By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (4-1-14) — One needs to go back to 2008 to find the last time Helix High recorded double figures in victories. Fortunately, this year's edition of the Highlanders should easily reach the plateau.

The Scotties again achieved the .500 mark at 5-5-1 following Monday's (Mar. 31) non-league triumph over Santa Fe Christian, 8-7. Although some late errors saw an 8-1 advantage almost disappear, the Helix bats continued to roll along.

"Our strength is our offense," said KAITLYN JACOBS, who batted 3-for-3, featuring a deep, 2-run homer to left field for a 3-0 lead in the 1st inning. "And although we didn't show it today, we usually don't commit errors, so we're in every game."

The top of the Helix batting order played havoc with SFC pitching all afternoon.

Following three walks, one runner scored on a wild pitch. Two pitches later, another runners tried to score on a pitch that bounced away from the catcher, but she was thrown out. Then Jacobs delivered with her second career homer.

An inning later, Santa Fe Christian attempted to avoid pitching to Jacobs, but the strategy back-fired.

DESTINI BULLOCK, the No. 3 hitter, lifted a sacrifice fly to make it 4-0. Jacobs walked, but No. 5 hitter MARISSA HAMPTON also walked to force in a run. Hampton also gained the pitching win, allowing just one earned run in six innings of work.

Jacobs, a senior, is already committed to George Fox University ( Ore.) for next season.

Falcon Fiesta
PATRICK HENRY 10, OTAY RANCH 7 – Prior to this ballgame, Patriots head coach DON SHAFFER noted, "It's always a slugfest between us." He was right.

Despite missing two members of their starting line-up due to a missions trip to Mexico to build houses for the poor, the Pats still displayed plenty of offense to muzzle the Mustangs.

SIERRA ALTMEYER continued her hitting tear, going 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles, three runs scored and driving in two. HANNAH McEwen also went 3-for-4.

Down 1-0 after a half-inning, CRISTIONA "C.C." CACCAMISE quickly tied the game with an RBI single. MADISON JAMES followed with a ground ball which was booted, allowing a pair of unearned runs to score to go ahead for keeps.

Patrick Henry will host Rancho Bernardo on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. The Patriots (9-2) are going for their fourth straight victory over CIF Open Division competition (Bonita Vista, Poway and West Hills).

SAN DIEGUITO 5, GROSSMONT 4 – The Foothillers allowed a 3-1 lead disappear in a Falcon Fiesta loss Monday (Mar. 31) in Encinitas. The comeback by the Mustangs was fueled by a game-tying, 2-run homer by Alexis Funaki.

CARLY PEARSON singled home KAYLA BAEZ (walk), then MEGAN MALWITZ doubled in CEL DAVILA (walk) for a 2-1 lead in the 3rd. An inning later, the Hillers cashed in a lead walk to KAT TREGO when Davila singled her home.

After the Mustangs took the lead, Grossmont moved back to within a run when another lead walk to Trego saw the senior score on a sacrifice by CHEYENNE REYNOLDS.

In other Fiesta ballgames, Westview doubled Scripps Ranch, 4-2.

For Steele Canyon, SANDRA BUCKLEY batted 4-for-5 with three RBI to support the complete game pitching of MELISSA PAINE.

For El Capitan , two runs came on consecutive RBI singles by COURTNEY WILLIAMS and ERIN HUMPHREY single, scoring GRACE BURKETT (lead walk) and RACHEL ACHENBACHH (hit by pitch).

An inning later, Williams reached on an error, scoring on back-to-back basehits from MARISSA CUEVAS and KATIE CARMICHAEL (RBI).

It was also the 200th career victory for Steele Canyon head coach JULIE NEUBAUER.

Non-League
FRANCIS PARKER 6, VALHALLA 3 – A one-sided affair turned when the Norsemen committed six errors to hand the visiting Lancers Monday's (Mar. 31) non-league victory. Four of the five runs yielded were unearned.

Collecting double-figures in basehits also failed to aid Valhalla , stranding runners in every inning except one.

The Norsemen halved the deficit in the 4th, when freshman shortstop ALEXIS INGRASSIA smacked her first varsity home run, a 2-run shot to left field.

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
SAN CARLOS (3-29-14) — Rated among the favorites in their respective league races, the anticipated showdown between Patrick Henry and West Hills high schools became a Cowles Mountain runaway.

The host Patriots, coming off a 13-run inning in their previous start, posted eight markers in the 2nd inning to build a massive 12-0 cushion, whipping the Wolf Pack, 13-3 in five innings, during Friday's (Mar. 28) Grossmont Conference Tournament ballgame.'

Patrick Henry saw all nine starters collect basehits, with the bottom five batters doing a majority of the damage. Heading the list was ERIN SHICK, who batted 3-for-3 with a double and three RBI, while MADISON jmes went 2-for-2 with a walk, good for a pair of RBI.

James and Shick have been rotating starts as the No. 1 pitcher, with James, a freshman, seemingly poised to be the long-term solution in the circle.

"It's something we don't really talk about," said James. "We just want to play the game and we both want to win."

The combination has proved effective with the Patriots, off to an 8-2 start.

Shick, a senior already committed to Pacific University (Ore.), has been heavily contributing with the bat, especially when not in the circle. Meanwhile, James, a second-generation standout, is slowly corralling some of her wildness in her riseball and screwball to develop into a top-flight pitcher.

"The only thing my mom told me was to play as hard as you can for as long as you can," noted James about advice she received from Stephanie (Riley) James, the former volleyball standout at San Diego State (1990-93)

The pair also capped the huge 2nd-inning rally. James rapped a 2-run single to center field, scoring both ANYA VANDERSIP, who also had a 2-run single, and HANNAH McEWEN.

West Hills scored a pair of unearned runs to snap the shutout in the top of the 3rd.

However, Pats catcher CRISTIONA CACCAMISE countered with a 2-run double in the bottom of the inning. One of the players to score was MADDIE BARRAZA, who crossed the plate three times.

Grossmont's Kayla Baez not only collected the gamne-winning hit, she also made this fine catch to defeat El Capitan, 6-5. (Photoby Rick Davila)

The ballgame was tied at 4-4 through six frames, with El Capitan going ahead on an unearned run.

COURTNEY WILLIAMS reached base on a throwing error to first base. The next batter grounded out, but when Williams headed to third base, another throw across the diamond sailed past all of the defenders, allowing Williams to score.

However, the Foothillers answered right back.

Starting shortstop CEL DAVILA reached with a leadoff single. One out later, Camarero lined an RBI single to left-center field to again tie the ballgame. Baez, a senior, then belted a double to right field for the game-winning hit.

Davila pitched the last two innings, allowing just the unearned run, to gain the victory. All five El Cap runs were unearned, including four in the 4th to offset an 1-0 deficit.

Grossmont's CARLY PEARSON (lead single) scored in the 1st on an RBI by MEGAN MALWITZ, who batted clean-up due to the absence of KAT TREGO, who was on a recruiting trip to Northern California .

After El Cap took the lead, the Hillers quickly tied the ballgame in the bottom of the 4th on RBI basehits by Baez, CHEYENNE REYNOLDS and DESTINY BACON. Reynolds’ hit drove in ALEXIS COLLINS, who fouled off six pitches before she earned a walk.

Santana's Sydney Vates with one of her three hits in a Sultans win oer Valhalla. (Photoby Steve Brase

SYDNEY VATES batted 3-for-5 for Santana, featuring a 2-run homer to left field in the 4th. Vates also posted a double.

SYDNEY STELSE later stroked a 3-run homer, also to left, in the 7th, allowing the Sultans to avenge a 5-4 GCT setback to the Norsemen from last season.

Santana scored twice in the 2nd and 3rd to skate to a 4-0 advantage. capped by a 2-run double from SOPHIA MARTORANA.

SAVANAH FENN also collected a pair of doubles, while ASHLEE GROOVER had a double among her two hits.

Valhalla's run almost came by accident. Down 4-0 in the 3rd, BRANDI KOHEL twice failed to bunt a pair of baserunners into scoring position. So with two strikes on her, the sophomore swung on a 3-2 pitch and blasted a 3-run homer to center.

Otherwise, Sultans pitcher KYLIE BRASE was solid with six shutout innings in tossing a 7-hitter.

SERRA 6, HELIX 5 — Tied at 3-all, the decisive 6th inning saw the Conquistadors out-score Helix, 3-2, lifting the Lady Q's in a Grossmont Conference Tournament contest in La Mesa .

AMBER WOZNIAK homered to center to break the tie, also scoring JORDYNN BARTOLOME.

The next three batters -- ASHLEY BLAKLY, MEGAN POOLE and CAITLIN LAWLER -- all singled to load the bases, with TARYN JELLISON making it four straight basehits to score Blakely for what proved to be an important run,

Wozniak finished with four hits, while BROOKE RUSSELL, Blakely and Poole added three each to fuel a 17-hit attack.

For the Scotties, DESTINI BULLOCK again is proving to be one of East County 's top hitters. She added four more basehits to her ledger, including a double and scoring twice.

DESIRAE BORDINE also collected four hits with a run scored, while KAITLYN JACOBS went 2-for-4, both times driving in a run.

You Make The Call

Did this Granite Hills baserunners allude the tag by the University City catcher... You Make The Call... then CLICK photo for the play result. (Photos by Don Wall)

© East County Sports.com
UNIVERSITY CITY (3-28-14) — Following the script from one day earlier, Granite Hills High utilized one big inning -- six runs in the 1st -- to easily thrash host University City, 12-5, in Thursday's (Mar. 27) lone East County contest.It was the third straight triumph for the Eagles (3-6).

Following a series of four straight walks by Centurions pitchers -- to KAILA DeWITT, BRIANNE TYSELING, VICTORIA HATHAWAY and JESSIE LaPIERRE for an RBI -- the Eagles received a 2-run double from HALLE KYLER, followed by another double by BROOKLYN SCHWEN.

