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SANTEE (5-1-07) -- Place the leadoff batter on base. Score a run.

It sounds so incredibly simple, yet the feat can be difficult to achieve. But when a runner reaches base without any outs, the odds of scoring increase exponentially.

West Hills High was able to place the lead batter aboard four times Monday (Apr. 30), then getting each runner to circumnavigate the bases three times to pull away in defeating El Capitan, 5-1, in Grossmont North League action.

The double started a 2-run rally in the 5th, when MELISSA HILL tagged the ball in leadoff style, followed by a bunt single and a stolen base by FAITH KORIA to place runners in scoring position. BRIANNA LaCHUSA followed with a ground ball for an RBI when the play went to first base, but when the ball skipped to the fence, Koria also scored.

SHARLANA BURNER registered the single, but with two outs instead of leading off in the 3rd. Koria followed with the first of her two bunts for basehits, then LaChusa scored on a sharp grounder up the middle, although Vaqueros second baseman PAIGE BORRAS saved a second run from scoring with a great stab to prevent the ball from reaching the outfield.

Meanwhile, winning pitcher KYLEE KRINGS struckout 10 El Capitan batters in tossing a 3-hitter. The lone Vaqueros run came on a 2-out, solo homer by first baseman SARAH GROHMAN in the 5th.

Padilla went deep to left when the Sultans scored six times in the 3rd to mount a 7-0 advantage. Bass answered an inning later to highlight her offense, then collected nine strikeouts over four innings to improve her East County best pitching record to 15-1. Balough recorded four of her six outs in relief on strikes.

Santana also registered four doubles among its 13-hit attack.

Included was an RBI double in the 3rd by RACHEL FAILLA, who scored on Padilla's homer.

KELSEY McILONIE had a 4th-inning double, then DANIELLE BALOUGH and AMANDA CARPENTER went back-to-back with run-scoring two-base hits to cap the scoring in the 5th.

Bonita Vista 8, Valhalla 3 -- The homestanding Barons scored three times in the 1st, racing to an 8-0 lead in skating to an easy non-league victory and making a winner of sophomore pitcher Georgette Fonteneaux.

The Norsemen (11-11) had their chances with eight hits, but stranded a ton of baserunners before KELLEY SEITZ stroked a solo homer in the 7th. The setback snapped a 3-game winning streak, while Bonita Vista (10-6) has won 6 of 7, with the lone loss coming against Patrick Henry.

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UNIVERSITY CITY (4-28-07) -- In a key non-league affair with consequential implications for the San Diego CIF Division III playoff race, Steele Canyon received a game-tying home run by JAZMIN DAIGLE, then VANESSA ADAME lined a 2-run single an inning later, powering Steele Canyon past University City, 6-2, in Friday's (Apr. 27) lone contest involving East County schools.

The Cougars (18-6-1), leaders of the Grossmont South League, downed a Centurions ballclub (11-7) which just defeated Western League leader Cathedral Catholic, 8-5, to move within a half-game of the Lady Dons. All three schools are Div. III programs, which all should be in the mix to battle Santana for the section championship.

University City is among the few remaining schools without an outfield fence, which was thought to be a benefit to slow down Steele Canyon 's troop of home run hitters. Indeed, the Cougars lost a pair of long balls for ground-rule doubles which would've cleared most outfield barriers, but Daigle was still able to circle the bases for her first homer of the season to tie the game in the 4th inning.

The Cougars then tagged UC freshman pitcher Shay Fryer for four runs to take control in the 5th.

With two runners in scoring position, catcher KELLY CASH singled home LISA MONGELLI, then Adame sent a low liner to center to bring home RACHEL MAHONEY and Cash.

SAM BEASLEY followed with the team's third straight hit, an RBI double to score Adame for a 5-1 advantage. Beasley had a double in the 7th, scoring on a Daigle single.

JAYME JARVIS added two of Steele Canyon 's 10 hits. The Cougars, winners of four straight, meet second-place Valhalla next Thursday (May 3).

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EL CAJON (4-27-07) -- The rivalry between Valhalla and Granite Hills high schools is as intense as any in East County , carrying over many sports and other academic disciplines, and between friends and neighbors.

So one day after Granite Hills shutout Valhalla in baseball, it was up to the Norsemen softball team to save face and deliver its own shot.

Backed by a 4-hitter by CELINA CRUZ, the Norsemen jumped to a quick 5-run lead to buzz past the host Eagles, 7-2, in Thursday's (Apr. 26) key Grossmont South League ballgame. The victory broke the tie in standings between the team, lifting Valhalla to both second place and above the .500 plateau for the first time all season.

Not by coincidence, the winning -- 4 of their last 5 -- started when JODIE SCHMEHR started swinging a hot bat. The junior continue the streak with a grand slam in the 2nd inning to grab a 5-0 lead.

"You can't say how much Jodie means to this team," added Hartung. "And Celina has come on and pitched well, too."

Cruz had been behind two teammates in gaining starts in the pitching circle, but is now part of the baseball-esque rotation. She only struck out one batter, but coaxed Granite Hills to hit the ball into the ground.

"Celina's not a strikeout-type pitcher, so you have to play good defense behind her," noted the coach. "And that's just what we've been doing."

Following the loss of a half-dozen players to graduation, the young Norsemen side started the season at 2-4, including a setback to Granite Hills at the Cougar Classic. But the balance of power may be shifting again.

Schmehr got things rolling in the 1st with a lead walk, later scoring on a bombing Cruz missile shot over the left-fielder's head.

An inning later, third baseman KYLA BRANSFORD reached on an infield single, KAYLA HOUSTON and LAUREN CHIPPERFIELD walked, then Schmehr crushed a shot to left-center for her slam.

Granite Hills avoided the shutout in the 7th when NICOLE RIVERA, who registered two of the Eagles' four hits, singled and stole second, scoring on a basehit by freshman CHAYLAH ZETSCH.

Schmehr, Bransford and KELLEY SEITZ had two hits each for the Norsemen.

Monte Vista 3, Helix 2 -- The frustrated Highlanders left 11 baserunners stranded, including nine over the final four innings, as the Monarchs scored three times in the 6th to top host Helix. The two teams, plus Mount Miguel , are now embroiled in a 3-way tie for fourth place in the Grossmont South League.

Adding to the Helix' emotions: all three runs were unearned after holding the early lead.

A walk, an error and a stolen bases placed two Monte Vista runners into scoring position. JESIKA PEREA followed with an infield single to the "5.5" hole to score AMANDA AGUON, then a basehit just over second base by WHITNEY MULLINS scored BRITTANY WRIGHT to take the lead, then another error brought home what proved to be an important insurance run after the Scotties immediately responded.

Helix' 6th inning saw the team load the bases on a single by ANDI MARTIN DEL CAMPO plus a pair of walks. BETH AMANN lined a single to center to score Martin del Campo, but the ball reached the outfield so quickly, only one run could score.

However, a pop-out ended the inning with the bases loaded, then a 7th-inning double left another batter stranded, as Monarchs reliever KAITLYN McMILLAN saved the triumph for Mullins. Helix starter CHRISTINE JACOBITES was the hard-luck loser, despite nine strikeouts and allowing just five hits.

The Highlanders opened the scoring in the 4th on BAILEE REED’s double, scoring NATALIE SMITH, who singled.

"You didn't think I was going to let Erika pitch again, did you?" mused Bohe.

Nearly two months later, Bohe "risked" placing Beasley back in the circle, who tossed a 3-hitter at the host Matadors. She struck out five batters in gaining her second victory.

And no shots were directed Bohe's way in either the dugout of the third-base coaches box.

Speaking of no shots, Steele Canyon failed to hit a home run for the first time in five outings. Not that they needed to, parlaying seven singles into four runs in the first two innings.

Included were RBI basehits by LORENA KLOPP and NICOLE RANDEL in the 1st, then more run-scoring singles from JAZMIN DAIGLE and JAYME JARVIS in the 2nd.

KELLY CASH, who received the start at catcher, scored the other Cougars run in the 7th. After reaching on an error, Cash circled the bases on a double to left-centerfield by VANESSA ADAME.

Despite only three hits, none of the Matadors' hits were cheapies, as LAURA NELSON, CATRINA JONES and ROSIE GONZALEZ each stroked booming doubles to left-centerfield. Gonzalez' shot came in the 2nd, advancing to score an unearned run on a ground ball and an error.

Bohe joined a growing list of coaches injured this season. Most recently, the day prior to an Eastern League contest against Christian, veteran Morse coach Martha McCarthy was smacked above the right eye by a ball, required eight stitches.

However, Cash gained the start only after HANNAH ROST was placed on the shelf for at least two weeks with several broken ribs. No word on how or when the injury occurred.

Cook was one of four Santana players to register a multi-hit game with her 2-for-3 effort. DANIELLE BALOUGH added a pair of doubles, with two runs and a pair of RBI, while AMANDA CARPENTER and SHAE BASS were each 3-for-5.

Meanwhile, BRITTY BALOUGH spun a 2-hitter for the Grossmont North League leaders, but she was tagged for a couple of bombs. El Capitan catcher AMANDA COMBS smacked a solo homer to leadoff the 2nd to halve the Sultans lead to 2-1, while Vaqueros centerfielder ASHLEY WHITMORE recorded the other hits, including a triple to the fence.

