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EL CAJON (4-1-07) -- In a mixing of historical metaphors, Christian High fired five cannonballs at Holtville -- all for home runs -- as the Patriots sank the visiting Vikings in Saturday's (Mar. 31) non-league doubleheader, 10-0 and 9-4.

AMANDA PLUM and ALLIE SCOTT delivered 1st innings shots to the bow for a quick 3-0 lead in the opener, later followed by a SARAH SEYMOUR blast to run-rule Holtville in the opener.

Game Two featured marks by JESSIE OWENS and KRISTINA WYNNS, allowing the Patriots to catch Steele Canyon and Santana with an East County leading 11 victories for the season.

Owens registered 12 of Holtville's outs on strikes in the opener, spinning a 1-hit shutout.

Plum started a 15-hit attack with a solo homer, then following a Seymour single, Scott went deep. In the 3rd, Plum singled then scored on a 2-run shot by Seymour, who went 3-for-4. Scott batted 2-4 with 2 runs and 4 RBI.

The nightcap was tied at 2-all on Owens solo shot in the 3rd before Christian scored five times in the 5th. Included was a 3-run blast to left by Wynns.

Plum went 4-for-4, while Scott capped a 6 RBI afternoon by going 3-for-4 and driving in 2 more runs.

Leading 3-1, a series of errors allowed the Conquistadors to tie the contest with a pair of unearned runs in the 5th, then Q's catcher Jessica Olafsen drove in the game-winning run in the bottom of the 7th to send Serra past Helix in non-league action.

Isela Mohr started the rally with a single, then two outs later, Olafsen sent a drive to the gap.

The Highlanders rallied from a 1-0 deficit by scoring all of their runs in the 3rd, as BETH AMANN opened the inning with a walk, ALYSSA DRONENBURG reached on an error, then NATALIE SMITH added a basehit to load the bases.

KAILAH CANO delivered the go-ahead strike with a 2-run single to centerfield, scoring Amann and Dronenburg, then ALYSA BRITSCHGI singled to right to bring home Smith.

Helix is slated to play a pair of non-league games during spring break, traveling to San Ysidro on Tuesday (Apr. 3), then hosting Montgomery on Friday (Apr. 6).

West Hills' Kristy Valles pitched 7 scoreless innings, but received no-decision after the Wolf Pack needed 8 innings to edge La Costa Canyon, 1-0, in Friday's Falcon Fiesta contest. (Photos by Greg Eichelberger)

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SANTEE (3-31-07) -- Just call the first two weeks of the season an anomaly.

A day after racing past Steele Canyon for the Grossmont Conference Tournament crown, the West Hills Wolf Pack ran its winning streak to seven straight ballgames after nipping visiting La Costa Canyon, 1-0 in 8 innings, in Friday's (Mar. 30) Falcon Fiesta tournament contest.

Not too bad for a team which stumbled out of the gate with a 1-5 record.

The Wolf Pack (8-5) saw KRISTY VALLES toss seven shutout innings, allowing just two hits. However, CHELSEA VELOVICH marked her return from a mild leg injury to pitch a perfect 8th inning to collect the victory after West Hills scored the game's lone run in the bottom half of the inning.

Despite the use of the International Tiebreaker, the runner placed at second base was eventually out at the plate on a failed squeeze bunt. Yet the Pack still mustered several hits to top the Mavericks.

STASIA HOLDMAN singled to place two runners on base, a wild pitch moved them both into scoring position. But with two out and an open base, the La Costa Canyon coaching staff elected to pitch to freshman MICHERIE KORIA, who busted the strategy with a line single to centerfield to score her sister, FAITH KORIA.

Micherie Koria finished batting 2-for-4, including a triple, while MELISSA HILL also added two hits, including a double.

Mount Miguel 11, Chula Vista 3 -- In their biggest display of offense of the season, the Matadors parlayed 17 hits and four Spartans errors into an easy non-league triumph.

LAURA NELSON gained the victory, scattering seven Chula Vista hits. Then the pitcher did even better at the plate, going 4-for-5 with a double and an RBI.

A 5-run rally in the 3rd gave Mount Miguel a 6-3 lead. Included was a 2-run basehit by COREE MOLINA, as the first baseman went 3-for-4 with three RBI. Catcher CATRINA JONES and shortstop GABBY NAIDAS added two hits each as part of an 11-hit attack.

Steele Canyon 11, Point Loma 2 -- The Cougars rebounded from their GCT setback to paste the Pointers in a non-league contest on the peninsula.

LORENA KLOPP registered RBI singles in all three Steele Canyon rallies to help the Cougars comeback from an early 2-0 deficit. Utilized as the designated player, Kloop went 3-for-4 with three RBI, giving her 14 runs driving in for the week.

Klopp's single in the 3rd cut the deficit to 2-1, then a squeeze bunt by starting pitcher ERIKA BEASLEY to score Klopp tied the ballgame.

One inning later, VANESSA ADAME led off with a single, scoring on a Klopp triple off the fence in right-centerfield. Klopp scored again, this time on a LISA MONGELLI basehit.

The Cougars put the game away with a 7-run explosion in the 5th, capped by a 3-run homer to left by JAYME JARVIS.

SAM BEASLEY tossed the final four innings in relief to pick up the victory, getting 10 of her 12 outs on ground balls. She struck out the other two Pointers.

Granite Hills 10, Morse 1 -- The Eagles struck for six runs in the 4th to run-rule the host Tigers in a Falcon Fiesta tournament affair. The key hit was another homer by freshman JENNY LAHITTE, who cleared the bases with a grand slam.

Lahitte finished with 6 RBI, including a two-run single in the 1st to lift Granite Hills to a quick 3-0 lead.

