Something special for Santana
CIFSDS Division III champions

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
LA JOLLA (5-26-13) — The current crop of Santana High seniors has achieved everything possible in their softball careers – except one key item.

On Saturday (May 25), the top-seeded Sultans filled that void in their resumè, capturing the CIF San Diego Section championship after downing Cathedral Catholic, 4-2, to claim the Division III final at UC San Diego.

"I've only been here for two years, but could see the growth by each of the players on the ballclub," said acting Sultans head coach DANIELLE BALOUGH. "I know how special it was when my team won it, so it's got to feel special to this team, too."

Senior pitcher AMBER SCHISLER again led the way, named the contest's most outstanding player by the media. She jump-started the offense with an early 2-run homer, but after the Lady Dons got even, she shut down the third-seeds with 3 1/3 innings of shutout ball in her complete-game victory.

"So many of our girls have been playing travel ball together since 7th or 8th grade," noted Schisler. For all of us to win this together is amazing."

Schisler ignited the offense, following an ARIEL RASMUSSON basehit with a line drive homer just to the right of straightaway center for a 2-0 lead in the 3rd.

"Amber simply drilled it," noted Balough.

Cathedral Catholic immediately answered with two runs in the 4th on run-scoring singles by freshman Samantha Gonzales and sophomore Tierra Salo, but Santana also countered right away to secure the lead for keeps.

On a squeeze bunt play, batter CATHRYN CANCILLER-PETTY pulled back her bat as the pitch skipped off the catcher's glove for a passed ball. Already halfway down the line, ASHLEY GROOVER easily scored from third base.

KYLIE BRASE started the inning with a basehit, with pinchrunner ALEX BREIDT erased on Groover's fielder's choice grounder. KENDRA KUPER singled to place runners on the corners, then Balough called for a squeeze which resulted in an unearned run.

The insurance run came in the 5th. Senior catcher KAYTI GRABLE blasted a one-out double, then moved to third on an infield single as SYDNEY VATES beat the throw on a tapper back to the circle. But when the throw sailed wide and down the right-field line, Grable waltzed home.

Seven of the nine Santana batters registered basehits, including two each from Schisler, Grable, Brase and Groover. The latter three posted a double in 2-for-3 efforts across the board.

Schisler finished with four strikeouts. She allowed seven hits, including a pair of singles by sophomore first baseman Sarai Nui.

For Santana, it's the school's fifth CIF title in 11 title-game appearances, and the first crown since 2008. They fell in the finale in '09, '10 and '12.

"This was a much more confident team," said Balough, who was coaching the ballclub while head coach JOHN FAILLA was attending his daughter's college graduation ceremony at Chico State . "When you see their hard work and their teamwork, it makes you proud to see their success."

© East County Sports.com
POWAY (5-24-13) — For all of the success achieved by the Santana Sultans in posting seven consecutive league championships, the team's hardship in postseason play is as nearly profound.

The Sultans have advanced to five San Diego CIF Division III title games over the past six seasons, yet only one championship banner hangs from the school's rafters. However, the playoff pendulum may be swinging.

On Thursday (May 23), Santana gained another title game berth after AMBER SCHISLER out-dueled El Capitan standout DELANIE GOURLEY for the third time this season, nipping the Vaqueros, 1-0.

A fourth meeting with El Capitan , however, is not in the offing. In the losers’ bracket final, the Vaqueros fell again, this time to Cathedral Catholic, 2-0. Thus, the Lady Dons, another ballclub with limited postseason success, will tangle with the Sultans in Saturday's finale at UC San Diego, starting at 2 p.m.

After dropping the final three meetings with El Capitan last season, Santana vowed to turn the tables. They won both Grossmont Valley League match-ups to take league, but knew the teams' paths would cross again.

"It was a classic 1-0 pitchers' duel," said Santana coach JOHN FAILLA. "Games like this are often decided on a mistake – that's what happened here."

Game 3 between the schools was determined on an unearned run in the 3rd inning.

ARIEL RASMUSSON, one of East County 's top leadoff batters throughout the season, utilized her speed to score the lone run. She beat out a ball hit toward shortstop for a scratch single, then stole two bases, but when the throw to third base sailed down the line, Rasmusson easily scored.