Santana scored twice in the 2nd, as a Cook infield single brought home MICHELLE BRAMLAGE (single to right), then Danielle Balough doubled off the fence in centerfield to plate BREE PADILLA (single to center).

Following Combs' first homer of the season, the Sultans added three runs in the 4th, then a bonus marker in the 5th.

Cook started the 4th with a single, with pinchrunner NICOLE BRZECZEK scoring on a double by Danielle Balough, who scored on Carpenter's basehit. Several batters later, RACHEL FAILLA knocked home Bass. An inning later, KELSEY McILONIE lifted a sacrifice fly to center.

El Cap pitcher SARAH GROHMAN was only charged for three earned runs, striking out four batters.

Grossmont 6, El Cajon Valley 0 -- BRITTNEY FISHTROM tossed a 3-hit shutout to allow the Foothillers (10-9-1) to move above the break-even mark for the season.

A pair of runs in the 1st, 2nd and 6th innings was enough in offensive support, as first baseman KINDRA MYERS woke-up with the bat with a pair of run-scoring hits in the first two frames.

Myers combined with ADRIANA NAU for RBI singles for a 2-0 lead, then CORAL KASDEN and Myers recorded RBI basehits an inning later. Kasden also had a double to open the game, scoring the first run.

CAMMI MOORE entered the game for Myers in the late innings, producing a 2-run, pinchhit single in the 6th. Grossmont's defense also completed a pair of double plays.

The Braves' hits were collected by left fielder JESSICA COPE, second baseman KARI SATROM and shortstop COREY RAINEY.

Scripps Ranch 11, Christian 4 -- The Falcons gained a measure of payback from an earlier 1-0 loss to the Patriots, scoring eight times in the 1st to quickly break the deadlock in the Eastern League standings between the ballclubs.

Alexa Datko gained the victory in relief after the Scripps Ranch starter only lasted three innings. Datko also assisted in the big scoring outburst by tagging a 3-run home run.

Down 8-0, Christian immediately responded with four runs in the 2nd, three courtesy of JESSIE OWENS' fifth home run of the season. ALLIE SCOTT opened the rally with a triple, scoring on an ALYSSA GRAUL basehit. RIKI GENTRY walked, then Owens went deep to left.

Owens and Scott each collected two of the Pats' seven hits.

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EL CAJON (4-26-07) -- If Valhalla had hosted Clairemont over any of the last three seasons, scouts would have come out in force to watch a terrific pitching match-up. But with graduation cutting into both staffs, this pairing lacked the luster from previous years.

Too bad the Norsemen pitching prospects were not noticed Wednesday (Apr. 25) in East County's lone contest.

ANGELA UY and MEGAN McGIRR combined to toss a 5-hitter, lifting Valhalla to a 4-2 victory over the Chieftains. Uy lasted the first five innings, leaving with a 2-1 lead, but when an unearned run off McGirr allowed Clairemont to get even, McGirr used her bat to reclaim the lead.

Following a sacrifice fly by TONI ROSACKER to take a 3-2 lead in the 6th, Rosacker would also score when McGirr found the gap in right-centerfield for an RBI double.

The inning was set-up on a basehit by CELINA CRUZ, with pinchrunner CARLEE FLOTT going to second on a fielder's choice by KELLEY SEITZ. A walk to BIANCA GONZALEZ loaded the bases before Rosacker and McGirr delivered.

"It was a productive day out of the No. 8 slot," said Norsemen coach DOUG HARTUNG, noting an earlier 2-run double by Uy to open the scoring in the 4th.

Seitz and AMBER REARDON opened with basehits, both moving into scoring position on a sacrifice bunt from Gonzalez. Valhalla followed with a squeeze bunt, which failed, but Uy came through to snap the pitcher's duel.

Santana third baseman Kelsie McIlonie (top) belts a 2-run, 1st-inning homer, then trots around the bases against West Hills. (Photo by Chris Edwards)

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EL CAJON (4-25-07) -- The exploits of players like SAM BEASLEY and LORENA KLOPP to propel Steele Canyon High into the CIF-San Diego Section fastpitch rankings are well documented. But one of the Cougars' unsung heroes vaulted to the forefront in a key Grossmont South League ballgame.

In a contest of GSL co-leaders, sophomore catcher HANNAH ROST belted a pair of home runs to key an early lead, allowing the defending league and SDCIF Division III titlists to secure an 8-1 grounding of the host Eagles.

"They wanted to jam me, which is what I expected, so I was ready for it," said Rost of her first homer. "And when the pitch was down the middle, I took it to center."

The shell game continued, with Rost again selecting another winner.

"After the first homer, you could just tell they were going to pitch outside to me after that," Rost noted. "And when I saw the pitch there, I wanted to kill it."

"Everyone is feeding off each other to get home runs," Bohe added. "We really missed Hannah and JAZMIN (DAIGLE) when we played Granite Hills the first time. With them back, we're a totally different team.

Rust and Daigle were absent from the Falcon Fiesta championship game, when Granite Hills upended then top-ranked Patrick Henry and the Cougars for the crown. After the title game, Tuesday's (Apr. 24) ballgame was heavily circled on the Steele Canyon calendar.

"We wanted this game bad," declared Rost. "Sure they beat us, but I think we proved we're the better team."

After Rost's initial home run, Granite Hills got even when MEGAN BELIO singled, stole second, moved to third on a fielder's choice, then came home on a basehit to left by MANDY OBNEY.

West Hills' Brianna LaChusa beats the throw to first base for an infield single, eventually scoring on this slide around Santana catcher Brittany Fenn. (Photos by Chris Edwards)

Shae Bass tossed a 4-hitter to top West Hills, 3-2, in Tuesday's battle of North League leaders. (Photo by Chris Edwards)

SANTANA-WEST HILLS: PHOTO GALERY HERE

The two-out rally started easily enough on a walk to DANIELLE BALOUGH. However, she quickly stole second base, then came around on Carpenter's basehit to right field.

Santana also scored with a two-out rally in the 1st.

An infield error allowed SHAE BASS to reach base, then KELSIE McILONIE bombed a 2-run homer to left-centerfield. It was K-Mac's fourth longball of the season.

West Hills tied the contest in the 4th on a 2-run double by BRIANNA AUSTIN.

SHARLANA BURNER opened the inning with an infield single to the left side. BRIANNA LaCHUSA, who committed to play collegiately at small-school power Kenyon College in Ohio, singled to left, with both scoring on Austin's drive to the fence in left-center.

Bass struck out five without a walk, raising her record to 14-1. For West Hills, pitcher Brenna Sandberg was impressive, too. She struck out nine batters and also allowed just four hits.

At Kenyon, LaChusa will receive the Trustee Opportunity Scholarship, one of only two given by the school and the highest academic award offered to incoming freshmen.

Patrick Henry 4, Christian 3 -- The good new for the Christian Patriots is they share second place at the end of the first round of Eastern League play.

The bad news is they could've had second place all to themselves after scoring three times in the 5th, only to see the visiting Henry Patriots answer with four times in the 6th to waken a slumping offense which was shutout in the consecutive outings at mid-month.

Christian jumped on UCLA bound pitcher Donna Kerr for three runs on two hits -- the hosts’ only hits of the game.

ALLIE SCOTT walked to open the rally, KARA CARTWRIGHT’s sacrifice attempt went for an infield single when Kerr was slow in fielding the ball, then a bunt by ALLYSSA GRAUL was thrown away by Kerr to allow Scott to take an extra base and score.

Kerr followed with two of her 14 strikeouts, but JESSIE OWENS smacked a line drive for a single and pair of RBI for a 3-0 lead.

Christian pitcher JENNA ROYCE, who entered the contest with a perfect 5-0 record, was finally tagged. She allowed a pair of singles, two walks and a wild pitch for runs, then CIERA ASHMAN smacked a 2-run double to centerfield for the lead. Rotce left with no-decision.

"Jenna was really strong for the first five innings," said Christian coach ROMA DAWSON. "But we couldn't shut the door right away and they got some runs."

However, all the news is not good for Patrick Henry, which has reportedly forfeited an Apr. 14 contest against El Camino Real of Woodland Hills in the Santiago Spring Fling tournament.

And rumors abound from nearly a dozen sources that the school could give back as many as five other victories, which would risk the school's eligibility for a CIF-SDS playoff berth, including several Eastern League ballgames which would vault the team to near the bottom of the standings.

Grossmont 11, El Capitan 5 -- Vaqueros second baseman HEATHER BREWER practically powered the visitors to a late lead, but the Foothillers destroyed the upset bid by pushing across seven runs in the 5th inning for the Grossmont North League verdict.

Brewer was the batter each time El Capitan scored, reaching on a two-out error for a run in the 1st, then striking a long RBI double in the 4th. She also batted with the bases loaded and two outs in the 5th, again driving the ball to centerfield. But when the defender misplayed the drive with the runners on the move, all three scored to move the Vaqueros out in front, 5-4.

The Foothillers immediately responded, courtesy of ADRIANA NAU. After earlier hitting a solo homer in the 3rd, Nau opened the 5th with a double, as pinchrunner MEGAN GREEN and MADDIE HILL scoring on a go-ahead, 2-run single by HANNAH ESCALANTE, who received the start in place of CAMMI MOORE at catcher.

