Mendham, Monarchs roll in D5 opener

By Ramon Scott
Updated: May 20, 2026

2026 EAST COUNTY PREP SOFTBALL

SAN DIEGO CIF DIVISION V PLAYOFFS

(3) MONTE VISTA 12, (6) HIGH TECH SAN DIEGO 2

EastCountySports.com staff report

SPRING VALLEY — Olivia Mendham powered the middle of the lineup and freshman Julieta Castillo Martinez handled things in the circle as third-seeded Monte Vista opened the CIF San Diego Section Division V softball playoffs with a 12-2 victory over High Tech San Diego on Wednesday.

The Monarchs improved to 15-12 and advanced in the winners’ bracket, where they will face second-seeded Southwest San Diego on Friday. Southwest advanced with a 9-2 victory over Mount Miguel, sending the Matadors into an elimination-bracket matchup against High Tech SD.

High Tech SD struck first in the opening inning when Ruby Parkin grounded out to score a run, but Monte Vista answered immediately in the bottom half.

The Monarchs scored three times in the first inning, taking the lead after Mendham lifted a sacrifice fly, Alina Rodriguez drew a run-scoring walk and Kianna Deleon singled to center field.

Monte Vista added another run in the second when Mendham tripled to right field, then broke the game open with three more runs in the third. Mya Jimenez helped extend the lead with a fielder’s choice as the Monarchs built a 7-1 advantage.

Mendham, a junior shortstop, led the Monte Vista offense with a standout all-around performance. She went 3-for-3 with two triples, four RBIs, a run scored and two stolen bases, setting the tone from the heart of the order.

Deleon also had a strong day, finishing 2-for-3 with a triple, an RBI and a stolen base. Freshman Reena Del Rosario added two hits, including a double, scored twice and drove in two runs, while junior Liliah Gorham scored twice and drove in two.

Monte Vista finished with 10 hits and also used its speed to keep pressure on High Tech SD throughout the afternoon. The Monarchs stole 10 bases, with Mendham, Alexa Tapia and Julieta Castillo Martinez each swiping two.

Castillo Martinez earned the win in the circle, allowing two runs, one earned, over five innings. The freshman held High Tech SD to one hit while striking out one as Monte Vista closed out the game by mercy rule.

The Monarchs put the game away with a five-run fifth inning, taking advantage of defensive miscues and aggressive baserunning to push the lead to 12-2.

Parkin had High Tech SD’s lone hit, a double, and drove in one run. Xima Martinez also drove in a run for the Storm, who fell to 8-10 and will now try to extend their season in the elimination bracket.

For Monte Vista, the win was a complete postseason start: early response after falling behind, production throughout the order, pressure on the bases and steady pitching from a freshman.

The Monarchs now turn their attention to Friday’s winners-bracket matchup with Southwest San Diego, while Mount Miguel will look to stay alive against High Tech SD after dropping its playoff opener.

Mount Miguel Drops Opener, Turns Focus to Elimination Game

SAN DIEGO — Mount Miguel will need to take the long road through the CIF San Diego Section Division V softball playoffs after falling to second-seeded Southwest San Diego, 9-2, in Wednesday’s opening-round contest.

The Matadors dropped to 9-17 but remain alive in the double-elimination tournament. Mount Miguel will travel to face High Tech San Diego on Friday in an elimination-bracket matchup, with the winner extending its season and the loser being eliminated.

Southwest San Diego (12-13) seized control early, scoring four runs in the first inning before adding three more in the second to build a commanding lead.

The Raiders were led by Sophia Borquez, who went 3-for-3 and drove in two runs. Borquez collected two doubles and a single while helping Southwest put pressure on the Matadors throughout the game.

Mount Miguel battled despite the early deficit and took advantage of opportunities at the plate. Leah Thomas showed patience by drawing three walks, while Jasmine Bosley and Ariana Quijada accounted for the Matadors’ two hits.

Gabriella Sanchez worked all six innings in the circle for Mount Miguel, allowing nine runs, four earned, while striking out four.

The Matadors also benefited from Southwest defensive miscues, scoring two unearned runs against Raiders pitcher Sophia Borquez.

Despite the loss, Mount Miguel still has a path forward in the Division V playoffs. The Matadors will now regroup and prepare for Friday’s road matchup against High Tech SD, which fell to E Monte Vista, 12-2, in its playoff opener.

With the double-elimination format still offering a second chance, Mount Miguel’s season remains alive heading into Friday’s must-win contest.