open the 4th inning. But by then, West Hills already mounted a 2-0 lead. In the 1st, a two-out rally saw KATIE BYRD single, CORTNEY HORNE double, then both came home on an Ellis-Alvarez basehit. Byrd, who batted 3-for-3, added a sacrifice fly in the 4th to make it 4-0, then the Pack tacked on three more markers in the 6th. West Hills also saw the debut of left fielder PAIGE BOWLER. The freshman's first at-bat went for a double, then she stole third base. Bowler later added a sacrifice bunt in a strong opening.
	Granite Hills utilized an extra "player" in the outfield, yet were not penalized (Photo by Suzy Lahitte)

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (4-26-13) — It's not negative energy, but Santana High believes they were the ones who should be defending San Diego CIF Division III champions, not Grossmont Valley League rival El Capitan.

So the Sultans took another step to that end on Thursday (Apr. 25).

Backed by the pitching of senior AMBER SCHISLER, Santana extended its Grossmont Conference record to seven straight league titles, whipping the visiting Vaqueros, 6-1.

The Sultans took advantage of several errors or missed plays by the El Capitan defense, then demonstrated better hitting and defense to defeat Vaqueros pitcher DELANIE GOURLEY for the second time this season.

One of the Sultans' advantages came on the basepaths, including a key play that saw CATHRYN CANCILLER-PETTY take two bases on an ASHLEE GROOVER bunt which produced two runs.

"It's a play we practice on," said Canciller-Petty. "The play was behind me while I was going to third, but I saw the sign from RACHEL (FAILLA, the third-base coach) to keep running."

Groover's bunt rolled on the inside part of the first-base line, so El Capitan let it roll in the hope of turning foul. It never did, as TARA GRENNAN scored from third base, followed by Canciller-Petty for a 4-0 lead in the 4th inning.

"Each one of us did their job – mine was baserunning," added Canciller-Petty, who plans to play for the new program at San Diego Christian College next season.

Groover, a junior, welcomes the chance to finally contribute after sitting behind the talented ballclub, which had outright won or shared every league title since 2007.

"I waited and learned for a long time," noted Groover, who plans to attend Mansfield University ( Pa. ) in 2014-15. "Being my first year as a starter, I can do the little things to keep us winning."

El Capitan fell behind early when Santana leadoff batter ARIEL RASMUSSON reached on a 3-base error, coming home one batter later on a Schisler single to give her both the pitching win and game-winning RBI.

Grennan capped her 2-for-3 outing with a 2-run single in the 5th.

The Vaqueros lone run came in the 2nd to tie the game. After Schisler survived three walks in the 1st, three more free passes and a failed fielder's choice in the 2nd allowed Gourley to accept a four balls with the bases loaded for an easy RBI. However, Schisler escaped every other jam, as El Capitan stranded 13 runners.

EL CAJON VALLEY 15, MOUNT MIGUEL 8 — The visiting Matadors scored four times in the top of the 1st inning, but the rest of Thursday's (Apr. 25) ballgame belonged to the Braves in posting their initial Grossmont Valley League triumph of the season.

The change in the defensive configuration by ECVHS head coach LISA PONTIUS showed dramatic and immediate improvement.

"We moved YESSICA HOLQUIN from second base to third base – she played very well for us," noted Pontius. "Then we moved CHAUNTIE COOK from left field to second base because she's played the infield before."

It took an inning to mold together, but the defense and pitching shut out Mount Miguel over six of the final seven innings.

Meanwhile, the Braves also responded on offense, as catcher JESSICA SNOW and shortstop NOELLE PONTIUS each went 3-for-5 with three runs scored.

After El Cajon Valley scored three times in the 1st, they added two more markers in the 2nd, taking the lead for keeps on a 2-run triple by Snow. She would move to third on a basehit by left fielder BRIANNA MORGAN, then score to make it 6-4 on a passed ball.

Cook would score four times without an official at-bat. She walked four times and was hit by a pitch.

CHRISTIAN 9, MORSE 6 — KAYLA KRUEL belted an RBI double, then ANAYA TOBIASON followed with a 3-run homer, as the host Patriots scored four times in the 1st inning to down the Morse Tigers in an Eastern League contest Thursday (Apr. 25) at Dawson Field. Christian's Anaya Tobiason following her home run in the 1st inning vs. Morse.. (Gabriela Grabowski photo) The inning started when ALYSSA HARRIS stroked a leadoff single, then Christian went with small-ball on a sacrifice bunt by ANNA SHERBURNE and a walk to JENNY ESQUIVEL. But with the Tigers pitcher finding it hard to find the plate, there was a sudden strategy change. "We felt the pitcher might just groove one just to get a strike," said first-year coach TRACY PRIEST. "So we let Kayla and Anaya swing away." Kruel short-hopped the fence in center field for one run, then Tobiason cleared the barrier nearly at the identical spot for a quick lead. An inning later, when Esquivel belted a 2-run double, the Patriots were on their way with a 6-0 cushion. Esquiel finished the day going 2-for-2 with a pair of walks, two runs and three RBI, while Tobiason went 3-for-4. In addition, Harris went 2-for-4 with three runs, TAYLOR MILLER batted 2-for-4, while LAUREN LOUDERMILK went 1-for-1 and reached twice by getting hit by pitches. DIANA SUDA gained the pitching victory. SCRIPPS RANCH 6, MIRA MESA 1 —The Falcons, which held a two-game lead over three schools following the first round of Eastern League play, essentially eliminated the defending champion Marauders from pennant consideration behind a 4-hitter by pitcher MAKAYLA MARTIN. Martin, a sophomore, struck out seven batters in the first ballgame of the second round. Meanwhile, BRYANNA DATKO busted the game open with a grand slam in the 3rd inning to snap the pitchers' duel. The inning started when older sister MARISA DATKO singled to right field, followed by walks to MICHAELA PRINCE and AMANDA ROBINSON to load the bases. Bryanna Datko, a junior, then sent a drive into the wind, but it still cleared the barrier in left-center field. Marisa Datko, a senior, later registered an RBI the hard way, getting hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to make it 5-1 in the 4th. A Prince hit combined with a Mira Mesa error scored a second run in the frame.

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
TIERRASANTA (4-26-13) — An accident ignited a lightbulb in the head of Patrick Henry High coach DON SHAFFER.

"We were trying to intentionally walk MADDIE (BARRAZA) because she is one of Henry's best hitters," said Serra coach MARK BICKERSTAFF. "But one of the pitches wasn't far enough outside."

Reaching out with her bat, Barraza executed a "poke-a-bunt" – according to Bickerstaff – to squeeze home the go-ahead run, as the Patriots scored four times in the 9th inning to excuse the Q's, 5-1, in Thursday's (Apr. 25) Eastern League ballgame.

"Serra didn't cover Maddie's ball very well, so we did it again," noted Shaffer.

And again. And again.

Four squeeze bunts and a ground ball later, the Patriots scored four times with the ball barely leaving the infield in snapping a 1-1 deadlock.

The only ball to reach the outfield saw SIERRA ALTMEYER leadoff with a double, followed by a single and stolen base by ALLY FAILLACE to place two runners in scoring position.

Barraza then reached across the plate, allowing Altmeyer to score, followed by consecutive bunts by DANIELLE ROMERO, SYDNEY JAMES and ANYA VANDERSIP to make it 4-1. The bonus run came on a grounder to the right side by ERIN SHICK.

"Plus, Shick threw one of her best games ever," added Shaffer. "She only allowed four hits – Serra just couldn't hit any of her pitches."

The only trouble for Shick came in the 8th when the Conquistadors had a shot to win the ballgame.

With the potential game-winning run on second base, Serra standout ELONTAY COLLINS sent a liner to right field. However, Faillace hard-charged the ball to make a shoestring catch for the third out and extend the contest.

"Ally's catch was a game-changer," added the Patriots coach. "It may be the reason we won."

Valhalla baserunner Danielle Uy (25) beats the throw from the outfield. (Photo by James Labshere)

Valhalla pitcher Ashley Madara. (Photo by James Labshere)

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (4-25-13) — For a pair of schools which like to believe they excel in educating its students, Valhalla and Steele Canyon high schools failed to come to a consensus on the final score in Wednesday's (Apr. 24), Grosmsont Hills League game, which was moved up 24 hours for undisclosed reasons.

Although both sides agree that Valhalla was victorious, the Norsemen reported a score of 8-4; the Cougars said the final was 7-4.

Valhalla took the lead for keeps in the 3rd inning (either 4-2 or 3-2), then senior shortstop MADISON LABSHERE cracked a 3-run homer in the 4th. The blast was her second homer in as many days, sailing over the fence in left field to also bring home KAYLIE HIPWELL and DIONNA SMITH, who both singled.

The Norsemen were able to pitch the rested ASHLEY MADARA, who allowed two early runs before settling into a groove to knock down the Cougars, allowing Valhalla to move within pme game of Steeele Canyon for second place in the GHL.

Trailing 2-1, the Norsemen took the lead for keeps in the 3rd, thanks to consecutive RBI doubles by MIRANA THOMAS and LadySARAH FEDERICO.

Labshere batted 2-for-3 with a pair of walks, scoring three times. Hipwell and DANIELLE UY also registered two hits each.

For Steele Canyon, KAYLIE AZEVEDO went 4-for-4 with two runs and an RBI, while RACHEL BEASLEY batted 2-for-4 with two RBI.

CHULA VISTA 2, MONTE VISTA 1 — Senior captain Bernadette Garcia drove in both Spartans runs Wednesday (Apr. 24), as the visitors from the South Bay invaded Spring Valley to grab a non-league victory over the Monarchs.

Thanks to the Chula Vista coaching staff for reporting; no information was reported by Monte Vista.

Grossmont High senior catcher Sarah Nicks (left) replies with a handclap following her third home run, equalling the CIF San Diego Section record, which propelled the Foothillers to an 8-7 lead in the 7th inning. On the right, Nicks is joined by her long-time teammate, Amanda Porter, who is on the injured list. Valhalla rallied to win, (Photos by Steve Crisci)

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (4-24-13) — Grossmont High catcher SARAH NICKS equaled one of the Grossmont Conference's toughest single-game records, becoming the third player to ever hit three home runs in a ballgame.

Sarah Nicks: Her 3 home runs ties CIF record.

"I've never seen anything quite like it," said veteran Foothillers coach JERRY LERUD. "Every time she swung, the ball just exploded off her bat."

Nicks also finished with seven RBI, one short of the conference mark.

Serving as the starting catcher for Grossmont when the school captured the CIF San Diego Section Division I championship in 2011, Nicks is used to the spotlight. And each of her blasts were timely.

The senior staked the Hillers to a quick 3-0 lead with a shot to left-center field, also scoring CARLY PEARSON and WHITNEY DIBB.

The Norsemen countered in each of its first four trips to the plate to take a 7-3 advantage. Included was a 1st-inning, solo homer to left field by senior shortstop MADISON LABSHERE.

So Nicks struck for a leadoff homer in the 6th, then capped a 4-run rally in the 7th with a 3-run blast to center field. The inning started consecutive singles by Pearson, Dibb and HAYLEY KASDEN for a run, then Nicks' record-tying blast gave Grossmont a shocking 8-7 advantage.

Her three homers equals the mark first set by Steele Canyon 's SAM BEASLEY (vs. Cathedral Catholic, 2007) and matched by Santana's JESSIE OWENS (vs. EC-Southwest, 2008). Interestingly, both Beasley and Owens hit two homers in one inning in each of their respective outings.

Nicks' feat is even more amazing since the ballparks at Valhalla and West Hills are, traditionally, the toughest parks to hit the ball out of in the conference.

However, Valhalla found an answer to force extra innings.

EMILY ORDONEZ stroked a leadoff double down the left-field line. One out later, pinch-runner EMILY HOWARD made it 8-8 on a ground ball by SARAH FEDERICO.

A game-winning Norsemen run in the 8th was nullified on a Grossmont protest for an illegal substitute, but Valhalla still won it in the 9th.