Junior catcher JESSIE SCHATZ knocked in a pair of runs without the aid of a hit, twice hitting the ball up the middle or to the right side to produce runs. The first scored MEGAN BELIO in the 1st , then NICOLE RIVERA scored in the 3rd for a 4-1 lead.

Belio limited the Tigers to two hits to gain the pitching win. She struck out three.

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JAMUL (3-30-07) -- Even missing a trio of starters, West Hills High again displayed one of the deepest rosters in the East Count . Finding production from the bench, the Wolf Pack saw three newcomers to the varsity drive in runs, downing Steele Canyon , 4-1, for Thursday's (Mar. 29) championship of the Grossmont Conference Tournament.

CASSIDY BAGGETT, BRIANNA AUSTIN and MICHERIE KORIA all knocked in runs, while West Hills senior KYLEE KRINGS limited the Cougars to just a run on six hits, giving the North League yet another GCT title.

"Cassidy was on the JV last year, while Briana and the Korias (Micherie and sister FAITH) are freshman, so I didn't know much about them," said Wolf Pack coach STEVE SUTTON. "It took us a few weeks to find out what they can do."

Baggett started the roll with a booming double in the 1st, as BRIANNA LaCHUSA was ruled safe on a close play at the plate.

Steele Canyon answered to tie the game in the 2nd thanks to three consecutive basehits.

LISA MONGELLI put down yet another bunt for a scratch single, then JAZMIN DAIGLE and JAYME JARVIS also struck for basehits to score Mongelli.

However, Krings limited Steele Canyon to just three additional hits the rest of the way. Krings is handling all of West Hills' pitching chores while CHELSEA VELOVICH recovers from a twisted ankle. Meanwhile, JAYLEEN BUSH sat out the GCT final after banging her leg while sliding in the final pool play contest against Helix.

"With so many injuries, we needed to throw the younger players out there, but they're showing what they can do," added Sutton.

The Wolf Pack took the lead for keeps in the 5th, then added an insurance run in the 7th.

Catcher KAITLIN COBB surprised the Cougars with a bunt single, then pinchrunner MELISSA HILL stole second base. Austin followed with a run-scoring single, then three batters later, Baggett drove in her second run with an infield hit.

In the 7th, Micherie Koria doubled, then moved to third on a chopper by Hill. The senior was ruled safe at first, but when the throw sailed wide to the outfield, Koria scored.

Steele Canyon right fielder ERIKA BEASLEY kept the game close with a pair of running catches in the gap.

"Those were real nice plays -- they kept us in the game," noted Cougars coach JULIE BOHE. "Even though we didn't win, those are plays which lead to wins."

Seymour knocked in at least one run in every inning the Pats scored in, capped by a 2-run single in the 6th to push the lead to 10-0. She also registered a run-scoring single in the 3rd, then send a shot down the left field line for an RBI triple in the 5th.

Meanwhile, JESSIE OWENS tossed five shutout innings to collect the victory. She struck out six and allowed just two hits. However, Hilltop was able to scratch a run off the Patriots bullpen in the 7th to avoid the shutout bid.

Owens broke a scoreless contest with a lead single in the 3rd, then stole second base. KRISTINA WYNNS followed with a basehit, then Owens scored on a squeeze bunt by AMANDA PLUM.

Seymour followed with her first hit to produce a run, then her triple scored Plum in the 5th, followed by RBI singles by ALLIE SCOTT and KARA CARTWRIGHT.

Christian finished with 14 hits, including six in the 6th, with the last four -- by JENNA ROYCE, Owens, Wynns and Seymour -- driving home runs.

Monte Vista 11, Sweetwater 0 -- WHITNEY MULLINS and MARIZA MALDANADO combined on a 2-hit shutout of the visiting Red Devils in a non-league game called after five innings.

Mullins, who has received inconsistent support as her Monarchs have been shutout in three of her starts this season, ran her record to 3-6 with one of the team's biggest displays of offense all season. Meanwhile, Maldanado, a freshman, tossed three innings of no-hit relief to collect her first career save.

BRITTANY WRIGHT, another frosh, was in the middle of the assault. She went 3-for-4 with a pair of RBI, both coming on a 2-run double in the 1st when Monte Vista took a 3-0 lead. Wright and AMANDA AGUON each scored three times.

The Monarchs added six more markers in the 2nd, featuring a 2-run double by Mullins, while JESIKA PEREA went 2-for-2 with two runs and two RBI.

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SANTEE (3-29-07) -- A pair of Grossmont Conference schools need to replace a few lightbulbs on the scoreboard after each scored nine runs in a single inning to trounce its competition Wednesday (Mar. 28).

Santana collected its 9-spot in the 2nd inning to claim a,11-0 non-league victory over Otay Ranch, while Steele Canyon expanded a 4-0 lead with a 9-run outburst in the 5th to wipe out Grossmont, 19-0, in a Grossmont Conference Tournament makeup contest.

Santana 11, Otay Ranch 0 -- A few days after downing Bonita Vista, Eastlake and Mar Vista to capture the Hilltop Tournament, the Sultans completed the sweep of the top South Bay schools by jumping quickly all over the Mustangs.

The 9-run rally in the second featured a 2-run single by RACHEL FAILLA, but MICHELLE BRAMLAGE, CARLA CARILLO and SHAE BASS also knocked in single runs with basehits. Santana took advantage of several Otay Ranch errors for the remainder of its runs.

The other runs came in the 4th, courtesy of RBI basehits by BREE PADILLA and BRITTANY FENN.

Bass tossed a 3-hit shutout for the victory, while going 2-for-3 at the plate.

KELSEY McILANNIE also went 2-for-3 with two runs scored, while BRITTY BALOUGH was 2-for-2 with three runs scored plus a base on balls.

