Foothillers’ Lerud garnishes win No. 458

By Nick Pellegrino
Updated: March 19, 2026

2026 EAST COUNTY PREP SOFTBALL

By Adam Paul

FLETCHER HILLS — Tuesday afternoon proved to be fruitful for the home team Grossmont Foothillers as they doubled up the visiting Bulldogs, 4-2, in non-league action.

The triumph was yet another notch for Hillers veteran head coach Jerry Lerud with victory No. 458 of his standout career.

Grossmont would strike first on offense in the bottom of the first inning thanks to freshman Sahara Roope, who drove in a run when she laced a triple to right field, and Drew Winchester hit a sacrifice fly to bring home another run to make it 2-0.

Pitching-wise the freshman Roope drew the start in the circle and would complete the win as she tossed seven innings in which she allowed two runs (zero earned) on five hits while walking two and striking out four.

Roope would pace the Foothillers offense as she drove in a pair of runs as she tallied a 1-for-2 day. Lower in the lineup for Grossmont was Jaidyn Jacques who in the seven spot led with a 2-for-3 day at the plate which included a double. Other contributions included Madison Busch who also doubled on the day and scored a run in her 1-for-2 day.

Grossmont with the victory moves to 5-2-1 on the season and has now won two games in a row.

Lerud has captured two CIF championships. Only one dozen coaches have ever garnered more titles in San Diego Section history (since 1961-62 — more than 60 seasons).

Among the section crowns was the 2011 championship in Division 1 (the highest division at the time, prior to the induction of the Open Division). Four years later, Lerud and the Hillers took the Division 3 CIF Crown in 2016.

Lerud wads also the East County Sports Coach of the Year in 2011 and 2016.