Thus, DeWitt only needed to throw the first two innings, yielding the final five frames to BRIELLE TYSELING, who officially collected the victory,

KAREN CREECH joined Kyler and Brianna Tyseling with two hits each. The game was a make-up in the Warhawk Classic.

El Centro-SOUTHWEST 4, STEELE CANYON 3 (9 inn.) — Thursday's (Mar. 27) final pool-play contest in the Hilltop Tournament to determine the 8th and final berth to Saturday's championship quarterfinals went to the Eagles. No report from the Cougars, but we got one from The Imperial Valley Press.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-27-14) — Whether occurring early or late, one big inning was the difference-maker in nearly all of Wednesday's (Mar. 26) openers in the annual Grossmont Conference Tournament.

This year's event features guest entrants from Patrick Henry and Serra to fill the void on the Grossmont Valley League side of the ledger, as El Cajon Valley (and others) started a separate tournament.

VALHALLA 10, SERRA 0 (5 inn.) — The Norsemen posted seven runs in the 1st inning to quickly conquer the Conquistadors behind a combined 3-hit shutout by ASHLEY MADA and MIRANDA THOMAS.

Meanwhile, three of Valhalla 's hits went for homers, including a 3-run blast by DANIELLE UY to open the scoring. Uy, who sent the ball to deep center field, went 3-for-3 to raise her batting average to .529.

BRANDI KOHEL collected two hits in the inning, coming home to score after the first single, then driving in another run on her second basehit.

The other homers were back-to-back solo shots by EMILY ORDONEZ and Thomas in the 4th, both going to left-center field. Valhalla now has nine homers in as many contests this season.

PATRICK HENRY 19, HELIX 2 — The slumping Patriots were on their way after building a comfortable 6-2 lead through six innings. Then everything went berserk when Patrick Henry tallied 13 times in 7th inning.

The onslaught included a pair of home runs, including a grand slam from third baseman MADDIE MARRAZA, her second homer of the ballgame.

SIERRA ALTMEYER led off the 7th with a solo blast to make it 7-2. Little did anyone know that she would be left on-deck after the Patriots twice batted through the order.

For the contest, Barraza went 3-for-6 with six RBI. She also hit a solo homer in the 2nd and added an RBI single in the 3rd.

Meanwhile, center fielder HANNAH McEWEN collected four hits, including a pair of doubles. The freshman also had an RBI and scored once.

Patriots head coach DON SHAFFER was apologetic following the game.

"I'm one of the biggest advocates complaining about coaches which run up the score," noted Shaffer.
But after Maddie hit her grand slam, things got out of hand."

"All season long, our team's been in a hitting slump, trying to hit home runs. I kept telling them to hit line drives and hard ground balls. Then we do but couldn't stop."

Grossmont second baseman Chloe Camerero (5) receives the throw from the catcher on this pick-off attempt against Santana. (Photo by Rick Davila)

SANTANA 6, GROSSMONT 3 — Trailing 1-0 and 2-1, the Sultans bounced back by registering five runs in the 5th inning to fondue the Foothillers.

KYLIE BRASE picked up the pitching victory, allowing just one earned run with four strikeouts. The senior also registered the decisive hit. Mistakes on defense by Grossmont also aided the opposing offense.

LEXI CHAVARIN reached second base on a throwing error, with pinch runner MARRISSA LAWRENCE tying the ballgame on a basehit by SYDNEY VATES.

Three batters later, after ASHLEE GROOVER and SYDNEY SYELSE reached to load the bases, Brase walloped a grand slam to center field.

WEST HILLS 12, EL CAPITAN 3 — A trio of multi-run innings was enough for the Wolf Pack to race past the visiting Vaqueros. The biggest was a 5-run rally in the bottom of the 6th, featuring a 3-run homer by KENDALL MARINESI.

In a 3-run 3rd to open the scoring, CAELI GIBBS received an RBI yet two runs scored on her grounder to the right side. Gibbs later scored on a run-scoring double by BRANDI McCRYSTAL.

Catcher CORTNEY HORNE collected two hits, as did designated player ALEX GUAY, making a winner of starting pitcher TESS EATON. The junior went 4 1/3 innings before losing her shutout.

Falcon Fiesta
MIRA MESA 4, MT. CARMEL 0 — ALICIA GARCIA struck out five batters in tossing a 4-hit shutout at the Sundevils in Wednesday's (Mar. 26) Falcon Fiesta pool play contest.

Freshman TAYLOR TOMPKINS collected two hits and an RBI for the Marauders, ending a 2-game losing streak.

The sister combination of QUIRISA MAUGA and TEIYA MAUGA also knocked in runs.

Granite Hills shortstop Cassiedy Shew (left) applies the tag for the out after San Pasqual ran itself out of the inning with the potential tying run at the plate. (Photo by Don Wall)

Eagles pitcher Halle Kyler. (Photo by Don Wall) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

© nEast County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-26-14) — That was then; this is now.

Granite Hills High, which recorded just 15 runs in its first six ballgames, broke through with an 8-0 victory over Scripps Ranch to end a season-long skid.

Now look at the Eagles. They registered six runs in their first trip to the plate Tuesday (Mar. 25), racing coast-to-coast to take down visiting San Pasqual, 8-6, in East County's lone action.

Freshman CASSIDY SHEW keyed the early assault with a 3-run double, then she capped the big inning by racing home on a passed ball.

"We just needed to put everything together," said Shew. "That includes our hitting and our defense."

The Golden Eagles inched back into the contest in the late going, once bringing the potential tying run to the plate. But it didn't last.

With a runner on first base, San Pasqual coaches urged the baserunner to head for second base on a pitch in the dirt. However, Granite Hills catcher JESSIE LaPIERRE quickly collected the loose ball, firing a strike to Shew, the shortstop, for the second out.

The next batter singled, but pitcher HALLE KYLER coaxed a tapper back to the circle for the final out for the team's second triumph in 24 hours.

San Pasqual was in a generous mood early, issuing a bases-loaded walk to open the scoring.

Kyler followed with an RBI single, then Shew collected her big hit.

Granite Hills later added a pair of insurance runs in the 6th on a 2-run double by BRIENNA TYSELING, bringing home Shew and CASSIDY COKER.

MOUNTAIN EMPIRE at CHRISTIAN — This contest was rescheduled for early April with many Patriots players missing while on missions trips during Spring Break.

WARNER at LIBERTY CHARTER — The host Lady Lions won by forfeit when the winless Wildcats failed to show up.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-25-14) — A pair of East County programs which are off to slow starts and beginning to achieve expectations after Granite Hills and Grossmont posted victories in Monday's (Mar. 24) action.

The Eagles, riding a 6-game losing skid, jumped out early to pummel Scripps Ranch, 8-0. Meanwhile, the Foothillers held off a late Hilltop rally to take a Falcon Fiesta contest, 6-5.

Granite Hills catcher Jessie LaPierre receives congratulations following her 2-run homer to whip Scripps Ranch, 8-0, in Falcon Fiesta play. (Photo by Don Wall) Cassidy Shew (15) swipes second base. (Photos by Don Wall) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE Foothillers freshman pitcher Cassidy Davila. (Photos by Rick Davila)

Catcher JESSIE LaPIERRE clouted an early, 2-run homer, allowing Granite Hills to run-rule suddenly slumping Scripps Ranch.

"We knew we're a good ballclub and it was just a matter of time," said Eagles coach ERIN COYNE. "We just needed to get over a few hurdles."

KAILA DeWITT tossed a shutout for the victory. For Scripps Ranch, senior catcher BRYANNA DATKO collected two of the team's three basehits.

DeWitt also used her bat to end the Eagles' slump. She ripped a one-put double in the 1st. Two batters later, LaPierre send a drive over the barrier in left-center field for a 2-0 advantage.

HALLE KYLER added a 2-run single in the 4th, while designated player RACHEL RILEY drove in another run in the 5th.

GROSSMONT 6, HILLTOP 5 — Freshman ALEXIS COLLINS made a mark in her varsity career, collecting thee hits and four RBI to lift the Foothillers. Included were a pair of doubles.

"It's just a matter of confidence," said Collins. "We didn't have much of it to start the season, but we have it now."

Collins faced an awkward situation in the 3rd inning after three batters -- CHLOE CAMARERO, KAT TREGO and MADISON LINDSAY -- all walked in front of her.

"Their pitcher was a bit fast for us," noted Collins. "But when she started to miss, I just waited for her to throw a strike."

The result was a bases-clearing double to center field, giving Grossmont a 4-1 lead. Earlier, Lindsay and Collins posted consecutive doubles in the 2nd to tie the contest at 1-all.

CASSIDY DAVILA was in position for the pitching victory, but the Lancers answered by scoring once in the 6rh, then twice in the 7th on run-scoring basehits by Victoria Finau and Zoraya Nollet. However, Grossmont got out of the jam when older sister CEL DAVILA earned the save on a pop out.

Grossmont shortstop Cel Davila (24, left) turns a double play after snagging a line drive. Later, second baseman Carly Pearson (2) turns a traditional double play. (Photos by Rick Davila)

© East County Sports.com
CHULA VISTA (3-23-14) — Valhalla High joined a trio of South Bay based ballclubs to complete pool play with perfect 3-0 marks at the annual Hilltop Tournament.

The Norsemen defeated Olympian and the host Lancers to advance to next week's quarterfinals, along with Mater Dei Catholic, Eastlake and Otay Ranch.

Seven of the eight spots are filled. The winner of next week's make-up game between Steele Canyon and El Centro-Southwest will garner the final position among second place teams, joining Brawley and Hilltop.

VALHALLA 7, HILLTOP 1 — Norsemen pitcher MIRANDA THOMAS registered nine strikeouts, carrying a shutout into the 7th inning to subdue the Lancers on a 6-hitter.

Center fielder DANIELLE UY cracked a 2-run double in the 3rd, lifting Valhalla to a 4-0 lead. Uy later scored on ANNAMARIER IULIANO's bloop single to center.

Sophomore BRANDI KOHEL added her first varsity homer in the 6th, splitting the fenceless alley in left-center field.