DANIELLE UY ripped a double to right-center field, then KIRSTEN GALLO, in her first plate appearance of the season, put down a solid sacrifice bunt to move the runner to third base. But when the throw to first sailed over the defenders and down the line, Uy coasted home to win it.

For Grossmont, Nicks finished the day by going 3-for-4, plus a walk in the 9th inning, while Pearson went 2-for-5.

On the Valhalla ledger, Uy went 3-for-5 with two runs and three RBI. Also posting two basehits each were Labshere (2 runs), DIONNA SMITH (2 RBI) and KAYLIE HIPWELL (double, RBI).

Steele Canyon senior Kylie Steagall slams the first of consecutive home runs for the Cougars. (Photo by Tony Bordine)

SYDNI TOILOLO, one of the bright spots for Helix all season, sent a blooper just over Kramer's head. By the time the second baseman could recover the ball, Toilolo was safe at first base. Otherwise, the Scotties never hit the ball out of the infield off Kramer, who finished with 10 strikeouts and one walk.

Steagall finished with a 3-for-4 outing, good for three RBI. Hutchison reached base each time with her homer, walk, and twice being hit by a pitch.

Also collecting two hits for Steele Canyon included KAYLIE AZEVEDO (2 runs), TORI YANITOR and Kramer, while KALI SCHWARTZ posted a 2-run single.

WEST HILLS 17, GRANITE HILLS 8 – Wolf Pack center fielder MELISSA EGGLESTON posted a career day by batting 6-for-6, while KELCI ELLIS-ALVAREZ belted a 2-run homer when her team scored six times in the 1st inning, allowing West Hills to whip the depleted Eagles staff in Tuesday's (Apr. 23) GHL clash.

The big inning saw ARIANA QUINTANILLA walk, Eggleston single, with KATIE BYRD following with an RBI single.

Granite Hills baserunner Brooklyn Schwen (left) is safe at third base while West Hills defender Kayla Araujo waits for the ball. (Photo by Suzy Lahitte) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Later in the frame, BRANDI McCHRYSTAL walked, TESS EATON bunted her to second, then BREEZY LOTZE doubled to right-center field for the RBI and a 6-0 cushion.

Eggleston's outing included five straight singles, then she cleared the bases with a 3-run double in the 7th. She also stole three bases. Meanwhile, Horne batted 4-for-5 worth two RBI, while Ellis-Alvarez also stroked a double and placed a sacrifice bunt.

For Granite Hills, ALISSA BUDVARSON came through with two outs in the 3rd, belting a 3-run triple. She also singled and walked twice.

VICTORIA HATHAWAY added a pair of doubles and knocked in a run.

Grossmont Valley League
SANTANA 10, MONTE VISTA 0 (5 inn.) – Sultans senior KENDRA KUPER fired a 2-hit shutout Tuesday (Apr. 23), taking down the visiting Monarchs in Grossmont Valley League action in Santee .

Kuper struck out eight batters and walked just one, facing just two batters above the minimum thanks to catcher KAYTI GRABLE, who picked off a Monte Vista baserunner at first base.

TARA GRENNAN fueled the Santana attack with four early RBI. The senior stroked a 2-run double down the left-field line in the 1st inning, then a 2-run single in the 2nd.

Santana scored three times in the 1st, 2nd and 4th innings.

The bonus run in the 1st saw MacKENZIE REYNOLDS smack a sacrifice fly, while a Grable basehit brought in the extra run in the 2nd.

However, the biggest blows of the afternoon came in the 4th.

Following a leadoff homer by Grable, SYDNEY STELSE, who was just recalled from the junior varsity, made her varsity debut by slugging a pinch-hit, 2-run homer in her first at-bat with the big club. Stelse's drive went over the barrier in center field.

EL CAPITAN at EL CAJON VALLEY, ppd. – Due to several players on the Braves injured list, El Capitan agreed to re-schedule this game for Wednesday (May 1). Meanwhile, the Vaqueros' skipped ballgame with Mount Miguel is now slated for play on Monday (Apr. 29). Both are set for 4 p.m. starts.

Non-League
MOUNT MIGUEL at MISSION BAY – Neither the Matadors nor the host Buccaneers elected to report the result on this non-league game held in Pacific Beach.

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-23-13) — A message to those large division schools in North County, please be advised: the Otay Ranch Mustangs are a serious contender in next month's CIF San Diego Section playoffs.

The Mustangs (14-7-1) were carried by riseball specialist Maria Aguirre, who tossed a 4-hit shutout in blanking host Grossmont, 6-0, in Monday's (Apr. 22) lone East County ballgame.

Aguirre struck out six batters, including one to end the 4th inning – the Foothillers only threat – leaving the bases loaded.

Meanwhile, standout catcher Sashel Palacios carried the Mustangs offense. Her single in the 1st put Otay Ranch in front, but then a costly "mistake" took the bat out of Palacios' hands in the 5th.

With runners on the corners, a Mustangs runner at first base stole second, so Grossmont walked Palacios. But Otay Ranch proved to be deeper than just a single player.

"It's okay for teams to walk me because we are a 1-to-9 hitting team," said the Arizona State bound senior, who went 2-for-3 including a double. "Anyone in our batting order can hit and produce runs."

And when first baseman Jonee Rutledge followed by lining a 2-run single to center, the advantage went to 4-0 as the Mustangs would score five times in the 5th to break the game open.

In the 4th, Grossmont received a pair of two-out singles by HAYLEY KASDEN and WHITNEY DIBB, then SARAH NICKS walked to load the bases. But Aguirre fired series pair of riseballs to escape.

Otay Ranch immediately answered with its 5-run outburst, starting with a sacrifice fly by catcher Erika Rodriguez. Following the Palacios walk and a 2-run single by Rutledge, the Mustangs' Kalalaelisa Toomalatau pushed across a run on a squeeze bunt, then pinch-hitter Victoria Fernandez reached on an error for another run.

For Grossmont (10-10), Dibb batted 2-for-3, while Nicks was 1-for-2 plus a walk. The Foothillers return to Grossmont Hills League play Tuesday at Valhalla.

© East County Sports.com
UNIVERSITY CITY (4-21-13) —Valhalla High produced five hits and gained nine baserunners Saturday (Apr. 20), yet the Norsemen failed to score in a 7-0 non-league loss to University City.

KAYLIE HIPWELL collected a pair of basehits for Valhalla, which was shutout for only the third time this season.

University City does not report information to the media.

Steele Canyon first baseman Kali Schwartz tries to keep her foot on the bag, but Granite Hills batter Brianna Tyseling beat the throw anyway. Schwartz would later slug the tie-breaking, 2-run double in the 6th to lift the Cougars past the Eagles, 7-4. (Photo by Suzy Lahitte) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (4-20-13) — It's a dilemma from the preps to the pros.

For those who get paid to play, many athletes heading for contract negotiations or free agency seem to produce more in order to be enriched with enhanced contracts.

For high schools athletes, those with college scholarships in their pocket often display a little less as seniors.

Case-in-point: Steele Canyon High first baseman KALI SCHWARTZ.

"Yes, I'm getting ready for changes in my life," noted Schwartz, who possesses a volleyball scholarship to Nichols State in Louisiana. "We have quite a few seniors this year, so we need to re-focus to get the job done playing softball."

Schwartz delivered more than just words. The Cougars first baseman lined a tie-breaking, 2-run single in the bottom of the 6th inning Friday (Apr. 19), lifting Steele Canyon to a 7-4 verdict over visiting Granite Hills in a Grossmont Hills League make-up game.

"We're trying to hunker down and give it our all."

With her mother watching while operating the SC snack bar, Schwartz lined a drive to left, allowing BRITTANY FITCH (one-out double) and MELISSA PAINE (bunt single, second on a wild pitch) to snap a 4-all deadlock.

Granite Hills held advantages of 2-0 and 3-2, then rallied from a 4-3 deficit to tie it. But with both pitchers finding it difficult to hit their spots, both sides kept exchanging the lead. Both defenses didn't help the cause, with Steele Canyon committing five errors, while Granite Hills was simply unable to get to several balls, too.

At least for the Cougars, it's a win, moving the ballclub to within one full game of GHL leading West Hills.

For Steele Canyon, KYLIE AZEVEDO went 3-for-4 with a run, TORI YANITOR had two hits and a pair of RBI.

Meanwhile, catcher MOLLY HUTCHISON was gifted with a pair of RBI. Her deep drive to center field in the 2nd went off the glove of the defender battling the wind, going over the fence for a leadoff homer. In the 6th, after Schwartz’ go-ahead hit, Hutchison was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded for her second RBI.

Granite Hills re-took the lead in the 3rd on a run-scoring, bloop single to right field by BRIANNA TYSELING, scoring BROOKLYN SCHWEN (line double past third).

In the 6th, the Eagles tied it on consecutive doubles, again down the left-field line, by KIMMY TRIOLO and KAILA DeWITT.

RAMONA 5, SANTANA 2 – The Sultans traveled up the hill to meet the Bulldogs, but Ramona's Kailey Hill sent them right back down the hill. The USD bound pitcher tossed a 6-hitter and snapped a 2-2 deadlock with a 3-run homer, lifting the host Dawgs in Friday's (Apr. 19) non-league contest.

The speed of the Sultans forced a pair of throwing errors to gain their runs.

In the 3rd, ARIEL RASMUSSON singled and stole second base. But when she took third on the next pitch, the throw bounced down the line for a 1-0 lead.

Ramona scored twice in the 3rd due to a pair of errors, but Santana quickly knotted it in the 4th on more throwing mishaps.

This time, CATHRYN CANCILLER-PETTY stroked a two-out basehit, moving to second base on a wild throw to first. Like Rasmusson, "CCP" stole third base, then walked home on another wild throw.

But in the 5th, Hill's blast was the deciding factor.

EL CAJON VALLEY at MONTGOMERY – This non-league game was cancelled due to injuries; they had coaches but not enough players.

MONTE VISTA at PATRICK HENRY – This non-league game will be rescheduled because one of the coaches was reported to be out of town; they had enough players, yet not enough coaches.