Klopp went to left with her East County leading 5th homer of the season, completing a big day at the plate. The freshman first baseman went 4-for-5 with 6 RBI. Sandwiched around her home run was a 2-run single in the 4th and a run-scoring basehit in the 6th.

SAM BEASLEY prepped for the GCT final by spinning a 2-hit shutout. She struck out nine, walked none, and faced just one batter over the minimum when third baseman JAZMIN DAIGLE started a double play. Daigle handled a line drive, then fired to first base for the twin-killing.

Beasley also scored three times, while JARVIS JARVIS batted 3-for-3, plus a walk, a sacrifice bunt, scored twice and knocked in a run.

The big inning also featured a 2-run double by ERIKA BEASLEY, a 2-run single by HANNAH ROST, followed by Klopp's wallbanger against Grossmont's tiring pitching staff. So far this week, Klopp, in three ballgames, owns 11 RBI and pitched a 1-hit shutout.

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EL CAJON (3-28-07) -- Following a disastrous start, Grossmont High catcher CAMMI MOORE capped a huge rally from a 5-0 deficit, slugging a walk-off homer in the bottom of the 7th, propelling the Foothillers to a stunning 6-5 decision over Valhalla in Tuesday's (Mar. 27) key Grossmont Conference Tournament ballgame.

Moore took an 0-2 pitch deep over the fence in left, helping Grossmont overcome the fast Norsemen start, which saw the visitors score all their runs following just six plate appearances.

"It was a team win -- I just hit the homer," Moore insisted. "If everyone on the team doesn't step up and keep playing, we wouldn't have won."

Valhalla scored five runs on just one hit, but it was a big one. Following four walks, including the last one to AMBER REARDON for a run, catcher KAYLA HOUSTON belted a grand slam to left, chasing the Foothillers' starting pitcher.

"(She) had a rough time -- it just wasn't her day and she couldn't hit her spots," noted Moore. "But ASHLEY (RENALDI) came in and did a great job with her riser and her changeup."

Renaldi tossed 6 2/3 innings of relief, yielding just a single hit to keep Valhalla at bay to give her side a chance to rally. Moore was also credited in keeping her pitching staff in line.

"Cammi's calling most of our pitches now, keeping everything under control," said Grossmont coach JERRY LERUD. "Then she goes out and hits the homer."

Moore's homer was her fourth of the season.

Grossmont scored three times in the 4th and then two in the 5th to get even.

The first rally featured an RBI single by ADRIANA NAU, then ANDREA NEDDEN belted a two-run single to center. An inning later, an error on a ball hit by Moore scored Reardon, then first baseman KINDRA MEYERS tied the contest with a run-scoring single to plate Moore.

Christian 10, University City 9 -- The Centurions rallied from a 5-2 deficit to take the lead, but a comeback from 10-6 down was a touch too much to overcome, allowing the visiting Patriots to collect the non-league victory.

University City made things interesting in the 7th, scoring twice on Jennifer Hanne's two-run single with two outs. However, Christian reliever ALLISON GUNTER followed with one of her two strikeouts to gain the victory.

The Patriots mounted their initial lead utilizing the long ball, as AMANDA PLUM blasted a two-run homer to left in the 1st, then JESSIE OWENS went yard to center with a 2-run shot in the 3rd.

University City scored four times in the 3rd for a 6-5 lead, but Christian immediately responded with five runs in the 5th. Included were four consecutive RBI hits by Owens, KRISTINA WYNNS -- a 2-run double -- Plum and ALLIE SCOTT.

GUNTER then took over the pitching chores from Owens, tossing the last four innings to gain the triumph. Plum finished batting 3-for-4 with four RBI.

Cougars regular catcher HANNAH ROST, who started this game at shortstop, placed some margin between the teams in the 1st. After VANESSA ADAME walked and scored on a triple down the left-field line by SAM BEASLEY, Rost slammed a 3-2 pitch deep over the barrier toward the San Diego River in left for a 3-0 cushion.

LISA MONGELLI drove in the others runs with identical bloop singles over the infield in the 3rd and 5th, driving home Rost, who walked both times.

HEATHER BREWER recorded the lone hit for the Vaqueros with a solid double in the 4th.

Monte Vista 6, El Cajon Valley 2 -- Monarchs catcher AMANDA WARD drove in two runs and BRITTANY WRIGHT registered two hits including a double, leading Monte Vista to its first Grossmont Conference Tournament victory this season.

Trailing by a run early, a ground ball by Ward tied the game in the second, then LYDIA VENIEGAS and KRISTYNE MORENO followed with a double steal to take the lead, as Veniegas took second, then Moreno waited for the throw before sprinting safely home.

Monte Vista then added a WHITNEY MULLINS sacrifice fly in the 3rd, then three more runs in the 5th. Wright sent a run-scoring double to center, followed by a JESIKA PEREA grounder for a run, then a Ward RBI single to left.

El Cajon Valley answered on an RBI single by JESSICA COPE in the 5th, while two errors gave the Braves a quick lead in the 1st. The only other ECV hit was by SAMANTHA JULIEN, as ROSIE ABEYTA spun a two-hitter to gain the victory for Monte Vista.

The Monarchs, who won just twice in their first 10 starts, are recovering and have now captured three games in four starts.

Santana 1, Mount Miguel 0 -- BRITTY BALOUGH came within one pitch of becoming the 10th East County pitcher to toss a no-hitter this season, settling for a 1-hit shutout in the Sultans' triumph over the visiting Matadors.

Following 6 2/3 innings without allowing a hit, Balough was tagged by COREE MOLINA, who snapped the streak with a clean single to centerfield for the lone Mount Miguel hit. Balough finished with 12 strikeouts and walked one.