KIRSTEN ENGLISH and CORAL KASDEN followed with run-scoring singles, then Moore singled home a pair, then pinchhitter DESIREE OLSON registered a basehit for an RBI.

Meanwhile, Hillers pitchers ASHLEY RENALDI and BRITTNEY FISHTROM combined on a 3-hitter, as four errors allowed four unearned runs to score.

El Capitan's big inning in the 5th was set-up when freshman KELSEY MOODY walked, SARAH GROHMAN reached on an error, then freshman CATHERINE BROWN was hit by a pitch to load the bases.

The game-winning rally occurred with two out and a runner on first base.

"I don't know how we did it -- there was no chance we were going to win, but the girls wouldn't give up," said coach DOUG HARTUNG of his Valhalla side which shared the league title with Steele Canyon last season.

Pitcher MEGAN McGIRR got the winning rally started by legging out a grounder hit to the hole at shortstop.

"You have to give her credit," added Hartung. "She pitched a great game and didn't deserve to lose, so she made something happen on offense."

Following a second out, JODIE SCHMEHR walked to move pinchrunner MEGAN GIACOPELLI to second, then TONI ROSACKER walked on a 3-2 pitch to load the bases.

CELINA CRUZ followed with a shot to right-center for a basehit, with Giacopelli and Schmehr coming around to score on the walk-off single.

"Celina's been batting a solid .360 or so all season, but that was her biggest hit of the year," added the coach. "It was huge."

Cruz also started the rally in the 6th by reaching base on an error. Pinchrunner CARLEE FLOTT then scored on an indecision play on a ball hit by KELLEY SEITZ. The defender originally wanted to throw to first, then changed her mind and went to second, only to see the ball sail to the outfield to breakup Helix' shutout bid.

The Scotties broke the scoreless contest in the 5th when CHRISTINE JACOBITES singled, then scored when JESSICA FERNANDEZ smashed a homer to left-centerfield.

Mount Miguel 5, Monte Vista 2 -- LAURA NELSON marked her return to the Matadors' pitching circle as the starter following a 3-week absence by allowing just five hits to win her second straight contest to uncrown the host Monarchs.

Nelson struck out nine batters, then contributed a 2-run triple when Mount Miguel scored three times in the 3rd to open the scoring. Nelson also scored twice.

GABBY NAIDAS opened the frame by reaching on an error, catcher CATRINA JONES singled, then both came home on Nelson's drive to the fence.

ROSIE GONZALES added an RBI single in the 4th, scoring SHANICE SUTTON, who doubled. An inning later, SONIA RAY brought home Nelson with a single.

Meanwhile, GIGI RAMIREZ added two of the Matadors' eight hits.

The Monarchs posted their runs in the 3rd, as AMBER McMILLAN doubled, SHAKIRRA RANSOM placed a perfect bunt single, with both scoring on a double off the bat of LYDIA VENIEGAS.

Following the contest, Monte Vista coach SIG CHABROWSKI, who is also an assistant girls basketball coach at West Hills, announced he will follow Wolf Pack head coach CARLOS MOSS in his move to direct the hoops program at Crawford.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-24-07) —The most important day of the East County softball season has arrived, with three vital contests which could decide the fates of more than a half-dozen ballclubs in three leagues.

Included are the battles between a pair of ranked teams when No. 5 West Hills travels to No. 4 Santana to break the deadlock at the top of the Grossmont North League, while Grossmont South League co-leaders 9th-ranked Steele Canyon and Granite Hills meet the in Eagles lair on Tuesday (Apr, 24) at 4 p.m. About 45 minutes earlier on the same day, preseason No. 1 pick and currently No. 3-ranked Patrick Henry visits second-place Christian in an Eastern League duel to remain within arm's length of top-rated Mira Mesa.

Santana 2, Grossmont 1 -- The Sultans made a pair of first-inning runs stand up behind the pitching of SHAE BASS and BRITTY BALOUGH, who combined to toss a 4-hitter at the host Foothillers.

Bass struck out five batters in her five innings to run her record to 15-1, while Balough gained four of her six outs on strikes, including all three in the 6th to strand the potential game-tying run at second base. Balough earned her East County leading second save of the season.

Facing the heart of the Grossmont lineup, Balough surrendered a double to catcher CAMMI MOORE, but struck out the next two batters to end the Hillers' last best shot to tie.

Santana opened fast with singles by DANIELLE BALOUGH and AMANDA CARPENTER, with Balough scoring on a base hit to right by KELSEY McILONIE. K-Mac then took off for second base while Carpenter waited on a delayed steal, scoring while McIlonie stalled the defenders in a rundown.

Grossmont answered in the 3rd when hot-hitting ANDREA NEDDEN, who has extra-base hits in four of her last five games (including three homers) blasted a triple to left field, scoring AMBER LOVELADY, who gained a one-out base on balls.

McIlonie and RACHEL FAILIA each collect two of Santana's 8 hits, while BREE PADILLA smacked a double.

El Cajon Valley immediately answered to halve the lead.

JESSICA COPE opened the 6th with a walk, second baseman KARI SATROM advanced the runner 60 feet with good bat control by grounding to the right side, then a pair of wild pitches allowed Cope to scoot home.

West Hills got the run right back when JAYLEEN BUSH singled, BRIANNA AUSTIN bunted her to second with Bush reaching third on a passed ball, then coming home when a grounder back to pitcher was mistakenly played to first base with only one out.

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RANCHO SAN DIEGO (4-22-07) -- It took Christian High's JESSIE OWENS little time to take over Saturday's (Apr. 21) non-league game with Valhalla . Owens lifted the ballgame's opening pitch deep over the fence in left for her fourth home run of the season, then she went to the pitching circle and tossed a 2-hitter in the Patriots' comfortable 7-2 pasting of the Norsemen.

For the morning, Owens batted 3-for-4 in addition to striking out 10 Valhalla batters.

"You knew it was gone when she hit it," said Christian coach ROMA DAWSON. "But we’ve had several other players coming on of late, too."

Meanwhile, a 13-hit attack backed Owens' pitching by building a 7-0 advantage, with Owens serving as the catalyst for all three rallies with hits.

Plum later scored on a basehit by first baseball SARAH SEYMOUR, who went 2-for-3 with three RBI.

Christian added to its lead in the 5th with six consecutive hits -- five singles, started by Owens, plus a 2-run double by Seymour . Plum and Graul also knocked in runs during the outburst.

Valhalla scored both of its runs in the 5th to avoid Owens' shutout bid.

Christian (15-4) will host 2nd-ranked Patrick Henry in a key Eastern League contest at 3 p.m. Tuesday, while the Norsemen (8-10) return to Grossmont South League action the same day by hosting Helix at 4 p.m.

Patrick Henry (14-5-1) split a pair of contests at the Saugas Tournament, falling to Santiago, 3-1, before downing the hosts, 5-3.

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LA MESA (4-20-07) -- Provisions for next week's most important portion of the high school softball season found all of the favorites springing forward with victories Thursday (Apr. 19), setting up showdowns in all three major East County leagues.

Included were triumphs by Steele Canyon and Granite Hills in the Grossmont South League, and West Hills in the Grossmont North League to get ready for Santana, while Christian moved into second place in the Eastern League after No. 2 Patrick Henry was shocked with its third straight setback.

Both ballclubs were in top form with convincing victories Thursday (Apr. 19).

Granite Hills 8, Helix 1 -- The Eagles treated this game like a boxing match, plenty of early jabs with a series of singles to take the early lead, then an array of late extra-base hits for the late knockout blow to snap the Highlanders' 5-game winning streak.

Junior catcher JESSIE SCHATZ led the parade of punches, collecting three of Granite Hills' 12 hits. Included was one of five consecutive singles in the 1st inning, when the Eagles took a 4-0 lead. Schatz later added a double while scoring in the 3rd, then a basehit to help put the victory away in a 3-run rally in the 7th.

Meanwhile, MEGAN BELIO tossed a 3-hitter to collect the pitching victory, losing her shutout with one out in the 7th when Helix' ALYSSA DRONENBURG doubled to bring home an unearned run.

Belio carried a no-hitter into the 5th before CANDICE KROM lined a clean single to right field with one out. Belio eventually struck out six batters, then escaped several mild jams after walking six.

Four other Eagles -- MANDY OBNEY, KYLEE WILSON, NICOLE RIVERA and BRITTANI BERTUSSI -- each added two hits. The quartet started quickly with basehits in the 1st, coupled with a pair of Helix errors for a quick 4-0 lead.

Schatz and Wilson followed with doubles in the 3rd, the latter for the RBI and a 5-0 lead. Then a streak of three straight doubles by Bertussi, Rivera and Obney opened the floodgates in the 7th, the last two producing runs, then JENNY LAHITTE added a sacrifice fly.

Steele Canyon 11, Monte Vista 0 -- LORENA KLOPP was a one-person show, slugging a pair of homers to add to her East County leading total while pitching a 2-hit shutout over the visiting Monarchs.

The freshman batted 3-for-4 and drove in six runs, then lifted her pitching record to 7-2 after striking out 12.

"Lorena had a big game for us," said head coach JULIE BOHE. "And the whole team is hitting right now, so I feel good about getting back at Granite Hills next week."

The teams met in the championship of the Falcon Fiesta on Apr. 7, with the Eagles winning 7-2 after nipping then top-ranked Patrick Henry, 2-1 in 8 innings, in the semifinals earlier in the day.