On a windy day throughout the region, the ball fluttered in various direcions. On this play, Granite Hills outfielder Brianna Tyseling (right) will finally catch a ball which originally went for a simple infield popup to Eagles second baseman Felicia Vincent (24) against host Grossmont. (Photo by Suzy Lahitte) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE   Eastern League Bases-loaded intentional walk allows Serra to down Mira Mesa By Nick Pellegrino © East County Sports.com TIERRASANTA (4-19-14) — Mira Mesa High was looking for someone to register a key hit with runners in scoring position all Thursday (Apr. 18) afternoon, but when the right player had a prime opportunity, Serra took the bat out of her hands. Trailing 4-0 in the 7th inning, Marauders slugger KATIYANA MAUGA came to the plate with the bases loaded with two outs, so the Conquistadors coach made a visit to the circle to talk with pitcher DARCY TIBBETTS. "I apologized that she was going to lose her shutout, but I wasn't going to let Katiyana tie the game with one swing if she (Tibbetts) grooved one down the middle," admitted Serra head coach Mark Bickerstaff. "I wanted to win the game, so I told her to intentionally walk her." Mauga collected an RBI on her free pass, adding to her record-setting career total, but when the ensuing batter flied out to right field, Serra collected a 4-1 victory over the Marauders in an Eastern League contest. "Darcy pitched too well to lose like that if Kati went deep – she already hit one ball off the fence," added the coach. "And Katiyana is too good of a player to take a chance with. To me, it was the right choice." Meanwhile, the revolving door that is Serra's wobbly defense may have finally found a solution in freshman PATRICIA TURNER. Not only did she look comfortable behind the plate catching Tibbetts (6-1), it allowed others to fill different roles on defense. And it also carried over to the bat of Turner, who went 2-for-3 and three RBI, allowing the Q's to catch Mira Mesa for third place in the standings. Included was a 2-run triple to open the scoring in the 2nd, allowing STEPHANIE MACE ) leadoff line single to center field) and MARGARET RYAN (safe on error) to score. Two additional runs scored in the 6th for Serra (11-5-1, 2-2 EL). JORDYNN BARTOLOME opened with a line single to center field, advancing to second on a passed ball. KATRINA SIMMONS, who earlier doubled, lined a single to left for an RBI, moving to second on the throw home. Ryan bunted Simmons to third, then Turner smacked a hard grounder through the left side for her third RBI and a 4-0 cushion. Meanwhile, Mira Mesa successfully bunted runners into scoring position in the 2nd, 4th and 5th innings, yet never collected another hit in any sequence in order to score. The Marauders stranded 10 baserunners, including seven in scoring position. For Mira Mesa (7-13, 2-2 EL), sophomore ASHLEY MORAN batted 3-for-3 plus a sacrifice, while KYLIE NELSON and KRISTEN "K.P." PARKER each collected two hits. Nelson also scored on Mauga's walk. SCRIPPS RANCH 2, CHRISTIAN 0 — Suddenly, the Patriots are receiving solid pitching and improving defense, but now the bats have slowed down. DIANA SUDA allowed just one earned run in her complete-game effort, but Falcons pitcher ALLISON PETTY was a touch better, as the freshman tossed a 2-hit shutout to win Thursday's (Apr. 18) Eastern league contest. The lone hits for Christian (7-10, 1-3 EL) were singles by GABY GRABOWSKI in the 2nd and JENNY ESQUIVEL in the 4th off Petty. Meanwhile, Suda tossed a 5-hitter with a pair of strikeouts. The scoring for Scripps Ranch (9-11, 4-0 EL) was not reported. PATRICK HENRY 18, MORSE 1 (5 inn.) — The Patriots set season highs in both runs and hits (18 each) to down the host Tigers in an Eastern League ballgame Thursday (Apr. 18). Starting pitcher ERIN SHICK allowed just two hits to gain the victory, while ALLY FAILLACE tossed three inning of shutout relief, also yielding just two hits to earn the save. Faillace also batted 3-for-5 with three runs scored, while MADDIE BARAZZA (2-for-4, 3 RBI) and DANIELLE ROMERO (2-for-3, walk) also scored three times for Patrick Henry (8-9, 3-1 EL) Meanwhile, freshman shortstop ANYA VANDERSIP continues to step up her game. She collected a pair of run-scoring singles, scoring Barraza in the 1st and Romero in the 4th. MONTANA POTTS added a 2-run double in the 1st, when the Patriots scored six times before Morse had its first chance at the plate. The inning started with hits by SIERRA ALTMEYER and Faillace, then Barraza following with a 2-run double to open the scoring.

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (4-19-13) — West Hills High senior ARIANA QUINTANILLA knew it was going to be an important day in her life Thursday (Apr. 18), especially in meeting Steele Canyon, the only other unbeaten team in the Grossmont Hills League.

Or perhaps it was because of something planned after the ballgame.

"My teammates made this huge sign for me," explained Quintanilla. "It was my way to ask a life-long friend if he would go with me to the prom."

Quintanilla found success on both fronts. The Wolf Pack shortstop not only registered the key blow in a 5-run, 5th-inning rally to help defeat the Cougars, 6-0, her friend since childhood, Kevin Polston, accepted her invitation.

"It's been a perfect day," added Quintanilla.

On a blustery day with wind speeds reaching 28 miles per hour, Quintanilla came to the plate with two runners on base in a 1-0 nailbiter. She turned on a pitch, sending a shot down the left-field line, but the wind easily turned it foul.

"I was going to hit whatever she was going to throw," she noted. "That pitch was inside, so I turned on it. So when the next pitch was outside, I just went to right field."

The result was a booming double over the head of the right fielder, allowing KAYLA ARAUJO (lead single) to score for a 2-0 cushion.

That was all Wolf Pack pitcher MIRANDA GROVER needed. The freshman limited Steele Canyon (13-8, 2-1 GHL) to just four hits.

"I was able to throw strikes and not push the ball," said the soft-spoken Grover. "I didn't know I was pitching against a senior, just against a good team that we were tied with for first place."

"It was a close game, but in the 5th, everyone got pumped up and when one person hit the ball, like when Ariana hit it so hard, so did everyone else."

Ten batters came to the plate in the decisive frame.

Araujo singled, TESS EATON bunted her to second, then BREEZY LOTZE walked before Quintanilla sent her rocket which short-hopped the fence.

A ground ball by MELISSA EGGLESTON scored Lotze, then another double to right by KATIE BYRD made it 4-0. Two batters later, KELCI ELLIS-ALVAREZ singled through the left side for an RBI, then BRANDI McCHRYSTAL sent a grounder along the line and past the third baseman for the final run.

Byrd also opened the scoring in the 1st. Eggleston started the rally with a one-out single, stole second base while moving to third on a throwing error, before coming home on Byrd's basehit.

Meanwhile, Quintanilla's hope for a prom date was captured by a local television station, with her teammates standing behind her, all in a line holding the home-made banner.

"I can't be more excited," she added, moments before Pouston gave her friend a huge embrace.

The prom invitational for the world to see. (Photo by Shellene Quintanilla)

However, their post-high school plans will be miles apart. He will be enlisting in the U.S. Navy; she will be as far away from an ocean as possible, attending Black Hills State University in Spearfish, S.D.

"I think the Great Lakes are near there somewhere," she guessed. Just a touch closer is Lake Manitoba in Canada, just a snowball's throw away from Hudson Bay, rather than Duluth, Minn., on the western tip of Lake Superior some 772 miles from BHSU.

Meanwhile, West Hills (14-9, 4-0 GHL) holds a 1.5 game lead over Steele Canyon, which plays a make-up game with Granite Hills on Friday.

For the Cougars, RACHEL BEASLEY registered a pair of hits, while catcher MOLLY HUTCHISON drilled a 7th-inning double into the wind in left field.

Grossmont's Kayla Baez receives the stop sign at third base, but will later score in the Foothillers' 10-0 win. (Photo by Steve Crisci)

GROSSMONT 10, GRANITE HILLS 0 — Senior pitcher MEGAN CRISCI limited the visiting Eagles to just a par of basehits in a dominating Grossmont Hills League performance Thursday (Apr. 18). Crisci struck out three batters, getting the majority of her outs on ground balls in facing just 19 batters to collect the victory.

Three big swings of the bat led the offense for the Foothillers (10-9, 2-2 GHL), including two by designated player WHITNEY DIBB, who finished with a career-best five RBI.

In the 1st inning, following basehits by senior AMANDA PORTER and freshman second baseman CARLY PEARSON, Dibb sent the ball down the left-field line for a 2-run single to open the scoring.

An inning later, Grossmont erupted for seven runs, featuring the two other multiple-run scoring hits.

Dibb, a senior, again did most of the damage. Coming up with the bases loaded, she drilled another ball to left, going for a 3-run double. Moments later, Dibb would score when fellow senior SARAH NICKS, the catcher, walloped a 2-run homer.

Other run-scoring hits in the frame came from HAYLEY KASDEN and Pearson.

For the contest, Dibb and Pearson each batted 2-for-3.

The lone hits for Granite Hills (10-8, 1-2 GHL) were singles by freshman KATIE WALL and senior KIMMY TRIOLO.

Sliding safely into second base is Valhalla's Danielle Uy, despite the effort by Chanelle Ward of Helix to collect the high toss from the outfield. (Photo by James Labshere)

VALHALLA 10, HELIX 4 — The visiting Norsemen broke a 2-2 tie by scoring three times in the 4th and 6th innings, collecting 16 hits to down the Highlanders in Grossmont Hills League action Thursday (Apr. 18).

Senior shortstop MADISON LABSHERE, the reigning ECS player of the week, continue her torrid hitting, going 3-for-4 and was hit by a pitch, collecting four RBI and scoring three times. Included was a 2-run homer to left-center field in the 7th to put the game out of Helix' reach.

KAYLIE HIPWELL went 2-for-4, scoring in front of Labshere's fourth homer of the season. Hipwell's batting included a line double in the 4th, scoring ABIGAIL METSCH, who also lined a double, with the go-ahead run.

Hipwell and Metsch both went 2-for-4, with Metsch finishing with two RBI. In addition, DANIELLE UY batted 3-for-5 with a pair of RBI.

Winning pitcher MIRANDA THOMAS overcame allowing two runs in the 1st to toss 5 1/3 strong innings, allowing just six singles and one earned run. She struck out six. When she exited, KIRSTEN GALLO entered with two Helix runners on base with just one out, yet escaped the jam, eventually setting down all five Scotties batters she faced, all on ground balls to the infield.

Grossmont Valley League
EL CAPITANdf. MOUNT MIGUEL, forfeit — The Matadors did not have enough players. UPDATE: INSTEAD of a forfeit, the Vaqueros have agreed to re-schedule the game at a date to be announced.

MONTE VISTA 15, EL CAJON VALLEY 2 (5 inn.) — The Braves scored single runs in the 3rd and 4th innings, but in between, the Monarchs scored eight runs in one trip to the plate, eventually winning Thursday's (Apr. 18) Grossmont Valley league contest.

CHAUNITE COOK, a junior, needed to go station-to-station to produce the first El Cajon Valley run.

Cool singled to left-center field, then moved around on a passed ball to second, then to third base when LAURA GUERRERO, also a junior, reached base on a dropped third strike. But when the throw to get Guerrero sailed down the right-field line, Cook easily scored.

An inning later, senior NOELLE PONTIUS lined a one-out single to the left side, taking second base on a throwing error. JESSICA SNOW walked, but the fourth ball was in the dirt, allowing Pontius to take third base, then home when the ball was thrown to the right side in an attempt to nail Snow.

No report or roster was received from Monte Vista.

Scripps Ranch pitcher Makayla Martin fired a 3-hitter at Patrick Henry in a battle of Eastern League co-leaders. (Photo by Melinda Martin) Falcons nip Patriots for Eastern lead By Nick Pellegrino © East County Sports.com SAN CARLOS (4-17-13) — One simple mistake in the 6th inning allowed the game-tying run to score while also setting up the go-ahead run, allowing Scripps Ranch to assume the lead in the Eastern League by taking down host Patrick Henry in Tuesday's (Apr. 16) showdown for first place. Both sides were the only unbeatens in league play, with Patrick Henry holding a 1-0 lead until the mistake turned the contest around. Sophomore designated player ALLISON RUSSELL opened the 6th with a double, then center fielder SAMANTHA NELSON hit a grounder to the right side. "All I knew is that my coach told me to keep going and I ended up on third base," said Nelson. "I knew the ball was thrown away, but I guess it bounced all the way down the line." Russell scored on the error to knot the game. Moments later, Nelson lifted Scripps Ranch to a 2-1 advantage on a squeeze bunt from freshman LAUREN LIPE. That was the all support needed by Falcons pitcher MAKAYLA MARTIN, who recalled another important victory she once registered against the Patriots. "I also beat them last year on Senior Day," Martin recalled on her days at Serra High. "And this game was for first place, so it was important for me to keep my personal winning streak against them." The Falcons (8-11 overall, 3-0 EL) posted a pair of insurance runs in the 7th, when freshman MICHAELA PRINCE slapped a bases-loaded, 2-run single. The rally was set-up when SUSANNE MORRIS and Martin, who both batted 2-for-3, went for consecutive singles, then first baseman AMANDA ROBINSON also registered a basehit to load the bases. Prince then dropped the ball into left field for the bonus runs. "We've been hitting the ball lately, which makes things easier for me," said Martin, who struck out seven in tossing a 3-hitter. The Patriots (7-9, 2-1 EL) recorded their lone run in the 4th. ALLY FAILLACE opened with a single, getting replaced at first on a MADDIE BARRAZA fielder's choice. DANIELLE ROMERO followed with a triple deep into the right-field corner. MIRA MESA 13, CHRISTIAN 0 (5 inn.) — Marauders pitcher KYLIE NELSON fired a 4-hit shutout, as Mira Mesa blanked the visiting Patriots in Eastern League action Tuesday (Apr. 16). The victory snapped the deadlock between the ballclubs for third place, moving Mira Mesa to within a game of first-place Scripps Ranch. Mira Mesa (7-12 overall, 2-1 EL) scored in all four trips to the plate, aided by a season-low eight errors by the Patriots (7-9, 1-2 EL). Marauders senior KATIYANA MAUGA also smacked her 39th career home run, moving her within two of equaling the CIF San Diego Section record (41 by Trina Harrison, Oceanside, 2004-08). After Mira Mesa received four unearned runs in the 1st, then got a runner on a two-out defensive mistake before Mauga sent her homer for the fence in center field. She went 2-for-3. Meanwhile, Nelson struck out five batters for the victory. For Christian, ANAYA TOBIASON and TAYLOR MILLER each doubled. Hard-luck losing pitcher GABY GRABOWSKI allowed just six hits, yet all 13 runs were unearned. SERRA 6, MORSE 1 — Conquistadors senior center fielder ELONTAY COLLINS extended her season-long hitting streak to 13 contests, as the Q's scored in their first three trips to the plate to quickly take out the visiting Tigers in Tuesday's (Apr. 16) Eastern League affair. Collins wasted little time, scorching a two-out single in the 1st inning, followed by basehits from ASHLEY BLAKELY and KATRINA SIMMONS (RBI on slap to right field) to take the lead basically from wire-to-wire. Simmons and winning pitcher DARBY TIBBETTS each batted 3-for-3 against Morse (4-12, 0-3 EL), while Collins (two RBI) and Blakely each posted a pair of hits. Tibbetts also tossed a 5-hitter, raising her record to 5-1. She also doubled in a run in the 2nd, bringing home BROOKE RUSSELL (walk, stolen base). Blakely also doubled to start the 3rd, followed by a single to left by Simmons. Both runners would score when MAGGIE RYAN sent a drive past the third baseman and down the deep corner in left for a pair of RBI and a 4-1 lead. The bonus runs came in the 6th when Collins smacked an 0-2 pitch to right field, scoring both Russell and Tibbetts.

