West Hills' Kendall Marinesi at the moment of impact... for a home run. (Photo by Shuree Horne)

SENIOR DAY West Hills Wolf Pack Wolf Pack (l-r): Brandi McCrystal, Katie Byrd, Cortney Horne, Kaycee Acquininoc. Granite Hills Eagles Eagles (l-r): Kristin Armstrong, Brooklyn Schwen, Brianna Tyseling, Cassidy Coker. Grossmont Foothillers Foothillers (l-r): Kat Trego, Cheyenne Reynolds Kayla Baez, and Celestia "Cel" Davila.

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (5-15-14) — Sophomore infielder KENDALL MARINESI belted a 2-run home run Wednesday (May 14), when West Hills High poured home six runs in the 1st inning to make quick work of visiting Helix, 12-0, in a Grossmont Hills League run-rule triumph.

The Wolf Pack (15-3-1 overall, 9-0 GHL) moved into position to become only the second team to capture a Hills/South League crown with an unbeaten record this century if they can close-out Valhalla in Friday's regular season finale at Leto Field.

BRANDY McCRYSTAL jump-started the offensive attack with a double, then Marinesi went deep to left-center field. Meanwhile, West Hills pitcher TESS EATON blanked the Highlanders on just two hits, striking out two batters.

In addition, freshman ALEX GUAY batted 2-for-3, including a 2-run single in the 2nd to push the advantage to 8-0.

BROOKLYN SCHWEN followed with a basehit, then JESSIE LaPIERRE drilled a basehit to right, allowing pinchrunner MADISON CALDWELL to come home.

Granite Hills first baseman Katie Wall gets dirty yet makes the scoop of a low throw to retire Valhalla batter Alexis Ingrassia (12). The Eagles completed a season sweep of the Norsemen, 3-2. (PHoto by Don Wall)

Granite Hills' CASSIDY SHEW opened the scoring in the 3rd. Shew walked, BRIELLE TYSELING bunted her to second, then BRIENNA TYSELING collected the RBI with a basehit.

However, the Norsemen immediately answered in the 4th with runs by DANIELLE UY and BRANDI KOHWL (both walked), when a ball hit by junior KATIE SCHMIDT was thrown away.

On defense, Valhalla second baseman ANNAMARIE IULIANO converted an unassisted double play, snaring a line drive ticketed for center field, then tagging second base.

GROSSMONT 5, STEELE CANYON 2 — Cougars left fielder KENDRA BUCKLEY drilled an RBI double in the 1st and a solo homer to center field in the 4th, but those were the only hits allowed by Foothillers pitcher CEL DAVILA, who captured Wednesday's GHL ballgame.

Grossmont High senior Cel Davila fired a 2-hitter to stop Steele Canyon, 5-2. (Photo by Rick Davila)

The Hillers scored twice in the 2nd and 3rd frames to assume control.

DESTINY BACON led off with an infield single on a slapper to the left side. The freshman stole second base, then tied the game when MEGAN MALWITZ doubled to left-center field. A wild pitch moved Malwitz to third, then CHLOE CAMARERO grounded to the right side for what turned out to be the game-winning RBI.

An inning later, three defensive mistakes (two errors and a botched fielder's choice) on a sacrifice bunt made it 4-1.

Then in the 5th, freshman ALEXIS COLLINS was hit by a pitch, advanced to third on two additional errors, then KAT TREGO made her Senior Day memorable with an RBI single.

Steele Canyon completed the ballgame without head coach JULIE NEUBAUER, who hustled to her North County home which was in line with one of a half-dozen fires burning in the region.

East County Sports' Games of the Week

Presented By...                 ...Celebrating its First Anniversary!

Fri., May 16 Grossmont Hills League West Hills at Valhalla, 4 p.m. Grossmont at Helix, 7 p.m. (time change)

Grossmont Valley League
EL CAPITAN 10, MONTE VISTA 2 — Following Tuesday's coin flip to determine the GVL's No. 1 representative to the playoffs, the Vaqueros must've known the jinx was on when they were still tied with the host Monarchs entering the 5th inning of Wednesday's (May 14) Grossmont Valley League contest.

Fortunately for El Capitan, ERIN HUMPRHIES doubled home AMANDA VASQUEZ (lead single) in the 5th, then the Vaqueros scored seven more times over the final two frames to clinch at least a share of their second league crown in three seasons.

Humphries also added a solo homer when El Cap posted five runs in the 7th, capping a 2-for-3 outing plus a pair of walks.

Meanwhile, center fielder COURTNEY WILLIAMS was placed in the pitching circle, allowing two early runs before closing with 6 2/3 innings of 1-hit, shutout ball to collect the triumph. For the contest, she allowed two hits and struck out six.

GRACE BURKETT posted an RBI single in the 6th.

For Monte Vista, CIERRA GOLDHAGEN slugged a 3rd-inning double.

Granite Hills pitcher Halle Kyler did not allow an earned run Wednesday vs. Valhalla. (Photo by Don Wall) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

EASTERN LEAGUE Patriots' Romero bowls past Morse © East County Sports.com SAN CARLOS (5-15-14) —The influx of recent high-scoring games since the pitching rubber was pushed back to 43 feet mean the record book for offense will taking a beating. Already adding her name into the ledger is Patrick Henry first baseman DANIELLE ROMERO following a recent outing with three homers in a single game. On Wednesday (May 14), she wasn't given such an opportunity. After earlier hitting two homers in the 2nd inning (one a grand slam) for seven RBI – one short of the state record for an inning – Morse elected to intentionally walk Romero with the bases loaded, as the Patriots raced to an 18-0 run-rule verdict to cap the teams' regular season. The victory officially clinched the league crown for the Patriots (24-6 overall, 9-1 EL), the school's first outright title since 2006 (they shared crowns in 2008 and 2011). "Morse walked the batter in front of Dani, giving her a chance for a third homer and a second grand slam," said Patriots coach DON SHAFFER. "But instead, they rolled the ball to the plate four straight times." The "really intentional" walk was worth an 8th RBI for Romero, setting a school single-game record. Elsewhere for Patrick Henry, sophomore shortstop ANYA VANDERSIP batted 2-for-3 with a double and a walk, while CRISTIONA CACCAMISE went 2-for-2 with a double and walk, scoring all three times. For the Tigers, T. Hunter posted two hits, including a double. SERRA at SCRIPPS RANCH, ppd. — The administration at Scripps Ranch felt the heat was too excessive (97 degrees) to play, even though the school has lights and could've played at 7 p.m.    SENIOR DAY Patrick Henry Patriots Patriots: (l-r): Rylie Ruckle, Erin Shick. CLICK PHOTO FOR MORE Senior Day Dedicate Page HERE Throw in the CIF announcement that no contests in any sport will be held Thursday due to the rash of fires in San Diego County, that leaves only Friday to make-up the contest to break the tie between the ballclubs for third place in the Eastern League. Plus, the Falcons are on the bubble for a playoff berth, especially since El Capitan (a team rated lower than Scripps Ranch) gained an automatic postseason berth as a league champion.     MIRA MESA 12, CHRISTIAN 0 (5 inn.) — Marauders pitcher Alicia Garcia struck out eight Patriots in tossing a 1-hit shutout at the visiting Patriots in Wednesday's (May 14) Eastern League finale. Mira Mesa shortstop QUIRISA MAUGE went 2-for-2 with two runs scored and a pair of RBI, both coming on a 1st-inning home run, when the Marauder scored five quick runs to put this one to bed early. TAYLOR TOMPKINS went 2-for-3 with a triple and a double, driving in four runs and scoring there times, while catcher JORDYN NOWAKOWSKI went 2-for-2 and scored three times. For Christian, ALYSSA HARRIS record the team's lone basehit and she walked.

