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West Hills' Melissa Eggleston (left) legs out an infield single vs. Cathedral Catholic (Photo by Nathan Price, youatplay.com) VIEW / PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Marauders advance in
Griffith's final home game

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
MIRA MESA (5-23-12) — The Mira Mesa Marauders are known for their power hitting, but it was the execution of smaller skills which earned them a final four berth in the SDCIF Division I championship.

The Marauders utilized a pair of sacrifices, including a fly ball by AMBER CORDERO, to bring in MERCEDES HUMPHREY with the tie-breaking run in a 3-2 decision over Otay Ranch in Tuesday's (May 22) third-round elimination game.

The victory came on the final home game for outgoing Mira Mesa coach BRAD GRIFFITH, who is retiring following a marathon career in athletics which started as a minor league baseball player in the New York-Penn League in 1959.

Wolf Pack second baseman Dallas Siegel (Photo by Frank Price, youatplay.com) VIEW/PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

CIFSDS Rankings (May 14) U-T San Diego / North County Times State Rankings (May 17) CalHiSports/ESPNHS

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (5-23-12) — If you would've asked Mount Miguel High head coach JASON BABINEAU before the season what he expected taking over the reins in his first year for a struggling program he would be puzzled obliging an answer. In the long run though the positive and winning attitude he brought to the dugout this season sparked an underachieving program.

Under his helm, the Matadors beat Grossmont for the first time in 61 games – a span that lasted a quarter-century – won a game at Petco Park over Monte Vista, and on Tuesday (May 22) the rookie skipper had one last chance to shock onlookers in the SDCIF Division III play-in game against West Hills.

The Matadors (13-12-2) had a magical season with five come-from-behind victories – including one previously against West Hills. But the Wolf Pack stopped them 90 feet short of tying the game, in what turned out to be the final at-bat of the season for Mount Miguel, as they were denied another miracle, 4-3.

PRO FOOTBALL: Hobbs, former Matadors standout, signs with Chargers

Arthur Hobbs

© East County Sports.com
LAKEWOOD, Colo. (5-17-12) — Colorado Christian University experienced quite a season of firsts in its debut season of women's fastpitch, capped by the naming of the school's first All-America player in former Grossmont High and Grossmont College standout HANNAH RAPOPORT.

The sophomore was one of just 16 players named to All-NCAA Division II first team by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. Rapoport also received a second team berth on the Daktronics All-America Team. She is the first Colorado Christian athlete to receive All-America recognition in any sport.

Ball State's Carpenter named
All-Mid-American Conference

Dronenberg claims 4th MVP award,
five others named All-Conference

COLLEGE BASEBALL
Granite Hills alum Coleman named conference MVP at CSU San Marcos

Hillers product Griffin helps stop USD

Suns to shine this weekend

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-18-12) — The East County Suns boys basketball team, comprised of 2012 local graduates and coached by Grossmont High girls basketball coach JEFF BICKFORD, will play several games as part of The Big Showdown this weekend, Saturday and Sunday (May 19-20). The community is invited to attend.

Big trip to Big Island needs big funding
Poker fund-raiser tournament slated for June 25

© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (5-17-12) — The El Capitan High Football Program is hoping to raise enough funds for a trip to the Hawaiian Islands for a season-opening football game this fall to face the Hawai'i Big Island champs. The ballgame is slated for August 31.

Viejas Casino is hosting a fundraising poker tournament for the Vaqueros’ football benefit on Monday (June 25) in the Viejas Dream Catcher Lounge. CLICK FOR DETAILS

AYSO soccer registration – links for all leagues in East County

Hoops at the Beach's Silver Anniversary, May 19-20

Patrick Henry High Alumni Golf, May 21
Inaugural tournament set for Adm. Baker G.C.

Wieghorst Western Music Jubilee, June 2

Wings Over Gillespie air show, June 2-3

Distracted Driving, Ped Safety forum, June 6

Highlander Open benefit golf event, June 8

Catfish Season now open at Santee Lakes (CLICK for hours, permit requirements, more)

BASEBALL
Triple Crown winner Seidel
named PCAC Player of the Year

© East County Sports.com
SAN MARCOS (5-5-12) — Pacific Coast Athletic Conference head coaches awarded Grossmont College's DALLAS SEIDEL as its Player of the Year.