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (4-17-13) — West Hills High center fielder MELISSA EGGLESTON produced key plays with her bat and arm, allowing the Wolf Pack to survive a late Valhalla rally to claim a 6-5 decision in Tuesday's (Apr. 16) featured Grossmont Hills League contest.

Eggleston pounded a 2-run single in the 4th inning, when the Pack scored five times to take the lead. The senior later garnered an important outfield assist to prevent the potential tying run from reaching scoring position for Valhalla in the 7th.

A line drive was smoked to center, just tipping off Eggleston's glove. However, she hustled to the fence to recover the ball and fire it in.

"I really didn't expect the runner to be going to second base in that situation," said Eggleston. "But I saw her running, so I threw it to KATIE BYRD."

Byrd, the second baseman, easily applied the tag for the second out. A quick strikeout followed to end the contest in West Hills' favor.

West Hills winning pitcher Kelci Ellis-Alvarez (Photo by John Horne)

"I understand Valhalla wants to be aggressive in that situation," added Eggleston. "But the play was in front of the runner and she had to see that I already had the ball."

Meanwhile, Eggleston capped a 5-run outburst to secure a 6-2 lead, driving in both TESS EATON (double) and BREEZY LOTZE (walk).

"Everyone is hitting the ball right now," noted Eggleston of the team's turnaround from a slow start to the season.

West Hills took a 1-0 lead in the 1st when catcher CORTNEY HORNE, the clean-up batter, was given an intentional walk to leadoff the inning. KELCI ALVAREZ-ELLIS bunted courtesy runner JAYDE ROBERTS to second, then scored on a double by BRANDI McCHRYSTAL.

Valhalla answered right back to secure a 2-1 lead in the 3rd. Again, an unorthodox intentional walk was called on, this time by Wolf Pack coaches.

With the bases loaded, Norsemen senior shortstop MADISON LABSHERE was issued a free pass for an RBI which tied the game at 1-1 as ABIGAIL METSCH (lead double) waltzed home.

"I'm not going to allow Madison beat me with a grand slam," admitted West Hills coach MIKE APPLEBAUM. "I felt comfortable with the decision when I made it, and I still do."

Pinch-hitter ANNAMARIE IULIANO followed with a grounder to the right side, scoring KAYLIE HIPWELL (walk) to move in front.

Valhalla made things interesting with three consecutive runs in the 6th, sandwiching bases-loaded walks by MIRANDA THOMAS and DIONNA SMITH around an RBI single to center by Hipwell.

With the triumph, West Hills (13-9 overall, 3-0 GHL) takes a temporary half-game lead over Steele Canyon (13-7, 2-0 GHL), which had its game postponed (see below). The Norsemen fell to 9-11, 0-3.

Grossmont's Amanda Porter scores vs. Helix. (Photo by Steve Crisci)

GROSSMONT 6, HELIX 3 — The Foothillers placed the leadoff batter on base three times, each time starting a rally which built an early 6-1 lead in downing the host Highlanders in Grossmont Hills League action Tuesday (Apr. 16).

AMANDA PORTER accounted for leadoff basehits in the 1st and 4th innings to jump-start Grossmont (9-9 overall, 1-2 GHL) back to the .500 plateau. She tallied the opening score on a wild pitch.

In the 2nd, MEGAN CRISCI also stroked a lead single to left field, coming home on a KAYLA BAEZ double. The next two batters reached on errors, setting up CEL DAVILA to single home Porter for a 3-0 advantage.

Helix got one run back, but a 3-spot in the 4th pushed the Grossmont advantage to 6-1.

Porter singled, with CARLY PEARSON taking her place at first base on a fielder's choice. Davila singled and HAYLEY KASDEN walked to load the bases, with SARAH NICKS collecting an RBI when she was hit by a pitch.

A wild pitch allowed another runner to score, then Crisci lifted a sacrifice fly to right field.

Helix' early run saw MARISSA HAMPTON double to left, scoring on consecutive Grossmont errors.

The Scotties then tried to answer late with single runs in the 5th and 6th.

A squeeze bunt by SYDNI TOILOLO first allowed MARISSA HAMPTON (lead single) to score. The following inning, BRAY MONTEROSSA singled, KEANA NAKATA walked, then CHANELLE WARD hit a run-scoring basehit to left.

For Grossmont, Davila and Porter batted 3-for-5, while WHITNEY DIBB, Crisci and Baez were 2-for-4. On the Helix ledger, DESTINI BULLOCK went 3-for-4, while Hampton was 2-for-4.

Grossmont third baseman Katherine Trego (Photo by Steve Crisci)

Grossmont Valley League
SANTANA 25, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 (5 inn.) — Senior catcher KAYTI GRABLE fell one short of a school and conference record with seven RBI, as the Sultans scored 11 times in their opening at-bat to subdue the Braves in Tuesday's (Apr. 16) Grossmont Valley League game.

Grable registered four of her RBI in the 1st, starting with a 2-run single. When the ballclub batted around, she added a 2-run homer to right-center field, her fourth of the season.

Meanwhile, with Santana missing several players, No. 1 pitcher AMBER SCHISLER needed to pitch the entire contest, tossing a 1-hitter at ECVHS. Schisler recorded 14 of the 15 outs on strikes.

Before the Braves collected their hit, freshman right fielder SYDNEY VATES kept Schisler's no-hit bid alive with a running shoestring catch of a shallow ball hit by NOELLE PONTIUS over the head of the first baseman. The bid was finally snapped on an infield single by JESSICA SNOW.

Other batting numbers for Santana include: a 3-run triple by Schisler; ARIEL RASMUSSON went 4-for-4 with a walk; Vates went 3-for-3 with a triple off the top of the fence in center; and junior KYLIE BRASE posted a run-scoring double.

The Santana and Grossmont Conference record for RBI in a single game is held by Grable's older sister, former shortstop AMANDA GRABLE, who knocked in 8 runs against Monte Vista in 2009, the year she also captured the East County Triple Crown (.571 avg., 6 HR, 43 RBI).

MONTE VISTA 17, MOUNT MIGUEL 0 (5 inn.) — No report on this Grossmont Valley League game.

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (4-16-13) — When El Capitan High captured the Grossmont Conference Tournament championship last weekend, the Vaqueros, representing the Grossmont Valley League, defeated the best of the Grossmont Hills League. Except one.

With 11 schools in the conference, Steele Canyon was the odd-team-out in the GCT, with the Cougars instead playing a variety of non-league contests. And since Steele Canyon entered the week with the best overall record in the Hills, some thought Monday's (Apr. 15) contest with El Cap could be considered a "second" GCT title game.

And the Vaqueros again earned the "title."

Senior pitcher DELANIE GOURLEY again was practically unhittable, limiting the host Cougars to just a pair of singles in the Vaqueros' 3-0 triumph. The southpaw struck out 11 batters, raising her career total to 1,256 K's, good for 13th place in state history according to CalHiSports.

Vaqueros catcher ERIN HUMPHREYS provided Gourley with the only run she needed with an RBI single in the 4th to bring home COURTNEY WILLIAMS (walk, stolen base) in the 3rd inning.

"It's fun to catch Delanie," noted Humphreys, a converted shortstop. "I used to get bored standing out there on the infield with nothing to do. Now I'm a part of every play."

El Capitan (18-8) then offered more bad news to its competitors: the team tallied three runs without the aid of Gourley's bat.

The Vaqueros expanded their lead in the 4th on a pair of RBI singles.

The rally started when SAMANTHA LOZANO was hit by a pitch, then JENNA PORTER walked. Later in the frame, despite an out by Gourley, senior KENSIE GANDY and sophomore KELSE HENZIE knocked in runs with basehits.

Meanwhile, the lone hits for Steele Canyon (13-7) were a bunt single by KAYLIE AZEVEDO in the 4th, and a bloop single into center field by KYLIE STEAGALL in the 7th.

GROSSMONT 1, EASTLAKE 0 — A pair of seniors – MEGAN CRISCI and HAYLEY KASDEN – have been stepping up of late, both contributing to the Foothillers' non-league victory Monday (Apr. 15) in the South Bay.

Crisci fired a 5-hit shutout while Kasden drove home the game's only run in the 4th inning to lift Grossmont (8-9) past the Titans (8-7).

Crisci allowed just five singles, with only one Eastlake baserunner reaching second base, due to an error.

"Megan's filling a need – that's what senior leadership is all about," said Grossmont head coach JERRY LERUD. "She's taking charge, just like Hayley always has.”

CEL DAVILA scored the lone run, opening the 4th with a basehit to left field. SARAH NICKS bunted her to second base, then Kasden singled up the middle.

"That's the way it's supposed to be done," added the coach.

MOUNT MIGUEL at MORSE — No report received on this non-league game.

El Capitan captured its first GCT title since '02. (Photo by Raul Ramirez)

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-14-13) — The last time El Capitan High played for the Grossmont Conference Tournament championship came in 2002, when the Vaqueros blanked Valhalla, 3-0.

Eleven years later, El Cap repeated with another shutout effort over the Norsemen, as DELANIE GOURLEY faced just 22 batters in a 9-0 pasting of the Norsemen. The senior left-hander struck out 13 batters in tossing a 1-hitter to celebrate her 18th birthday Saturday (Apr.13) at Leto Field.

Valhalla's Madison Labshere (left) attempts to race from first to third base on a grounder to the right side, but is tagged out by El Cap third baseman Jenna Porter in the Vaqueros' 9-0 triumph. (Photos by Raul Ramirez)

Williams opened the contest with a walk, then KELSEY HENZIE reached on an error. Gourley followed with a line single for the RBI. But there would be more.

ERIN HUMPHREYS followed with a squeeze bunt to bring in Henzie, then a throwing error allowed two additional unearned runs to score.

In the 3rd, Gourley scored again. Following her lead single, consecutive bunts by MARISSA CUEVAS and Humphreys (RBI) made it 5-0.

With the game well decided in the 6th, Valhalla was called for a series of illegal pitches, three of them allowing runners from third base to gain a free pass home.

The other run in the 6th was knocked in by Humphreys to cap a 3-RBI performance. Gourley finished with a 3-for-4 outing.

In the 4th, MADISON LABSHERE broke the no-hit bid with a two-out single. DANIELLE UY reached on a fielding error, with the throw to first base arriving late.

Labshere thought she caught the El Capitan defense napping and took off for third base, but first baseman NICOLE BALINGER fired the ball across the diamond to JENNA PORTER at third base for the tag and the inning-ending out.