Klopp's pitching has proven to be the balance needed to remove the entire pitching load from SAM BEASLEY, who is expected to start Tuesday. And with Klopp's firepower with the bat, she now owns eight homers for the season, moving within striking distance of the East County single-season record of 11, set by West Hills' KASEY MYTINGER in 2005.

Beasley opened the scoring in the 1st with a triple, coming home when a ball hit by JAYME JARVIS was thrown away for an error. The Cougars then scored three times in the 2nd, with Klopp collecting her first RBI with a single to again score Beasley, who doubled, then an error allowed two additional runners to come home.

Klopp later added a 2-run homer in the 4th, then a 3-run shot in the 5th, both flying over the fence in left towards The Great Wall. The RBI total was her second-best of the season after establishing school and Grossmont Conference marks with nine in a game in her varsity debut on Mar. 3.

Valhalla 7, Mount Miguel 3 -- The Norsemen jumped out quickly with five runs in the 2nd for a 6-0 lead to coast past the Matadors in Spring Valley.

Valhalla's middle infielders did most of the damage, as second baseman JODIE SCHMEHR and shortstop AMBER REARDON each belted triples.

Schmehr's blast down the left-field line cleared the loaded bases for a 3-0 lead, then Reardon's rocket to right-centerfield scored an insurance run in the 7th to cap a 3-for-4 performance.

TONI ROSACKER added a run-scoring double for Valhalla, making a winner of starting pitcher ANGELA UY.

Matadors catcher CATRINA JONES and designated player GIGI RAMIREZ each registered two of Mount Miguel's seven hits.

The hosts also received RBIs from ROSIE GONZALES in the 4th, SHANICE SUTTON in the 5th, then a line drive by Ramirez was misplayed for another run in the 7th.

In addition, JESSICA BELL entered in relief for the Matadors, allowing just a single run in 5 2/3 innings out of the bullpen.

FAITH KORIA paced the West Hills offense by batting 3-for-3, while BRIANNA LaCHUSA and SHARLANA BURNER each added two hits and a pair of RBI. In addition, shortstop BRIANNA AUSTIN was in the middle of both early rallies to grab a quick 5-0 lead.

After circling the bases on a walk, a ground ball and a pair of wild pitches for a 1-0 lead In the 2nd, Austin collected one of four consecutive RBI hits in the 3rd. Included were run-scoring hits by LaChusa, KRISTY VALLES (double), Austin and MICHERIE KORIA.

In between the rallies, Austin kept Grossmont off the scoreboard with an unassisted double play. With the bases loaded, the freshman moved to her right to snag a line drive off the bat of ANDREA NEDDEN, then stepping on third base to end the inning.

El Capitan 2, El Cajon Valley 0 -- JULIANNA DUNCAN equaled Steele Canyon's Klopp for the best pitching performance on Thursday (Apr. 19) with her own 2-hit shutout to blank the Braves. Duncan struck out six and walked none in facing just two batters above the minimum.

The Vaqueros pushed across all of their runs in the 5th.

Following a walk to PAIGE BORRAS, CHRISTINA ENDERLY reached on an error to set the table for SARAH GROHMAN, who slugged an RBI double.

With runners at third and second, LESLIE KUHEN followed with a grounder to third, with the throw going to first base to allow a second run to score to give Kuhen the RBI, even though she was safe at first when the ball went to the fence. Grohman then scored an unearned run on a passed ball.

The victory was El Capitan's first since Mar. 20, snapping a 5-game skid.

Eastern League
Christian 9, Morse 7 -- To get ready for Tuesday's battle with Patrick Henry, the Patriots attempted to save JESSIE OWENS from any pitching duties. But after Morse's Tigers came back from a 7-1 deficit to tie, Owens not only drove home the go-ahead run in the 5th, she also tossed two shutout innings of relief for her first save, moving Christian into a tie for second place in the Eastern League.

Christian sits at 3-1 with Scripps Ranch, while No. 2 Henry (2-2 in league) fell in 9 innings to top-rated Mira Mesa, 1-0, in San Carlos.

Morse showed signs of a comeback midway through the contest, but Christian escaped jams in the 3rd and 4th with identical double plays.

Third baseman AMANDA PLUM snared a line drive by Krisarah Rosario, then stepped on the base to kill one rally. An inning later, after Victoria Rodriguez hit an RBI double, Patriots second baseman NICOLE MARCOS made the grab of a liner up the middle, then tagged the base to halt another potential big inning.

The Tigers finally came through with five runs in the 5th, featuring a grand slam by catcher Kayla Calabrese, to tie the contest. But Owens singled home ALLYSSA GRAUL, who walked, moved to second on Marcos' sac bunt, then to third on a ground out. An inning later, AMANDA PLUM (2-for-2, plus two walks) added an insurance run with her third home run of the season.

Owens finished batting 3-for-4 with two runs and three RBI, two scoring on a double when Christian scored six times in the 2nd for a 7-1 advantage. The outburst also included a 3-run homer by KRISTINA WYNNS (2-for-4, three RBI), giving ALLISON GUNTER, the Pats' second pitcher, her 4th victory without a loss this season.

Morse played the game with recovering veteran coach MARTHA McCARTHY, who was "playing hurt" after taking eight stitches above her right eye after a ball was deflected and smacked her during practice earlier in the week.

© East County Sports.com
JAMUL (4-18-07) -- Many coaches hold their breath during spring break, hopeful rust doesn't form on their inactive ballclubs.

"We had so many players with bumps and bruises -- they needed the time off," noted Bohe. "Then we came out and worked out the kinks during (Monday's) practice, then came out on fire today."

The rust took four batters to be fully remove.

"Sam was as commanding as she's been all season," added Bohe on her senior standout, who struck out 10 batters. "After that first inning, her command was outstanding."

The Norsemen parlayed a pair of walks, following basehits by AMBER REARDON and KELLEY SEITZ, into a run after just four batters. However, Beasley got out of the mishap and left the bases loaded, then yielded just two additional hits the rest of the ballgame -- both by leftfielder JESSIE APPLEBAUM.

Meanwhile, Rost paced an offensive assault which also featured a pair of extra base hits by JAZMIN DAIGLE, who doubled and tripled.

Daigle started the comeback effort with a 2nd-inning double, stealing third, then scoring on a basehit to left by ERIKA BEASLEY.

In the 3rd, after Rost hit the first of her two longballs for the lead, JAYME JARVIS singled then scored on Daigle's triple, with Rost adding an insurance marker in the 5th with her fifth homer of the season.

Granite Hills 11, Monte Vista 0 -- Sophomore BRITTANI BERTUSSI tossed a 5-hit shutout by going 3-for-5 at the plate, as the Eagles pasted the host Monarchs in the teams' GSL kickoff contest.

Bertussi struck out 10 batters while the Eagles nickeled-and-dimed to slowly expanding the lead, then erupted for six runs in the 6th to put the game out of reach, The big inning featured a 2-run single by JENNY LAHITTE, who went 2-for-3.

Third baseman LAUREN HAGEMANN opened the scoring by slugging a ground-rule double in the 2nd to push across a pair of runs. Hagemann later added another double, finishing with three RBI.

Meanwhile, designated player MANDY OBNEY was a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate, driving home single runs in the 3rd and 6th.

For Monte Vista, five different players registered singles.

Helix 10, Mount Miguel 3 -- CHRISTINE JACOBITES tossed 1-hit ball over four innings to earn her fifth consecutive victory, then NATALIE SMITH went the final three frames for her first save of the season, leading the Highlanders to their fifth straight triumph to open the GSL schedule.

Jacobites got seven of her 12 outs on strikes, leaving the contest holding a 7-0 lead.

The Scotties pounded out 17 hits, including three each by ALYSSA DRONENBURG and Smith, while four other Helix batters -- ALYSSA BRITSCHGI, MELISSA FARRIOR, JESSICA FERNANDEZ and BAILEE REED -- registered two hits each.

Leading 2-0, Helix scored five times in the 4th to break the game open, featuring a 2-run single by Reed. Dronenburg later added a 2-run double, later scoring on a Smith triple.

West Hills 3, El Capitan 1 -- The most competitive ballgame of the afternoon saw the Vaqueros again give one of the North League favorites all sorts of fits. A day after limiting Santana to just two runs in a narrow loss, El Cap took an early lead on the Wolf Pack before the visitors rallied.

CHELSEA VELOVICH overcame allowing a 1st-inning run by tossing a 4-hitter. She struckout 11 for the Wolf Pack.

The Vaq Pack gained a 1-0 lead when KARINA HALE walked, catcher AMANDA COMBS doubled to place two runners in scoring position, but only Hale would score when shortstop HEATHER BREWER lifted a sacrifice fly to right field.

West Hills took the lead in the 4th, as a ground ball by BRENNA SANDBERG reached on an error, but was credited with an RBI as pinchrunner FAITH KORIA would have scored anyway. Catcher KAITLIN COBB followed with a run-scoring single to plate MICHERIE KORIA, who earlier singled, too.

An insurance run came in the 6th, setup when Micherie Koria (2-for-4) and pinchhitter STASIA HOLDMAN each singled. A fielder's choice took out the lead runner, but Holdman finally came home on a pinchhit basehit by JAYLEEN BUSH.