Rasmusson's thefts were two of the four she registered, as the Sultans took eight bases (including third base three times).

Two of the hits came early off the bat of the Vaqueros' NICOLE BALINGER. But when first baseman SAM LOZANO singled in the 6th, El Capitan had two runners on with a chance to pull even. However, Schisler escaped the jam with an inning-ending strikeout.

On the other side, Gourley, in tossing a 4-hitter, finished with 11 strikeouts to move into 10th place on the state career list with 1,341 Ks.

Along with Rasmusson, the remaining Santana hits were by seniors KATYI GRABLE and CATHRYN CANCILLER-PETTY and junior ASHLEY GROOVER.

On defense, Santana first baseman SAVANAH FENN was noted by Failla for several nice stops, including a back-hand grab and throw to third base for a force out.

With the loss, El Capitan dropped into the losers’ bracket final, but fell to Cathedral Catholic, 2-0, as the defending Division III champions finished in third place this season.

Gourley gained 11 strikeouts to finish No. 10 on the state career list witj 1,352 strikeouts according to CalHiSports.

Division 2
In a remarkable winners’ bracket final, top-seeded Bonita Vista out-lasted (in generous terms) Rancho Beranrdo, 18-17, propelling the Barons into the title game.

In the challengers’ bracket, Scripps Ranch stopped Westview, 4-1, to gain a berth in the semifinals. However, despite an early home run by MAKAYLA MARTIN, Rancho Bernardo gained the play-back with a 5-1 triumph, gaining a re-match with Bonita Vista.

Division 5
Christian High had two chances to reach Saturday's championship at UC San Diego, but fell both times.

In the winners’ bracket final, top-seeded Horizon saw pitcher Bailey Boyett toss a 5-hit shutout in a 7-0 decision over the Patriots.

In the challengers’ bracket, Santa Fe Christian eliminated Calipatria, 8-2, then rallied with three unearned runs in the 7th inning to knockout error-prone Christian, 8-7.

The Patriots actually trailed from the start until posting four runs in the 5th to take a 6-5 lead. The rally including run-scoring basehits from GABY GRABOWSKI, TAYLOR MILLER and DIANA SUDA.

An inning later, first baseman ALYSA AHRRIS, who batted 2-for-2 with two walks, singled then was bunted into scoring position on an ANAYA TOBIASON sacrifice. Harris then scored on a double down the right-field line by JENNY ESQUIVEL for a 7-5 advantage.

Santa Fe Christian's comeback was capped on a shallow sacrifice fly from Kelly Clanton, who also belted a triple. Cleanup batter Taylor Ryan registered three RBI.

USD head coach Melissa McElvain, the former standout at Patrick Henry, is joined by future Toreros pitch Gaby Grabowski of Christian High, who committed to the school on Wednesday,

Another Grabowski headed to USD By Nick Pellegrino © East County Sports.com ALCALA PARK (5-23-13) — Christian High sophomore GABY GRABOWSKI, a standout pitcher for the Rowdies U18-Gold club program, became the first Class of '15 softball player from East County to make a college commitment by accepting a scholarship offer from the University of San Diego. Per NCAA rules, Grabowski can not sign until her senior year and the USD coaching staff is banned from public comment. By joining the Toreros, she re-unites with older sister MARY GRABOWSKI, who was just named to the All-West Coast Softball Conference second team as a freshman catcher. "It's such a blessing to be able to play for this school," said Grabowski, who is deciding to major in pre-law or psychology. "My mom is the reason I got to where I needed to be." While Mary has always been a physically dominate athlete, the same could not always be said for Gaby. "Mary was always big and strong, while I was considered small and fragile," she added. "To be able to get strong and be able play for a Division I school is truly a blessing from God." Grabowski joins a pitching staff with a pair of locally-based power pitchers in 2010 East County Player of the Year JENNY LAHITTE (Granite Hills) and former CIFSDS career strikeout record holder CASSIDY COLEMAN (a Santee resident who played for Horizon. However, Grabowski, who is also a successful figure skater, offers balance to the USD pitching staff as a junk-ball pitcher with a change-up and dropballs. "I'm really excited to be able to play with my sister again," she added. "And coach (Melissa McElvain, a former Patrick Henry High standout) is a sweet person."