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
SAN CARLOS (4-13-13) — With seven sophomores and a pair of freshmen on their roster, the Patrick Henry Patriots believe their slow start to the season was understandable.

"We have some talented players, but because we're so young, we were playing like individuals," noted Patriots freshman ANYA VANDERSIP. "But now we're playing like a team."

Once holding a 1-6 record, the Patriots posted their fifth straight victory behind Vandersip's heroics, slapping a walk-off, RBI single in the bottom of the 7th inning, as Patrick Henry rallied from a 5-1 deficit to shock visiting Helix, 6-5, in Friday's (Apr. 12) non-league contest.

"Coach (Don Shaffer) told me to hit away, so I hit away," noted Vandersip. "I do what I'm told!"

The rally started when converted third baseman MADDIE BARRAZA led off with a single, getting replaced at first base on a fielder's choice by DANIELLE ROMERO. She moved to second on an infield single by SYDNEY JAMES, then Vandersip landed her basehit into left-center field for her first career game-winning hit for the varsity.

"It feels pretty good," added Vandersip. "There's been an attitude change on the team. We realized what we needed to do, and now we're winning because of it."

Helix saw season-long leaders CHANELLE WARD and SYDNI TOILOLO ignite the offense.

Ward singled in the 1st, then doubled in the 2nd, scoring both times when two balls hit by Toilolo and another by DESTINI BULLOCK were booted. And when SARA GONZALES singled home Toilolo in the 5th, the Scotties led by four runs.

However, Helix returned the favor with too many errors on defense, allowing five unearned runs, including three on four errors in the 5th to make it 5-4.

In the 6th, Patrick Henry tied it when MEGHAN "A.H.” FISHER reached on the sixth Highlanders error, RYLIE RUCKLE singled, then ALLY FAILLACE singled to center for the RBI.

"We made some early mistakes, but kept our composure," noted Shaffer. "That's a big reason why we're winning of late. We just have to keep it going."

CHRISTIAN 26, EL CAJON VALLEY 6 (5 inn.) – The Patriots registered a season-high with 26 runs in just four turns at the plate, whipping the Braves in Friday's (Apr. 12) non-league game at Dawson Field.

The run total is the school's most since downing Calipatria, 20-1 in five innings, during last season's CIF Division V playoffs. It's also the highest total this century, with the previous best coming in a 31-2 conquest of Lincoln on Apr. 28, 1988. The Patriots' record is 48, coming in 1977 00 the third-highest total in CIF San Diego Section history.

For Christian (7-8 overall), catcher ANAYA TOBIASON went from weak to strong in the 1st inning. She reached with a bunt single, then when the team batted around in an 11-run inning, her second at-bat featured an inside-the-park home run to left-center field.

The 3-run shot started a 5-RBI performance, as Tobiason, a Ramona resident, batted 4-for-5 and scored four times.

Among the rest of the Patriots, pitcher JENNY ESQUIVEL went 3-for-5 with three runs and three RBI, third baseman KAYLA KRUEL was 4-for-5 with three runs and an RBI, freshman shortstop ANNA SHERBURNE was 5-for-5 with three runs, and second baseman GABY GRABOWSKI scored four times.

SAN MARCOS 1, SCRIPPS RANCH 0 – Knights pitcher Christina Clermont tossed a no-hit shutout, making a 1st-inning run stand up in Friday's (Apr. 12) non-league game at San Elijo Hills Park in San Marcos.

	Santana's Amber Schisler (16, far left) receives congratulations from Ahnalin Barkhimer (45, top) and Ashlee Groover (36, bottom) following Schisler's grand slam in the first inning against Mount Miguel. Schisler also struck out all six batters she faced to gain the pitching victory, as the Sultans cruised to the GVL triumph. (Photos by Don DeMars Photography) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

	Granite Hills' Kimmy Triolo (top) is safe with a big slide into at third base while the ball sails to the fence, then Felicia Vincent (bottom) comes home with the walk-off, game-winning run in the 7th to trip rival Valhalla, 11-10. (Photos by Suzy Lahitte) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE
	Eastern League PATRICK HENRY 10, CHRISTIAN 0 (5 inn.) — Patriots pitchers ERIN SHICK and ALLY FAILLLACE combined for a 2-hit shutout of Christian in Thursday's (Apr. 11) Eastern League encounter at Dawson Field. Shick allowed just one hit over three frames, just like Faillace did in her two innings of work. Shick also stroked a 2-run double in the 1st, when Patrick Henry sprinted to a 4-0 lead to quickly chase the starting pitcher. DANIELLE ROMERO went 3-for-3 with two runs and three RBI, including a 2-run single in the 4th, when the Pats posted five runs to reach double digits. Meanwhile, third baseman MADDIE BARRAZA went 3-for-04 with a pair of doubles. In addition, SYDNEY JAMES and ANYA VANDERSIP went 2-for-3 with an RBI each. James also recorded a double. Faillace was 3-for-4 with three runs scored. For Christian (6-9, 1-1 EL), ANAYA TOBIASON and GABY GRABROWSKI registered basehits, while LAUREN LOUDERMILK reached base twice on a walk and a hit-by-pitch. MIRA MESA 8, MORSE 2 — Battling a season-long muscle strain in her leg, Marauders senior KATIYANA MAUGA looks to be nearly 100-percent healthy following a healthy batting display to help defeat Morse. Mauga jump-started Mira Mesa with a 1st-inning, solo home run, eventually mounting a 7-0 lead on the Tigers. Mauga's smash sailed deep over the center field fence, giving her 38 for her career in her chase of the CIF San Diego Section record. Later, Mauga just missed hitting another long-ball. After recording a single and scoring in the 3rd, Mauga needed to settle for a deep sacrifice fly to bring home QUIRISA MAUGA in the 4th. In addition, AMARA CALIGAGAN posted a run-scoring single in the 2nd, then stole two bases and scored in the 7th, while KRISTEN "K.P. PARKER batted 2-for-3 with a double and a sacrifice bunt. Both are freshmen. SCRIPPS RANCH 14, SERRA 0 (5 inn.) — It figured to be a bit dicey when MAKAYLA MARTIN, last year's starting pitcher for Serra, was now going against the Conquistadors wearing a Falcons uniform. "I think that's a reason why we didn't play well," said Serra coach Mark Bickerstaff. "We were way too emotional." Martin didn't just beat her old teammates with her arm, she used her bat, too. The sophomore tossed a 4-hit shutout and drove in four runs to fuel Scripps Ranch to a run-rule victory in Thursday's (Apr. 11) Eastern League game. Included was a 3-run homer by Martin in the 1st, when Scripps Ranch scored eight times. The inning started when leadoff batter BRYANNA DATKO singled on the very first pitch, When the Falcons batted around, Datko, the catcher, then blasted a 2-run homer to left field to cap the rally. Meanwhile, designated player ALLISON RUSSELL and senior MARISA DATKO each posted three hits for Scripps Ranch (7-10 overall), which is in a first-lace deadlock with Patrick Henry at 2-0 through the first week of league play. Serra (9-5-1), the only team with a winning record entering league play, fell to 0-2.

Wolf Pack preparing for showdown
with Steele Canyon by downing Helix

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (4-12-13) — West Hills High seems to relish the role as underdog to Steele Canyon in this season's Grossmont Hills League pennant race.

"They have the returning pitcher and we don't," noted Wolf Pack catcher CORTNEY HORNE. "So we'll need to rely on our hitting and defense to win."

Although there is work to do before next week's showdown, the Pack feels comfortable in their current position following Thursday's (Apr. 11) league win over Helix, 5-1.

Sophomore pitcher TESS EATON didn't allow an unearned run in the 1st inning to bother her, firing a 2-hitter at the Highlanders.

"I am confident with the defense that plays behind me," said Eaton, who now pitches for her former youth minister in West Hills head coach MIKE APPLEBAUM. "We're a good team, too, because of the effort we always put forth."

Gaining consistent hitting throughout the batting order, West Hills scored twice in the 4th and 5th innings to snap an early deadlock. And Horne was in the middle of both rallies.

Horne accepted a leadoff walk, with courtesy runner SYDNEY CRAVEN advancing on an infield single by KELCI ELLIS-ALVAREZ, then scoring on a basehit to center field by KENDALL MAINISI.

An inning later, Horne was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Ellis-Alvarez followed by grounding a single for one run. She later took off for second base on a double-steal, allowing MELISSA EGGLESTON (single) to score.

Eggleston led the Wolf Pack offense with two hits (including a double), two runs and a pair of stolen bases.

"We can do a lot of things to score," added Eaton.

Added Horne, who went 2-for-3, "When we play our game like we did tonight, we hope to stay with Steele Canyon ."

Helix’s lone run came in the 1st when CHANELLE WARD stroked a one-out single, then SARA GONZALES reached on an error.

DESIRAE BORDINE then hit a grounder to the hole, which was collected by shortstop ARIANA QUINTANILLA, who tagged third base for the force out, then fired to first base. But when the return throw to nab Gonzales taking an extra base saw the ball sail to the fence, the Scotties took a 1-0 lead.

West Hills immediately answered when Eggleston doubled, later scoring on a basehit by Horne.

Valhalla's Annamarie Iuliano (left) takes third base vs, Granite Hills. (Photo by James Labshere)

Grossmont Hills League
GRANITE HILLS 11, VALHALLA 10 — In a wild ballgame featuring five lead changes, Granite Hills senior KIMMY TRIOLO decided this one with a bloop double in the bottom of the 7th inning, scoring two runs to give the Eagles a walk-off win against the archrival Norsemen.

Moments after Valhalla scored twice in the top of the final inning to assume a 10-9 advantage, catcher KRISTINA LAHITTE opened the home-half of the frame with a single. FELICIA VINCENT followed with a sacrifice bunt, but the ball was thrown away and everyone was safe.

ALISSA BUDVARSON was hit by a pitch to load the bases, then Triolo looped the ball over the Valhalla second baseman for the game-winner.

Granite Hills held a 4-1 lead after the1st, eventually building a 5-2 cushion. The Norsemen scored five times in the 5th to take a 7-5 lead, but the Eagles immediately got even on a 2-run single by Budvarson, then took the lead again when BRIANNA TYSELING followed with a 2-run triple.

Triolo finished the afternoon by going 3-for-4 with three RBI for Granite Hills (10-7, 1-1 GHL). Valhalla fell to 9-9 (0-2 GHL).

For the Norsemen, third parties (parents) report that MADISON LABSHERE batted 5-for-5 with a pair of doubles, good for four RBI. DANIELLE UY went 2-for-5 with a run-scoring double, and KATIE SCHMIDT posted a pair of basehits.

Utilizing all three fields, Yanitor sent her homer to center field. She later singled to left and stole a base in the 3rd, then singled to right and scored to start a two-out rally in the 5th to mount an 8-1 advantage before the benches were cleared.

Even then, Steele Canyon kept hitting, as late-inning subs KEARA McCARTHY (double) and LIZ MELLO (RBI single) recorded consecutive hits in the 7th

KALI SCHWARTZ registered a pair of basehits, while leadoff batter KAYLIE AZEVEDO was 2-for-4, while getting hit by a pitch to start the game, leading to the big inning which featured an RBI single by MOLLY HUTCHISON, followed by Yanitor's homer.

For Grossmont, AMANDA PORTER continues to dominate at the top of the batting order. Porter collected four basehits, including a one-out knock in the 3rd when she scored on a double to right-center field by CEL DAVILA.

Sultans catcher Kayti Grable with the basehit.

It's a double for Santana's MacKenzie Reynolds. (Photos by Don DeMars Photography) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

The blow to center field keyed a 5-run uprising.

KELSEY HENZI batted 3 for 4 with a double, while ERIN HUMPHREYS and DELANIE GOURLEY each collected a pair of basehits.

Meanwhile, El Capitan left-hander DELANIE GOURLEY tossed a 1-hit shutout. She struck out 17 batters, one short of her season-best of 18, and walked just one in facing just 23 batters.

Gourley's career total rises to 1,232, moving into 14th place on the CalHiSports state career strikeout list.