Meanwhile, SHAE BASS delivered at the plate, driving home the game's lone run in the 3rd inning. The run came short and simple.

With two out, AMANDA CARPENTER singled, stole second, then came home when Bass singled to left field.

Mira Mesa 8, Granite Hills 5 -- Despite the Eagles' setback, West Hills was more than pleased with the scoring outburst, which eliminated 3rd-ranked Mira Mesa from contention for a berth in the Grossmont Conference Tournament title game.

Both the Wolf Pack and Marauders posted perfect 5-0 tournament records, but West Hills allowed fewer runs to capture the tiebreaker. Grossmont could also move to 5-0 with a victory in Wednesday's makeup game at Steele Canyon , but the Foothillers have already allowed too many runs.

Thus, West Hills will travel to Steele Canyon to meet the Cougars in Thursday's (Mar. 29) championship contest.

Granite Hills posted four runs in the 3rd for a 4-1 lead, but Mira Mesa answered with seven runs in its next two at-bats, moving its season record to 14-1.

The Eagles’ rally featured a run-scoring single by MANDY OBNEY, a sacrifice fly by JENNY LAHITTE, then RBI basehits from JORDAN CONWAY and BRITTANI BERTUSSI.

Outfielder MEGAN BELIO batted 3-for-5 for the Eagles, while Bertussi was 2-for-5. In addition, KYLEE WILSON added three hits, including a shot off the arm of Mira Mesa starting pitcher Michelle Tillett, which forced her from the game in the 2nd.

Melanie Goff entered in emergency relief for Mira Mesa (14-1), running her record to 9-0, while Shannon Tillett hit her second home in as many days with a solo shot to open a 4-run, 4th-inning rally.

West Hills 9, Helix 0 -- KRISTY VALLES tossed the needed shutout, giving the Wolf Pack a GCT tiebreaker after allowing just two runs in five contests. The junior right-hander struck out 10 and walked just one in spinning a 4-hitter.

SHARLANA BURNER equaled a school record by going 5-for-5, scoring three times, while freshman FAITH CORIA registered 5 RBI in a 2-for-5 outing. Included was a 2-run single to left in the 4th for a 5-0 lead, then a bases-loaded triple, also over the left-fielder, in the 5th.

BRIANNA LaCHUSA and Valles each went 2-for-4, part of a 13-hit attack.

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RANCHO SAN DIEGO (3-27-07) -- Four seasons of frustration, including a pair of losses in last season's Grossmont Conference Tournament, all went away with one stroke of the brush after 7th-ranked Steele Canyon stopped No. 8 Santana, 5-1, in Monday's (Mar. 26) featured tournament ballgame.

Valhalla pitcher Angela Uy (Photos by Greg Eichelberger)

Actually, there wasn't one brush stroke which snapped the Sultans' season-long, 9-game winning streak. It was four of them -- all doubles, including a pair each by HANNAH ROST and LORENA KLOPP -- that keyed both Steele Canyon rallies, as SAMANTHA BEASLEY out-dueled SHAE BASS in the battle of two of the county's top senior pitchers.

"Well, we've been trying for a couple of years and we finally got them -- it was time," said head coach JULIE BOHE of the Cougars' first-ever victory over Santana. "It's been tough for us lately -- we haven't had a practice for a week -- but when we do, we practice a lot on reading pitches and making sure we make contact when we get two strikes. It paid off."

With Bass consistently working the outside corner, the Cougars elected to simply go to right field on every occasion.

“Shae's a great pitcher, so I was pretty excited to get some hits off her," noted Klopp. "I heard she threw a lot of outside stuff, so we just needed to go with it."

Steele Canyon (8-3-1) utilized the strategy from the start, as a single by VANESSA ADAME and an error set the table for Rost and Klopp, who registered consecutive doubles to right for a quick 3-0 advantage in the 1st inning.

In the 6th, the pair again went back-to-back with 2-base hits, this time with Klopp driving home a pair of runs, as both would finish batting 2-for-3 with three RBI.

However, the focus was back on Beasley's 2-hitter.

"She's a really smart pitcher," added Klopp who, like Beasley, also owns a no-hitter this season. "Sam teaches me a lot, like little things she does with the catcher. It really helps out."

Santana gained its only run on a first-and-third situation in the 4th.

After reaching base on a bloop single, KELSEY McILONIE attempted to steal second. But when the throw easily beat her, she backed-up and headed back for first, and when the defender followed her, McIlonie was safe and DANIELLE BALOUGH, who singled to open the inning, waltzed home for the lone run off Beasley.

The San Diego State-bound Beasley finished with seven strikeouts in spinning her 2-hitter, setting down 10 of the last 11 Santana batters. Bass, who is ticketed for Michigan State , finished with eight strikeouts in six innings.

"We hit the ball and we played good defense -- everyone made the plays we needed," said Beasley, who took advantage of the Sultans attempting to pull the ball all contest. "JAZMIN (DAIGLE) did a jood job at third getting all those ground balls, then LISA (MONGELLI, the shortstop) caught a lot of pop flies."

Fielding the ball was a Steele Canyon concern a year ago. No longer.

"The defense is really strong now," noted Daigle. "We don't back off from anything anymore."

Despite the victory, Steele Canyon remains fighting for a berth in the tournament final. The Cougars hold a half-game lead over Helix and Valhalla in the South, but hold the important 1-game advantage in the loss column.

Conversely, despite the setback, Santana could also gain a berth in the tournament final, but needs some help. Now saddled with their first loss, the Sultans are behind three teams -- West Hills (4-0), Mira Mesa (4-0) and Grossmont (3-0) -- which remain undefeated. The Foothillers’ makeup game with Steele Canyon is slated for 4 p.m. Wednesday (Mar. 28).