© East County Sports.com
SCRIPPS RANCH (5-22-13) — For the fourth time this season, Scripps Ranch and Westview high schools will meet after posting victories in Tuesday's (May 21) San Diego CIF Division II elimination games.

The Falcons advanced thanks to the offense of pitcher MAKAYLA MARTIN and first baseman AMANDA ROBINSON, who each smacked 2-run homers in a 7-2 triumph over San Marcos .

Meanwhile, Steele Canyon saw its season come to an end after the Wolverines rallied from a 3-1 deficit to also gain a 5-3 third round victory.

In Division III, Santana and El Capitan high schools had byes, meeting in Thursday's winners’ bracket final at Sportsplex USA of Poway , which hosts most of the semifinals.

An exception will be Division V, as second-seeded Christian meets top-seeded Horizon at Helix High in a rare 2:30 p.m. start.

SCRIPPS RANCH 7, SAN MARCOS 2 — Martin finished with a season-high five RBI, including her 2-run homer in the 1st inning, lifting the Falcons (19-12) past the visiting Wolverines in Tuesday's (May 21) SDCIF Division II playoff game.

The display of offense started from the very beginning, as MARISA DATKO walked, then scored on a Martin double to left-center field. Robinson followed with a 2-run homer along the left-field line for a 3-0 lead.

In the 2nd, the advantage reached 5-0 on two more RBI from Martin.

SABRINA PINCKARD and SUSANNE MORRIS each singled to left, MICHAELA PRINCE walked to load the bases with two outs, then Martin went with an outside pitch by doubling to right-center field.

Westview finally answered with two runs in the 6th. Right fielder Sarah Stone registered the Wolverines' first basehit of the ballgame, driving in a run with another run scoring on the play due to an error.

Later in the inning, first baseman and sister Shannon Stone singled, but no damage occurred. The two hits were the only basehits allowed all contest by Martin, who finished with 11 strikeouts.

In the bottom half of the frame, Datko again reached base, this time with a single, with Robinson going deep to right field for another 2-run home run to put it away for Scripps Ranch.

Scripps Ranch has captured all three previous meetings with Westview this season.

WESTVIEW 5, STEELE CANYON 2 — The Cougars built a 3-1 lead, but the host Knights scored four unanswered runs to eliminate Steele Canyon (20-13) from the CIF Division II tournament.

Steeke Canyon needed just five batters to jump to the lead when TORI YANITOR smacked a two-out triple to center field, scoring RACHEL BEASLEY (single) and MOLLY HUTCHISON (walk).

Westview got one run back, but the Cougars took it back in the 3rd.

Once again, an opponent pitched carefully to Hutchison, yet she took an outside delivery to deep right field, finishing with a triple. Courtesy runner LIZ MELLO scored when KYLIE STEAGALL lifted a sacrifice fly to center field.

However, Westview answered with a run in the 4th, then took the lead with a pair of markers in the 5th. The go-ahead run saw freshman Kristana Jojic get hit by pitch, scoring on consecutive basehits by Stacy Walder and Brianna Sanders.

The trio also combined for an insurance run in the 6th on a single, sacrifice bunt and RBI double, giving Sanders a pair of RBI from the No. 8 spot in the batting order.

For the Cougars, Yanitor batted 3-for-4 with a triple and double, BRITTANY FITCH went 2-for-3, while Beasley was 2-for-4.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-19-13) — Primed for the playoffs despite a next-to-last finish in the rugged Eastern League, the second-seeded Christian Patriots again devoured another Division V opponent, easily navigating past Santa Fe Christian, 11-2, Saturday (May 18) at Dawson Field.

The triumph propels the Patriots into Thursday's winners bracket final against top-seeded Horizon in a 2:30 p.m. start at Helix High. The Panthers advanced by run-ruling Calipatria, 11-0 in five innings.

Santa Fe Christian took advantage of a pair of errors to post two unearned runs in the 1st inning. However, Christian pitcher DIANA SUDA was in control the rest of the way, finishing with five strikeouts in her 4-hitter.