The only hit for Monte Vista was a clean, 1st-inning single.

SANTANA 21, MOUNT MIGUEL 0 (5 inn.) — Sultans senior AMBER SCHISLER collected six RBI Thursday (Apr. 11), including four on a 1st-inning grand slam when the hosts scored 10 times to maul the Matadors in a GVL contest.

Schisler batted 3-for3, including a run-scoring double and an RBI single. She also was perfect in her two innings as starting pitcher, striking out all six batters she faced to collect the win (which is legal in a run-rule game). KENDRA KUPER tossed 2-hit ball over the final three innings to earn the save.

KAYTI GRABLE batted 3-for-3 with a pair of doubles and three RBI, TARA GRENNAN and MacKENZIE REYNOLDS were each 2-for-2, including a double and two walks for Reynolds.

In addition, SAVANAH FENN scored three times, while BRIDGETTE FRIES was 2-for-3 with an RBI double.

Granite Hills senior outfielder Alissa Budvarson hauls in the ball to burn Valhalla. (Photos by Suzy Lahitte) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Valhalla center fielder Kaylie Hipwell prevents a home run with this catch at the rail. (Photo by Don DeMars Photography) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE	Same Play. Different Angle (Photo by James Labshere)

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (4-10-13) — Santana High captured its Grossmont Valley League opener, 1-0, over El Capitan . And, surprisingly at first glance, Sultans head coach JOHN FAILLA hopes history doesn't repeat.

"We beat them the first time we met them last year, too," explained Failla. "But they won the next three, including the one for the CIF championship – that's the game we want."

Predicting more than just two GVL ballgames with the Vaqueros this season, Failla's Sultans took the first salvo in the '13 series by riding the arm of AMBER SCHISLER, who out-dueled El Cap's DELANIE GOURLEY in posting a 2-hit shutout.

"That's as fine a game as I've ever seen Amber throw," noted Failla. "No question, Delanie's an elite pitcher, but Amber's moving up the ladder quickly."

Schisler struck out eight batters in the victory. But the key was keeping Gourley, who beats teams as often with her bat as with her pitching arm, off base.

Meanwhile Schisler utilized the Gourley victory formula to her advantage, scoring the contest's lone run in the 1st inning. The senior stroked a one-out double to right-center field, coming home two batters later when TARA GRENNAN smoked an RBI triple over the head of the right fielder.

On the flip side, El Capitan scored the ball hit by Schisler as an error, ruling the ball hit the glove of a defender, while Grennan's hit was a simple popup misplayed by the defense.

(Editor's note: ECS.com does not get involved in scoring disputes; both opinions are listed).

The only other Santana hit was a 4th-inning double by SYDNEY VATES (although she was nailed at third base trying to extend the hit into a triple), and a 6th-inning basehit by catcher KAYTI GRABLE.

The hits allowed by Schisler saw designated player MARISSA CUEVAS single in the 5th to snap the bid for a no-hitter, then ERIN HUMPHREYS singled in the 6th.

Meanwhile, Gourley was limited to just nine strikeouts – the first time all season she did not reach double figures in Ks (except for a 4-inning, time-limit called contest). Gourley's career total now stands at 1,215.

MOUNT MIGUEL 12, EL CAJON VALLEY 6 — It's only one ballgame, but if you're the Matadors, you'll take it after Mount Miguel scored 10 times in the top of the 1st inning to take down the Braves and grab a share of the GVL lead with Santana following Opening Day of league action.

Mount Miguel had been 1-27 in three previous season of league play. Still, no report from the Matadors coaches.

As for the Braves, an improving offense saw YESSICA HOLQUIN collect RBI on a bases-loaded walk and a single, helping the team close the gap to 10-5. The fifth run saw JESSICA SNOW steal home when another runner sprinted for second base.

ANNA MARRUFU scored in both innings, starting both rallies with a single and stolen base in the 2nd inning, then a lead walk in the 3rd. LAURA GUERRERO followed both times with walks, then SANA SIAL registered an RBI single, then was hit by a pitch to set-up Holquin's second RBI.

OLYMPIAN 4, MONTE VISTA 1 — No report from the Monarchs coacing staff on this non-league ballgame.

In the 8th inning, Sydni Toilolo slides to score the final of her three runs, allowing Helix to celevrate a 4-3 victory over Granite Hills in extra innings.

Somewhere is Helix' Marissa Hampton, who registered the game-winning hit for the Scotties. (Photos by Tony Bordine)

Granite Hills at Helix: PHOTOS by Suzy Lahitte; PHOTOS by Don Wall

GROSSMONT HILLS LEAGUE
Scotties' Toilolo walks to extra-inning triumph

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (4-10-13) — So many times, on-base percentage and scoring runs is so much more important than simply one's batting average. Case in point: SYDNI TOILOLO of Helix High.

The Highlanders' senior walked then scored three times Tuesday (Apr. 9), including the walk-off game-winner in the 8th inning to lift the Scotties past Granite Hills, 4-3, in the schools' Grossmont Hills League opener.

Following her third free pass, Toilolo advanced to second base on a wild pitch, to third on a ground ball to the right side by SARA GONZALES, then raced home when MARISSA HAMPTON singled up the middle against a pulled-up infield.

The victory was Helix' first to open league play since 2008.

The same trio of Scotties allowed Helix to exchange runs with the Eagles in the 2nd. Down 1-0, Toilolo walked, then moved around the diamond on a passed ball, to third on a dropped third strike to Gonzales, then home on a Hampton fielder's choice for the first of her pair of RBI.

In the 4th, Helix took a 3-1 lead when Toilolo walked, Gonzales singled, then scored when a grounder by Hampton was fielded but thrown away past third base. Gonzales later scored on a basehit by CLARISSA SMITH (single). Smith was also the winning pitcher for Helix, allowing eight hits.

Steele Canyon's Grace Kramer cracks her first career home run. (Photo by Don DeMars Photography)

Top: Valhalla's Emily Howard turns the corner to score. Bottom: Valhalla 3B Abigail Metsch. (Photos by James Labshere)

STEELE CANYON 7, VALHALLA 4 — The Cougars saw nearly all of an early 5-0 lead vanish before adding on late to nose-out the Norsemen in one of three Grossmont Hills League openers on Tuesday (Apr. 9).

Holding a 5-4 advantage, a two-out rally in the 7th inning saw RACHEL BEASLEY bunt her way on for a single, then KYLIE STEAGALL was hit by a pitch.

Valhalla called timeout, then immediately afterward, the Norsemen catcher attempted a pick-off play at first base. However, the ball sailed into right field and Beasley scored. Moments later, Steagall scored from third base on a GRACE KRAMER grounder to the right side for another insurance run.

On the flip side, Valhalla reported that no play was on and how would the other team know.

(Editor's note: ECS.com does not get involved in scoring disputes; both opinions are listed).

Steele Canyon opened the scoring with five runs in the 3rd, as the bottom of the batting order again got the team on a roll.

Two batters later, Kramer went deep to center field for her first career homer.

In the 3rd, MADISON LABSHERE pumped a 2-run homer, which also brought home DIONNA SMITH (lead single).

An inning later, EMILY ORDONEZ was hit by a pitch, then a slicing double into the left-field corner by KATIE SCHMIDT went for an RBI double to score pinch-runner EMILY HOWARD for the run No. 8 of the contest.

The Norsemen could've scored more, but a drive past third base by ABIGAIL METSCH was originally ruled fair, but then the umpire reversed the call to prevent at least one run from scoring.

KAYLIE HIPWELL opened the 5th with an up-the-middle single. She moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Smith, then scored when DANIELLE UY lofted a soft fly into shallow center field.

For Steele Canyon, Steagall continued her hot-hitting, going 2-for-3 with three RBI. Kramer struck out four in pitching a complete game.

WEST HILLS 11, GROSSMONT 6 (9 inn.) — The Wolf Pack, down 6-0 in the 1st inning, rallied twice before finally nipping the host Hillers in a dramatic Grossmont Hills League opener.

MELISSA EGGLESTON provided the game-tying RBI in the 7th inning, then ARIANA QUINTANILLA drove home the go-ahead run in Tuesday's (Apr. 9) extra-inning contest.

However, out of the gate it was all Grossmont, which registered seven hits on its initial turn at the plate.

Singles by AMANDA PORTER and KIRA ELLIOTT got its started, then three additional basehits were added by CEL DAVILA (RBI), HAYLEY KASDEN (to load the bases) and WHITNEY DIBB (RBI) for a 2-0 lead.

Freshman CARLY PEARSON then registered the biggest hit of her young career, blasting a 3-run double to right field. Pearson then came home on a double by KATHERINE TREGO.

The Hillers power display continued in the 4th on consecutive doubles by CHRYSTA PATTERSON and Davila, then a triple by Kasden, who went 3-for-5 with two RBI.

West Hills scored five times in the 6th to get even. The frame featured a 2-run double by KATIE BYRD. However, Grossmont re-claimed the lead in the bottom of the inning when Davila scored her third run, this time on an Elliott double.

However, the Pack tied it again in the 7th when BRANDI McCHRYSTAL singled, then went bases-to-base on a BREEZY LOTZE sacrifice bunt, a deep fly ball to center by Quintanilla, and Eggleston's line single to center.

In the 9th, it was again McChrystal, who doubled to push KAYLA ARAUJO (lead single) to third base. Quintanilla looped a basehit over the shortstop for the lead, then a Byrd ground out scored another run.

West Hills relief pitcher KELCI ELLIS-ALVAREZ, who tossed the final five frames to gain the victory, escaped a Grossmont rally in the 9th. KAYLA APPENZELLER hit a one-out double, Porter accepted a two-out walk, but a ground out left the potential tying runners on base.

Wed., Apr. 10
POINT LOMA 14, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 — Pointers pitchers Gabby Williams, a junior, and freshman Chloe O'Rourke combined on a no-hit victory in Wednesday's (Apr. 10) non-league game at ECVHS.

When Point Loma (15-3 overall) scored seven times in the 1st inning, they were on the way to the school's 13th consecutive victory, as sophomore left fielder Emily Poole registered three hits for the Pointers.

© East County Sports.com
UNIVERSITY CITY (4-9-13) — Steele Canyon High pitcher RACHEL BEASLEY tossed a 1-hit shutout Monday (Apr. 8), but it was more difficult than normally anticipated.

Beasley needed to shut down the host Centurions for eight innings before her Cougars could score a run, taking a 1-0 non-league triumph.

Beasley was tagged for seven walks, but escaped several jams by posting a season-best 12 strikeouts.

Included was a potentially decisive bottom of the 7th, when University City got a leadoff triple, then a walk and stolen base for a pair of runners in scoring position with no outs. However, Beasley worked out of it with a pair of Ks, then she made a difficult catch on a shallow pop-up along the line while the runner of third base motored just inches away in an attempt to score.

Following the catch, the momentum swing saw KYLIE STEAGALL leadoff the 8th inning with her second home run of the season, a shot to left-center field.

Granite Hills catcher Kristina Lahitte (right) hauls in a bunted popup against El Camino. (Photo by Suzy Lahitte) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

© East County Sports.com
CARMEL VALLEY (4-7-13) — Following a runner-up-finish to a team from Riverside County in the season-opening Cougar Classic, Bonita Vista captured the San Diego Section's top midseason tournament, capturing the 15th annual Falcon Fiesta by bouncing host Torrey Pines, 10-1, in the championship game.

Barons freshman Izzy Ortiz was selected most valuable pitcher in defeating the Falcons following a decision over Rancho Bernardo in Saturday (Apr. 6) morning's semifinals. The most valuable player was Bonita Vista's Hannah Flippen (3-for-5, triple, 3 runs), as the reigning Division II champions topped the defending Division I titlists.

In addition, junior Alex Vargas (2-for-4, 3 RBI) added a key two-run homer in the 3rd inning, pushing the lead to 5-1. Sophomore Olivia Paz added four hits for the Barons (9-4-1).

Semifinals
TORREY PINES 5, STEELE CANYON 0 – Falcons starting pitcher RACHEL NASLAND faced just one batter above the minimum in six innings of work to stop the Cougars in Saturday's (Apr. 6) semifinals of the Falcon Fiesta.