Granite Hills trimmed a 3-run deficit to move within 3-2 when KYLEE WILSON drove home NICOLE RIVERA and JESSIE SCHATZ (both singled) with a triple to right field. However, Krings set down the next two hitters to escape the jam.

Iavelli followed a run-scoring single to left, plating M. CORIA, who walked, then moved into scoring position on a bunt single by SHARLANA BURNER.

Krings finished with 10 strikeouts, including four called strike threes.

West Hills jumped to a quick 3-0 advantage with Burner also in the middle of both rallies.

Burner opened the contest with a single, Iavelli sacrificed her to second, then STASIA HOLDMAN singled for the RBI.

In the 2nd, CASSIDY BAGGETT just missed a home run to left, hitting the ball high off the fence for a double. KRISTY VALLES singled to left, then an error brought home Baggett. Burner followed with a slapper to shortstop, beating the throw for an infield single and an RBI as Valles scored from third.

Burner finished batting 3-for-4, while Holdman and Valles added two of West Hills' nine hits. For Granite Hills, Rivera collected two of the Eagles' six basehits.

Both teams are 5-5 overall, as the director of the tournament informed teams that games must go five innings to become regulation. Thus, Granite Hills had its victory over El Cajon Valley last week vacated since it was called by lightning after only four innings. Mount Miguel also saw its 1-0 lead at El Capitan taken away -- it was originally reported (properly) as a no-contest from the start.

Valhalla 3, El Capitan 1 -- Norsemen pitcher MEGAN McGIRR prevented a potentially huge inning by the host Vaqueros to earn just the second save by an East County pitcher all season, keeping Valhalla in contention for a Grossmont Conference Tournament final berth by outlasting El Capitan.

Trailing 3-0, the Vaqueros loaded the bases on a pair of basehits and an error, bringing the potential go-ahead run to the plate with no one out. However, McGirr coaxed consecutive grounders to third baseman CELINA CRUZ, who nailed a pair of runners on throws to the plate.

Although El Cap centerfielder ASHLEY WHITMORE gained a bases-loaded walk for El Cap's lone run (unearned), McGirr set down the final four batters in order, saving the victory for starter ANGELA UY. The pair allowed just three hits.

Cruz also aided the struggling Norsemen offense, which had been shutout in two of the last three outings. She clouted a solo homer to left field in the 4th. The 2-run rally later saw AMBER REARDON score.

In the 5th, KAYLA DeSTEFANO scored after she reached with a bunt single, took third on consecutive passed balls, then scored when a flyball by JODIE SCHMEHR was misplayed. Schmehr also registered a single, reaching safely in seven of nine outings for Valhalla.

Both teams are now 4-5 overall, with Valhalla joined Helix at2-2 in the tournament, staying within a half-game of Steele Canyon.

Grossmont 6, Mount Miguel 1 -- ADRIANA NAU knocked in runs in both innings, as the Foothillers scored three times in both the 4th and 5th innings to top the host Matadors.

Nau drove home MADISON HILL with the game's first run. Hill reached on an error, moved to third on a single by KINDRA MYERS, followed by Nau's basehit. Myers scored on a ground ball to the left side, which was booted. Nau came home on a basehit by ANDREA NEDDEN.

Nedden, the Hillers right-fielders, also nailed a pair of baserunners with strong throws.

In the 5th, DESIREE OLSON opened the rally with a double, moving to third on a passed ball, then scored when CAMMI MOORE reached on another error by the right-side of the Matadors infield. Moore then scored when Nau went deep with a home run to left field to cap the scoring.

In between, Mount Miguel scored on a leadoff homer by LAURA NELSON, sending a 3-2 pitch over the barrier in left. The hit was one of only four allowed by Grossmont pitcher ASHLEY RENALDI, who struck out nine Matadors.

Helix 13, El Cajon Valley 1 -- MISSY FARRIOR paced the Highlanders with three hits and three RBI, while ALYSSA DRONENBURG also added three RBI, as the Scotties scored in each of their five at-bats to down the Braves in six innings.

Farrior drove in runs with each of her three singles, while Dronenburg knocked in a pair with a triple in the 3rd in a 2-for-3 outing. In addition, CHRISTINE JACOBITES was 2-for-2 and reached base on all four trips to the plate with two walks.

El Cajon Valley grabbed a quick 1-0 lead in the 1st, when JESSICA COPE bunted and reached first on an error. Cope later stole second base, then scored on a two-out basehit to right field by MEGAN HILL.

After that. Helix pitcher NATALIE SMITH closed the contest with 6 1/3 innings of no-hit ball in her 1-hitter. Smith, a sophomore, struck out 10 and walked just one.

Mira Mesa 8, Monte Vista 0 -- Marauders pitcher Melanie Goff ran her record to 8-0 after tossing a 4-hit shutout at the host Monarchs, keeping Mira Mesa (13-1) tied for the division lead in the Grossmont Conference Tournament.

Goff struck out nine in snapping Monte Vista's 2-game winning streak.

Shannon Tillett, the younger sister of Melissa Tillett, Mira Mesa's No. 1 pitcher, belted a 2-run homer in the 7th to cap the scoring. Pereira added a solo shot in the 5th.

For Monte Vista, JESIKA PEREA collected two of the team's hits, while AMANDA AGUON and WHITNEY MULLINS had the others.

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CHULA VISTA (3-25-07) -- In an overwhelming domination of South Bay's best, Santana High swept three Metro Conference opponents by a composite count of 23-1 to capture Saturday's (Mar. 24) championship of the Hilltop Tournament.

The Sultans pasted Bonita Vista, 8-0, Eastlake , 7-1, and then Mar Vista, 8-1, in the title contest.