Hilltop avoided the shutout on a 2-out single by Alexis Herredia in the 8th. The Lancers later blanked Calexico, 6-0, to also gain a berth in next Saturday's championship round.

VALHALLA 10, OLYMPIAN 5 — KIRSTEN GALLO and ASHLEY MADARA combined for seven strikeouts to ease past the Eagles. Only two of the runs allowed were earned.

ABIGAIL METSCH smacked a 3-run homer in the 5th, while catcher ALEXIS INGRASSIA collected her first varsity RBI with a basehit in the 2nd, when the Norsemen took a quick 3-0 lead, capped by a solo homer by Thomas.

Other Games
Steele Canyon: Otay Ranch posted a 4-1 victory over the Cougars, despite an RBI single by HANNAH DIDLEY.

Steele Canyon bounced back to keep Francis Parker winless in the event after scoring three times in the 1st inning, featuring a 2-run double by MAKAYLA McCARTHY.

El Capitan: The Vaqueros posted their first victory of the season by shocking Scripps Ranch, 5-4, but then lost to Clairemont, 8-6.

Against Scripps Ranch, El Capitan pitcher KATIE CARNICHAEL went five strong innings, then COURTNEY WILLIAMS held on for the save (two unearned run) to shut down the Falcons. Doubles from RACHEL ACHENBACH, AMANDA VASQUEZ and Williams paced the bats.

Scripps Ranch: The Falcons fell twice, including a tight 4-3 loss to pool champion Eastlake, yet gained a winner's bracket berth on fewest runs allowed. Scripps Ranch (18) posted a 1-2 pool record, along with Clairemont (18) and El Capitan (20).

Mira Mesa: Following a 12-run victory in Friday's non-league contest, the Marauders were mauled by both Mater Dei Catholic and Brawley.

Santana: Just like Mira Mesa, this pool was too tough for the Sultans, scoring just two total runs in losses to MDC, 7-1,and Brawley, 10-1.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-22-14) --- KATIYANA MAUGA, the CIF San Diego Section career leader in home runs, may have graduated from Mira Mesa High. But there are other members of the family fully prepared to step in.

"I knew exactly what I was looking for and I got it," said Mauga. "It makes it easier when I can figure out what the pitcher wants to throw."

Mauga's 2-run shot followed a 2-run double by JORDYN NOWAKOWSKI in a 5-run outburst in the 7th to cap the triumph.

Mira Mesa (4-3) raced to an early 8-0 lead, allowing the team to pull pitcher ALICIA GARCIA, who was tossing a no-hitter through three innings. KYLIE NELSON fired the final four frames to gain the victory.

"I'm still getting back in shape pitching, so coming out early was fine," said Garcia, who recently re-joined the program thanks to the new Marauder coach Danielle "Dani" McKay, the former standout second baseman out of Poway. "I love playing for her."

The Foothillers (2-4-1) avoided the shutout in the 4th.

CARLY PEARSON legged out a slow tapper to third for a scratch single, CEL DAVILA singled, then a wild pitch advanced both into scoring position.

KAT TREGO followed with a ground out, with Pearson racing home despite being checked to stay at third. One out later, MADISON LINSDAY also collected an RBI on a sharp single to center.

Nowakowski finished with three hits, while Garcia and senior QUIRISA MAUGA (another Mauga sister) had two each.

MISSION HILLS 1, SCRIPPS RANCH 0 (9 inn.) -- The Falcons, seemingly, were doing everything right.

While pitcher ALLISON PETTY carried a no-hitter into the 7th inning, Scripps Ranch was able to chase the Grizzlies' starting pitcher after just one frame, despite not scoring while leaving the bases loaded.

But when Scripps Ranch also left three on-board in the 2nd inning, too, one could suspect this ballgame could have an unhappy ending.

It did.

Despite16 strikeouts by Petty, the final of the two hits she allowed turned into a walk-off winner in the bottom of the 9th in a disheartening Falcon Fiesta setback.

Gabby Dupree recorded an RBI single following a lead walk and a sacrifice bunt. Dupree also gained the pitching win by tossing eight innings of shutout relief on 11 strikeouts.

The three hits by Scripps Ranch included a double in the 1st by MICHAELA PRINCE, and basehits from MacKENZIE KELLY.(6th inning) and LAUREN LIPE (7th).

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (3-21-14) — The idea is to win, so consistently falling behind is anything but the recipe for success. But there are days when come-from-behind victories prove to be the rule, including Thursday's (Mar. 20) action, when four area teams either rallied to win or saw early leads disappear.

VALHALLA 6, CALEXICO 3 — The Norsemen hosted a very dangerous opponent in the Bulldogs, which just posted their best-ever finish at the Cougar Classic thanks to a line-up with five solid hitters.

Thomas, the Norsemen pitcher, was tagged for some early runs, including a pair of RBI singles by Calexico junior left fielder Alexis Flores, plus a run-scoring triple by Monica Rosiles.

Valhalla answered back with two runs in the 5th to move within range, then collected four markers in the 6th to win it.

The shutout was broken when Thomas slapped the ball to the right side to send a runner home from third base.

Then in the 6th, ABIGAIL METSCH got things going with slamming the ball off the top of the outfield's yellow rail, settling for a double. Pinch-runner ANNAMARIE IULIANO later tied the game on a throwing error when the catcher attempted to nail another runner trying to steal.

Thomas followed a series of consecutive walks to BRANDI KOHEL and EMILY ORDIONEZ by sending a drive over the scoreboard down the left-field line, capping her four RBI outing.

In the 7th, Calexico loaded the bases with two outs, but Thomas coaxed a grounder to third base for the final out.

HELIX 9, Irvine-CREAN LUTHERAN 1 — The Highlanders (3-2) moved above the.500 plateau with Thursday's (Mar. 20) Duds by Dudes Tournament victory, which is significant since they are now the lone East County program with a winning record.

But just like many other games on this day, the visitors from Orange County took the early lead before the Scotties ran off nine unanswered runs, including three in the bottom of the 1st inning, to sink the Saints.

Helix senior KAITLYN JACOBS yielded just a pair of basehits to earn the victory, aided by two hits and a pair of runs from junior SIERRA SALAZAR, the leadoff batter.

Down 1-0, Salazar opened by bunting for a basehit, scoring on a double by DESTINI BULLOCK to quickly tie it. The next two batters walked to load the bases, then a ground ball allowed Bulooxk to score.

In the 3rd, MARISSA HAMPTON doubled, coming home on a DESIRAE BORDINE basehit then a fielder's choice by CLARISSA SMITH. Then in the 5th, consecutive doubles by CHRISTINA CARRILLO and RAYLEISSA HARVEY started another 3-run rally.

RAMONA 6, PATRICK HENRY 3 —The Patriots held an early 3-0 lead, but it could've been more after stranding seven runners through the first three innings. It was the break needed by the host Bulldogs, who fought back late to take the pool play contest in the Falcon Fiesta.

Third baseman MADDIE BARRAZA posted a 3-for-4 outing at the plate, while second baseman SIERRA ALTMEYER contributed hits in two of the rallies.

Altmeyer stroked a one-out single in the 1st, later scoring when CRISTIONA CACCAMISE walked with the bases loaded.

In the 4th, Atmeyer smacked a double, coming around on a SYDNEY JAMES bunt and a hard grounder to first base by DANIELLE ROMERO (RBI).

In between freshman CASSIE VAN TIL drove in a run on a fielder's choice in the 3rd, scoring Barraza.

Next for Patrick Henry (6-2) will be the school's debut in the Grossmont Conference Tournament as a guest entry (along with Serra). The Patriots open on Wednesday (Mar. 26) at Helix.

MISSION HILLS 3, GRANITE HILLS 1 — A week following an 8-6 shootout victory by the Grizzlies, this low-scoring contest between the same ballclubs saw the Eagles jump out in front this time, only to fall in Thursday's (Mar.20) Falcon Fiesta game in San Marcos.

In the 4th inning, the lone run for Granite Hills saw CASSIDY COKER single, move to third base on a ground ball and an error, then home on an RBI by BRIENNA TYSELING. Both are seniors.

MIRA MESA 8, SANTANA 0 — The Marauders welcomed the return of three starters, including standout pitcher ALICIA GARCIA, who tossed a 2-hit shutout against the visiting Sultans.

Garcia, a second team, All-CIF San Diego Section selection as a freshman in 2012, only pitched in a few games for the new Mira Mesa coaching staff last season following the retirement of legendary Brad Griffith.

But with another new coach, Danielle "Dani" McKay, running the program in '14, Miller elected to return.

The only hits Garcia yielded were a two-out single to KYLIE BRASE in the 1st, then a lead single in the 5th by MARIAH FORTUNE. Both are seniors.

CHULA VISTA 4, SERRA 2 — The Conquistadors collected two runs on three hits on their first trip to the plate, but only three additional hits the rest of the way meant a setback to the Spartans in a Duds by Dudes Tournament game.

Down 1-0, Serra (4-3) needed just three batters to get even when BROOKE RUSSELL reached on an infield single. She stole second base, moved to third on a CAITLIN LAWLAR sacrifice bunt, with AMBER WOZNIAK collecting the RBI on a line double to left field.

Wozniak later scored from third base when DARBY TIBBETTS sent a grounder to the right side. For the contest, Wozniak went 2-for-3 (both doubles) with a run and an RBI.

(Chula Vista requested the posting of the player (No. 2) who knocked in the tying run, later scoring the go-ahead run in the 3rd, but no roster was supplied.)

EASTLAKE 8, EL CAPITAN 1 — The Titans' Ann Fischer had two hits and a pair of RBI, sending the Vaqueros to a third straight setback.

The lone El Capitan run came in the bottom of the 6t. GRACE BURKETT battled their pitcher fot a walk, COURTNEY WILLIAMS singled, then KATIE CARMICHAEL singled home Burkett.

CANYON CREST 13, CHRISTIAN 3— The umpires association reported that this postponed game was re-scheduled for Thursday (Mar. 20), but it only laasted five innings.

