East impressive in tourney games

By Ramon Scott
Updated: February 27, 2020

2020 EAST COUNTY PREP SOFTBALL

HELIX 17, CHULA VISTA 0

By Tyler Gribble

Special to EastCountySports.com

LA MESA – The Helix Highlanders romped in a run-rule shortened victory, 17-0, over the Chula Vista Spartans on Wednesday at the Gold & Silver Classic Tournament.

Helix pitchers Zoe Kuhlken (W, 2 IP, 2K), Lilly White (2IP, 2K), and Sophia Ramuno (1IP, 2K) combined to shut out the Spartans, limiting them to just three baserunners.

The Highlander offense was firing on all cylinders, totaling 15 hits and 17 runs in the five-inning game.

Contributors include Avery Perez (2 H, 3B, 2 RBI), Nicole Hernandez (2 1B, 2 RBI), Jolene Giles (3H, 2 RBI), Kasey Castro (2H, RBI), Lexia Conchas (2H, 2B, 3 RBI), and Victoria Vidrio, who singled for her first career varsity hit.

Helix improves to 3-0 in Gold & Silver Tournament pool play as they travel to the Imperial Valley on Wednesday, looking for their first win in Imperial County in over 15 years.

The Highlanders will take on the Southwest Eagles in both the team’s fourth and final pool game before the tournament playoffs on March 7.

CHRISTIAN 12, HILLTOP 4 – Audrey Shebloski homered twice and drove in five runs for Christian High.

“Today was a huge win and a huge momentum builder for our team,” Shebloski said. “It was an all-out team effort, everyone contributed in one way or another.”

The Patriots trailed 3-0 after the top of the first inning but led 5-3 after two innings, then added seven runs in their final three at-bats in the game.

The Patriots had four home runs in the contest.

Audrey Mallon went four innings to earn the win for Christian High. She also homered in the game.

Kate Manes threw three innings in relief for the Patriots, allowing an earned run. She also drove in a pair of runs with three hits, including a double.

“Both pitchers looked really good today as they were all around the plate,” Shebloski said. “We hit well and improved a lot from Monday’s game.”

Allyson Moody had the other long ball.

The Patriots improved to 1-2 on the year.

“We are a little better than last year on the bases and small ball with the two freshmen we have,” Shebloski said. “Sophomore Rachel Stephens had a stolen base today and had a bunt single late in the game, so small ball might be a strategy that can be used. In my opinion, Audrey and Allyson have stood out the most of the underclassmen as they both pitch and hit pretty well. Our team has more depth than last year, but we are still young so there will be some growing pains.”

The Patriots face Oceanside on Thursday.

EL CAPITAN 5, VALLEY CENTER 2 – Ava Gall was hot again at the plate, with three hits, a run, and an RBI for El Cap.

Alexa Williams, who pitched six innings, allowing a pair of unearned runs, had two hits and scored a run for the Vaqueros.

Williams struck out six, while Alexis McDaniel dealt the final frame.

Hannah Davis had a hit and an RBI for the Vaqueros.

GROSSMONT 8, FALLBROOK 1 – Brianna Blue hit a home run and had two RBI for the Foothillers.

Halle Sweiss and Isabel Cervantes both drove in two tuns for the Foothillers.

Freshman Jade Daley had two hits, two runs scored, and an RBI for Grossmont.

Senior Katalina Contreras had a hit and scored twice.

Sophomore Caitlyn Potts allowed one earned run and struck out four in a complete-game effort.

WEST HILLS 7, STEELE CANYON 7 – The Grossmont Conference foes had an exciting tie in the opening game of the season.

The Cougars scored two runs in the last of the seventh.