For El Capitan, Combs batted 2-for-4, while the team's other hits were recorded by JULIANNA DUNCAN (double) and CATHERINE BROWN.

After scoring an early run in the 1st, Santana posted five markers in the 4th to take control.

Older sister DANIELLE BALOUGH, a senior who announced she has narrowed her choice of colleges, with Cal Baptist currently heading the list of potential programs to continue her fastpitch career, started the opening rally as part of a 3-for-4 performance. She singled, then circled the diamond one base at a time on an error, then a pair of ground balls, the last one good for an RBI by SHAE BASS.

Bass later added a two-run single in the 5th, then another 2-run shot in the 7th, finishing with 5 RBI with two runs on 2-for-5 hitting. KELSEY McILONIE went 2-for-4 with an RBI, while BREE PADILLA added a triple for the Sultans.

Christian 9, Serra 1 -- Any Patriots concerns about the strengths of the host Conquistadors were quickly vanquished when JESSIE OWENS took command from the start in tossing a 1-hitter in Tierrasanta Tuesday (Apr. 17).

The victory, coupled with Scripps Ranch's 1-0 upset over Patrick Henry, moved Christian into a 3-way tie for second place at 2-1 in the Eastern League. Mira Mesa leads the parade at 3-0.

Owens was staked to a 3-run lead in the 1st, then went to the pitching circle to strikeout 14 Q's batters.

Serra registered its lone hit when they scored in the 4th, but SARAH SEYMOUR answered back in the 5th with a 2-run homer for a 5-1 lead, then the Patriots added four runs in the 6th to put the finishing touches on the easy victory.

Along with her pitcher, Owens aided the offense by going 3-for-4, while AMANDA PLUM batted 2-for-4, driving home a run and scoring three times. Meanwhile, catcher ALLIE SCOTT went 2-for-4 with three RBI, featuring a 2-run single to centerfield in the 1st.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-17-07) -- Schedule-makers in the Grossmont North League placed both Grossmont and Santana high schools into what didn't seem to be difficult situations to open league play. Both ballclubs took on opponents not expected to challenge for the pennant, yet each faced pretentious look-ahead factors with West Hills next on both schedules.

Grossmont 19, El Cajon Valley 2 -- Don't let the final score fool you. The Braves held early leads of 1-0 and 2-1, perhaps causing the Hillers to second-guess if they are contenders for a second straight GNL crown.

Somehow, responding with 13 runs in the bottom of the 2nd took care of any precariousness feelings. ANDREA NEDDEN registered the big hit of the offensive explosion, slamming a grand slam for her third home run of the season.

Later, CAMMI MOORE, who was given the afternoon off from her catching chores and served as the designated player, added a 3-run homer in the 4th. The blast was her fifth of the season, moving within one of East County leader LORENA KLOPP of Steele Canyon.

"You don't try to run-up the score on a team like El Cajon, but you can't tell your girls not to hit homers," said Grossmont coach JERRY LERUD, who emptied the bench early in the 4 1/2 inning contest. "And El Cajon did score early, so maybe we weren't ready to play either."

Moore's homer capped a 3-for-4 outing. She also added a double and a single to go with her three RBI. AMBER LOVELADY, MADISION HILL and KINDRA MEYERS added two hits each for the Hillers, making a winner of starting pitcher BRITTNEY FISHTROM (4-1), who recorded six strikeouts.

Nedden has now homered in Grossmont's last three ballgames.

Santana 2, El Capitan 0 -- The Sultans may not be scoring a ton of runs, but SHAE BASS provides a healthy cushion when she has the softball inside the pitching circle.

Bass struck out 11 batters to raise her record to an East County best 11-1.

Since falling to Steele Canyon for her only setback in a Grossmont Conference Tournament contest, Bass has shutout Otay Ranch, Coachella Valley, 2/3-inning of relief against Henderson (Nev.) Basic, Granada Hills, Las Vegas- Sierra Vista, Moreno Valley Valley View along with El Capitan.

The Sultans needed to play station-to-station ball to scratch across singles runs in the 2nd and 6th innings.

The scoreless game was snapped when BRITTANY BALOUGH singled to left, advanced 60 feet on a ground out by RACHEL FAILLA, then scored on a clean basehit to centerfield by BREE PADILLA.

Bass and KELSEY McILONIE opened the 6th with consecutive singles. A fielder's choice eliminated Bass, but Failla was able to load the bases with an infield single to deep shortstop. However, when the throw to first base skipped away, McIlonie scored.

Bass and Failla finished with two hits each, collectively garnering half of Santana's eight hits.

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (4-14-07) -- What you see isn't always what you get.

Two weeks into the season, Serra High looked like a team which could contend with Patrick Henry and Mira Mesa for the Eastern League title, winning 5-of-6 ballgames in the Friar Classic.

Following a so-so 3-8 start -- including a setback to Serra's Conquistadors -- the Scotties are putting together pieces which haven't been in alignment for quite some time, running their winning streak to four straight contests following Friday's (Apr. 13) come-from-behind 3-2 triumph over the visiting Q's.

"Our attitude is the difference and we're having a lot more fun," said winning pitcher CHRISTINE JACOBITES, who struck out a career-high 14 batters. "There was too much tension between everyone last year, it didn't matter if it was between players or coaches -- we've didn't have fun, which is really what it's all about."

"But now, even if we're losing, we're still having fun because we're all trying hard and no one gives up."

Jacobites (5-5) finished with a 4-hitter, allowing both runs (one earned) in the 2nd. All three outs in the first two innings were on strikes, then she registered two strikeouts in each of the final four frames.

"The pitches I throw I don't throw super fast," added Jacobites. "I throw drops and screwballs to get the ground balls for my defense -- I'm trying to let them hit the ball. And I'm learning to trust them and allow them to make plays."

Helix senior CHANEL McNUTT scored both the tying and winning runs as the flex player, pinchrunning for Jacobites in the 4th, then BAILEE REED in the 7th.

"It was a close game when they beat us last time, too, when a girl hit the ball to right-center in the bottom of the 7th," said McNutt. "So it was our turn to beat them in the 7th, too."

Running for Jacobites following her single through the box, McNutt stole second base, moving to third on an ALYSSA BRITSCHGI sacrifice bunt.

McNutt took the safe route on a ground ball to shortstop by waiting for the throw to first before deciding to go, but remained at third. But with two out, a pitch which scooted past the catcher was an even more difficult decision.

"I thought,'I better make this,'" noted McNutt on her dash to the plate. "I thought she dropped it and the ball was really close to her glove. Then I saw her stumble and I said,'Okay, I can go.'"

In the 7th, Reed lined a low shot past the bag at third, rumbling for a double.

McNutt came in and faced a similar decision on another grounder hit toward shortstop. But with a longer throw needed, the speedster decided to take off after the ball went to first base. However, the relay across the diamond skipped into foul territory along left-field, allowing McNutt to race home with the walkoff run.

Like Serra, Helix only collected four hits, yet three of them helped produce runs. The first was courtesy of clean-up hitter ALYSSA DRONENBURG, the team's top slugger, who blooped a single to the outfield to score BETH AMANN for a quick 1-0 advantage in the 1st.

Dronenburg, the shortstop and one of eight returning players, has noticed dramatic changes within the Scotties softball program.

"We came out strong, then we found a way to win -- that's what we've been doing a lot lately," said Dronenburg. "We're doing a lot of extra batting to get ready for league, so I think we're getting over the hump and winning some games."

The rising Highlanders (7-8) have won four straight and 5-of-7.

"I think we're going to be in the middle of the pack, probably between us and Valhalla for third," said first-year coach MARK PAULE on the Grossmont South League race, which commences Tuesday (Apr. 17) at Mount Miguel . "We try to not talk about the past -- all we talk about is have a good attitude and try working hard. And we're working hard, not trying to find some magic formula."

© East County Sports.com
MORENO VALLEY (4-13-07) -- Following a 6-hour roadtrip -- one way -- for a recent tournament in Las Vegas, Santana's 2-hour ride to Riverside County seemed like a cakewalk, especially after SHAE BASS and BRITTY BALOUGH combined on a no-hitter in Thursday's (Apr. 12) 4-0 Sultans victory over Valley View.

Santana (16-2) scored twice in both the 4th and 5th innings for its runs.

The Sultans registered three of their five hits in the 4th, as KELSEY McILONIE and Balough each singled, both coming home on a 2-run basehit by RACHEL FAILLA.

One inning later, DANIELLE BALOUGH and AMANDA CARPENTER hit consecutive singles, with both later scoring. The first came on a Valley View throwing error, then a fielder's choice grounder by McIlonie made it 4-0.

Mira Mesa 12, Christian 0 -- The inequity of placing the Division IV Patriots into the Division I Eastern League was all too apparent in Wednesday's contest. Christian may be one of the top programs in its division, but the top-rated Marauders -- with an enrollment nearly 9 times greater -- proved to be too difficult of an assignment in the shutout.

"We're definitely not in their class," said Pats coach ROMA DAWSON. "They're a really good ballclub."

Really good? The Marauders moved their record to 21-1, rating a slight favorite above Patrick Henry (11-1-1) for both the league title and the CIF Division I crown. So losing to Mira Mesa is hardly embarrassing.