El Centro-SOUTHWEST at STEELE CANYON — This ballgame and all other extracurricular activities at Steele Canyon were postponed or cancelled when a student was killed in an auto accident while on the way to school.

© East County Sports.com
ESCONDIDO (3-20-14) — Following a week's worth of road trips to Escondido to open the season, the Patrick Henry Patriots commenced play in their second tournament of the year in familiar territory. Yet with similar results.

Buoyed by a second-place overall finish in the 40-team Cougar Classic, the Patriots opened play in the Falcon Fiesta with a ballgame at, of all places, Escondido. But that's okay after Wednesday's (Mar. 19) shutout victory over the Cougars, 3-0.

Patrick Henry pitchers ERIN SHICK and MADISON JAMES combined on a 4-hitter. Shick fired the first four innings to gain the triumph; James collected the save with three solid frames of relief.

The offense centered around second baseman SIERRA ALTMEYER and third baseman MADDIE BARRAZA.

Altmeyer powered the offense with a pair of doubles, including a shot in the 1st inning, eventually coming home on an Escondido error.

Inn the 4rt, DANIELLE ROMERO and Barraza stroked consecutive basehits (Romers to left; Barraza to right-center). Both advanced a base on a wild pitch, then freshman catcher CRISTIONA "C.C." CACCAMISE cashed both in with a 2-runsingle down the left-field line.

Barraza also added a double in a 2-for-3 outing for Patrick Henry (6-1). Escondido (3-5) was shutout for the second straight game; they were blanked by Matei Dei Catholic in its final Cougar Classic contest.

BONITA VISTA 3, GROSSMONT 0 -— The powerful Barons, which finished second to Rancho Bernardo for last season's CIF Division 2 championship, escaped a late rally by the Foothillers to capture Wednesday's (Mar. 2) Falcon Fiesta opener for both ballclubs.

Grossmont brought to potential tying run to the plate in the 7th inning following back-to-back singles to left field by seniors CEL DAVILA and KAT TREGO. However, Bonita Vista pitcher Alex Vargas completed her shutout with a strikeout.

"We made some good plays, but we just couldn't get that one key hit," head coach Jerry Lerud said after the Hillers (2-3-1) dropped their second straight game.

RANCHO BUENA VISTA 9, GRANITE HILLS 5 — The winless Eagles, playing what could easily be considered one of the most difficult slate of games among all San Diego Section schools, fell to one of the area's hottest teams in their Falcon Fiesta opener.

Fueled by a pair of home runs by junior center fielder Falepolima Aviu, the Longhorns extended their win streak to five with a road win at Granite Hills.

Trailing 2-0 after the first inning, Aviu, who is committed to the University of Oklahoma, smacked a go-ahead grand slam in the 2nd inning, then added a solo homer to cap the scoring in the 5th.

"We started slowly at the Cougar Classic," said Aviu about a 1-2 start. "I was hitting with confidence, but now we're all hitting with confidence."

Granite Hills (0-5) saw VICTORIA HATHAWAY and BROOKLYN SCHWEN drive in 1st-innung runs before Aviu countered, Hathaway batted 3-for-4 against the Horns.

"We're so close -- we're ready to break through and win," noted Hathaway. "Like against Mission Hills, we were getting to them and scored six straight runs, but the game ended on the time limit. That won't happen tomorrow when we play them again."

© East County Sports.com
SCRIPPS RANCH (3-19-14) — Scripps Ranch junior BRYANNA DATKO extended her hitting streak in a big way. She knocked in three runs, then KERRI RITTER scored on an error in the bottom of the 7th inning, allowing the Falcons to claim a 4-3 walk-off triumph over visiting Eastlake in Tuesday's (Mar. 18) Falcon Fiesta contest.

Datko delivered a game-tying double in the 1st, then moved Scripps Ranch in front with a 2-run single for a 3-2 lead in the 3rd.

The Titans again got the game even, but MAKAYLA MARTIN entered the pitching the circle, shutting down Eastlake long enough for the offense to pull out the school's fourth consecutive victory. More than a few Titans mistakes aided the cause.

Ritter gained a lead walk in the 7th, then SUSANNE MORRIS reached on an error, with both runners advancing on a passed ball.

LAUREN LIPE then slapped a hard one-hopper to third base, freezing Ritter at third. But when the throw across the diamond sailed down the right-field line, she skipped home with the gift run to capture the tournament opener for the Falcons.

Eastlake fell to 0-2 in Pool D in the 16-team event.

SANTANA 8, POINT LOMA 3 — In Major League Baseball, with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks preparing for their historic series in Sydney, Australia, it was also a day to remember for all Sultans named Sydney.

Santana erupted to a 4-0 lead before the Pointers first chance to swing the bats, allowing pitcher KYLIE BRASE to skate to an easy non-league victory on the peninsula. Brase was support on RBI by a trio of teammates all named Sydney.

The early on-slaught saw SYDNEY STELSE and SYDNEY BENJAMIN drive in runs. Benjamin repeated the feat in the 3rd, followed by a sacrifice fly from SAVANAH FENN.

Finally in the 7th, a fieder's choice grounder by MARIAN FORTUNE brought in a run, then SYDNEY VATES added a sacrifice fly.

For the contest, Stelse batted 3-for-3, while Benjamin went 2-for-2 plus a walk.

SERRA 13, SAN DIEGO 1 — The circumstance might be small, benign or irrelevant, but if something bothers the Serra Conquistadors even a little bity, they promptly do something about it.

On Tuesday (Mar. 18), the host Cavers broke the shutout bid of MEGAN POOLE in the 6th inning.in a contest still comfortably under the control of the Lady Q's. Still, they responded.

ASHLEY BLAKELY opened the 7th with a line drive home run to left field, as Serra ran up eight runs in its final trip to the plate to claim an easy non-league victory under the landing flight path to Lindbergh Field.

Blakely was one of eight Serra starters to drive in runs, incldding two RBI for BROOKE RUSSELL. AMBER WOZNIAK and CAITLIN LAWLER.

After Serra stranded the bases loaded in the 1st, infield singles by Lawler and Russell pushed across a pair of early runs to give the Q's a 2-0 lead.

HILLTOP 4, EL CAPITAN 1 — In a game which feature no umpires, the game remained scoreless with the catchers calling ball and strikes. When the umpire from the junior vasity game took over in the 6th, the visiting Lancers scored twice in the 6th and 7th innings to hand the Vaqueros their third straight setback.

The lone El Capitan run saw RACHEL ACHERBACH score from second base on a base hit by GRACE BURKETT.

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
ESCONDIDO (3-17-14) — The new era of fast-pitch softball is no longer dominated by pitching, instead being overtaken by powerful bats since the pitching rubber was pushed back to 43 feet.

The team with the most potent batting order (along with solid pitching) proved to be champions of the Cougar Classic, the San Diego Section's most prestigious kickoff tournament.

Fueled by junior first baseman Tierra Falo, Cathedral Catholic provided all the offense it would need in the first two innings, mounting a 5-0 lead en route to the championship following a 6-2 decision over upstart Patrick Henry.

Falo slammed a 2-run double in the 1st inning to lift the Lady Dons to an early 2-0 lead. She later bombed a solo home run in the 5th to cap a three RBI performance. For Falo, a commit to Long Beach State, it was her third homer of the young season.

Meanwhile, Cathedral pitcher Devyn Magnett retired the first nine Patriots BATTERS, capped by a streak of five straight strikeouts. Magnett finished with seven K's, spinning a 4-hitter to raise her record to 6-0.

The Patriots (5-1 overall) posted their runs on a RBI single by third baseman MADDIE BARRAZA and a wild pitch.

Among the 95 tournament contests, there were only nine shutouts (less than one in every 10 outings).

PATRICK HENRY 6, POWAY 5 — The most notable upset of the Cougar Classic saw the unranked Patriots topple the No. 1 Titans in the Platinum (championship) Division semifinals, despite allowing a 5-0 cushion to slip away.

Freshman outfielder HANNAH McEWEN delivered a walk-off basehit to bring home DANIELLE ROMERO, who opened the 6th (and final) inning when Poway standout pitcher Courtney Shaw hit her with a pitch.

Romero moved to second base as on a walk to CRISTIONA CACCAMISE, then McEwen send a basehit through the right side of the infield in a hard roller.

"We were pretty confident going into the game because we've seen Courtney before," noted McEwen, the right fielder. "We scrimmaged them, so we knew what her riseball looked like."

The Patriots proved that fact by posting five runs in the 1st inning, but Poway answered with five markers in the 4th, including 2-run hits by freshman right fielder Dana Stewart (single) and sophomore left fielder Gabrielle Callaway (game-tying double).

In the other semifinal, Cathedral Catholic doubled-up Mt. Carmel, 4-2.

Gold Division
Chaparral 5, Torrey Pines 0 — The pitchers' duel ended with a single swing in the 5th inning, when Pumas freshman Reilly Peters delivered a grand slam to center field.

Silver Division
Semis: Brawley 4, West Hills 3; Otay Ranch 4, El Camino 3.
Final: Otay Ranch 6, Brawley 4 — The Mustangs, which came back from 2-0 and 4-2 deficits to tie, took their only lead of the game when senior Dylan Bailey uncorked a walk-off, 2-run homer to left-center field to take down the Wildcats.

BRAWLEY 4, WEST HILLS 3 — Wildcats sophomore Alisha Diaz capped a 4-run uprising in the bottom of the 6th (and final) inning by busting loose on a walk-off, 3-run homer to stun the Wolf Pack in the Silver Division semifinals of the Cougar Classic.

Diaz sent a deep drive to left field, giving Brawley its best finish ever in a major tournament.

"Our girls didn't get down on themselves," said Diaz. "We had some many chances, but West Hills is a good team and kept making plays. I'm just glad we got one more chance."

Diaz' opportunity was provided by Braelry catcher Klarissa Garcia. The junior retired nine of the final 10 batters she faced, the provided an RBI single to ignite the game-winning rally.