BREAKING NEWS... El Cap declared GVL's No. 1 representative © East County Sports.com LAKESIDE (5-14-14) — Word is that a coin flip (rather than a vote) to determine the Grossmont Valley League's No. 1 representative to the CIF San Diego Section Division I playoffs took place Tuesday (May 13) morning, with El Capitan winning. Thus, the Vaqueros are guaranteed a home playoff game and the contest with Bonita Vista became moot for any playoff consideration for both schools. It could leave Santana in the dark (doubtful), but since the CIF mandates some sort of tiebreaking system, the one in current use is far from the best, but given the limited time table before the playoffs, it's been agreed to be the most equitable over the years. Still, expect some sort of protest from La Costa Canyon, Del Norte, or even Fallbrook or Point Loma or Scripps Ranch – whichever school fails to garner a playoff berth. — Nick Pellegrino

El Capitan third baseman Courtney Williams (right) gets ready for play while Bonita Vista baserunner Lani Graft prepares to head home in 6th-inning action on Tuesday. The host Barons won, 9-0. (Photo by Jonny Ammerman, BVHS student)

A few years ago, schools requested the posting of their Senior Day photos. So we now have a page dedicated to them... send them (with IDs) HERE Dedicated Page HERE

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
BONITA (5-14-14) — In a tale of two league champions, Bonita Vista was automatically entered into the CIF San Diego Section playoffs before the season began as one of eight schools in the new Open Division.

However, El Capitan, which should share the Grossmont Valley league crown, may not even qualify for postseason play.

Situated in a strong CIF Division I field, 11 schools already own double-digit victory totals, leaving five others schools vying for the final of 12 berths to extend the season. They include Del Norte (9 wins), University City (9), La Costa Canyon (8), Steele Canyon (8) and the Vaqueros (8).

That's why El Capitan 's 9-0 setback at Bonita Vista in Tuesday's (May 13) non-league ballgame could – in theory – mean elimination. But there's a major catch.

When Grossmont Conference coaches hold their annual postseason meeting, a vote will need to be taken to determine which school – El Capitan or Santana – should gain the league's automatic berth to the CIFs. At 12-10, Santana is all-but-guaranteed a berth, while El Capitan is on the bubble.

However, should the league vote to give El Cap the No. 1 berth, they would not only gain a berth, but even as the bottom seed would still receive an opening round home game. Plus, Santana would also advance based on both record and power index (strength of schedule).

It may be controversial, yet it happens all the time. It's an untalked-about reason why the North County Conference went to four leagues and the South Bay is in three leagues for football – more teams can advance to postseason competition.

BONITA VISTA 9, EL CAPITAN 0 — The Barons injury-plagued pitching staff saw the rotation of sophomore Izzy Ortiz and Ohio State bound senior Alex Vargas for two innings each to blank the visiting Vaqueros.

Later, Vargas slugged a 2-run double. Her hit came moments before her foul popup barely caught the roof of the El Cap dugout, giving her a second chance to extend her hitting streak in the 6th inning.

In addition to Vargas, Barons catcher Carolyn Wright is headed for Lehigh University, while center fielder Tianah Hathaway will play for Villanova in Philadelphia.

© East County Sports.com
SKYLINE HILLS (5-13-14) — The Christian Patriots tried to display good sportsmanship, but it all back-fired on the Patriots.

After building a 9-0 lead on Morse, an opponent that was run-ruled by Christian just a week ago, they starting to step off the bases for intentional outs to end the inning. But the Pats forgot to close out the ballgame.

On Monday, the Tigers rallied for nine runs in the 6th inning, then two more in the 7th to salvage a split of the season series with a 14-13 Eastern League victory.

Morse actually scored 10 times in the 6th, but one run was nullified when a Tigers runner missed third base.

EASTLAKE 4, GROSSMONT 1 — The Foothillers accepted an unearned run in the 1st, but the visiting Titans posted four answered runs to capture Monday's (May 12) non-league game.

Grossmont's lone run saw CEL DAVILA reach on an error, move to second base on a passed ball, then sophomore MEGAN MALWITZ drilled an RBI single to right field.

CLAIREMONT 8, HELIX 4 — No report from the host Highlanders on their non-league setback to "Ridgemont High" in Monday's (May 12) action.

Helix right fielder Casey Hargis rises above the wall to take a home run away from Granite Hills' Jessie LaPierre. The Eagles captured the GHL contest, 8-4 (Photo by Tony Bordine)

Helix shortstop Sierra Salazar (left) accepts a strike from senior catcher Desirae Bordine to foil a Granite Hills stolen base attempt. (Photo by Don Wall) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE Prime Time Players © East County Sports.com LA MESA (5-10-14) — Helix High announced the return of night action, moving the Scotties final game of the regular season against historic rival Grossmont to a 7 p.m. start on Friday (May 16). Players and fans from all schools are welcome to attend. The contest will also serve as the East County Sports' Game of the Week, sponsored by Power Alley.

The RedHawks (12-5) needed to go 8 innings to outlast the Monarchs 8-7, but the hosts bounded back for a 18-11 whiteout in the second ballgame.

Mountain Empire currently stands second in the Manzaita League behind Calipatria, the favorite for the top seed in Division V. The RedHawks are coached by former West Hills High standout LINDSAY SUTTON, who went on to star at the University of Redlands.

In 2002, Sutton was voted the Grossmont North League pitcher of the year by the coaches, and was East County player of the year via this website.