The Patriots got even by the 3rd, then erupted for seven runs in the 4th to dunk the Eagles.

JENNY ESQUIVEL paced the offense by going 4-for-4, including the tying run in the 3rd. After ANAYA TOBIASON singled and stole two bases, Esquivel sent a single to right field to move even at 2-all.

An inning later, Christian started with four straight singles – by TAYLOR MILLER, Suda, ALYSA HARRIS and Esquivel (RBI) – going station-to-station to take the lead

KAYLA KRUEL, who was hit by a pitch three times by Santa Fe Christian, accepted another plunking for an RBI, then freshman ANNA SHERBURNE (3-for-3) singled in a pair.

GABY GRABOWSKI walked to re-load the bases, with an ensuing walk to SYDNEY REINHOLD forcing home another run. The outburst was capped by a two-run double by Harris (3-for-5).

Christian (9-15) will next face Horizon pitcher Alyssa Garrette, who tossed a 2-hitter at Calipatria. The Panthers' Alex Galatis gained three parts of the cycle with a single, double and a 2-run homer, with the game ending early to prevent her from gaining a shot at a triple.

Division II
RANCHO BERNARDO 2, STEELE CANYON 0 — Notre Dame bound senior Sara White crunched the Cougars with her bat and pitching arm, claiming Saturday's (May 17) CIF Division II winners bracket semifinal.

White fired a 4-hit shutout for the Broncos, then knocked in the first of two RB runs in the 5th inning to break open a pitchers' duel against Steele Canyon 's Grace Kramer. Both pitchers had 4-hit shutouts working though four innings of work.

In the 5th, White stepped to the plate with the bases loaded on a pair of walks and a hit batsman. She lined the ball off relief pitcher RACHEL BEASLEY, who just missed making the grab which could've gone for a double play. However, the single brought in a run.

Another walk, this time to East Tennessee State signee Danielle Knoetze, forced home a second run.

For Steele Canyon (20-12), senior leadoff batter KAYLIE AZEVEDO batted 2-for-4, including a double. The other basehits were by BRITTANY FITCH (bunt single in the 2nd) and TORI YANITOR (single in the 4th).

BONITA VISTA 7, SCRIPPS RANCH 5 — The Falcons did what they’re supposed to do, but it woke up the top-seeded Barons. After scoring twice in the 3rd to open the scoring, Bonita Vista bounced back with six runs (three unearned) in the home half of the frame to gain a berth in Thursday's winners’ bracket final. Meanwhile, Scripps Ranch (18-12) plays in an elimination game on Tuesday.

For the Falcons, AMANDA ROBINSON posted a perfect day at the plate. The senior pounded a pair of doubles, good for three RBI, and walked twice. Included was a 2-run double in the 3rd to open the scoring.

In addition, SUSANNE MORRIS, MARISA DATKO and MICHAELA PRINCE added two hits each.

SAN MARCOS 3, WEST HILLS 2 — The third-seeded Wolf Pack saw their slump over the final two weeks of the regular season extend into postseason, going 2-and-out in the CIF Division III tournament.

On Saturday (May 18), Knights pitcher Christina Clermont struck out five batters, then lifted the offense with a pair of hits to eliminate West Hills (18-13), the Grossmont Hills League champion. In addition, senior center fielder Katie Bushee drove in a pair of runs for San Marcos .

Clermont is headed for Syracuse , while Bushee will join Santana's TARA GRENNAN at Colgate.

No information reported by West Hills' coaching staff.