Until the final inning, it looked like one similar pitch in each half of the 3rd inning would decide this contest.

After both teams placed at least one runner in scoring position with first base open, each team walked a batter to set-up the force out.

On the key pitch to Brawley, Wildcats senior designated player Bree Rogers smashed the ball but right at Wolf Pack second baseman RYLEIGH DOBYNS, who quickly turned an inning-ending double play with a throw to BRANDI McCRYSTAL at first base.

Conversely, on the key pitch to West Hills freshman CAELI GIBBS, her drive went over the head of the second baseman rather than right at the defender. The ball scooted to the right-center field fence for a double, scoring all three runners for a 3-0 advantage.

Bronze Division
Semis: Rancho Buena Vista 5, Mission Hills 3; Mater Dei Catholic 6, Escondido 0.
Final: Rancho Buena Vista 4, Mater Dei Catholic 3.

Copper Division
SCRIPPS RANCH 1, SAN MARCOS 0 — Falcons pitcher ALLISON PETTY spun a 2-hit shutout, allowing Scripps Ranch to capture its third straight consolation game at the Cougar Classic in gaining the Bronze Division title in a contest held at Escondido High.

Petty. a sophomore, struck out eight Knights batters, then gained the victory when a San Marcos error led the lone run of the ballgame.

In the bottom of the 3rd inning, heads-up baserunning by freshman SHAWN BLALOCK resulted in the run.

Following her leadoff single, Blalock was bunted to second base by senior SUSANNE MORRIS, moving to third when LAUREN LIPE rolled a basehit through the left side, with Lipe stealing second base to place two runners in scoring position.

San Marcos then committed a pair of mistakes, but only got burned on one of them.

Despite an open base, the Knights elected to pitch to slugger MICHAELA PRINCE, but she lined out to third base. Blalock quickly scrambled back to third yo avoid an inning-ending double play, but when the defender fired to the shortstop covering the bag, the ball sailed down the left-field line to allow Blalock to waltz home.

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
ESCONDIDO (3-16-14) — In a battle of ballclubs going with their No. 2 pitchers, many believed unheralded Patrick Henry High offered little hope when tangling with third-rated Bonita Vista. But tell that to the Barons.

The Patriots pulled off the shocker in this season's Cougar Classic kickoff tournament on Saturday (Mar. 15), advancing to the championship semifinals with a dramatic, walk-off comeback after tallying three times in the bottom of the 6th inning to down the previously unbeaten Barons, 4-3.

After Patrick Henry tied the game, Bonita Vista issued an intentional walk to load the bases, but ANYA VANDERSIP followed by also walking, forcing home the game-winning run.

The free pass made a winner of Patriots starting pitcher MADISON JAMES, a freshman who struggled just 13 hours earlier.

"After last night's game, I told her to go home and pitch," said head coach DON SHAFFER. "She looked at me funny, so I told her to pitch the game in your head, visualizing how to throw her pitches and see how they would move so she could correct what she was doing wrong."

James kept the Patriots in the game long enough for the offense to get untracked, winning the game without registering an out against Bonita Vista's Alex Vargas with the tournament time-limit about to expire.

The late outburst saw SIERRA ALTMEYER single to right-center field, then James singled to left. DANIELLE ROMERO followed with a deep drive to center field, going for a 2-run double to tie the ballgame.

MADDIE BARRAZA followed with a basehit to right, but Romero was held at third base with no one out.

The desperate Barons elected to issue a free pass to freshman CRISTIONA "C.C." CACCAMISE to set-up the force, but Vandersip didn't need to swing to extend Patrick Henry's winning streak to four.

Vargas, the Bonita Vista senior first baseman who is headed to Ohio State, actually stopped pitching two years ago due to bone irregularities in her foot. However, she is being pressed back into service in the circle until the team's regular pitcher returns

The Pats will collide with top-rated Poway in Monday's semifinals. The Titans advanced behind the arm of Courtney Shaw in a 5-1 verdict over No. 2 Rancho Bernardo.

In the other half of the draw, Westview thrashed Calexico, 12-2, gaining a Final Four meeting with Cathedral Catholic, which bounced Mt. Carmel, 7-3.

Other Brackets
There were also a host of consolation contests held at Saturday (Mar. 15).

In Gold Division (3rd/4th-place teams from each pool) play, Torrey Pines took down Mira Mesa, 14-4, while the Silver Division (5th/6th) saw West Hills pummel Grossmont, 14-2.

The Bronze Division saw tournament host Escondido eliminate Valhalla.

In the Copper Division, Steele Canyon and Granite Hills finished a winless showing in four starts. The Cougars fell to San Marcos, 5-3, while the Eagles were clipped by Del Norte, 4-1.

Meanwhile, Scripps Ranch, which went 0-2-1 in pool play, captured a pair of ballgames Saturday (Mar. 15), stopping San Dieguito 9-1 and Point Loma 2-1 to gain a berth in Monday's division finale with San Marcos.

WEST HILLS 14, GROSSMONT 2 — The Wolf Pack batted around twice in the 2nd inning, sending 18 batters to the plate en route to a 13-run explosion, the highest single-inning run total by West Hills this century.

RYLEIGH DOBYNS each posted four RBI in the big innings.

Dobyns opened the scoring with a 2-run triple to left-center field, later scoring with KENDALL MARINESI on a basehit by KELCI ELLIS-ALVAREZ.

The next time through the batting order, Dobyns added a 2-run double to right field, scoring when BRANDI McCRYSTAL pumped a 2-run homer to left-center field to cap the massive rally.

Down two touchdowns, the Foothillers avoided the shutout on a 2-run double to right by CEL DAVILA, scoring DESTINY BACON and CARLY PEARSON (consecutive basehits).

MISSION HILLS 5, SANTANA 2 — A complete revamped Sultans defense continues to experience growing pains, as all five runs by the Grizzlies were unearned in a Cougar Classic consolation elimination ballgame.

Santana took a quick lead when CASSIDY MATTHIE opener the ballgame with a single, stole second base, then scored on a basehit by SYDNEY VATES.

Mission Hills answered with four runs on errors in the 2nd, but the Sultans counter on atwo-out, solo homer by ASHLEE GROOVER in the 3rd.

Pacific Beach Classic
SERRA 10, HELIX 5 — The Serra Conquistadors are proving to be a resilient group.

After allowing the host Highlanders to take a 2-1 lead, the Q's bounced right back by posting five runs in the 3rd inning, going on to Saturday's (Mar. 15) Pacific Beach Classic victory.

Serra (3-2) has now won three straight following a slow start.

"We only lost one senior from last season, so we're growing and might become really good by next year," said Serra coach Mark Bickerstaff. "But we're learning to win this year, too, so we hope to contend with teams like Patrick Henry and Scripps Ranch by the time league starts."

Consecutive run-scoring doubles by AMBER WOZNIAK and ASHLEY BLAKELY gave Serra a 3-2 lead. TAYLOR CURLEY knocked in Blakely with a basehit to left, followed by RBI basehits by TARYN JELLISON and LILY CANFIELD.

Wozniak added a 2-run double in the 4th, part of the 5-for-5 outing by the leadoff batter, collecting four RBI. Meanwhile, Blakeley went 3-for-5, also with a pair of doubles, part of a 19-hit attack by the Q's (3-2) against three pitchers,

The Q's also limited Helix batting leader DESTINI BULLOCK to just one hit, although the knock did extend her hitting streak. Bullock is a travel ball teammate with several Serra players on San Diego Elite.

Helix senior TEAGAN GARDNER batted 2-for-3 with a double 3 RBI, a run scored and a stolen base. Pinch-hitter RAYELISSA HARVEY, another Scotties senior, slugged an RBI double.

Warhawk Classic
Tournament host Madison captured the championship in a re-match with Francis Parker, 5-4.

Amanda Whitley was named most valuable player. She slugged a 2-run homer in the 3rd inning, which also scored her twin sister, Kristin, who also scoted the go-ahead run on a passed ball in the 6th.

Warhawks senior pitcher Carlie Brickley collected the victory.

MISSION VISTA 8, CHRISTIAN 3 — The Patriots ended their scoreless streak early with a run in the 1st and two more in the 2nd before falling to the Timberwolves in a Warhawk Classic consolation game held at Madison.

Both ballclubs had been shutout in their two previous starts, but Christian responded quickly to secure an early lead.

DIANA SUDA, last season's shortstop who moved to third base to aid the ballclub, drilled a leadoff triple, coming home on a basehit by ANNA SHERBURNE.

An inning later, following singles by ALEX MESA and, both runners came home on a bloop double down the right-field line by TAYLOR MILLER.

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
ESCONDIDO (3-15-14) — Patrick Henry High will join defending tournament runner-up Bonita Vista and six other undefeated ballclubs in Saturday's championship quarterfinals of the Cougar Classic kickoff tournament, being held at Kit Carson Park.

The Patriots completed a 3-0 run through pool play following Friday's (Mar. 14) narrow 2-1 verdict over Hilltop. With the triumph, they can be considered the team to beat after allowing just three runs through the first week of play.

Bonita Vista and Poway were next at four runs allowed. However, since the tournament utilized a predetermined grid formula, the Patriots and 3rd-ranked Barons will meet in Saturday's first Platinum Division knockout contest, slated for 9 a.m.

The remainder of the championship bracket schedule shows Poway and Rancho Bernardo, the two top-ranked teams in the UT San Diego preseason rankings, colliding at 11 a.m.

Mt. Carmel and Cathedral Catholic follow at 1 p.m., then upstart Calexico will meet Westview, the only team with a slight blemish at 2-0-1, battle at 3 p.m.

All of the winners from the weekend return Monday for the semifinals and finals in five divisions.

Roundup
PATRICK HENRY 2, HILLTOP 1 — Unloved by local media. the Patriots -- not even listed among the San Diego Section's honorable mention in the county's lone remaining major media rankings -- held off a strong rally by the previously unbeaten Lancers to step into the Cougar Classic spotlight by clinching a Platinum Division berth.