The lone Steele Canyon hit was a 1-out, 4th-inning single by senior TORI YANITOR. In the 7th, MOLLY HUTCHISON accepted a base on balls against the bullpen.

Cougars pitcher GRACE KRAMER allowed just five hits, but four of them came in the 4th inning, three following a 2-out error, as the Falcons posted four unearned runs to snap a scoreless tie.

Consolations
WEST HILLS 5, LA COSTA CANYON 0 – Sophomore pitcher TESS EATON blanked the host Mavericks on just four hits in a Falcon Fiesta consolation game Saturday (Apr. 6). Eaton struck out one batter, gaining a majority of outs on ground balls.

KATIE BYRD delivered all of the offense needed by Eaton, hitting a 2-out homer in the 1st. Byrd's third long-ball of the season went to center field.

The Wolf Pack scored another run moments later on consecutive basehits by CORTNEY HORNE, KELCI ELLIS-ALVAREZ and KENDALL MARINISI.

An inning later, the Pack tacked on three more runs.

BRANDI McCHRYSTAL and ARIANA QUINTANILLA singled, then MELISSA EGGLESTON slapped an RBI single to right-center field for a 3-0 lead. Byrd grounded out to bring in another run for her second RBI, then Ellis-Alvarez knocked in the final run with a basehit.

PATRICK HENRY 3, VISTA 2 – Moments after the Panthers tied the game in the top of the 7th, DANIELLE ROMERO drove in the deciding run on an intentional walk for the walk-off win for the Patriots.

SIERRA ALTMEYER reached after getting hit by a pitch, then took two bases on a sacrifice bunt by ALLY FAILLACE. Vista then requested a pair of intentional walks, but they were forced, by rule, to make the pitches.

"So we told Danielle to jam as close to the plate as she can," said head coach DON SHAFFER. "If a pitch was close enough, go for it and try to hit it."

The first delivery to Romero was barely outside, so she poked it to left field to score Altmeyer.

Patrick Henry scored single runs in the 2nd and 5th innings, only to watch Vista return the favor both times to get even.

SYDNEY JAMES opened the scoring by reaching on a bunt single, moved to third on an ANYA VANDERSIP double, then later scored on a bases-loaded walk to ERIN SHICK.

Vista's Summer Laredo hit a solo homer in the 4th, but the Patriots regained the advantage when Romero and MANDY BARRAZA both singled, then SYDNEY JAMES bunted. But when the throw to first base went into the dirt, Romero was able to score from second base.

OTAY RANCH 3, GROSSMONT 2 – The Mustangs scored twice in the 6th to tie, then won it in the 7th to upend the Foothillers in Saturday's (Apr. 6) Falcon Fiesta consolation game at Eastlake .

The Hillers scored a pair of unearned runs in the 4th, as an error was followed by an un-scoring basehit by KAYLA APPENZELLER, then a sacrifice fly by WHITNEY DIBB. Both times, the ball went to right field.

Otay Ranch won it when a running catch attempt by Hillers center fielder AMANDA PORTER saw the senior run into the fence. By the time the ball was recovered, the play went for a walk-off inside-the-park home run by Josie Bachtell.

EL CAMINO 4, GRANITE HILLS 1 – The Wildcats scored twice in the 1st and 2nd inning to stop the Eagles in Saturday's (Apr. 6) Falcon Fiesta consolation game.

The lone Eagles run came in the 5th. BROOKLYN SCHWEN singled then stole second base. And when she also stole third base, the throw from the catcher went astray and the junior shortstop waltzed home.

SAN PASQUAL 2, MIRA MESA 1 – The Golden Eagles survived three early errors to rally from an early 1-0 deficit to take this consolation contest in a Falcon Fiesta game held at Escondido.

No report from the Marauders coaching staff.

EASTLAKE 7, SCRIPPS RANCH 1 – No report from the Falcons coaching staff.

Jaguar Classic
SERRA 13, ORANGE GLEN 2 (6 inn.) – The return of center fielder ELONTAY COLLINS from the track team allowed the Conquistadors to claim a consolation game in the Jaguar Classic.

The senior drove in the game's first run with a double to right field, followed by an RBI single by ASHLEY BLAKELY, as the Q's scored three times in the 1st, then six more in the 3rd to bounce the Patriots.

The pair also started the big rally in the 3rd to produce the victory.

Collins was hit by a pitch, then Blakely lined a double to left field. The hit parade continued with RBI basehits by BROOKE RUSSELL, MAHHIE RYAN and CAITLIN LAWLER, plus several errors by the Patriots.

Upper left: Cortney Horne reaches with one of her two triples. Upper right: Kayla Araujo hits the ball hard. Bottom: Ariana Quintanilla is called out on her attempt to steal second base. (Photos by John Horne)

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO PENASQUITOS (4-6-13) — It took almost a month, but the West Hills Wolf Pack are making up for a sluggish start to the season.

After a poor showing in the Cougar Classic, the Pack is making up for it in the Falcon Fiesta, finally reaching the .500 mark at 9-9 overall following Friday's (Apr. 5) shellacking of host Westview, 9-1.

Wolf Pack catcher CORTNEY HORNE did most of the damage with the bat, slugging a pair of triples worth a season-high five RBI, both coming in big innings when the team scored three times in the 4th inning, then five more in the 7th.

Horne opened the scoring with a 2-run triple in the first rally, then smacked a bases-loaded triple in the 7th to counter a Westview run in the 6th.

Meanwhile, West Hills has been searching for a leader in the circle following the graduation of NOELLE JOHNSON, once the winner of the East County Pitcher of the Year award. And they may have found one in freshman MIRANDA GROVER, who stopped the Wolverines on just two hits.

Grover registered three strikeouts, with the only hits coming from Wolverines shortstop Briana Sanders, the leadoff hitter. Included was a double in the 6th, later scoring on a passed ball.

MATER DEI CATHOLIC 7, CHRISTIAN 2 — Patriots freshman JENNY ESQUIVEL followed a double by Anna Sherburne with a 2-run home run to left-center field, but they were the only hits on the day for Christian in Friday's (Apr. 5) non-league setback to the Crusaders at Dawson Field.

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-5-13) — One tournament championship may be gone (see sidebar), so El Capitan High will just go after another title.

The Vaqueros clinched a title game berth to the Grossmont Conference Tournament for the first time since 2002 after downing host Valhalla, 5-2, in Thursday's (Apr. 4) final round of pool play, held at Leto Field.

The triumph gave El Cap a share of the group title, then taking the tiebreaker from Santana on fewest runs allowed. The Vaqueros will, by a double coincidence, again meet Valhalla in the championship game. The Norsemen slipped into a tie for first in the group with Granite Hills, but also came away with a tiebreaker.

The GCT Final will also be a rematch from the '02 final, when the Vaqueros posted a 3-0 triumph more than a decade ago. Plus, the schools met recently at the Charger Classic in Las Vegas, with El Cap winning the championship semifinal meeting.

Senior pitcher DELANIE GOURLEY again carried El Capitan (currently 15-7). She belted a 1st-inning homer to grab a quick lead, then struck out 15 Norsemen batters. She was also in the middle of the game-winning rally, when the Vaqueros snapped a 1-1 tie by posting four runs in the 5th.

NICOLE BALINGER accepted a lead walk, with pinchrunner RACHEL ACHENBACH moving to second on a KENZIE GANDY.basehit.

COURTNEY WILLIAMS followed with a smash to the fence in right-center field. Although the hit went for a single, Achenbach raced around third for a 2-1 lead.

The next hitter, KELSEY HENZIE, got a break when her foul popup was dropped. Two pitches later, she roped a liner to left field, which went for a sacrifice fly and a 3-1 lead.

Valhalla's Dionna Smith scored in the 1st inning to tie El Capitan. (Photo by James Labshere)

Two batters later, KATIE CARMICHAEL lined a 2-run single for a 5-1 cushion.

Valhalla got one run back in the 5th, then brought the potential game-tying run to the plate in the 6th and 7th frames, but Gourley escaped each jam.

The run saw KAYLIE HIPWELL single, steal second base, the score on booming double by MADISON LABSHERE, who went to the opposite way to right-center to best Gourley.

However, the Vaqueros’ left-hander escaped a bases-loaded situation in the 6th with a ground out, then left two runners stranded in the 7th on a game-ending strikeout.

The other Valhalla run came in the 1st, when DIONNA SMITH singled, stole second, then came home on a pair of passed balls.

The only players to collected two hits were Carmichael and Valhalla's LadySARAH FEDERICO.

Notes: Gourley now has 1,206 career strikeouts, making her the 15th player in state history to reach the 1,200-plateau, according to CalHiSports.

Valhalla shortstop Madison Labshere with the tag out of an El Capitan baserunner, (Photo by James Labshere)

Thursday's (Apr. 4) result gave Granite Hills a share of first place in the group of GHL teams, but Valhalla won on tiebreaker (fewest runs allowed), allowing the Norsemen to host the title game (date/time TBA).

The Eagles (9-5) trailed 3-2 during a majority of the ballgame before pulling even in the 5th.

BRIANNA TYSELING reached base on a dribbler which went for an infield single. She advanced to second on a passed ball, then tied it when BROOKLYN SCHWEN ripped a double.

In the 8th, Vincent, who had a career day by going 4-for-4, reached on a 1-out single. She moved to second base when Monte Vista elected to take the runner at first base on a ground ball by CASSIDY COKER.

With a gift runner at second base, Eagles head coach ERIN COYNE elected to go with KRISTIN ARMSTRONG as a pinch-hitter, but her ground ball was thrown away, allowing Vincent to take two bases and give Granite Hills the lead.

The Eagles held the early advantage when VICTORIA HATHAWAY bombed a 2-run homer to right-center field in the 1st, also scoring Tyseling (single).

However, Monte Vista answered with a run in the 1st, then two more in the 2nd to rake a rare lead.

Hathaway finished with a homer and a double, matching a 2-for-4 effort by teammate ALISSA BUDVARSON.

Information on Monte Vista was not reported by its coaching staff.

SANTANA 9, HELIX 1 — Sultans senior pitcher AMBER SCHISLER registered a season-high 10 strikeouts, allowing Santana to tie for first place in its pool of the Grossmont Conference Tournament.

However, the tiebreaker (fewest runs allowed) will see El Capitan advance to the title game and prevent the Sultans from defending their championship in the San Diego Section's oldest intra-conference event.

The offense saw catcher KAYTI BRABLE smack her third home run of the season, a 2-run shot to left-center field in the 4th inning, giving the Sultans a 6-0 cushion. Grable batted 2-for-3.

Schisler batted 3-for-4 with three runs and an RBI, while ARIELRASMUSSON went 3-for-4 and scored twice.

In addition, TARA GRENNAN registered three RBI, gaining a bases-loaded walk in the 1st, then a 2-run double in the 6th.

Helix (8-8) collected its lone run in the 6th.

DESTINI BULLOCK, who had two of the Scotties' three hits, smacked a leadoff double. She moved to third on a DESIRAE BORDINE grounder to the right side, then SARA GONZALES lifted a sacrifice fly to right field for the RBI.

The other Highlanders hit was a single by STEPHANIE McKENZIE.

Foothillers infielder Cel Davila. (Photo by Don DeMars Photography)

GROSSMONT 24, ELCAJON VALLEY 0 (5 inn.) — WHITNEY DIBB capped the Foothillers' offense with a grand slam in the 5th inning in Thursday's (Apr. 4) GCT pool play encounter.

In addition, SARAH NICKS belted a 3-run homer in the 1st, when Grossmont (7-6) scored seven times before the Braves got their turn at the plate.

Nicks also had an interesting second at-bat, which lasted some 15 pitches by her fouling off some 10 pitches.

WEST HILLS 19, MOUNT MIGUEL 0 (4 inn.) — Wolf Pack freshman KELCO ELLIS-ALVAREZ tossed a 1-hitter through four innings before the visiting Matadors threw in the towel in a shortened run-rule contest to conclude pool play in the Grossmont Conference Tournament.