Steele Canyon's Kali Schwartz (Photo by Linda Byerline) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE
Hutchison's cannonball splash Hits mammoth, game-winning HR in the 7th By Nick Pellegrino © East County Sports.com SANTEE (5-17-13) — Steele Canyon High slugger MOLLY HUTCHISON is making a splash, literally, in the CIF San Diego Section championships. Hutchison belted a deep drive which landed on the roof of the new West Hills High Aquatics Center, bouncing into the pool for the first "Splash Hit" – as called at AT&T Park in San Francisco when a ball clears the right-field grandstand and lands in McCovey Cove. Hutchison's blast was also a 2-run shot in the top of the 7th inning, allowed the Cougars to stun third-seeded West Hills, 4-3, in Thursday's (May 16) Division II first-round contest. "It honestly had to be the hardest-hit ball in all my years at Steele Canyon ," said head coach Julie Neubauer. "It was also one of the best games I've ever been involved in." West Hills held a 3-2 lead and needed to register just three additional outs to move into the playoff winners bracket. However, KALI SCHWARTZ led off with a single over the shortstop, moving to second base when the defender got tangled with the left fielder. The first two pitches to Hutchison were outside, but when the 2-0 pitch caught too much of the plate, she launched her shot for the go-ahead runs. The homer was Hutchison's eighth of the season, and fourth in her last five outings. In the bottom of the 7th, Cougars reserve REBECCA WHITAKER, who gained a start in right field, registered a shoestring catch for the first out. She finished with six catches for putouts. Pitcher GRACE KRAMER then recorded the final two outs to gain the victory. She struck out two in tossing a 5-hitter. West Hills scored twice in the 2nd before Steele Canyon could counter. In the 3rd, senior KYLIE STEAGALL (2-for-4) smacked a solo homer to center field. West Hills made it 3-1 in the 4th on a sacrifice fly to right by BRANDI McCHRYSTAL to bring home JV call-up PAIGE BOWLER, but the Cougars again answered right back. In the 5th, Schwartz would score the first of her two runs. Following her walk, she moved to second base on a dropped fly ball hit by Hutchison, then scored to make it 3-2 when TORI YANITOR smoked a hot grounder up the middle. Steele Canyon advances to Saturday's winners bracket contest at second-seeded Rancho Bernardo, which nipped San Marcos , 1-0. West Hills will host San Marcos in an elimination ballgame.

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (5-17-13) — A year ago, El Capitan and Santana high schools both advanced to the CIFSDS Division III championship game. In 2013, the San Diego Section seeding committee saw no reason for change, as the ballclubs are the top two seeds in this season's playoffs.

Both also proved worthy of such seedings, each posting impressive victories in Thursday's (May 16) opening round.

Seeded at No. 1, Santana posted eight early runs behind home runs by KAYTI GRABLE and AMBER SCHISLER to double-up Olympian, 8-4. Meanwhile, second-seeded El Capitan saw pitcher DELANIE GOURLEY carry a no-hitter into the 7th inning, blanking Mission Bay, 5-0.

Santana senior catcher Kayti Grable with the home run trot in an 8-4 win. (Photo by Linda Byerline)

SANTANA 8, OLYMPIAN 4 — Fresh off an upset of University City in the play-in game, the Eagles kept the bats rolling with two runs in their first two trips to the plate.

However, Grable smacked a 3-run homer in the 1st, then Schisler belted a solo homer to start a 5-run rally in the 3rd, giving the Sultans a victory in their opening postseason game for the 11th consecutive season.

Down 2-0, the hosts answered when ARIEL RASMUSSON raced down the line for a scratch single, then stole second base. Schisler walked, then Grable went deep with a drive to center field. For Grable, it was her seventh homer of the season, and No. 33 in her career to break a tie for fourth place on the CIFSDS list.

The only players above Grable are current Mira Mesa slugger KATIYANA MAUGA and former Oceanside standout Trina Harrison (2004-08) with 41. Grable could still finish third all-time, resting just two behind Kelsey Quist (2003-06), who hit 35 for Calvin Christian and Francis Parker.

Olympian would reclaim the lead, but Schisler tied it with her eighth long-ball of the season. It was also the 25th of her career to gain a tie for 11th on the section list.

The rally would continue with five basehits and a walk to secure the lead for keeps.

Grable doubled to left, SYDNEY VATES walked, then KYLIE BRASE registered what proved to be the game-winning run with another double to left.

A walk to ASHLEE GROOVER would load the bases, followed by un-scoring singles by KENDRA KUPER, CATHRYN CANCILLER-PETTY, then Rasmusson was hit by a pitch

After 12 runs crossed the plate in three innings, there would be no additional scoring as Schisler closed with 4 1/3 frames of shutout ball to gain the pitching win. She struck out five in tossing a 5-hitter.

Five Sultans collected two hits, including first baseman TARA GRENNAN.