In Game Two for Monte Vista, BRITNEY JACOBSON drove in four runs to hand the pitching victory to GEENA HENRDERSON. In addition, LILLY LUNA and ASHLEY MAE CRUZ hit consecutive triples.

	EASTERN LEAGUE Patriots dethrone Scripps Ranch © East County Sports.com SAN CARLOS (5-10-14) — Catcher CRISTIONA "C.C." CACCAMISE and second baseman SIERRA ALTMEYER each drove in two runs Wednesday (May 9), allowing Patrick Henry High to clinch at least a share of the Eastern League championship after downing defending titlist Scripps Ranch, 5-2. The triumph vaulted the Patriots record to 23-6, four games better than any other program in Division II. The next best mark in the CIF San Diego Section is Imperial (19-4), while the rest of the division owns 16 wins or fewer. The Patriots can cap the pennant when they host last-place Morse next Wednesday. MADISON JAMES struck out the first three batters she faced, finishing with five Ks to gain the pitching victory. DANI ROMERO lifted a sacrifice fly to score HANNAH McEWEN in the 1st, then Caccamise singled in MADDY BARRAZA (double) in the 2nd for a 2-0 lead. The Pats then broke open a 2-1 contest with a two-out rally in the 4th. CASSIE VAN TIL started the rally with a basehit, scoring on a double by Caccamise. McEwen reached on an error, then Altmeyer rapped a 2-run single for a 5-1 cushion. For the Falcons, MICHAELA PRINCE went 2-for-3 with a double, scoring both of her team's runs. SERRA 15, CHRISTIAN 0 (5 inn.) — The Conquistadors prepped for next Wednesday's showdown for third place in the Eastern League against Scripps Ranch by run-ruling the Patriots on Senior Day in Tierrasanta. AMBER WOZNIAK batted 2-for-4 with four RBI, including a bases-loaded triple in the 2nd inning, when Serra scored seven times to break it open. Meanwhile, AMBER BLAKELY went 3-for-4 to drive in three runs to fuel a 14-hit attack. The Lady Q's scored in all four trips to the plate, thanks to three sacrifice bunts from STEPHANIE MACE. For the Patriots, catcher ANNA SHERBURNE recorded a pair of basehits, while senior center fielder ALYSSA HARRIS registered the only other hit off Q's pitcher DARBY TIBBETTS (two Ks). MIRA MESA 13, MORSE 5 — Coming off their most disappointing outing of the season, the Morse Tigers produced perhaps their best outing despite falling to the visiting Marauders. The five runs were the ballcub's best since posting their lone victories in late March. For Mira Mesa, catcher JORDYN NOWAKOWSKI reached base on all four trips to the plate. In addition to twice getting hit by a pitch, she slugged a double, then a 3-run homer in the 7th. Meanwhile, NADEAH JIMENEZ belted a pair of doubles and scored four times.
	Senior Day El Capitan Vaqueros El Capitan (l-r): Marrisa Cuevas, Katie Carmichael, Rachel Achenbach, Erin Humphries. (Photo by Raul Ramirez) CLICK PHOTO FOR MORE ADDITINAL PHOTOS NOTEBOOK Vaqueros settle for shared crown © East County Sports.com LAKESIDE (5-10-14) — El Capitan High will need to settle for its second co-title of the Grossmont Valley League in three seasons after falling, 6-4, to Santana in Friday's (May 9) showdown for the league championship. But the Vaqueros did not go down with a fight after trailing 5-0 after a half-inning. Down 6-2 entering the 7th inning, second baseman RACHEL ACHENBACH lifted a one-out basehit, center fielder COURTNEY WILLIAMS drilled a line single, then ERIN HUMPHRIES, who went 3-for-3, was then walked to load the bases to bring the potential game-tying run to the plate. KATIE CARMICHAEL followed with a booming, 2-run double to left-center field to halve the deficit. KACI HOSTETLER, who made a running catch at the wall along the left-field line to end the top of the 7th and registered a sacrifice fly in the 1st, then walked to load the bases with one out before the visitors escaped. Numbers Liberty Charter, which scored 31 runs to beat Gompers Prep, 31-19, to set a short-lived East County record last month (since broken by El Capitan three days later), set a regional record for runs allowed Friday (May 9) In the rematch, the Eagles avenged the loss with a 39-15 win over the Liberty Lions. Gompers' head coach is former Patrick Henry assistsnt Scott Hernandez, the father to current USD pitcher Grace Hernandez.

GROSSMONT HILLS LEAGUE
Wolf Pack, wanting more, clinch GHL

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-10-14) — West Hills High clinched at least a share of the Grossmont Hills League crown after run-ruling host Grossmont, 20-2, in Friday's (May 9) action.

The triumph sets up an important final week of the regular season for the Wolf Pack, seeking to become the fifth team to post an undefeated record in the Grossmont Hills League since 1990, when the school commenced varsity play.

In that first season, El Capitan went 8-0 in the old Grossmont 3A League (the forerunner to the Grossmont South League, which later became the GHL). Mount Miguel posted consecutive runs to the GSL title in 1997 (12-0) and 1998 (11-0, with one game not made up due to rain), then Steele Canyon is the lone 21st Century ballclub to achieve league perfection in 2007.

On the other side of the conference, the Grossmont 2A never saw an unbeaten team. The Grossmont South saw three teams go perfect: Grossmont (1999), West Hills (2000) and Santana (2008), then the Grossmont Valley saw Santana turn the trick in three of the realigned league's four seasons (2010-11, 2013). STANDINGS LINK

The Wolf Pack overcame an early 1-0 deficit by posting nine runs in the 2nd inning, as every batter collected an RBI, icluding four by KELCI ELLIS-ALVAREZ and three more by BRANDI McCRYSTAL (2-for-3, two walks and a stolen base).

Ellis-Alvarez also gained the pitching win, yielding just five hits, striking out six Hillers. At the plate, she went 3-for-4 with a double, while PAIGE BOWLER also batted 3-for-4 with a double plys a walk.

Meanwhile, the Foothillers are hoping for the best for standout freshman DESTINY BACON, who suffered a leg injury in a nasty collision at first base.

GRANITE HILLS 8, HELIX 4 — Despite an array of fine defensive plays by the host Highlanders, the Eagles pulled away late thanks to a questionable call at the plate which allowed CASSIDY SHEW to score and open the floodgates to a 4-run rally in the 6th inning.

Tied at 2-all, an RBI double by KAREN CREECH gave the Eagles the lead, while Shew (single) advanced to third base.

RACHEL RILEY followed with a bouncer to the left side, with the throw to Helix catcher DESIRAE BORDINE seemingly in time as she guarded the plate with her body while applying the tag. (See photo montage).