DANIELLE BALOUGH spearheaded the offense by collecting a third of the Sultans' hit. She went 3-for-4 with two runs scored, opening the onslaught with a triple in the 1st, scoring on a Bass grounder.

Santana broke the contest open with two runs in the 4th and three more in the 5th.

MICHELLE BRAMLAGE doubled home RACHEL FAILLA for a 2-0 lead, then scored on a basehit by BREE PADILLA.

An inning later, Bass doubled home Balough, KELSEY McILONIE singled home Bass, then Failla brought in McIlonie with a basehit.

In the 6th, the game was called via run rule after a fielder's choice grounder by Bramlage scored CARLA CARILLO.

Santana df Bonita Vista 8-0, df. Eastlake 7-1 -- BRITTY BALOUGH tossed a pair of victories to save Bass for the title contest. She tossed a pair of 3-hitters, including a shutout of the Barons in the quarterfinals.

In the shutout, Balough struck out six and walked none, then was backed by a 6-run rally in the 3rd to break open a tight 1-0 ballgame.

The rally was highlighted by a 3-run homer by McIlonie, a 2-run double from Bramlage, and an RBI double by Padilla.

Bass finished with three of the Sultans' 14 hits, while AMANDA CARPENTER, McIlonie, Failia and Bramlage added two hits each.

In the semifinals, Balough struck out five Titans to extend her day's shutout streak to 12 1/3 innings before Eastlake scored in the 7th.

Leading 3-0, Santana gained its ticket to the title game with four runs in the 4th, capped by a 2-run single by Failla.

Balough added an RBI single and a sacrifice fly.

ALISHA WYCKOFF registered one of two Vaqueros hits, while SARAH GROHMAN was thrown out attempting to stretch a double into a 3-base hit.

Otay Ranch scored all of its runs in the 3rd, then pulled starting pitcher Rebecca Galindo, who returned to the pitching circle for the 7th to save the game for reliever Valarie Aceves.

Steele Canyon 6, Serra 0 -- Freshman LORENA KLOPP carried a no-hitter into the 6th inning, settling for her first career shutout in topping the Conquistadors on a 1-hitter. Klopp struck out 12 Q's batters.

SAM BEASLEY aided her protégé by batting 3-for-4, including a pair of bunts for basehits, scoring three times, and registering two of the Cougars' school-record nine stolen bases. Klopp was also 3-4 at the plate, with an RBI triple in the 1st.

Christian High pitchers Aly Gunter (top) and Jenna Royce at the Valley Center Classic. (Photos by Jeanne Royce)

JAYME JARVIS capped the scoring with a 2-run single in the 7th.

The lone hit by the Conquistadors was a double by shortstop Bree Bartow with one out in the 6th to end Klopp's bid for her second no-hitter of the season. Earlier, Klopp no-hit Cathedral Catholic in a 5-1 victory.

Monte Vista 12-6, Calexico 0-0 -- In the teams' annual meeting and barbecue -- the Monarchs topped the winless Bulldogs on shutouts by ROSIE ABEYTA and WHITNEY MULLINS.

In the opener, Abeyta tossed a 2-hitter which was called after five innings. She struck out three and allowed just five runners to reach base.

JESIKA PEREA and AMANDA AGUON each slugged triples, featuring a two-run shot by Perea in the 5th. The left-fielder finished with two RBI to match the McMILLAN sisters -- AMBER and KAITLYN.

In the second ballgame, KRISTYNE MORENO went 3-for-3 and a pair of RBI with a pair of run-scoring singles. The first plated SHAKIRRAH RANSOM when the Monachs scored four times in the 1st, then the other brought home Aguon in the 2nd to make it 6-0.

Like Abeyta, Mullins spun a 2-hit shutout in the 6-inning contest, striking out 9 batters, the second-best effort of her career (12 vs. Mar Vista ).

Christian 3, Our Lady of Peace -- Due to changes and a loss of a playing field at the Valley Center Tournament, the Patriots faced an array of schedule changes, capped by playing three games Saturday (Mar. 24), beginning with a 5 a.m. wake-up call for the 8 a.m. ballgame with the Pilots.

Maybe, the Patriots should do so more often after scoring three times in the 1st to down the Pilots.

The first four batters reached base for produce all four runs, capped by a 3-run double by catcher ALLIE SCOTT. The rally started on basehits by NIKKI WYNNS and AMANDA PLUM, then SARAH SEYMOUR walked to load the bases before Scott delivered her blow to left-centerfield.

Later in the day, Christian defeated the Escondido JV (a late replacement team), 4-1, then fell in the tournament quarterfinals to Oaks Christian of Westlake Village, 13-2, as losing pitcher JESSE OWENS registered the lone hit for the Patriots in the 3rd.

© East County Sports.com
VALLEY CENTER (3-23-07) -- Christian High’s Patriots know what Willie Nelson meant when he sang “On the Road Again.” Because that’s where the Patriots have been the past three days.

Mapquest.com says the sojourn from Christian’s El Cajon campus is right at 50 miles and an hour travel time (sans traffic) to the Valley Center High campus. If nothing else, Christian coach ROMA DAWSON and her Patriots know the way.

In Friday’s (Mar. 23) visit to Valley Center, which was to resume a Jaguar Classic game against Imperial that was suspended by lightning the day previous. The Tigers held a 1-0, 4th-inning lead, but Christian had two runners in scoring position with no one out.

Instead of following the National Federation rulebook and re-playing the pool play game from the beginning, both coaches agreed to see which ballclub would win by continuing the game from the point of interruption.

Christian failed to push the tying run home, then the Tigers (6-0) eventually added another run in a 2-0 decision. This time, Friday's (Mar. 23) continuation lasted only 20 minutes, as both teams traveled long distances only to be stopped by the tournament time-limit rule.