You Make The Call

The ball is in the glove of Santana first baseman Savanah Fenn, however, Olympian batter Aridana Galvan is ruled safe. The shadow shows she had yet to reach the bag. (Photo by Linda Byerline)

EL CAPITAN 5, MISSION BAY 0 — The visiting Buccaneers, which posted a road win at Brawley to gain a berth in the Division III main draw, were no match for Gourley, who struck out 16 batters to move into 11th place in state history.

Only two Mission Bay batters reached base. A 5th-inning walk ruined the bid for a perfect game, then in the 7th, a one-out single to right field by Mice'la Ross ended Gourley's attempt for a no-hitter.

It was only drama remaining after the Vaqueros scored in four of their first five trips to the plate to slowly pull away from Mission Bay .

SAM LOZANO paced the offense with a pair of RBI, singling home COURTNEY WILLIAMS in the 1st, then doubling in KELSEY HENZIE in the 5th.

Williams batted 2-for-4, scoring in the 4th on a double by ERIN HUMPHREYS (2-for-4), who then came home on a Henzie basehit in the 4th.

Division V
CHRISTIAN 6, Vista-CALVARY CHRISTIAN 1 — Patriots freshman DIANA SUDA carried a shutout into the 7th inning, finishing with a 3-hitter in Christian's romp Thursday (May 16) over the Lions at Dawson Field. Suda collected nine strikeouts.

ANNA SHERBURNE, another freshman, collected a pair of key, early hits to put Christian on the scoreboard. She singled home a run in the 1st, then hit a grounder to the right side for another run in the 3rd.

In between, KAYLA KRUEL opened the 2nd with a double, coming around on a Suda single and a right-side grounder by TAYLOR MILLER for the RBI.

ALYSA HARRIS doubled, then scored on a basehit from ANAYA TOBIASON. JENNY ESQUIVEL followed with a run-scoring double, eventually scoring on a sharp single by GABY GRABOWSKI in her first action after getting struck in the head by a line drive against Scripps Ranch last week.

In other Division V action, Foothills Christian, which won a play-in game by run rule against Julian, 16-6, elected to forfeit Thursday's contest with top-seeded Horizon. The school did not announce whether it would play Saturday at Tri-City Christian, the 4th seeds which were upset by Calipatria, 18-1.

Division II
SCRIPPS RANCH 8, WESTVIEW 4 — Every first round game in Division II was a 1-run nail-biter except here, as the 4th-seeded Falcons rode the arm and bat of MAKAYLA MARTIN to Thursday's (May 16) triumph.

Martin batted 4-for-4 and drove in three runs against the Wolverines, including a 2-run single in the 3rd inning to open the scoring. She also doubled home LAUREN LIPE in the 4th to mount a 6-1 cushion.

After Martin gave Scripps Ranch a 1-0 lead, AMANDA ROBINSON (2-for-4) followed with a 2-run double.

Meanwhile, SUSANNE MORRIS went 2-for-3 with RBI singles in the 4th and 5th innings, while MARISA DATKO batted 2-for-4, driving in Morris with a basehit in the 5th. ALLISON RUSSELL also posted a pair of hits.

Division I
TORREY PINES 6, PATRICK HENRY 1 — Falcons senior pitcher Rachel Nasland registered 13 strikeouts in tossing a 5-hitter at the visiting Patriots.

Torrey Pines, the ultimate small-ball team, parlayed eight stolen bases and four squeeze bunts – including two by Mikaila Reyes – to take advantage of Patrick Henry's patchwork infield.

Reyes, a freshman, actually finished with three RBI, as two runs scored on one of her bunts, as Kylie Robinson kept running from second base on a late throw to first base.

Senior co-captain Julia Yacker also recorded an RBI single for the third-seeded Falcons.

For the Patriots, their lone run came in the 6th.

SIERRA ALTMEYER, who collected three of the team's four hits off Nasland, and ALLY FAILLACE hit back-to-back singles. Altmeyer later scored on an outfield error.

Torrey Pines travels to No. 2-seed Rancho Buena Vista in the winners’ bracket. Patrick Henry hits the road for an elimination game at Calexico. RBV downed Calexico, 8-3, handing the IVL champion Bulldogs their first-ever playoff loss.