Doing it by the book, Helix catcher Desiear Bordine blocks the plate (Photo A), applies the tag (B), shows the softball to the umpire (C), but doesn't get rewarded when the umpire ruled Granite Hills' baserunner Cassidy Shew was safe (D). (Photos by Tony Bordine) CLICK PHOTOS TO ENLARGE

However, the home plate umpire ruled the runner safe, then the Eagles piled on two more runs in the rally, then two more markers in the 7th as KATIE WALL doubled in winning pitcher HALLE KYLER (4-for-4), then Wall scored on another RBI hit by Creech.

Riley, the designated player, finished batting 3-for-4 with two runs scored as part of a 12-hit attack.

The Scotties defense was keyed by several nice grabs in the outfield.

Helix CF Bray Monterosa races for the running grab. (Photo by Tony Bordine)

On offense for Helix, third baseman DESTINI BULLOCK went 3-for-4, including an RBI double in the 6th, while Bordine batted 3-for-4, including a run-scoring single in the 3rd to tie it.

VALHALLA 6, STEELE CANYON 4 — The second-place Norsemen will get a chance to knock off West Hills to prevent the Pack from posting a perfect 10-0 league record. Instead, they would rather prefer a shot at a share of the GHL title, but first need some help.

In order to make the Valhalla-West Hills season finale truly meaningful for an opportunity to forge a co-championship, the Norsemen first need Helix to upset the Pack on Wednesday. Otherwise, Friday's finale is only important for ego and postseason positioning, when the CIF playoff seeds and brackets are announced the following morning.

Against the Cougars, Valhalla raced to a 4-0 lead, then the ballclubs exchange scoring twice, including a pair by Steele Canyon in the bottom of the 7th, but they stranded the potential game-tying run.

Norsemen third baseman CARLEE WALLACE continues her surge since an early-season injury. She batted 2-for-3 with a walk, scoring twice.

Wallace also garnered an RBI when the ballclub posted four runs in the 2nd inning, while every other starter registered one hit in a 10-hit attack, including a double by right fielder KATIE SCHMIDT.

For Steele Canyon, HANNAH DUDLEY, KENDRA BUCKLEY and ASHLEY TAVIZON each posted a run and an RBI, while KYLIE MINSHEW batted 3-for-4 with a run scored.

Non-League
HORIZON 12, MONTE VISTA 2 — ASHLEY MORAN of host Monte Vista belted a pair of doubles to drive in both of her team's runs, but the Monarchs fell in a non-league game at home to Horizon.

	East County Sports' Game of the Week  Presented By...                 ...Celebrating its First Anniversary! Wolf Pack remain unbeaten in league, but barely after Eagles post 7 in the 7th By Nick Pellegrino © East County Sports.com EL CAJON (5-8-14) — Ever since Granite Hills High completed renovations and improvements to the junior varsity softball diamond to make it the new home of the Eagles varsity, there have been nothing but slugfests whenever West Hills comes calling. A year ago, the Wolf Pack went wild in a 17-8 decision, its second-highest offensive output of the season. On Wednesday (May 7), the Pack collected 10 additional runs, but it was a late Granite Hills rally which kept everyone at the teams' Grossmont Hills League re-match on the edge of their seats. The Eagles rallied with two runs in the 6th inning, then seven more markers in the bottom of the 7th, capped by a three-run triple by KAILA DEWITT. However, Wolf Pack relief pitcher KELCI ELLIS-ALVAREZ stranded Dewitt at third base on a low liner to center field, escaping with a dramatic 10-9 decision. "Our pitcher was hitting her spots, but Granite Hills kept hitting the ball," said West Hills catcher CORTNEY HORNE. "No matter what we threw or where we pitched it, they were hitting it." West Hills now holds a two-game lead over Valhalla with three GHL contests remaining. Thus, the Norsemen must defeat the Pack next Wednesday, and get another school to upset them to gain a share of the league crown. The Wolf Pack mounted a 6-0 cushion as Horne belted a solo homer in the 3rd (the 16th of her career), a 2-run single by MELISSA CASTILLO in the 5th, then a 3-run double by SYDNEY CRAVEN in the 5th. The ball hit midway up the fence in left-center field, barely missing a grand slam. Granite Hills avoided the shutout bid by RYLEIGH DOBYNS in the 6th when CASSIDY SHEW belted a 2-run double to left-center field, but when the Pack answered with four runs in the 7th to take a 10-2 advantage, the ballgame seemed over. Far from it. "That's the one thing about Granite Hills – they never give up," said Horne, who heads to Cal State Northridge next season. " BRIANNA TYSELING started the rally with a one-out single, moving to third on a double by HALLE KYLER. West Hills then committed three errors on the next two plays to give the Eagles life. "That's going to happen with an infield composed of underclassmen," added Horne. "We just need to provide leadership to get them through the rough spots." Consecutive singles by KATIE WALL, Shew and KAREN CREECH chased Dobyns and brought the potential game-tying run to the plate. Ellis-Alvarez retired the next batter on a called strike three, but Dewitt went to the opposite field and placed the ball just inches fair and into the right-field corner to clear the loaded bases. However, Ellis-Alvarez escaped on a soft liner to center field. "Like us, Granite Hills kept their spirits up and never gave up," said Craven a sophomore, who batted 3-for-4 on the afternoon. "So now our goal is to go undefeated in league." The last Grossmont Hills/South League team to go unbeaten in league play was Steele Canyon in 2006. Prior to that, one needs to go back to the 20th Century (Mount Miguel, 1997 and 1998). Granite Hills' Cassidy Shew, who gained the start at third base for the injured Victoria Hathaway, makes a dive for the ball which just sailed foul. (Photo by Don Wall) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE
	Senior Day Christian (l-r): Alyssa Harris, Annie Atterbury. (Photo by Lupe Harris) A few years ago, schools requested the posting of their Senior Day photos. So we now have a page dedicated to them... send them (with IDs) HERE Dedicated Page HERE

© East County Sports.com
RANCHO SAN DIEGO (5-8-14) — Valhalla High senior CARLEE WALLACE achieved a pair of milestones with a solo home run Wednesday (May 7), leading the Norsemen past visiting Grossmont, 1-0, in Grossmont Hills League action at Leto Field.

Wallace's solo shot in the 4th inning accounted for the ballgame's lone run, while pitcher MIRANDA THOMAS fired a 4-hit shutout to out-duel CEL DAVILA of the Foothillers. Davila finished with a 3-hitter, yet got beat on a single pitch.