Senior pitcher ERIN SHICK tossed four solid innings, exiting with a 2-0 lead. But when the bullpen got into trouble, Shick re-entered the game and escaped a bases-loaded jam to registered the final two outs.

"We changed pitchers to give Hilltop a different look<' said Shick. "But when they got a run, I was ready to go back in."

The Patriots now face a team which was the top San Diego County finisher in last year's ebent; the Barons fell in the final to Temecula-Great Oak.

"We're definitely ready for the challenge," added Shick.

Single runs in the 2nd and 3rd innings proved to be just enough for Patrick Henry.

Freshman CRISTIONA CACCAMISE opened the scoring by stroking a line double into the left-field corner, moved to third base on a sacrifice bunt by ANYA VANDERSOP, then coming home on a wild pitch.

An inning later, DANIELLE ROMERO also stroked a double to left, coming home on consecutive fly balls to center field by MADDIE BARRAZA and CCACCAMISE (RBI).

SANTANA 6, SAN MARCOS 3 — The Sultans posted two runs in three different innings, including a pair on an ASHLEE GROOVER home run, then needed to hang on by leaving the bases loaded after the Knights scored twice in the bottom of the 6th (and final) inning.

Down 1-0, Santana took the lead in the 2nd when senior outfielder MARRISSA LAWRENCE drove in a pair of runs with a basehit.

In the 5th, senior SYDNEY STELSE and sophomore SYDNEY VATES both singled, eventually coming home on a KYLIE BRASE fielder's choice and a single from MARIAH FORTUNE.

An inning later, the margin went to 6-1 on a 2-run homer by Groover, the senior third baseman.

MIRA MESA 7, BRAWLEY 2 — The strong showing by ballclubs from the imperial Valley was sideswiped by the Marauders when senior shortstop QUIRISA MAUGA slugged a grand slam to overcome an early 2-1 advantage for the previously unbeaten Wildcats.

Mauga, the younger sister to KATIYANA MAUGA, the CIFSDS co-record holder for career home runs, showed she can also muscle the ball, sending a shot deep over the fence in left on Field No. 5, the largest of the four utilized at Kit Carson Park for the Cougar Classic.

Sophomore JORDYN NOWAKOWSKI added two more hits for Mira Mesa, backing the pitching of KYLIE NELSON.

The Marauders (2-1) advance to the Gold Bracket quarterfinals against defending CIF Division 1 champion Torrey Pines. If Mira Mesa survives, they will gain re-enforcements when three starters return to the team for Monday's Final Four contests.

CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC 5, VALHALLA 1 — Sophomore Madison Casiano belted a 3-run homer, one of two long-balls by the Lady Dons to down the Norsemen in a Cougar Classic pool play ballgame.

The lone Valhalla run saw DANIELLE UY single, move to second on a sacrifice bunt, then score on a basehit by KAILEY HIPWELL.

The Norsemen will meet tournament host Escondido in a Bronze Division round-of-8 ballgame.

Temecula-CHAPARRAL 4, STEELE CANYON 1 — The rebuilding Cougars took a quick lead, but eventually fell to the Pumas to remain winless in the Cougar Classic.. The run came in the 1st inning after loading the bases.

Junior second baseman ELIZABETH SOLIS singled, left fielder HANNAH DUDLEY singled, then KENDRA BUCKLEY walked. Solis then caught Chaparral napping by stealing home on a soft return throw from the catcher to the pitcher.

The Cougars will take on San Marcos in the Copper Bracket quarterfinals, to be held at Escondido High. The ballgame will follow the 9 a.m. contest between Granite Hills and Del Norte.

Madison Tournament
FRANCIS PARKER 15, CHRISTIAN 0 — The Patriots were blanked for the second straight time in this Warhawk Classic contest, falling to the Lancers.

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
ESCONDIDO (3-14-14) — The pressure almost allowed the young Grossmont Foothillers to implode, but in Thursday's (Mar. 13) Cougar Classic contest, this time they survived to capture their first win of the kickoff tournament.

For the third straight pool-play contest, two errors led to a host of unearned runs by their opponent in the final inning, but this time the Hillers held a large-enough lead to take down highly-respected Mater Dei Catholic, 6-4. The win gives Grossmont a 1-1-1 record in its group.

An impressive power display in the bottom of the 3rd inning, featuring two-run homers by KAT TREGO and MADISON LINDSAY, allowed Grossmont to score six times to rally from an early 1-0 deficit.

The big inning saw Mater Dei's pitching attempt to carefully pitch around freshman slap-hitter DESTINY BACON, issuing a lead walk to the freshman.

Then the fireworks erupted,

CARLY PEARSON doubled off the fence in left to place two runners in scoring position, with both coming home when CEL DAVILA cranked a hard ground-rule double down the right-field line on the very next pitch for a 2-1 lead.

Trejo followed with a monster smash to left-center to make it 4-1. MEGAN MALWITZ then walked, scoring on Lindsay's blast to center field.

Davila gained the pitching win, despite allowing three unearned runs in the final inning.

VALHALLA 10, SAN DIEG UITO 1 — Norsemen senior MIRANDA THOMAS, who signed for the first-ever Division I softball program at Southern Nevada, both hit and pitched Valhalla to its first Cougar Classic victory of the season.

Thomas struck out five Mustangs in her complete-game effort in the circle. With the bat, she went 3-for-3 including a home run, scoring each time.

"Although I love hitting, pitching is most important to me," said Thomas, who will receive a full-ride scholarship when she joins the Coyotes nest season. "That's how games are won and lost."

In addition, Norsemen left fielder KAILEY HIPWELL went 3-for-3 with a walk, collecting three RBI. Included was a 2-run triple which sailed over the left-fielder's head in the 3rd inning, when Valhalla scored nine times to bust the contest open.

PATRICK HENRY 3, VALLEY CENTER 0 — The surprising Jaguars, which raced through a pair of Cougar Classic opponents by a combined 19-4 count, were no match for Patriots pitcher MADISON JAMES.

James, a freshman, struck out six in posting a 5-hit shutout to knock Valley Center out of contention for a berth in the championship round. Meanwhile, Patrick Henry is now 2-0 with one pool play game remaining, needing to defeat Hilltop (also 2-0) in Friday night's final game of the preliminaries to gain a berth in the Final Eight.

James also aided the offense to collect the only run she would need in the 1st inning. Following a lead walk to SIERRA ALTMEYER, James bunted her to second base, with a Jags throwing error allowing Altmeyer to score.

In the 2nd, catcher CRISIONA CACCANISE smacked a lead double, then ANYA VANDERSIP reached on an error toplace two runnersin scoring position. Both scored on balls hit by HANNAH McEwen and RYLIE RUCKLE.

WEST HILLS 2, FALLBROOK 2, tie — Trailing 2-0 in the 1st inning, the Wolf Pack rallied to salvage a draw in Thursday's (Mar. 13) Cougar Classic contest which ended due to time.

KELCI ELLIS-ALVAREZ struck out four in three innings, but was tagged with an unearned run. TESS EATON followed, tossing four innings of no-hit relief while the offense rallied.

The Pack's runs came in the 3rd when they moved two runners into scoring position.

PAIGE BOWLER singled, LEX GUAY walked, with both advancing on a sacrifice bunt by SYDNEY CRAVEN.

BRANDY McCRYSTAL followed with an RBI single to score Bowler, but then Guay followed her around the horn, she was thrown out at the plate to maintain a 2-1 lead for the Warriors.

Fortunately, McCrystal was alert to move to second base on the throw home, which allowed her to later score the tying run when a ball hit by freshman MELISSA CASTILLO was booted by the shortstop.

RAMONA 13, GRANITE HILLS 2 — This Cougar Classic contest was over in the opening five minutes when two early errors led to six runs by the Bulldogs (five unearned) before the Eagles took their first swings to send them down to Saturday's Copper Bracket playoff.

Ramona center fielder Christina Barrameda had a big day with five RBI. The senior, who moved from shortstop to the outfield this season, open the game with a lead walk, scoring on an error. But when the Dawgs batted around, she capped the 1st-inning scoring with a 2-run single.

Later, Barrameda smacked a 3-run homer to left-center field.

Granite Hills scored its runs in the bottom of the lengthy 1st inning.

BROOKLYN SCHWEN stroked an RBI basehit, then stole second base, coming home on a sharp single by catcher JESSIE LAPIERRE.

MIRA MESA 10, ESCONIDO 5 — In the battle of ballclubs missing three starters each, the Marauders doubled the tournament host Cougars at Kit Carson Park in Thursday's (Mar. 13) pool-play contest.

Sophomore right fielder JORDYN NOWAKOWSKI went 2-for-4 with three RBI, featuring a 2-run homer to left in the 3rd inning. The blast was Nowakowski;s second of the season.

In other games, San Pasqual nipped Scripps Ranch, 5-4.

Pacific Beach Classic
HELIX 17, TRI-CITY CHRISTIAN 0 — VICTORIA CYMAN and SIERRA SALAZAR combined on the shutout, allowing the Highlanders to finish second in their pool in Thursday's (Mar. 13) Pacific Beach Classic action.

Cyman, a sophomore, allowed just three hits and struck out seven in her four innings, gaining her first varsity triumph. Salazar, a junior, struck out two of the three batters she faced to close out the contest in her varsity pitching debut.

The Scotties scored five times in the 1st inning and we on their way to the school's largest shutout victory since blanking Orange Glen, 22-0.

In addition, Cyman slugged a pair of doubles, collecting six RBI. The total is the school's highest total since ALYSSA DRONNENBERG, the 2008 East County Player of the Year, knocked in seven runs in a single game (Get well, Alyssa).

DESTINI BULLOCK continued her torrid hitting to open the season, batting 3-for-4 with a double. She also stole a base and scored twice.

Designated player MARISSA HAMPTON and senior KAITLYN JACOBS each went 3-for-4. Hampton collected four RBI, while Jacobs had an RBI double and scored three times.