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (5-15-13) — Every season possesses peaks and valleys, except for, maybe, the Steele Canyon Cougars.

Although there is nothing wrong with a solid 18-11 record, including victories against some of the top teams in the county, yet the Cougars always seem to be the "also mentioned with others" ballclub.

Semifinals berths in three major tournaments and a second-place finish in league left the talented Cougars frustrated to do better. But since a recent victory over Grossmont Hills League champion West Hills, Steele Canyon may finally be on the right track.

"We're peaking at just the right time," said head coach JULIE NEUBAUER. "Everyone on this team seems to be playing comfortably and with tons of confidence."

More importantly, the Cougars will get another chance at West Hills after opening the CIF playoffs with a one-sided victory. Powered by an early home run from MOLLY HUTCHISON, Steele Canyon dominated Point Loma, skating to an 11-0 run-rule triumph in five innings.

For Hutchison, the senior registered a pair of key hits, driving home a season-best five RBI.

"Molly was incredible today," added Neubauer. "She was hitting the ball hard, like she did at the beginning of the season."

Hutchison drilled a line drive over the fence in left-center field for a fast 3-0 lead, as Steele Canyon posted five markers in the 1st inning. She later added a 2-run single in the 4th when the hosts scored six more times to invoke the run rule and hand the Pointers (18-8) an easy exit.

The top of the order saw KAYLIE AZEVEDO (1-for-2, 2 walks) and RACHEL BEASLEY (2-for-4) each score twice, along with No. 5 hitter TORI YANITOR (2-for-2, 2 walks). KALI SCHWARTZ added a 2-run single in the 4th.

Meanwhile, GRACE KRAMER breezed in tossing her postseason shutout. She allowed just four hits, striking out seven batters in five frames.

Division I
PATRICK HENRY 6, SAN PASQUAL 1 — Everyone thought the traditionally powerful Eastern League was down this season, until Tuesday (May 14) when the 11th-seeded Patriots traveled to North County to eliminate the 6th-seeded Golden Eagles in a CIF Division I first round contest.

Patrick Henry (15-12) received keys hits from throughout the batting order to punish the pitching of San Pasqual (11-16-1).

Included were two hits each from SIERRA ALTMEYER (2-for-4, double), ANYA VANDERSIP (2-for-3, sac bunt), MADDIE BARRAZA (2-for-4) and SYDNEY JAMES (2-for-4, double).

Barraza opened the scoring with an RBI in the 1st in the wire-to-wire victory. MONTANA POTTS stroked a run-scoring double in the 2nd, then pinch-hitter ALLY FAILLACE lined an RBI single in the 4th.

James, the center fielder, also posted a pair of nice catches to help shut down San Pasqual, allowing ERIN SHICK to gain the pitching victory. Shick carried a no-hitter into the 5th inning, allowing just two hits.

MISSION HILLS 4, GROSSMONT 1 — The Foothillers stayed within 2-1 throughout most of Tuesday's (May 14) CIF Division I playoff opener in the North County until the Grizzlies doubled-up with two runs in the 6th inning.

The 9th-seeded Hillers (12-16) tallied their lone run in the 4th.

Mission Hills (16-11-1) avoided pitching to senior catcher SARAH NICKS by walking her. Courtesy runner CHEYENNE REYNOLDS promptly stole second base, then came home on a line single to left field by WHITNEY DIBB. The basehit was one of four by Grossmont.

Mt. Carmel pitcher Megan Leyva (Photo by Steve Wallace)

Valhalla placed runners in scoring position all Tuesday (May 14) afternoon, but only KAYLIE HIPWELL could deliver with an RBI single in the 5th to tie the contest.

Moments after Mt. Carmel (12-13) scored on an error in the top of the inning, Norsemen sophomore ABIGAIL METSCH answered back with a leadoff double to right-center field. She moved to third base on a wild pitch, but was still standing there two outs later until Hipwell's hard grounder through the right side.

"It's frustrating because we've been hitting the ball so well," noted Norsemen coach MARK OBNEY. "We had chance after chance, but just never received that one key hit to take the lead."

The Sundevils answered right back in the 6th on consecutive RBI singles by Domi Cappello and Leyva.