The homer was Wallace's 8th of the season, equaling the school record set in 2005 by freshman catcher KELLEY SEITZ, then tied last week by MIRANDA THOMAS. Seitz went on to become a four-time All-East County performer (2005-08).

Wallace is also the 16th East County player to go deep eight times in a single season.

With the victory, Valhalla remains in contention for a first-round home game in the CIF playoffs. According to the latest power rating, they are on the bubble for the 8th/9th seed.

STEELE CANYON 6, HELIX 3 — The Highlanders placed two runners on base in the 7th inning to bring the potential game-tying run to the plate, but the host Cougars held on to gain this GHL contest. No other information was reported.

Grossmont Valley League
EL CAPITAN 20, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 (5 inn.) — The Vaqueros handed the ball to freshman AMANDA VASQUEZ, who tossed a 1-hit shutout to gain her first varsity pitching victory. Vasquez struck out five Braves in her complete-game effort.

Meanwhile, Santana stayed on track for Friday's showdown to determine the Grossmont Valley league championship by pulling away late to defeat Monte Vista, 7-1.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-8-14) — Several Christian High opponents have offered compromises and a variety of scenarios to prevent embarrassing the winless Patriots.

Limits like no more than five runs per inning were on the table, but the CHS coaching staff took the high road and refused each time.

On Wednesday (May 7), the ballclub was rewarded.

Christian pitcher DIANE SUDA struck out five batters in tossing a 2-hitter, helping the Patriots gain their first triumph of the season after run-ruling visiting Morse, 14-1, at Dawson Field.

"We only have a handful of players with travelball experience, so we knew it would take awhile to gain enough experience," noted RUTH (Dawson) TRAUCH, the former Patriots standout from the 1990s, who returned to the program this season as an assistant to returning head coach GEORGE GENTRY. "It took awhile, but we turned the corner and now we're so happy to finally win our first game."

The Patriots then completed the Senior Day success with eight runs in the 4th.

ANNA SHERBURNE finished with three singles, while Suda produced a pair of basehits.

PATRICK HENRY 12, SERRA 0 (5 inn.) — In her most dominant performance of the season, MADISON "M.J." JAMES drilled a 1-hit shutout of the Conquistadors in Eastern League action on Wednesday (May 7) in Tierrasanta.

The victory, coupled with Scripps Ranch's upset of Mira Mesa, gave the Patriots sole possession of first place by a full game with two contests remaining. The Pats are attempting to capture their first outright league crown since 2006 (they shared a title in 2011).

James struck out six Conquistadors, facing just one batter above the minimum.

Serra gained one baserunner on an error in the early going. Then in the 5th, the same Q's batter singled, but was erased on a game-ending double play when second baseman SIERRA ALTMEYER snared a line drive ticketed for center field with a back-hand catch, then fired to first baseman DANI ROMERO for the final out.

Romero also capped the scoring, bombing a 3-run homer to left-center field in the sophomore's 3-for-4 day at the plate.

The Patriots' 18-hit attack saw MADDY BARRAZA go 3-for-3 with two runs and an RBI, Altmeyer went 3-for-4 with a pair of runs scored, plus two hits each from MONTANA POTTS, SYDNEY JAMES (with a double) and CRISTIONA "C.C." CACCAMISE.

CAITLIN LAWLER produced the lone basehit for Serra.

SCRIPPS RANCH 5, MIRA MESA 2 — The host Marauders were guilty of six errors leading to four unearned runs, the difference in the Falcons victory of Eastern League co-leading Mira Mesa.

Mira Mesa drops a full game below front-running Patrick Henry, while Scripps Ranch gains sole possession of third place above Serra, resting just one game behind the Marauders. On Friday, if Scripps Ranch can win at Patrick Henry, it could forge a three-way tie in a mad scramble for first place in the Eastern League.

Both ballclubs scored twice in the 1st inning, then the Falcons took the lead for keeps in the 5th.

Starting the inning at the top of the batting order, BRYANNA DATKO again reached base, this time on an error, moving to second base on a bunt by LAUREN LIPE. SUSANNE MORRIS followed by reaching on a dropped ball in the outfield, allowing Datko to post the go-ahead run.

In the 7th, another ball hit by Morris was booted for another run, then MICHAELA PRINCE garnered the lone RBI by the Falcons with a sharp single to score Lipe.

ALISON PETTY allowed just five hits over her five innings to gain the pitching win. MAKAYLA MARTIN was perfect in relief to collect the save, striking out three of the six batters she faced.

Prince and Petty both batted 2-for-3, including a double by Petty.

Granite Hills' Madi Caldwell (right) is safe in scoring the Eagles' second run in a 3-run rally in the 1st inning on Monday. Caldwell was the courtesy runner for pitcher Halle Kyler, who tossed a no-hitter in a 6-1 triumph at El Capitan. (Photo by Don Wall) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (5-6-14) — In a campaign with no fewer than a half-dozen freshmen in contention for the East County Newcomer of the Year Award, a few are starting to separate themselves from the pack.

Granite Hills freshman Halle Kyler. (Photo by Don Wall)

Kyler struck out six Vaqueros, then also swung the bat well with a pair of doubles.

"Halle set the tone throughout the entire game with her arm and her bat," said Granite Hills head coach ERIN COYNE. "That's really something for a freshman to do."

Much of the pressure was taken off early, when the Eagles scored three times in their first two trips to the plate to assume a solid 6-0 cushion.

Following a series of one-out hits by BRIENNA TYSELING (single) and Kyler (double), the Eagles posted three consecutive run-scoring plays.

VICTORIA HATHAWAY singled up the middle for what proved to be the game-winning RBI. BROOKLYN SCHWEN's grounder went for a fielder's choice and a second run. Then JESSIE LaPIERRE sent a basehiot up the middle for a 3-0 lead.

An inning later, No. 9 hitter BRIELLE TYSELING started a rally with a basehit, followed by a single by KAILA DEWITT.

Kyler, who batted 3-for-4 on the afternoon, followed with an RBI single, then Hathaway capped a 3 RBI performance by driving in a pair with a double.

The only run off Kyler came in the 5th, when she issued three of her five walks, with KACI HOSTETLER scoring from third base on a wild pitch.

Elsewhere, Ramona bounced Santana, 11-3; Madison run-ruled El Cajon valley, 20-0 in five innings; while the University City game at Steele Canyon ended in a 2-2 tie after 8 innings.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-4-14) — Schools from the Imperial Valley welcomed playing in the "cooler" weather, as three imports came to town to capture four of five contests against Grossmont Conference programs.