Caschjen Davis finished with a 3-hit shutout for Imperial, topping Christian's JESSIE OWENS, despite registering 14 of the Tigers' 15 outs on strikes.

Owens also batted 2-for-2 off Davis, while AMANDA PLUM recorded the only other hit for the Patriots.

Imperial scored in the 3rd when Taylor Lloyd tripled, survived a failed squeeze bunt to remain at third base, then came home on a throwing error. During Part Two, Camille Smith hit a solo home to right-centerfield on the fence-less playing field; with an outfield fence, the hit would probably have been a double.

Christian (6-2) returns to Valley Center for two additional tournament games Saturday (Mar. 24), receiving an early wake-up call with an 8 a.m. contest against Oaks Christian of Westlake Village.

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (3-23-07) -- Fans have been asking all season, due to a surprising -- and disappointing -- 1-5 start, "What's wrong with West Hills?"

The answers have come in many forms: Too many players lost to graduation; the lack of power hitting; or strong yet not top-flight pitching, among others have been listed.

On Thursday (Mar. 22), all of those rationales were put to rest by the Wolf Pack, which rode the shutout pitching of BRENNA SANDBERG and a mammoth home run by freshman BRIANNA AUSTIN to topple 4th-ranked Steele Canyon, 3-0, in Grossmont Conference Tournament action.

"There's never really been anything wrong," West Hills coach STEVE SUTTON said of his team which is now riding a 3-game winning streak. "There've been some tough losses, but we have the players to compete."

Sandberg limited the Cougars to just a pair of hits, while striking out eight to out-perform SAM BEASLEY, who was tagged for a pair of earned runs on six hits, while striking out just five.

Meanwhile, holes left from graduation are being filled, including a divot by Austin, who launched a 3-2 pitch from Beasley deep over the left-field fence. Sandberg started the 5th inning rally with a single, then pinchrunner SHARLAN BURNERA stole second base, yet only needed to jog home on Austin 's first career homer.

Steele Canyon's only hits were registered by LORENA KLOPP, who opened the 2nd with a double, followed by a walk to JAZMIN DAIGLE. However, Sandberg registered a strikeout and a pair of grounders to keep the game scoreless. Klopp later singled.

West Hills added an unearned run in the 6th when KYLEE KRINGS singled, then pinchrunner MICHELLE IAVELLI scored on a 3-base error when a ground ball off the bat of CASSIDY BAGGETT was thrown away.

BRIANNA LaCHUSA added two hits for West Hills, including a double.

Santana 2, Helix 1 -- The improving Highlanders again stayed in contention throughout before falling to the undefeated Sultans.

The Scotties did just enough to split Santana's lead in half in the 6th. NATALIE SMITH sent a basehit to left, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by catcher ANDY MARTIN del CAMPO, then MISSY FARRIOR sent a Texas Leaguer over the Sultans first baseman for an RBI single.

Helix kept the momentum going by placing the leadoff runner on base in the 7th, but Santana pitcher SHAE BASS coaxed a ground ball to give her team its sixth consecutive victory.

The Sultans grabbed an early 2-0 lead when third baseman KELSEY McILONIE roped a shot towards the tennis courts in deep left field -- a solo shot -- in the 2nd. One frame later, AMANDA CARPENTER came around to score on an error.

Bass (4-0) struck out six, but walked three and hit a batter. The Sultans collected six hits off Helix' CHRISTINE JACOBITES, including two each by JESSICA FERNANDEZ and ALYSSA DRONENBURG.

Grossmont 6, Monte Vista 0 -- BRITTNEY FISHTROM tossed her first career no-hitter, needing to go only five innings to power the Foothillers in a Grossmont Conference Tournament game. The contest was called early due to lightning.

Fishtrom's no-hitter was the 11th of the season involving East County schools, including eight by the hometown side.

The Hillers scored during each of their four turns at the plate, including three in the 1st, keyed by a two-run homer by catcher CAMMI MOORE. She sent a drive over the fence in left, then nearly matched the feat with a blast which hit midway up the barrier in the 3rd, settling for a double in a 2-for-2 performance.

The damage was done early when MADISON HILL sent a double to left, KINDRA MYERS hit an RBI single, then scored on Moore 's bomb.

Grossmont then scored single runs over the next three at-bats. In the 2nd, KATHERINE MIRANDA singled, then came home on a DESIREE OLSON double. The 3rd saw Moore 's double, coming home on a throwing error following a single by KIRSTEN ENGLISH.

And in the 4th, MEGAN GREEN (2-for-3, 2 runs) singled, moved to second on a ground ball to the right side, stole third, then came home when reserve catcher HANNAH ESCALANTE lined a basehit to left.

After registering 26 runs over three contests, the Monarchs suddenly went into hibernation, getting blanked for the third straight ballgame.

Mira Mesa, a guest entry to the annual event, is at 3-0 with Santana and West Hills, while Grossmont stands at 2-0, as the North is dominating their counterparts from the South.

Tillett struck out 13 batters, as only KELLY SEITZ (single) and MEGAN McGIRR (double) could solve the Northern Iowa bound senior.

While the Norsemen offense was stopped, their defense was outstanding after turning three double plays in the 6-inning contest (shortened due to lightning).

Included was a line shot gloved by second baseman JODI SCHMEHR, who threw to Seitz at first for a twin-killing. Schmehr later took a toss from shortstop AMBER REARDON for the force play, making the pivot and throw to Seitz for another double play.

Finally, reserve catcher TONI ROSACKER, who was filling in due to two missing starters, completed a strike-'em-out, throw-'em-out double play, as McGirr recorded one of her two strikeouts, with Rosacker nailing a would be base stealer.