Ellis-Alvarez only allowed a 3rd-inning single, the only batter to prevent her from earning a perfect game. She finished with eight strikeouts.

Meanwhile, West Hills equaled a school record by scoring 15 times in the 1st inning, then removed as many starters as possible in the 2nd inning. Even then, the parade of hits continued, so many baserunners intentionally stepped off the bag early to register outs.

Foothillers pitcher Megan Crisci Grossmont first baseman Sarah Nicks. (Photos by Steve Crisci)
Victoria Hathaway of Granite Hills (left) hustles to reach second base in an 11-3 triumph at Vista. Granite Hills' Kimmy Triolo belts a homer vs. Vista. (Photos by Suzy Lahitte) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE Granite Hills at Vista — (Photos by Don Wall) SLIDESHOW HERE

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-4-13) — In a rematch of a dramatic 2011 CIF second-round playoff victory, Grossmont High again found a way to defeat perennial power Escondido.

On the heels of a 2-0 victory over the Cougars en route to the San Diego Section Division I title, the Foothillers climbed back to the 500 plateau after again handling Escondido, this time by run rule in a 10-2 decision in 5 innings in Falcon Fiesta play.

Grossmont pitcher MEGAN CRISCI limited Escondido to just two runs, while CEL DAVILA capped a big day at the plate with a walk-off, 2-run double to center field, bringing home CARLY PEARSON and AMANDA PORTER to invoke the run rule. Davila went 2-for-4 with four RBI.

HAYLEY KASDEN batted 3-for-3 with a pair of RBI for Grossmont (6-6), Porter went 3-for-4 and scored twice, while SARAH NICKS added a pair of basehits.

Meanwhile, Escondido has not defeated an East County school in the playoffs since 2006.

Triolo's home run to left field was part of a 5-run burst in the 5th. Earlier, VICTORIA HATHAWAY slugged a solo homer to right-center to put the Eagles on the scoreboard first for the wire-to-wire victory.

Hathaway finished with a 2-for-3 outing, while Triolo went 2-for-4 with four RBI, including an RBI single in the 4th to score ALISSA BUDVARSON, who went 2-for-3, including a 2-run double in the 5th.

Jaguar Classic
SERRA 13, KEARNY 4 – In an anticipated blowout, the Conquistadors sat hitting leader ELONTAY COLLINS, yet struck for nine runs in the top of the 1st inning in Wednesday's (Apr. 3) Jaguar Classic demolition of the Komets.

CAITLIN LAWLER pounded a pair of doubles in a 4-for-4 outing at the plate. The junior drove home four runs.

Meanwhile, senior Katrina Simmons went 2-for-2, with a run and a pair of RBI.

Non-League
SANTANA 14, CLAIREMONT 3 (5 inn.) – The Sultans followed the script of Serra (see above), also posting nine runs in the 1st inning in their crushing of the visiting Chieftains in Wednesday's (Apr. 3) non-league affair.

AMBER SCHISLER tossed the first three innings, again not allowing a hit. The senior's streak of no-hit innings now extends to 11.2 innings, starting with the last few outs of the Hilltop Tournament game with Otay Ranch, then Tuesday's no-hitter against Granite Hills.

Relief pitcher KENDRA KUPER tossed the last two frames, qualifying for a save in the 5-inning, run-rule game.

The first four runs scored on Clairemont errors. Later in the frame, KAYTI GRABLE lined a 2-run double to left-center field.

Overall on offense for Santana (11-4), leadoff batter ARIEL RASMUSSON went 2-for-2, with a pair of RBI, scoring twice, and stealing three bases.

ASHLEE GROOVER scored two times and added two RBI, AHNALIN BARKHIMER drove in two runs with a double in the 3rd inning, MacKENZIE REYNOLDS also registered an RBI double in the 3rd, while freshman JORDAN REEGARDIN added a basehit.

MISSION HILLS 7, MIRA MESA 3 – Grizzlies freshman pitcher Crystal Moore-Deslauriers stopped the host Marauders on six hits to capture Wednesday's (Apr. 3) non-league contest.

Santana's Ariel Rasmusson (right) gets dirty in scoring one of her three runs in Tuesday's Grossmont Conference Tournament victory over Granite Hills, 12-1. The catcher for the Eagles is senior Kristina Lahitte. (Photo by Don Wall)

	Top: Santana's Amber Schisler (right) is greeted by teammates following the first of her two home runs. Schisler also tossed a no-hitter with the closest play (bottom) this bang-bang play at first base as Sydney Vates makes the stretch. (Photos by Don Wall) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE
	On a close squeeze play, Granite Hills' Kayla DeWitt (right) is safe when her slide knocks the ball free from Santana catcher Kayti Grable for the Eagles only run. (Photo by Suzy Lahitte) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE
	Valhalla's Miranda Thomas homers against Monte Vista in a 9-1 triumph. (Photo by James Labshere)

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-3-13) — Santana High senior pitcher AMBER SCHISLER almost single-handedly took care of business against Granite Hills in an important Grossmont Conference Tournament contest.

On Tuesday (Apr. 2), Schisler fired a no-hitter and slugged a pair of home runs, keeping her Sultans in contention for a GCT championship berth following a 12-1 triumph in five innings over the host Eagles.

Santana and El Capitan remained tied at 3-1 entering Thursday's final round of pool play, but the tiebreaker (fewest runs allowed) is currently held by the Vaqueros.

The only run allowed came via a pair of errors in the 2nd inning. But by then, Santana had already mounted a 6-0 cushion, including five markers in the 1st.

ARIEL RASMUSSON, who went 2-for-3 and scored three times, opened the ballgame with a triple down the right-field line, coming home on an infield grounder by Schisler. Senior TARA GRENNAN, who will play on scholarship at Colgate next season, later followed with a 2-run homer to center field.

"Nobody talks about it much, but Tara can do so many things for us," said Santana head coach JOHN FAILLA. "We started her today at second base, then moved her to center field. She's also batting fourth for us, doing well hitting behind Amber and KAYTI (GRABLE)."

Santana's Sydney Vates (right) beats the throw to the plate. Catching for Granite Hills is Kristina Lahitte. (Photos by Don Wall)

The big inning also featured a 2-run single by third baseman ASHLEE GROOVER, who went 3-for-4 against the Eagles.

An inning later, Schisler began her homer assault. She sent the ball to deep center field for a solo shot, then added a 2-run blast to left in the 5th. Schisler finished with four RBI.

"We were just looking at Amber's numbers," added Failla. "She came into the game batting .522, so that will go up. And with today's game she now has 30 RBI. She's having quite a year for us."

In addition, Grable batted 3-for-4, while senior left fielder BRIDGETTE FRIES went 2-for-2, as the Sultans (10-4) collected 18 hits over the five innings.

The lone run for Granite Hills (7-5) came via a pair of errors.

A one-out infield tapper by KAYLA DeWITT saw the throw sail down the right-field line, allowing the sophomore to scamper to third base.

KRISTINA LAHITTE followed with a squeeze bunt. This time, the ball was fielded cleanly and fired home for the out (as signaled by the home plate umpire), but the catcher then dropped the ball.

Grossmont Conference Tournament
EL CAPITAN 6, WEST HILLS 2 — The Vaqueros scored all six of their runs in the 1st inning, then rode the arm of winning pitcher DELANIE GOURLEY to post Tuesday's (Apr. 2) Grossmont Conference Tournament triumph.

In addition, Gourley drove in what turned out to be the game-winning run for the fifth time this season.

In the 1st, El Capitan wasted little time, as second baseman COURTNEY WILLIAMS singled, then Gourley hammered the bottom of the fence in center field for an RBI double.

ERIN HUMPHREYS singled and KATIE CARMICHAEL walked to load the bases, followed by run-scoring basehits by RACHEL ACHENBACH and MARISSA CUEVA.The other runs came via a wild pitch and an outfield error.

West Hills collected two of the team's three hits in the 6th to produce its runs.

Second baseman KATIE BYRD, who singled earlier, reached on a dropped third strike. Designated player KELCI ELLIS-ALVAREZ doubled to score an unearned run, then she came home on a KENDALL MARINISI basehit.

Valhalla pitcher Kirsten Gallo (Photo by Don DeMars Photography) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

The Norsemen scored on their first four trips to the plate, including three runs in the 1st inning, then getting a pair on MIRANDA THOMAS' second home run of the season. Her shot into the parking lot in deep left field also brought home designated player ANNAMARIE IULIANO, a sophomore who took advantage of a rare start to go 2-for-2 plus a sacrifice fly to get the Norsemen going in the 1st.

Iuliano, who finished with a pair of RBI, also successfully executed the front end of a double steal, which allowed DANIELLE UY to rush home in the 4th.

In all, seven different players scored, including three by senior DIONNA SMITH, who batted 2-for-3 and reached on what was ruled an error on a hot-shot to left field.

MADISON LABSHERE went 2-for-3 with an RBI double and a stolen base. In addition, freshman right fielder BRANDI KOHL snapped a mild slump by going 2-for-2, while sophomore LadySARA FEDERICO knocked in a pair of runs for Valhalla (9-6).

Information on Monte Vista (3-10-1) was not reported by the coaching staff.

HELIX 18, EL CAJON VALLEY 1 (5 inn.) — Highlanders senior pitcher KEANA NAKATA tossed a 2-hitter, leading the Scotties past the host Braves in Tuesday's (Apr. 2) Grossmont Conference Tournament contest. Nakata registered five strikeouts in her complete-game victory.

CHANELLE WARD registered four RBI for Helix (8-7), including a 2-run double, a run-scoring single, plus a sacrifice fly.

Meanwhile, SARA GONZALES recorded a career-high three hits, including a double, good for three RBI.

Information on ECVHS was not reported by the coaching staff.

Patterson struck out three Matadors and faced just 16 batters, just one above the minimum in her effort for a perfect game.

Grossmont saw second baseman CARLY PEARSON bat 2-for-4 with four RBI, while WHITNEY DIBB, starting at catcher to give SARAH NICKS a day off, went 2-for-3 with three RBI.

The lone Matadors hit was a clean single past the third baseman by senior shortstop CLAUNITTA HARMON with two outs in the 4th.

© East County Sports.com
TIERRASANTA (4-2-13) — Serra High center fielder ELONTAY COLLINS extended her season-long hitting streak to eight contests Monday (Apr. 1), but no other member of the Q's registered a hit as visiting Valley Center took this game in its own Jaguar Classic, 7-1.

A 5-run rally in the 5th inning broke open a 1-0 ballgame.

Collins batted 2-for-3 on the day, but it actually lowered her batting average. She entered the day at .682 (15-for-22) after collecting three hits against University City . However, she will slip a few degrees to .680 following her pair of singles.

Meanwhile, the lone losses this year at Serra (5-2-1) are both to tournament hosts; they earlier dropped a Warhawk Classic contest to Madison .

The Q-Dawgs continue a difficult stretch of four games in as many days with the first of three on the road, starting Tuesday (Apr. 3) at Mater Dei Catholic, The trip continues Wednesday at Kearny, then Thursday at Mission Vista.

RANCHO BUENA VISTA 5, GROSSMONT 3 — Foothillers senior MEGAN CRISCI ripped a 2-run double to help Grossmont rally back from a 4-0 deficit, only to fall short in Monday's (Apr. 1) Falcon Fiesta contest in south Vista.

The Longhorns scored three times in the 2nd inning, eventually taking a 4-0 lead until the Hillers fought back.

In the 5th, senior SARAH NICKS and sophomore KIRA ELLIOTT singled, then junior KAYLA BAEZ reached on an error to load the bases. Crisci followed with a double to bring home Nicks and Elliott, but when the throw from the outfield went astray, Baez also sneaked in to trim the margin to 4-3.

However, RBV answered with its own run in the 5th, then blanked Grossmont over the final pair of frames.

POINT LOMA 14, MOUNT MIGUEL 0 (5 inn.) — No report from the Matadors on this Jaguar Classic contest played at Dana Middle School.

EL CAMINO 9, SCRIPPS RANCH 1 — No report from the Falcons on this (Torrey Pines) Falcon Fiesta ballgame played on the eastside of Oceanside.