GROSSMONT 7, El Centro-SOUTHWEST 4; EC-SW 11, GROSSMONT 2 — The Foothillers rallied twice to capture the opener, but fell behind early to do too much in the nightcap.

Down 3-2, the hosts scored three times in the 5th with a two-out rally.

CLE DAVILA singled, then scored on a double by MEGAN MALWITZ, followed by an RBI basehit by KAT TREGO.

Southwest re-claimed the lead in the 6th to make it 5-4, but Grossmont again responded to win it.

ASHLEY SCHWARTZ, who earlier scored as a courtesy runner, opened with a pinchhit single, then was bunted to second base by KIRA ELLIOTT. DESTINY BACON followed with a basehit, with Schwartz scoring on an ensuing double steal.

Davila then registered a run-scoring single.

In Game Two, the Eagles tallied seven times in the 1st, then Kaitlin Williams led off with a homer in the 2nd to make it 8-1. The senior also went 4-for-5 with a pair of doubles in the opener.

The Hillers' early run saw Trego single home Bacon. In the 6th, Davila entered the pitching circle and retired Southwest on just three pitches.

In the second game, Eagles senior pitcher KAITLIN WILLIAMS, who is headed on scholarship to Division I Southern Utah, gain the victory.

EL CENTRO-CENTRAL 7, MONTE VISTA 0 — In the championship of Monte Vista's Spring Madness tournament, Spartans pitcher Jalyn McClain was named MVP by the media after tossing a pair of shutouts in Saturday's (May 3) championship rounds.

The junior blanked The Rock Academy of Liberty Station, 23-0, then held the host Monarchs off the scoreboard to capture the inaugural event.

Central center fielder Alyssa Platero batted 2-for-4, while second baseman Jere Silva went 2-for-3 with a double.

In the other semifinal, Monte Vista downed Grossmont Valley league rival El Cajon Valley, 22-0 in 5 innings.

SIERRA GOLDHAGEN reached base on all four of her plate appearances, collected a pair of basehits and two walks, scoring three times.

Also scoring three times were MARIAH WHITEHEAD, ASHLEY MORAN, HANNA CAOLE and BRITTANY JACOBSON.

The third-place game, The Rock nipped El Cajon Valley, 11-10.

IMPERIAL 11, VALHALLA 0 (6 inn.) — In a contest with important CIF Division II ramifications, Tigers senior pitcher Ashley Caro tossed a 3-hit shutout to stop the Norsemen at Leto Field. Caro struck out two batters, gaining most of her outs on ground balls.

Shortstop Karissa Pena batted 2-for-4, scoring after each basehit for Imperial (17-4). Meanwhile, right fielder Maritza Rojas opened the scoring with an RBI double in the 1st, then a 2-run single in the 3rd. Both are sophomores.

Valhalla was missing five players due to SAT testing, but the date was the only one available in this make-up ballgame.

GROSSMONT CONFERENCE LaPierre prevents Eagles collapse By Nick Pellegrino © East County Sports.com EL CAJON (5-3-14) — To give away one game is a mistake. To do so twice in 24 hours would be a disturbing trend. However, Granite Hills High, which was about to watch a 7-0 lead disappear, received a huge break when catcher JESSIE LaPIERRE picked off a baserunner to end the game, leaving the potential tying run at the plate in the Eagles 7-5 verdict over Grossmont. The Foothillers clawed back within striking distance, then brought power-hitting KAT TREGO to the plate. The senior lined a pair of hard shots foul down the left-field line and seemed poised to convert in her pursuit of a game-tying homer. Then Lapierre caught the baserunner at first base wandering too far off the bag. "We didn't have a play on or anything like that," noted Lapierre about throwing to first baseman KATIE WALL. "I know Katie is always ready for the throw, then she made a great tag." "It's just what you have to do to win." Meanwhile, Trego understandably flipped her bat in disgust, losing her chance to extend the ballgame into extra innings. Granite Hills received consecutive RBI singles in the 1st by HALLE KYLER and VICTORIA HATHAWAY, scoring KAILA DEWITT (lead single) and BRIENNA TYSELING (walk). Tyseling and Hathaway also knocked in one run each in the 6th, pushing the lead to a touchdown. But the Foothillers refused to be embarrassed in front of their fans on Barbeque Day, MEGAN MALWITZ singled home a run to ruin the shutout bid by the Eagles' Dewitt. An error and a double-steal allowing two additional runs to score to make it 7-3. The Hillers then added to more in the 7th before losing on the unforced error on the basepaths. Granite Hills pitcher Kaila Dewitt tossed five shutout innings, then got bailed out by her catcher to collect the victory, (Photo by Don Wall) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE WEST HILLS 8, STEELE CANYON 2 — Riding an emotional wave following Thursday's win over Granite Hills, the rising Cougars took the early lead over the first-place Wolf Pack, leading 1-0 heading into the bottom of the 3rd inning. However, West Hills finally responded with two runs in the 4th, then six additional markers in the 4th to remain unbeaten in Grossmont Hills League play. KENDALL MARINESI collected the go-ahead runs, stroking a 2-run single in the 3rd. An inning later, SYDNEY CRAVEN muscled her fifth home run of the season. Her 2-run shot went to center field for a 4-1 cushion. Marinesi would later single to post her third RBI, allowing KELCI ELLIS-ALVAREZ to cruise the rest of the way to gain the pitching win with a 2-hitter. All six runs against the Steele Canyon starting pitcher were unearned. The Cougars scored quickly when KENDRA BUCKLEY continued swinging her hot bat with a double. She later scored on a sacrifice fly by JENNA RITTER. In the 7th, Buckley collected her second hit on a sharp single, later scoring on another sacrifice fly, this time by HANNAH DUDLEY. In the 3rd, she stroked an RBI single for the go-ahead run. An inning later, Valhalla's Miranda Thomas blanled Helix with a 4-hit shutout. (Photo by Erica Ingrassia) VALHALLA 13, HELIX 0 — Norsemen pitcher MIRANDA THOMAS fired a 4-hit shutout over the host Highlanders. No other details were reported. Non-League SANTANA 13, ESCONDIDO 2 (5 inn.) — The Sultans are no longer participating members of East County Sports in softball.