Melissa Tillett tossed the shutout for Mira Mesa by spinning a 3-hitter. The lone Patriots hits were recorded by starting pitcher JESSIE OWENS, centerfielder KARA CARTWRIGHT and second baseman NICOLE MARCOS -- all sophomores.

Meanwhile, Owens only lasted one-plus inning in her comeback effort, as the first nine Mira Mesa batters reached base to score 8 times in the 2nd, including a two-run double by catcher Justeen Maeva.

"We may need to watch for Jessie's endurance more closely," noted Dawson . "She pitched a great game Tuesday (against Scripps Ranch), but may still need to build-up her strength."

Christian's bullpen displayed a strong effort, including 3 1/3 innings of shutout ball by freshman ALLISON GUNTER.

Mount Miguel 2, El Capitan 1 (9 inn.) -- In the completion of a suspended Grossmont Conference Tournament contest due to lightning from Mar. 22, the Vaqueros scored in the 6th to force overtime, but the Matadors won it in the 9th for their 4th victory of the season.

Eastern League MARAUDERS 12, PATRIOTS 0 Christian (12-4) Mira Mesa (21-2) 000 000 0 - 00 03 3 084 000 x - 12 13 0 Owens, Royce (2), Gunter (3) and Scott; M.Tillett and Maeva. W-M.Tillett. L-Owens (4-4). HR-none. League: Mira Mesa 2-0, Christian 1-1.

Non-League SULTANS 4, EAGLES 0 Santana (16-2) Valley View (8-12) 000 220 0 - 4 5 1 000 000 0 - 0 0 1 Bass, B.Balough (6) and Fenn; Gonzalez, Hernandez (4), Penneau (6) and Minder. W-Bass (11-2). L-Hernandez (1-2). HR-none.

Christian High catcher Allie Scott pumps this solo homer to centerfield, the only run in the Patriots' 1-0 Eastern League triumph over Scripps Ranch. (Photo by Jeanne Royce)

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-11-07) -- In support of Earth Day, which will be celebrated Apr. 22, the Eastern League softball opener between Christian and Scripps Ranch high schools specialized in protecting the ozone layer and offsetting carbon emissions. Both teams were careful not to send any softballs high into the atmosphere at any level -- except for one.

"Allie's getting more comfortable with the strike zone," said Christian coach ROMA DAWSON. "She's finding her place out on the field."

With the Patriots searching for an experienced catcher for more than a year, Scott possessed the club experience, yet few freshmen can fill such an important void. And following an adjustment period, Scott not only is handling the pitching staff responsibilities, her hitting is coming around, too.

"She's doing a nice job behind the plate," added Dawson . "And the more comfortable she gets, the better her hitting is becoming."

Meanwhile, JESSIE OWENS is nearing 100-percent recovered following the removal of her appendix less than a month away from Opening Day. Her build-up in strength took a month to regain, but the sophomore suffered from control problems.

Not against the Falcons. Owens struck out 8 and kept free passes to a minimum in out-battling Rachel Brown of Scripps Ranch.

"If Jessie's not at 100 percent, then she's at 98.9 percent," noted Dawson . "It was just an old-fashion pitcher's duel."

Falcons second baseman Katie Sigler went 2-for-3 -- the only player with multiple hits.

© East County Sports.com
LA MESA (4-10-07) -- In a performance copied hours later by the San Diego Padres at Petco Park, the Helix Highlanders made the most of just two hits, downing visiting Point Loma, 1-0, in Monday's (Apr. 9) lone East County fastpitch contest.

Mon., Apr. 9 Non-League HIGHLANDERS 1, POINTERS 0 Point Loma (7-6) Helix (6-8) 000 000 0 - 0 3 1 000 010 x - 1 2 0 C.Klingfuss and McGowan; Jacobites and Martin del Campo W-Jacobites (4-5). L-C.Klingfuss. HR-none.

"Both pitchers were outstanding," said Helix coach MARK PAULE. "But we were able to make the most of our two hits because they were back-to-back."

The lone Scotties hits came in the 5th inning, but it was enough to gain the victory.

With two outs, JESSICA FERNANDEZ sent a drive down the right-field line, racing around the diamond for a triple. BETH AMANN followed with a ground ball to deep to the hole on the left-side, beating the throw to first base by the shortstop for a scratch single and the RBI as Fernandez scored easily.

Jacobites (4-5) captured her third straight decision. Following a 4-hit victory over San Ysidro, Jacobites blanked Montgomery . Against Point Loma (7-6), the senior struck out nine and walked just one. Klingfuss was slightly better statistically with 10 strikeouts, but the consecutive hits beat her.

Meanwhile, the three hits allowed by Jacobites were just a pair of infield singles, plus a solid basehit to centerfield by shortstop Alexa Darosa.

Helix, which has won three straight and 4-of-6, plays under the lights on Friday (Apr. 13), hosting Serra at 5:30 p.m. (time change). The teams met Mar. 31 in Tierrasanta, with the Conquistadors nipping the Scotties, 4-3.

CARMEL HIGHLANDS (4-8-07) -- Consider the Grossmont Conference Tournament as an aberration. Much like everyone discounts the opening two weeks of the season by West Hills, which started 1-5 before winning 12 of 13 contests, Granite Hills may be a much better ballclub than many people thought.

And they have a pair of Top 10 teams who would vouch for them.

On Saturday (Apr. 7), the Eagles handed No.1 Patrick Henry its first loss of the season, then took down Grossmont South League rival and 7th-ranked Steele Canyon in sweeping the championship round of the Falcon Fiesta tournament.

BRITTANI BERTUSSI came through with solid hitting and pitching to pace Granite Hills to its first tournament title in more than a decade.

In the opener, Bertussi stunned the Patriots (11-1-1) with a walk-off, 2-run single in the bottom of the 8th inning in a 2-1 triumph. Then the sophomore defeated the Cougars by batting 3-for-4 with a homer and a double, while gaining the pitching victory by striking out six and allowing just a trio of singles in a 7-2 decision.

Bertussi headed the all-tournament team as most outstanding pitcher, while NICOLE RIVERA of Granite Hills was named most outstanding player.

Patrick Henry, the defending tournament champions, believed they earned a berth to a second straight title game, but Granite Hills right-fielder SAGE WOODROW would have none of it.

In the 4th, Mona Harris lifted a ball over the fence for an apparent 2-run homer to snap the pitcher's duel. However, Woodrow raced to the barrier and reached over to bring the ball back into play at the Carlsbad High diamond for the game-saving catch.

The scoreless ballgame finally went to an International Tiebreaker in the 8th, as the Patriots pushed across a run when catcher Taylor Hensley lifted a sacrifice fly to left, scoring placed baserunner Tori Schaefer, who had moved to third on a wild pitch.

However, Henry starter Donna Kerr failed to close out the triumph by setting down the first two batters in the 7th.

With KYLEE WILSON still standing at second with two outs, MEGAN BELIO walked, then pedaled her way around the bases on Bertussi's hit to left-centerfield. While Bertussi stayed at first instead of taking a chance on being thrown out at second, Belio was running on the hit and circled the bases for the win.

Traveling down the road to Torrey Pines for the Gold Bracket finale, the Eagles needed to wait while Steele Canyon received its own walk-off blast in its semifinal.

SAM BEASLEY clouted a 3-run homer to break a tie contest, lifting the Cougars to a 6-3 verdict over Scripps Ranch. Her one-out blow went to left field on a 1-2 count after fouling off the four previous pitches from reliever Alexa Datko. The game-winner followed walks to KELLY CASH and LISA MONGELLI.

LORENA KLOPP thought her East County leading 6th homer of the season would be the difference. The freshman hit a 3-2 pitch for a 2-run longball and a 3-1 lead in the 5th, but the Falcons answered with two in the 7th to extend the contest, capped by an RBI single with two out by Jackie Nguyen.

Sat., Apr. 7 Falcon Fiesta Gold Semifinals COUGARS 6, FALCONS 3 Scripps Ranch (9-5-1) Steele Canyon (13-5-1) 010 000 2 - 3 5 0 000 120 3 - 6 8 3 Brown, A.Datko (8) and Martinez; Klopp and Cash. W-Klopp (5-2). L-A.Datko. HR-A.Datko (SR), 2nd, solo; Klopp (SC), 5th, 1 on; S.Beasley (SC), 7th, 2 on. Record EAGLES 2, PATRIOTS 1 (8 inn.) Patrick Henry (10-1-1) Granite Hills (8-6) 000 000 01-1 4 0 000 000 02-2 3 2 Kerr and Hensley; Belio, Lahitte (5) and Schatz. W-Lahitte (3-1). L-Kerr (7-1). HR-none. Championship EAGLES 7, COUGARS 2 Granite Hills (9-6) Steele Canyon (13-6-1) 310 012 0 - 7 9 0 020 000 0 - 2 3 1 Bertussi, Lahitte (7) and Schatz; S.Beasley and Cash. W-Bertussi (4-2). L-S.Beasley (7-4). HR-Bertussi (GH), 6th, 1 on. Silver Consolation WOLF PACK 3, LANCERS 0 West Hills (14-6) Carlsbad (8-9-1) 003 000 0 - 3 8 2 000 000 0 - 0 4 1 Sandberg and Cobb; Ramirez, Ruskowski (6) and Threlfall. W-Sandberg (4-2). L-Ramirez. HR-none.