Although Helix rests second in its pool, the ballclub could mathematically move to the top of the table should Mission Bay down pool-leading Montgomery by winning be between 4-to-8 runs (it's a lengthy tie-breaker explanation, so just trust us).

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
ESCONDIDO (3-14-14) — West Hills High quickly transformed a mild lead into a six-run cushion, racing to a 7-3 decision over Point Loma in Wednesday's (Mar. 12) pool play action of the annual Cougar Classic at Kit Carson Park.

The Wolf Pack busted opened the contest with consecutive doubles in the 3rd inning.

Freshman RYLEIGH DOBYNS sent a drive to left field to drive in two runs, then scored when sophomore PAIGE BOWLER also found the fence for a 6-1 advantage.

MIRANDA GROVER pitched the first three innings, allowing just two hits to gain the victory in the 6-inning ballgame.

MISSION HILLS 8, GRANITE HILLS 6 — While standing in the on-deck circle, it was suggested to Eagles junior VICTORIA HATHAWAY that if batter HALLE KYLER walked to load the bases, she should hit a grand slam.

"No," she dead-panned, but then she smiled and said, "but maybe a double."

A Kyler walk and a 3-run Hathaway double later, Granite Hills exploded for six runs in the 4th inning, but the Cougar Classic time-limit clock struck 12 as the 12th-ranked Grizzlies held on for a pool play victory.

Hathaway sent a blast to straight-away center field, chasing Mission Hills senior starting pitcher Kourtney Cracker, who had been tossing a 2-hit shutout through three frames yet couldn't get out of the inning. Even though Cracker failed to pitch four full innings, she still gained the pitching win since the game did not last seven full frames.

The big inning by Granite Hills saw CASSIDY COKER come off the bench to stroke an RBI single. A ground out by freshman center fielder KAREN REECH allowed another runner to score from third base for her first career RBI, then RACHEL RILEY poked a basehit up the middle to trim the deficit to 8-3.

SAN PASQUAL 3, GROSSMONT 2 — For the second straight ballgame, the Foothillers played errorless ball until the final innings, but defensive mistakes led to a pair of unearned runs, costing them a pair of victories.

At least Grossmont salvaged a tie against Scripps Ranch in a Cougar Classic pool play opener, but Wednesday's (Mar. 12) miscues against the Golden Eagles cost them an opportunity to win the pool and advance to the championship round.

"We could easily be 2-0, so we need to learn from our mistakes and jump right back onto the field and give it our all," said Hillers coach JERRY LERUD. "We're a young team, sure, so we need to play with confidence, just like we did at the start of the game."

The defense made several nice plays in the early going.

In the 2nd, right fielder KAYLA BAEZ fired a strike to nail a San Pasqual runner at the plate. An inning later, left fielder CHEYENNE REYNOLDS raced to the line to register a difficult, back-hand catch while looking into the sun.

However, errors allowed San Pasqual to score twice in the 4th to tie, then they added the go-ahead run in the 5th on several errors and a bases-loaded walk to Autumn McCollister, a junior catcher.

McCollister finished going 1-for-1 with two walks and a pair of RBI while Noelle Graves and Delaney Switzer each had two of the Golden Eagles' five hits.

MATER DEI CATHOLIC 4, SCRIPPS RANCH 1 — Crusaders sophomore Kelly White received the start in place of No. 1 pitcher Alexis Morales, yet limited the Falcons to just a single run to allow MDC to bounce back from its Cougar Classic opening loss to Mt. Carmel to capture Wednesday's (Mar. 12) pool play affair.

The lone Falcons run came unearned off White after SUSANNE MORRIS reached base on an error, coming around on a basehit by first baseman MAKAYLA MARTIN.

Pacific Beach Classic
SERRA 11, GUAJOME PARK 2 — Moments after the visitors got even at 2-all, the Conquistadors answered with eight runs in the bottom of the 3rd inning to squash the Frogs in Wednesday's (Mar. 12) Pacific Beach Classic ballgame.

Q's shortstop AMBER WOZNIAK fueled the big inning with a 3-run double to lift Serra (2-2) to its second straight victories following a pair of early setbacks.

Outfielder TAYLOR CURLEY collected three hits for the Lady Q-Dawgs, while second baseman BROOKE RUSSELL and Wozniak registered two hits each.

In the circle. DARBY TIBBETTS fired six solid innings to gain the victory, then MEGAN POOLE struck out two Frogs in the 7th.

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
ESCONDIDO (3-12-14) — The struggles continue for East County programs at the Cougar Classic, San Diego County 's annual softball kickoff tournament as every local school failed to collect a victory.

The school to come closest was Grossmont, which was one ground ball away from downing Scripps Ranch, but an error allowed two unearned runs to score, leaving the Foothillers to settle for a highly disappointing 3-3 time-limit draw against the defending Eastern League champions.

GROSSMONT 3, SCRIPPS RANCH 3, tie – This pool play contest was a defensive disaster for both ballclubs, leading to bushels of unearned runs, especially in the late innings.

A trio of Scripps Ranch errors set the stage for Foothillers senior KAT TREGO, who dropped a 2-run double into the gap in left-center field to snap a 1-all tie in the 5th inning.

However, in the 6th (and final inning, due to time limit), the Hillers also committed three errors (and had another throw go to the wrong base), including a boot on what could have been the final play of the game. Instead, a ground ball by Scripps Ranch's MICHAELA PRINCE, who earlier smacked a double, saw LAUREN LIPE and BECCA BACON scamper home to extend the contest.

"It wasn't our best game, but it showed our determination to never give up," said Prince, a sophomore third baseman. “We took advantage of our opportunities."

Trego, a senior who is considering Sonoma State for college, offered similar sentiments, noting, "We still can be a successful team by just working hard. But it's not the result we wanted."

Grossmont opened the scoring in the 2nd on an RBI single by CARLY PEARSON, driving home CHLOE CAMARERO. The Falcons got even in the top of the 5th on a double by freshman MacKENZIE KELLY to drive in Prince following her 2-base hit.

The Hillers had one last chance in the bottom of the 6th, but Scripps Ranch inserted No. 1 pitcher MAKAYLA MARTIN, an Auburn commit who entered the circle to end the 5th, striking out all three Hillers to cap it.

Santana pitcher Kylie Brase (Photo by Steve Brase)

Traling 3-0, the lone Santana run came in the 5th inning on an RBI single by CASSIDY MATTHIE. They eventually loaded the bases, but Grossmont escaped.

POWAY 6, GRANITE HILLS 0 –The Titans, the San Diego Section's top-ranked team in the 1-man, preseason poll offered by UT San Diego, rode the arm of University of California recruit Courtney Shaw, who tossed a 3-hit shutout at the Eagles.

Two of the hits by Granite Hills came in the 7th inning, including a booming double into the corner by No. 9 hitter KAILA DeWITT. However, Poway left fielder Melissa Stine fired a strike to third base for the out when DeWitt attempted to extend her hit into a triple.

The lone Pack run saw freshman MELISSA CASTILLO double home a run in the 5th.

BONITA VISTA 7, STEELE CANYON 0 – JoJo Nicolas smacked a 3-run homer in the 3rd inning for a 5-0 lead to carry the Barons, last season's runners-up to Temecula-Great Oak for the Cougar Classic championship, to a 5-inning victory. Pitcher Alex Vargas posted the shutout.

CALEXICO 4, MIRA MESA 1 – New Marauders coach Dani McKay saw the opposing Tigers post three runs in the 2nd inning to assume a 4-0 lead, breezing to a Cougar Classic pool play triumph.

© East County Sports.com
ESCONDIDO (3-11-14) — San Diego County's largest and most prestigious high school softball kickoff tournament made its grand opening Monday (Mar. 10) with the start of the annual Cougar Classic, hosted by Escondido High at Kit Carson Park.

However, East County ballclubs had a difficult time, as defending county champion Santana, the top-ranked team in the San Diego Section to close 2013, fell to rising Valley Center. Meanwhile, Valhalla and Steele Canyon, which tied for second place in the Grossmont Hills League last season, also dropped pool play openers.

The lone victor among area schools was Patrick Henry, which doubled-up Vista, 4-2, to capture its debut.

VALLEY CENTER 10, SANTANA 2 — Sultans senior left fielder MONIQUE MEARD clouted a solo homer to left field in the 2nd inning, but the Jaguars junior shortstop Kiana Diefenbach countered with three doubles to carry Valley Center to double-figures scoring.

The other run for Santana saw freshman center fielder CASSIDY MATTHIE reach base on an error, eventually coming home on an infield single by junior second baseman MacKENZIE REYNOLDS.

LA COSTA CANYON 7, VALHALLA 5 — Jeanne Bass saw her debut as Mavericks coach be a successful one after her troops rallied from an early 4-0 deficit with seven straight runs.

The Norsemen attempted to come back when ABIGAIL METSCH belted a solo homer to center field, but the 90-minute tournament time limit halted the contest in the 6th inning.

EL CAMINO 6, STEELE CANYON 3 — Moments after the Wildcats handed the Cougars a pair of unearned runs to knot the ballgame at 3-all, El Camino freshman third baseman Natane Castenada lifted a 3-run homer to center in the bottom of the 4th to secure the victory.

Madison Tournament
STEELE CANYON 1, FRANCIS PARKER 0 — Junior pitcher KENDRA BUCKLEY tossed a 5-hit shutout, but only gained the victory when the Cougars tallied the game's lone run in the 7th inning.

The contest was the first of two games on Monday (Mar. 10) for the Cougars, who are also participating concurrently in the Cougar Classic.

In other tournament action, Christian fell to Sweetwater, 13-3 in five innings. The Patriots are missing pitcher GABY GRABOWSKI due to recent abdominal surgery.

Pacific Beach Classic
SERRA 6, MAR VISTA 4 — The Lady Q-Dawgs almost allowed a 6-1 lead to disappear when the visiting Mariners scored three times in the 7th inning before gaining a PB Classic triumph.