EASTERN LEAGUE Patrick Henry's Sydney James slides to score, receiving assistance from Hannah McEwen, the on-deck batter. Saving the wild throw to the plate is Mira Mesa catcher Jordyn Nowakowski. (Photo by Alana Massey) Patriots avenge earlier setback, forge share of Eastern League lead By Nick Pellegrino © East County Sports.com SAN CARLOS (5-3-14) — The previous story on the first meeting between Patrick Henry and Mira Mesa was true. In the rematch, only the roles were reversed yet the results remained the same. Despite an early lead by the visiting team, errors and a few key hits led to a turnaround toward the home team, with Patrick Henry claiming Friday's (May 2) showdown for first place in the Eastern League, 6-4. "We were able to put pressure on them rather than them on us," said winning Patriots pitcher MADISON JAMES. "That was the big difference for us." With a split in the season series (and both ballclubs perfect against the rest of the league), the teams figure to finish as co-champions unless a major upset occurs. A 4-run outburst in the 4th inning spelled the difference. A throwing error opened the inning, leading to three unearned runs, but Patrick Henry still needed to drive those runners home. Trailing 2-1, junior right fielder SYDNEY JAMES (Madison 's older sister) delivered by drilling a 2-run double down the left-field line. "Mira Mesa was pitching me outside, but this time I was able to lay-off those pitches," said the junior. "That's when I expected the next pitch to go inside --which I got -- and I was able to line it into the corner." DANI ROMEROS (safe on lead error) and ANYA VANDERSIP (line single to right) both came home, while CASSIE VAN TIL (the courtesy runner for "M.J.," who was hit by a pitch) beat the throw to third base. MONTANA POTTS followed with a high chopper to first base. Due to the sun, the ball bounced out of the defender's glove, but directly to the second baseman, who under-handed the ball back to first for the out, yet allowing Van Til to score. And when Mira Mesa committed another throwing error on a hot grounder off the bat of catcher CRISTIONA CACCAMISE, another run came across to make it 5-2. "We defended well for M.J., who set the tone for the game," noted Caccamise. Mira Mesa hade things interesting down the stretch. In the 6th, shortstop QUIRISA MAUGA belted a lead homer to left-center to make it 5-3. Mira Mesa's Quirisa Mauga belts another home run. (Photo by George Garcia) Cal-Hi Sports' State Stat Stars Dani Romero, Patrick Henry   Patrick Henry received another unearned run in the home-half of the 6th, but the Marauders still were able to bring the potential tying run to the plate. In the 7th, No.9 hitter KENDRA HALL walked, then circled the diamond when NADEAH JIMENEZ found the right-field corner for an RBI triple. It was only the second hit all afternoon off James, who escaped by coaxing a comebacker to the circle for the final out, leaving Mauga in the on-deck circle. The only other Mira Mesa hit was a 2nd-inning double by TEIYA MAUGA in the 2nd. For the Patriots, HANNAH McEWEN registered two of the ballclub's seven hits. On defense, Jimenez raced deep toward the line to catch a sinking liner in left field to rob Potts to open the 4th. For Patrick Henry, Vandersip, the shortstop, twice ranged up the middle to glove balls and throw out the batter. SERRA 20, MORSE 4 — Through three innings, the Morse Tigers remained close in their Eastern League contest against visiting Serra. They only trailed, 4-3, until the Conquistadors awakened. The Q's responded to Morse's 2-run rally in the 3rd with 14 markers in the 4th, racing to an easy triumph to remain in a third-place deadlock with Scripps Ranch. The heart of the Serra lineup drove in seven runs. Cleanup hitter ASHLEY BLAKELY collected three RBI, surrounded by two each from AMBER WOZNIAK and MEGAN POOLE. VALVALADEZ and late-inning sub BRITTANY WALK also registered two RBI each. Meanwhile, in an obscure outing, No. 2 batter BROOKE RUSSELL made five trips to the plate without an official at-bat. She walked once and was hit by a pitch on four occasions (Officials for Cal-Hi Sports indicated they don't keep such records.) Russell scored four times, including twice in the 4th. In the circle, Poole tossed the first three innings for the victory. KYLIE BARTOLOME tossed two innings of 1-hit ball to earn the save in the 5-inning, run-rule situation. SCRIPPS RANCH 10, CHRISTIAN 0 (6 inn.) — For the Patriots, at least it wasn't a run-rule defeat in five innings, as the Falcons need to go six frames before closing out Friday's (May 2) Eastern League triumph. They posted six runs in the 6th. Third-string pitcher CASSIDY DAVIS, a freshman left-hander, made her first varsity start memorable, tossing a no-hitter at the visiting Patriots. She allowed six baserunners on four walks, a hit batter, and there was a fielding error (as ruled by BOTH coaches; some parents tweeted that it was a basehit).

Grossmont Valley League
MONTE VISTA 20, EL CAJON VALLEY 7 (5 inn.) — Monarchs pitchers GEENA HENDERSON and EMILY BODTKE combined to stop the Braves on Friday (May 2). Henderson registered eight of her nine outs on strikes to gain the win, then Bodtke tossed two innings of relief to qualify for the save in the run-rule contest.

On offense for Monte Vista, left fielder MARIAH WHITEHEAD and center fielder ASHLEY MORAN both slugged a pair doubles, each collecting four RBI.

Monte Vista returns to action in less than 24 hours by hosting the final rounds of its Spring Madness Tournament.

In the semifinals, El Cajon Valley meets El Centro-Central at 10 a.m., followed by the Monarchs and The Rock Academy of Liberty Station. The final is slated for 1:30 p.m., followed by the third place game (winning teams from the semis are rewarded with the first game in the championship round).

EL CAPITAN 27, MOUNT MIGUEL 1 (5 inn.) — The victorious Vaqueros politely requested to only list the score in this GVL contest.

Steele Canyon shortstop Brittany Fitch attempts to turn a double play, avoiding the sliding effort of Granite Hills' Brooklyn Schwen. The Cougars won in 8 innings. (*Photo by Don Wall)

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-2-14) — A stealth adjustment allowed Steele Canyon junior KENDRA BUCKLEY to drill a solo home run in the 8th inning Thursday (May 1), the difference in the Cougars' 4-3 triumph at Granite Hills in a Grossmont Hills League make-up contest.

Buckley, after watching a changeup float past her, made a subtle movement which allowed her to send a low liner just over the barrier in center field.

"Granite Hills was pitching me inside the entire game," said Buckley. "So when they threw the 'changer.' I was able to get away with stepping off the plate. When the next pitch came inside again, I was able to turn on it."

The homer turned the GHL standings into a pennant race – but only for second place.

With the first round now fully complete, West Hills holds a two-game lead over Granite Hills and Valhalla, with surging Steele Canyon one game farther back in a late-season pursuit to gain yet another first-division finish.

"We have 11 girls that have never played on a varsity field before," said Cougars coach JULIE NEUBAUER, a one-time teammate with Granite Hills coach ERIN COYNE when prepping at Helix. "So it's taken a while to put everything together."