Rivera, the senior shortstop, reached with a trio of singles, but stole second base twice to advance into scoring position. Meanwhile, Bertussi slugged a run-scoring double to plate Belio in the 1st to propel the Eagles to a 3-0 lead, then capped the scoring with her 2-run homer in the 6th.

Belio failed to finish the contest, taken to a hospital for precautionary X-rays after a Sam Beasley pitch smacked the tip of her elbow.

Down 4-0, Steele Canyon scored its only runs in the 2nd. With the bases loaded, VANESSA ADAME (Fiesta sportsmanship award) reached on an infield single for a run, then Mongelli walked to force home another marker.

Otherwise, Bertussi (6 strikeouts over 6 innings) and JENNY LAHITTE (2 strikeouts in the 7th), dodged trouble all afternoon, walking seven and hitting three batters with pitches.

Consolation
West Hills 3, Carlsbad 0 -- The Wolf Pack, once 1-5, made it 13 victories in their last 14 outings after BRENNA SANDBERG spun a 4-hit shutout at the Lancers. FAITH KORIA batted 3-for-4 while JAYLEEN BUSH went 2-for-3.

West Hills (14-6) scored all of the game's runs in the 3rd.

Following consecutive one-out singles by Koria and BRIANNA LaCHUSA, MICHERIE KORIA hit into a fielder's choice for a run. Two batters later, STASIA HOLDMAN singled home a run, Bush singled to advance KRISTY VALLES to third, then catcher KAITLIN COBB made it 3-0 with a basehit.

"We called around looking for teams who wanted to play a night game," said Paule. "And Montgomery jumped at the idea."

The Aztecs probably won't make the same mistake twice.

Behind a combined shutout by CHRISTINE JACOBITES and NATALIE SMITH, the Scotties (5-8) moved to 1-0 under the lights during the Paule regime, pasting Montgomery, 15-0, in Friday's (Apr. 5) lone East County contest.

Jacobites struckout eight in her four innings of work, then Smith capped the shutout with two scoreless innings on the 5-hitter. The contest was called after six innings.

Meanwhile, the season-high crowd, enticed by a ballgame under the lights, enjoyed a ton of Helix offense, which scored five times in the 1st, then six more markers in the 4th to mount a 12-0 lead.

Smith also exploited the Aztecs with her bat with three hits, matching teammates MELISSA FARRIOR and ALYSSA DRONENBURG for team honors and give Helix (4-8) its first 2-game winning streak of the season.

Montgomery (2-6) has now been outscored 51-1 over its last three games since losing three starters -- including a pitcher and the shortstop -- to poor grades.

© East County Sports.com
CARLSBAD (4-6-07) -- The last time pitchers BRITTANI BERTUSSI of Granite Hills and Kristin Anderson of La Costa Canyon met, it was in relief work for their teams' respective starters, but the contest was already decided. The Mavericks took a 4-2 victory in the Cougar Classic, effectively sending the Eagles to a consolation bracket.

In Thursday's (Apr. 5) rematch in the final pool play affair of the Falcon Fiesta tournament, with Bertussi and Anderson penciled into the starting line-up, Granite Hills gained a measure of revenge. Bertussi limited La Costa Canyon to just a pair of singles, advancing the Eagles to the championship round in a 2-0 triumph over the Mavs.

Granite Hills moves forward to Saturday's (Apr. 7) semifinals, facing top-rated Patrick Henry in a 9 a.m. ballgame at Carlsbad . The other half of the draw finds Steele Canyon meeting the late winner between Westview and Scripps Ranch, to be held at Torrey Pines at 11 a.m.

Bertussi survived four walks by striking out seven batters to help the Eagles (7-6) move their record above the .500 mark after a terrible 0-4 showing in the Grossmont Conference Tournament. Even their one apparent victory was taken away when a contest they were leading 19-3 was taken away when it didn't go the regulation five innings after being suspended by lightning.

Granite Hills scored a single run in the 4th and 7th to defeat the freshman Anderson.

Shortstop NICOLE RIVERA scored the first run. The senior singled to left, stole second base, then came home on a basehit to left by catcher JESSIE SCHATZ.

MANDY OBNEY then opened the 7th with a solo homer to left.

Rivera also made display of her solid glove-work once again. Included was scooping a hard grounder ticketed for left, going deep in the hole to not only flah the ball, then making a strong throw to first to prevent a Mavericks rally in the 3rd.

Trailing 2-0, Steele Canyon halved the lead when junior left-fielder JAYME JARVIS belted a 1-out homer in the 4th.

Poway then got into trouble with a pair of two-out walks to IRENE BLUMENSTOCK and NICOLE RANDEL, then catcher KELLY CASH sent a deep drive to left field. However, the ball bounced over the short porch in left, for a rare ground-rule double. Thus, only pinchrunner MICHAELA SCRANTON scored, while Randel, who was running with two outs, was directed to return to third base.

Poway broke the tie in the 5th when Steele Canyon's second baseman and centerfield collided on a short fly ball behind the bag by senior Hilary Hopkins, as the ball was dropped to allow an unearned run to score.

Fortunately, Steele Cayon already knew it would advance based on fewest runs allowed if they kept the Titans under five runs, as the two teams and Carlsbad all split with each other in their pool.

© East County Sports.com
LAS VEGAS (4-5-07) -- Mira Mesa High ran its record to 20-1 this season, including all six games to claim the Fred Davison Memorial Tournament, including a 3-1 decision over West Hills in Wednesday's (Apr. 4) championship contest.

Against the Sultans, Mira Mesa scored three times in the 4th to break the scoreless pitcher's duel, but Santana answered in the 5th when DANIELLE BALOUGH tripled, coming home on a fly ball to left by AMANDA CARPENTER. And when Santana placed two runners on board in the 6th, Tillett entered to end the budding rally.

Flip roles in the final, held at West Flamingo Park.

With Mira Mesa again leading 3-0, the Wolf Pack gained a couple of baserunners to move the potential game-tying run to the plate, but Goff was the stopper this time. West Hills later pushed across a run in the 7th, but the Marauders won to take the season series, 3-0.

The victory also avenged Mira Mesa's runner-up finish in the North pool of the Grossmont Conference Tournament. Both teams were perfect at 5-0, but the Wolf Pack advanced to the final -- which they eventually won over Steele Canyon -- based on a tiebreaker for fewest runs allowed.

In other tournament action, Las Vegas-Palo Verde nipped Monte Vista, 3-2, in the Copper Division semifinals.

JESIKA PEREA tied the game for the Monarchs with a solo homer in the 3rd, but the Panthers answered with the go-ahead run in the 5th.

Rancho Buena Vista Tournament
Grossmont, following a 5-1 setback to Mission Hills, bounced back to gain a victory and a tie in Wednesday's Longhorn Classic action. The Foothillers fought to a time-limit draw with El Camino, 3-3, then swamped lowly Orange Glen, 15-0 in five innings.

Grossmont right-fielder ANDREA NEDDEN homered in both contests, while throwing out a pair of baserunners for double plays.

Nedden hit a 2-run homer in the opener to take a 2-1 lead against the Wildcats. The blow brought home ADRIANA NAU, who had doubled. An inning later ASHLEY RENALDI went deep, but those would be the only three hits for Grossmont in the contest, as El Camino scored twice in the 5th to salvage the draw on a two-run homer by Jerrin Fa'assua.

In game two, BRITTNEY FISHTROM spun a 1-hit shutout against the winless Patriots (0-9).

Nedden smacked a 2-run homer in the 3rd for a 5-0 lead, then the Hillers added nine more markers in the 4th for the rout.

© East County Sports.com
LAS VEGAS (4-4-07) -- A pair of Top 10 teams from the CIF-San Diego Section will battle for a championship game berth, when No. 8 Santana meets No.3 Mira Mesa in Wednesday's (Apr. 4) semifinals of the Fred Davison Memorial Tournament at West Flamingo Park.

The Sultans and Marauders are both 4-0 in tournament plays, capping pool play with triumphs Tuesday (Apr. 3) morning, then taking Gold Division quarterfinals in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, West Hills also gained a final four berth in the Gold Division, but are in the other half of the draw. Last season, the Wolf Pack and Santana met in the semis, with the Sultans going on to the tournament crown.

SHAE BASS outlasted Granada Hills sophomore Rebecca Patton, as both struck out five, while Patton won the strikeout battle, 6-5. However, the Sultans pieced together a pair of basehits and a couple of Highlanders defensive lapses into both runs in the 4th inning.

DANIELLE BALOUGH opened the frame with a single, eventually scoring on a basehit by AMANDA CARPENTER, who came home on a passed ball and an error by the third baseman.

Both ballclubs collected five hits -- the second-most allowed by Patton (11-5) this season -- as Granada Hills slipped to 12-6.

In game two, Balough again paced the offense, going 3-for-4, including a 3-run triple in the 4th to help build a 9-0 lead.

Carpenter opened the scoring with a 2-run double in the 3rd, while RACHEL FAILLA and MICHELLE BRAMLAGE knocked in runs. KELSEY McILANNIE, BREE PADILLA and Bramlage each registered two of Santana's 13 hits.

In the opener, JODIE SCHMEHR and AMBER REARDON each batted 2-for-3 with a pair of RBI. Schmehr drove in her runs on a triple in the 4th, making a winner of pitcher CELINA CRUZ.