Shortstop AMBER WOZNIAK and first baseman MEGAN POOLE each registered a pair of RBI, while outfielders CAITLIN LAWLER and JORDYNN BARTOLOME each stroked a pair of basehits, making a winner of pitcher DARBY TIBBETTS (5 strikeouts).

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (3-8-14) — For the second time this century, not a single returning pitcher earned 10 or more victories the previous season as underclassmen.

Translation: It should be a wide-open softball season until ballclubs establish who will take over in the circle to lead her team to a Grossmont Conference league title.

One such contender is Helix High senior MARISSA HAMPTON, who went 3-3 as the Highlanders' No. 2 starter in the circle last season.

On Friday (Mar. 7), Hampton carried a shutout into the 7th inning before yielding a pair of unearned runs, yet it was enough to propel the Scotties past visiting Mission Bay, 3-2, in the debut of the new Pacific Beach Classic.

Hampton only struck out three, but an array of ground balls saw the Buccaneers collect just three hits all afternoon. The runs came via a walk, then a trio of errors before Helix registered the final out to escape.

The Highlanders scored twice in the 3rd in the wire-ti-wire victory,

Starting at the top of the batting order, senior MADDIE HEASMAN was hit by a pitch, just like she was in the 1st.

Sophomore DESTINI BULLOCK, who ranked 10th among all East County batters with a 424 average last season, followed with an RBI triple, later scoring on a wild pitch for a 2-0 lead.

In the 6th, Hampton started the rally for an insurance run which later proved to be vital. Hampton singled, with courtesy runner TINA NUNEZ coming around on a wild pitch, then an RBI single to left by VICTORIA CYMAN.

GROSSMONT 10, OLYMPIAN 3 — Sophomore MEGAN MALWITZ slugged a pinch-hit, 3-run homer while freshman ALEXIS COLLINS batted 3-for-4, powering the Foothillers past the host Eagles in teams' opening non-league contest.

Senior CEL DAVILA fired six strong innings to gain the pitching victory, then her sister, freshman CASSIDY DAVILA, closed out the contest in the 7th.

"We kept adjusting to their pitcher, then starting hitting the ball," noted veteran Hillers coach JERRY LERUD after his ballclub's 14-hit performance.

MADISON 11, STEELE CANYON 3 — JAY GRESHAM, the former assist to Cougars head coach JULIE NEUBAUER, made his Warhawks debut a successful one by spanking his former mentor to open the Warhawk Classic.

"Obviously, I taught him everything he knows," mused Neubauer, who is rebuilding a program which graduated 10 seniors from last season's 20-13 ballclub. "We're pretty young and we played like we were nervous -- even though we looked fine in Thursday's scrimmage -- but they put it to us pretty good."

KENDRA BUCKLEY smacked a home run for Steele Canyon, but Madison countered with a grand slam junior Kristen Whitley to support the combined 5-hit pitching effort by senior Carlie Brickley and freshman Amanda Fears.

Gresham was replaced by former Helix head coach KELLIE NELSON, who now teaches at Steele Canyon. The JV program includes former Cougars and San Diego State standout SAMANTHA BEASLEY.

SCRIPPS RANCH 3, CLAIREMONT 2 (8 inn.)— The defending Eastern League champion Falcons captured the opening game in the new Mission Bay Tournament, but needed overtime to do it.

SUSANNE MORRIS opened the 8th inning with a double to left-center field, coming home when MICHAELA PRINCE sent a basehit up the middle. MAKAYLA MARTIN then registered the final three outs to gain the victory in relief. She tossed the final 2 2/3 innings after replacing ALLISON PETTY.

Prince also recorded a go-ahead RBI in the 4th, when the Falcons scored twice to take the lead, but the Chieftains answered in the 6th to extend the contest.

POINT LOMA 10, EL CAPITAN 1 — The post Delanie Gourley era started out fine for the Vaqueros with a quick 1st-inning run before Pointers freshman pitcher Ally Crakes shut them down.

Senior second baseman RACHEL ACHENBACH batted 2-for-2 with a triple, but actually scored following her bunt single in the 1st.

Achenbach moved around on a COURTNEY WILLIAMS bunt single, a sacrifice bunt, then an RBI basehit up the middle from ERIN HUMPHREY.

For Point Loma, Summer Hargett went 3-for-4.

BRAWLEY 10, SERRA 0 — The Lady Q-Dawgs opened their campaign with a long roadtrip to the Imperial Valley. Unfortunately, the trip back home seemed to take even longer after getting run-ruled by the Wildcats when the hosts score four in the 2nd and six in the 3rd.

MISSION HILLS 4, MIRA MESA 2 — Moments after the Marauders scored twice in the 6th to get even, the Grizzlies tallied twice in the bottom of the frame to take this non-league opener Friday (Mar. 7).

ESCONDIDO CHARTER df. EL CAJON VALLEY — No report from the Braves as the visiting White Tigers moved to 2-1 in the new Mount Miguel Tournament, which was started by a suggestion from East County Sports during the reign of the previous Matadors coaching staff and coming to fruition this season.

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
NORTHRIDGE (2-26-14) — Following her sophomore year, West Hills High standout CORTNEY HORNE fully completed a lengthy and, at times, laborious recruiting process. Still, she earned a major-college scholarship.

"I know what you're thinking and, yes, that really sucked," she added. "Now I had to completely start over in the recruiting process and find a new school without any clue on where I wanted to go."

"I had many schools interested in me like LSU, San Diego State, Oregon and USD; then out of nowhere on my travel ball team, a teammate mentioned to me that her college coaches were very interested and wanted to see me play."

Horne was invited for a visit, leading to accepting a new offer to join the rising softball program at Cal State Northridge.

"I then realized that this is where I wanted to be to help the school and team become the best they can be and go to the next level," added Horne, a 3-time, first team, all-East County honoree. "I wanted to become part of coach (Tairia) Flowers' passion to build something bigger."

Horne, a catcher, was also a second-team pick to the All-CIF San Diego Section team, as selected by the San Diego Hall of Champions' media panel.

U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist Amanda Freed interviews head coach Bruce Richardson and players Delanie Gourley (13) and Mo Mercado after capturing the PGF national championship. (Courtesy, Student Sports.com) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Women's fast-pitch leagues seeking former college, high school players

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
IRVINE (8-14-13) — The big news in club softball was last week's announcement of the merger between a pair of national powers: the Orange County Batbusters and Team Mizuno. =

And it's no wonder after both again lost to the Southern California Athletics, which captured its fourth consecutive Premier Girls Fastpitch national championship after recent El Capitan High grad DELANIE GOURLEY led them to another crown Saturday (Aug. 3).

Gourley, who will play vall at the University of Florida this upcoming school year, topped Kaylee Carlson (North Carolina '14) to stop Team Mizuno. 3-2, at Bill Barber Stadium.

Gourley, who went 6-0 this week with a 0.98 ERA and 69 strikeouts over 43 innings, says she never was concerned.

“I had a few bumps (including a pair of walks in the 5th inning),” Gourley told Student Sports.com. “But I never was worried. I always know this team has my back."

Gourley was able to escape unscathed in the 5th when Taylor Lockwood (LSU, 2014) was thrown out trying to steal second because of a perfect throw by A’s catcher Wallace to maintain a 2-1 lead.

The A’s used the long ball to tack on another run as Brooke Marquez (Northwestern, 2014) drilled a shot over the left-field wall.

Valhalla shortstop Madison Labshere signs with University of Virginia (Labshere family courtesy photo)

© East County Sports.com
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (7-14-13) — Valhalla High shortstop MADISON LABSHERE, a first-team member on both the All-CIF San Diego Section and All-East County teams this past season, has signed to play college ball at the University of Virginia.

Labshere, voted the Grossmont Hills League player of the year by league coaches as a senior, twice finished among the Top 10 among East County batters. She placed 10th with a.434 average as a junior, then came back to rake at a.522 clip in 2013, rating first in the GHL and second in the East County.

Labshere will play for recently hired head coach Blake Miller, a former assistant at Oregon, who hopes to turnaround a Cavaliers program which has posted winning records in the Atlantic Coast Conference just three times this century.

"The Good Old Song," written in 1893, is sung to the familiar tune of "Auld Lang Syne," it has since served as UVa's unofficial alma mater.

Virginia, founded in 1819, is one of the eight original Public Ivy universities, and it is the only university campus in the United States that is designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Other signings – DANI McMILLAN, who last played a full season at Grossmont High in 2012, will play for Hamline University, an NCAA Division III school located in St. Paul, Minn. It is the oldest college in the state.

Delanie Gourley

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (6-4-13) — Rated one of the top pitchers in the nation by several respected publications, it's easy to see why El Capitan High senior DELANIE GOURLEY repeats as the East County Pitcher of the Year.

When it comes to individual accomplishments, it's hard to argue with Gourley.

Delanie Gourley

Still, others will point to Santana High pitcher AMBER SCHISLER, who saw her Sultans defeat the Vaqueros in all three meetings this year, including a CIF Division III postseason triumph.

As far as individual pitching goes, Gourley holds the edge, including the vote among Grossmont Valley League coaches for the pitching award. But when you add Schisler's hitting and a team championship, it's hard to ignore her overall accomplishments.

And since voting criteria is different between the all-league and all-East County teams, Schisler is also honored by sharing the East County Player of the Year citation with Steele Canyon catcher MOLLY HUTCHISON.

Noted by one North County coach as "the best stud athlete in the county," Hutchison capped a standout, 4-year varsity career as one of the region's top power hitters.

The Rookie of the Year is Santana's SYDNEY VATES, the best of just a handful of starting 9th-graders due to the large volume of seniors this season.

Meanwhile, the Unsung Hero Award went to Monte Vista's Emma DeMars, who rotated between catcher, third base and other spots as needed to keep her team competitive.

The coach of the year, per a tradition started at The Daily Californian, goes automatically to the person who captures a CIF championship. Thus, the Sultans' JOHN FAILLA is honored.

Santana's Amber Schisler	Steele Canyon's Molly Hutchison