Buckley offered an interesting view of the ballclub's roster, which is attempting to post a winning record for a 10th consecutive season.

Steele Canyon's Kendra Buckley (right) is all smiles following her 8th-inning home run to top Granite Hills, 4-3. Delivering the high five is Cougars head coach Julie Neubauer. (*Photo by Don Wall) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Such an opportunity comes soon. The Cougars meet the Wolf Pack in Santee on Friday (May 2).

While Buckley's homer was dramatic, the Eagles were far from through after opening the bottom of the 8th with consecutive line singles by pinch hitter BRIANNA FEJERAN (to right field) and first baseman KATIE WALL (to center).

However, Cougars third baseman JENNA RITTER registered a heads-up play to knock down the rally. Ritter was able to cleanly field a hot grounder off a 3-2 pitch, tapping on the bag to start a key double play.

"Well, first I was ready in case the ball came to me, and I knew the batter was not the fastest runner," said Ritter, showing solid field awareness. "So I knew I had time to get back to find the bag, tap it, then make the throw to (Wall at) first base."

Dudley, the left fielder, followed with a circus catch in the gap -- the ball bounced out of her glove at least once if not twice -- to cap the triumph.

The see-saw affair saw Granite Hills open the scoring in the 3rd.

After the first two batters -- BRIELLE TYSELING (on error) and KAILA DEWITT (single to center) -- reached base, BRIENNA TYSELING bunted the pair into scoring position.

HALLE KYLER followed with an RBI single on a ball over the head of the second baseman, then VICTORIA HATHAWAY lifted a sacrifice fly for a 2-0 lead.

Steele Canyon answered with three runs in the 4th with a two-out rally, as Dudley singled, KEARA McCARTHY walked, and SARAH FRAGOSO (bunt single) loaded the bases.

Senior BRITTANY FITCH followed with a line double to left to drive in a pair of a 3-2 lead.

However, Granite Hills forced extra innings with a 6th-inning run when a ball hit by catcher JESSIE LaPIERRE was dropped, allowing Kyler (single) to score.

East County Sports' Game of the Week  Presented By...                 ...Celebrating its First Anniversary! Homer-mania at West Hills Wolf Pack hit four of ballpark record six HRs to cushion their Grossmont Hills advantage By Nick Pellegrino © East County Sports.com SANTEE (5-1-14) — Due to its unique location just east of Mission Trails Regional Park, the wind blowing off the summit where State Route 52 enters the Santee valley makes it almost impossible to hit a home run to left field at West Hills High. Back in the 1990s, the ballpark once went more than three years without a single homer clearing the fence toward the west. But on Wednesday (Apr. 30), with Santa Ana winds blowing in the opposite direction, a record six homers were hit at the facility. Four of the shots belonged to the host Wolf Pack, which grabbed a strangle-hold of the Grossmont Hills League pennant race after outlasting visiting Valhalla, 9-5. "I remember coming here and watching some furious, line shots get hit to left field, but they never went out," said West Hills coach MIKE APPLEBAUM, a former assistant with members of the Valhalla coaching staff. "But with the wind blowing in completely the opposite direction, every ball in the air went out." Going deep, West Hills overcame deficits of 3-0 and 5-4, scoring the final five runs to remain unbeaten in GHL play, extending their lead to 1.5 games over idle Granite Hills and two full games over the Norsemen. The go-ahead runs came off the bat of sophomore KENDALL MARINESI. Following a lead walk and a stolen base by BRANDY McCRYSTAL, Marinesi smacked a 2-run shot to center field for a 6-5 lead. An inning later, following an RBI double by SIERRA SCHLICTING, McCrystal belted the ballclub's fourth homer of the contest. "It seemed like everyone was hitting homers except me," said Wolf Pack catcher CORTNEY HORNE, the team leader in the category (she still collected two more basehits). "I've never seen the wind blow out like it did today." Valhalla took advantage of wind right away when designated player CARLEE WALLACE smacked a 2-run homer in the 1st, also scoring DANIELLE UY (single). Then in the 3rd, singles by BRANDI KOHEL, Wallace and MIRANDA THOMAS (RBI) made it 3-0. West Hills fought back to take the lead. SYDNEY CRAVEN went deep to left-center to lead off the bottom of the 3rd, then the infielder capped a 3-run rally in the 4th with a go-ahead, 2-run double which short-hopped the fence. In between, ALEX GUAY started the 3-run rally in the 3rd woth a one-out, solo shot to left field. Valhalla reclaimed the lead in the 5th when Thomas stroked a 2-run shot to left, also scoring Wallace, who reached on a two-out error.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-1-14) — Just three years removed from a CIF Division I championship, it's been a long season for the Grossmont Foothillers. But they finally found something to brighten their campaign.

On Wednesday (Apr. 30), the host Hillers made a 4-run rally in the 3rd inning stand up, downing historic rival Helix, 4-2, to complete the first round of Grossmont Hills League play.

The triumph snapped a 9-game losing streak, the school's longest this century.

Grossmont shortstop Cel Davila (left) goes for the step-and-throw double play against Helix in a 4-2 GHL vcitory. (*Photo by Tony Bordine)

"It's been a while," said veteran coach JERRY LERUD. "Especially after that (20-2) loss to Otay Ranch. But the team kept working hard and deserved this win."

With a postseason berth already unlikely, Lerud directed his attention to the future by replacing senior pitcher CEL DAVILA with her sister, CASSIDY DAVILA. The strategy worked after the freshman allowed just five hits, carrying a shutout into the 6th inning.

The Foothillers registered four consecutive hits to muster three of their runs, then an error allowed a fourth to cross home.

After CARLY PEASON was hit by a pitch with one out, the Grossmont hits wouldn't quit.

DESTINY BACON and CHLOE CAMARERO both singled to left field to load the bases.

Cel Davila singled home Pearson, then MEGAN WALWITZ delivered a 2-run double to center for a 3-0 lead.

Grossmont's Kira Elliott (Photo by Rick Davila)

In addition, Cel Davila batted 3-for-3, while Bacon went 2-for-3 from the leadoff spot.

JOHANNA FRANKLIN knocked in three early runs, helping the Braves to a wire-to-wire victory over the Warriors from Liberty Station.

ECVHS scored three times in the 1st inning, two on a Franklin double. She later singled in a run and scored in the 3rd.

In the 4th, ANNA MARRUFU tripled home BRIANNA ESPINOZA (walk), then she scored on a sharp single by MARIAH GRIPON.

Then in the 5th, Franklin and her sister, DEJSA GOASA, both singled, with consecutive ground balls to the right side by KALANIA LONGONA and Espinoza producing another run.