In the elimination round, Valhalla (7-7) moved back to the .500 plateau as Schmehr again went 2-for-3 with two RBI, plus scored twice, while Cruz was 2-for-3 with one RBI.

The Norsemen put the Tigers away early with seven runs in the 1st.

Included were consecutive run-scoring basehits by KELLEY SEITZ and Reardon, KAYLA HOUSTON was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded for another RBI, then the hit parade continued with hits for runs by Bramlage, MEGAN McGIRR, then a 2-run double by Schmehr.

Valhalla will meet Carson in the Silver semifinals.

Monte Vista -- The Monarchs finished in a 3-way tie for second place in their pool, but all the tiebreakers went to other teams, leaving the ballclub in the Copper Division consolation bracket. However, they did pick up a nice revenge win to stay alive in the tournament.

After falling to Carson, 6-2 in pool play, Monte Vista claimed a victory over Mar Vista, 6-2, as WHITNEY MULLIINS tossed a 2-hitter. The triumph avenges a 3-0 setback to the Mariners back on the season opener.

LYDIA VENIEGAS opened the scoring with a solo homer in the 1st, when Monte Vista took a 2-0 lead, then JESIKA PEREA went deep with a 2-run homer in the 5th.

After Veniegas' shot, BRITTANY WRIGHT singled and later scored on an error on a ball hit by Mullins. In the 2nd, Monte Vista doubled its lead on a fielder's choice grounder by Veniegas, who then stole second, with SHAKIRRAH RANSOM scoring on a delay sprint from third base.

Veniegas scored again on Perea's homer for a 6-1 lead. Meanwhile, Mullins struck out six to collect the win.

Non-League
Helix 17, San Ysidro 2 -- NATALIE SMITH recorded five RBI, while CHRISTINE JACOBITES and ALYSSA DRONENBURG went 2-for-3 each to pace the Highlanders to the verdict along the border. Jacobites was the winning pitcher, allowing just four hits.

© East County Sports.com
LAS VEGAS (4-3-07) -- East County fastpitch teams are participating in three tournaments during Spring Break, including five schools at the Fred Davison Memorial Tournament at West Flamingo Park.

Fred Davison Memorial Tournament
Santana (2-0): df. Coachella Valley, 23-0; df. Henderson-Basic, 12-11 -- After trashing the Arabs in a contest called after just 2 1/2 innings, the Sultans were on their way to a sweep until the Wolves rallied for six runs in the 6th (and final inning; time limit).

However, SHAE BASS entered in relief to prevent Basic from taking the lead, then BREE PADILLA was at the center of the game-winning play to lift the Sultans' record to 13-1 overall.

Padilla slammed a double in the bottom of the 6th, and when the outfielder misplayed the ball, the senior kept on running, circling the bases on the walk-off play.

MICHELLE BRAMLAGE, BRITTANY FENN and AMANDA CARPENTER each collected two of Santana's 13 hits.

For the Wolves, Aaren Fisher was 3-for-3 with two homers and five RBI.

In game one, the Sultans mounted 24 hits in only two turns at the plate, scoring a school-record 18 times in the 2nd, featuring solo homers by DANIELLE BALOUGH and Bass, who claimed the pitching victory in both contests to move to 8-1 for the season.

Although the game went only three innings, Bass was still credited with her second no-hitter of her senior campaign.

West Hills (2-0); df. Mar Vista, 1-0; df. Faith Lutheran, 8-2 -- Could the Wolf Pack again meet Grossmont North League rival Santana in the championship round as in 2006, when the teams met in the semifinals? Both teams finished the first day of the Fred Davison Memorial at 2-0 as West Hills became one of the few teams to beat a pair of ballclubs with winning records.

In the opener, the Mariners scored in the 1st, but KYLEE KRINGS tossed 6 1/3 innings of shutout ball to give the Pack a chance to rally with runs in the 1st and 6th to win.

CASSIDY BAGGETT tied the contest with an RBI triple, bringing home BRIANNA LaCHUSA, who singled. LaChusa also scored the winning run when she walked, stole second while taking third on the catcher's overthrow, then came home on a wild pitch.

Krings struckout six Mar Vista batters, helping West Hills avenge a 4-3 early-season setback to Mar Vista.

In the nightcap, which only lasted five innings (time limit), CHELSEA VELOVICH went all the way in her first start since returning from an injury. She tossed a 2-hitter and struck out three, extending the Wolf Pack (10-5) winning streak to nine games.

FAITH KORIA went 2-for-4 with a double and a pair of runs scored, while SHARLANA BURNER, BROOKE COWAN and JAYLEEN BUSH added two hits each. BRIANNA AUSTIN scored twice.

Valhalla (1-1): df. EC-Southwest, 8-6; lost to Henderson-Foothill, 7-6 -- In both games, the visiting team took huge leads, then staved off rallies to win. For the Norsemen, it meant a split of pool play games in Monday's (Apr. 2) opening round of the Fred Davison Memorial Tournament in Las Vegas.

In the first game, Valhalla posted six runs in the 1st, then hung on when the Eagles of El Centro came back with three markers in the 6th (and final inning; time limit), making a solo homer by JODIE SCHMEHR in the top of the 6th all more important in building an 8-3 lead.

After loading the bases, the game-opening onslaught featured an RBI single by AMBER REARDON, a KELLEY SEITZ sacrifice fly, a run-scoring single by winning pitcher KAYLA HOUSTON, and a 2-run basehit by designated player MEGAN McGIRR.

The lead went to 7-1 in the 3rd when TONI ROSACKER singled home Houston, then Reardon's one-out blast in the 6th. Reardon, Houston and Rosacker each registered two of Valhalla's 10 hits.

In game two, Foothill senior Shantel Straily tossed four shutout innings, but the Norsemen roared back with two runs in the 5th and three runs in the 6th to beat the time limit, forcing the International Tiebreaker to start in the 7th.

Valhalla forced the tiebreaker on an RBI single by LAUREN CHIPPERFIELD, then Rosacker registered a two-out, two-run single, giving the senior five hits and three RBI on the day. Schmehr added a run-scoring double in the 5th to start the comeback.

Monte Vista (1-1): df. Cathedral, 6-4; lost to Cimarron-Memorial, 6-0 -- The Monarchs shocked the defending CIF Division III runners-up in a wild International Tiebreaker before falling to the traditional Nevada powers in the nightcap.

Monte Vista saw leads of 1-0 and 2-1 slip by, but when the time limit was reached, the tiebreaker was invoked in the 7th inning when both teams went wild.

A single and a walk loaded the bases to set the stage for a 4-run Monarchs rally, capped by a 2-run triple by WHITNEY MULLINS. The 3-base hit was the second of the contest by the junior, who entered in relief of starting pitcher ROSIE ABEYTA to gain the victory.

LYDIA VENIEGAS went to left with an RBI single to score KAITLYN McMILLAN for a 3-2 lead, then a grounder to deep short by BRITTANY WRIGHT allowed KRISTYNE MORENO to come home on the fielder's choice to third.

JESIKA PEREA reached on an error to put two runners in scoring position, with both scoring on Mullins' blast to right-centerfield.

Cathedral made things interesting when Amber Walsh homered to the fence-less outfield in center, but Mullins retired the next two hitters to cap three innings of relief to gain her third win in her last four decisions, as the Monarchs have come out on top in five of their last six contests.

In the second game, Jennifer Lidell, who has signed to pitch for Doane College ( Neb. ) out of the Las Vegas Rage Gold club program, scattered seven Monarchs hits to move the Spartans to the top of the pool at 2-0. Lidell struck out five.

Perea went 2-for-3 for Monte Vista, which could still wins its poll on a tiebreaker should the Monarchs defeat Carson and Cathedral upends Cimarron-Memorial in Tuesday's action.

For the Spartans, Felicia Valdez was 3-for-3 with a double and two RBI.

Mount Miguel's game results were not reported.

Falcon Fiesta
Steele Canyon 11, Carlsbad 3 -- LORENA KLOPP slugged a 2-run double in the 1st -- one of three doubles by the freshman -- as the Cougars chased the Lancers' starting pitcher after scoring five times in their opening at-bat to dispose of Carlsbad in Falcon Fiesta tournament play.

Klopp's initial blow scored both LISA MONGELLI and VANESSA ADAME, then Steele Canyon received run-scoring hits by JAYME JARVIS (single) and IRENE BLUMENSTOCK (double) for a 5-1 lead and force Carlsbad to go to the bullpen.

SAM BEASLEY settled down after allowing three early runs, blanking Carlsbad over the final three innings, then Steele Canyon scored twice in the 5th and three times in the 6th to gain the run-rule triumph.

Klopp and Jarvis each finished with three hits, while Blumenstock went 2-for-3 as part of a 13-hit attack.

Longhorn Tournament
Mt. Carmel 5, Grossmont 0 -- Sundevils first baseman Jessica Vasser accounted for all of the game's runs with a pair of home runs, while a pair of pitchers tossed a 4-hit shutout at the Foothillers in Longhorn Tournament play at Rancho Buena Vista.

Vasser slugged a two-run homer in the 1st inning, then went yard with a 3-run shot in the 6th to cap a 5 RBI performance. Meanwhile, Kellie Fox tossed the first two innings for Mt. Carmel (13-3), then No. 1 starter Jessica McDermott went the final five frames for the victory, stirking out six.