Other games -- Granite Hills was whipping El Cajon Valley, 19-3, when lightning forced a halt to action following four innings. However, National Federation rules state a contest must go five full innings (4.5 if the home team is ahead) to become an official contest.

Thus, the Eagles don't get the victory and lose all of their individual statistics, which included a grand slam and five total RBI by JENNY LAHITTE, and three hits each by NICOLE RIVERA, MEGAN BELIO, BRITTANI BERTUSSI and CHAYLAH ZETSCH.

Conversely, Christian and Imperial high schools mutually agreed to continue a contest suspended in the 4th inning at the Valley Center Tournament (which is legal). The Tigers were leading the Patriots, 1-0, but Christian had two runners on base with no out.

Christian will have two runs on base with no out in the 4th when the teams restart.

The lightning bug also prevented Mount Miguel from snapping a losing streak. The Matadors were leading El Capitan, 1-0, before the storm slammed the Lakeside area, also in the 4th.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-21-07) -- With standards higher than most of her contemporaries, Santana High senior pitcher SHAE BASS expected more from herself in Tuesday's (Mar. 20) start against Granite Hills.

"I didn't have a good outing at all -- I wasn't sharp," noted Bass. "We're lucky to squeak this one out -- we didn't hit too well -- but we pulled it off."

Did we mention that Bass tossed a 4-hit shutout and belted a homer for the game's lone run in a 1-0 contest vs. the Eagles. Santana (5-0) remains perfect in five outings, with four of the victories coming by shutout (three by Bass).

The round-tripper came early on the game's third batter, as Bass spanked a two-out drive over the fence in centerfield.

"It was a high pitch and I love high pitches," said the Michigan State bound senior. "Her riseball didn't rise quite high enough and I was able to go get it. It wasn't hit too hard, but it went over, so I'm happy about that."

Bass did some of her best pitching late, escaping a bases-loaded jam in the 5th with one of her nine strikeouts. Then after Granite Hills catcher JESSIE SCHATZ opened the 6th with a double to the fence in right-centerfield, the Eagles again struggled to advance their baserunners, as no one was able to advance Schatz.

"We're getting hits sporadically, but we can't put them together," said Eagles’ shortstop NICOLE RIVERA, who displayed her speed on an infield single to extend her hitting streak to five contests. "When we do, we'll start winning."

Eagles pitcher BRITTANI BERTUSSI had her best outing of the season in tossing a 3-hitter. She also received help from centerfield MEGAN BELIO, who reached above the fence to haul in a home run bid by Santana’s DANIELLE BALOUGH.

Santana shares the North League pool lead in the tournament with West Hills and guest team Mira Mesa at 2-0. Granite Hills (5-4 overall), in falling 1-0 for the second straight day, is 0-2 in the event, but the South League is only a composite 3-8 in the event, leaving the Eagles in title contention.

El Capitan 1, Monte Vista 0 -- Following the Santana game plan, the Vaqueros scored an early run, then staved off the Monarchs attempts to rally, gaining their third victory in four starts.

JULIANNA DUNCAN scattered eight hits to complete her shutout, including a rough start in the first inning when Monte Vista opened the contest with a pair of basehits and an error to load the bases with no outs. But Duncan gained consecutive strikeouts -- her only two of the contest -- and a groundout to escape the jam.

"That changed the game right there," said Vaqueros coach JOE COTA. "We held them without a run, then we come right back and scored. This will definitely help with our confidence."

El Capitan scored its lone run in the 2nd, when ASHLEY WHITMORE singled to right, moved to second on Duncan's sacrifice bunt, moved to third on a grounder, then scored when a flyball to the outfield was dropped.

The unearned run ruined a nice effort by Monarchs pitcher ROSIE ABEYTA, who struck out five and allowed just six hits. Neither pitcher walked any batters.

Whitmore finished batting 3-for-3 for El Cap (4-3), while SHAAKIRAH RANSOM and JESIKA PEREA each went 2-for-3 for Monte Vista (2-6-1).

"We continue to shoot ourselves in the foot," lamented Monarchs coach SIG CHABROWSKI.

Valhalla 15, El Cajon Valley 0 -- Junior pitcher MEGAN McGIRR came within one batter of a perfect game -- sort of -- completing a 5-inning no-hitter against the visiting Braves. She missed the shot at perfection by less than an inch on a long-distance ruling.

The first batter to face McGirr, El Cajon Valley's JESSICA COPE, was ruled to have been hit by a 1-2 pitch. The home plate umpire, however, did not make the call, as an appeal to the base umpire resulted in the call, stating that the ball had indeed tipped the batter's sleeve.

Little did anyone know that McGirr would set down the next 15 batters to gain her no-hitter, yet losing her perfect game on a disputed call from more than 60-feet away from the batter.

McGirr finished with five strikeouts to gain her initial victory of the season.

Meanwhile, junior shortstop AMBER REARDON broke the listed school record by registering seven RBI on 3-for-3 hitting. Included was a 3-run homer in the 3rd, a bases-loaded triple and a run-scoring single.

Although Reardon's RBI total qualifies to be listed in the CIF-San Diego Section record book, several longtime Norsemen fastpitch observers believe a mark may be missing, believing former Valhalla standout SUZANNE YALE also reached seven RBI in a single game.

"Amber's hitting the ball consistently," noted Norsemen coach DOUG HARTUNG. "She had one of our few hits against Point Loma, had four hits in her last game, then followed it up today. She's been a pleasure to watch."

Reardon's homer was the second 3-run shot of the 3rd inning, as JODIE SCHMEHR also slugged a blast also good for three runs to mount an 11-0 cushion.

In addition, junior third baseman SELINA CRUZ posted two more hits to raise her season batting average to .529. Cruz has hits in seven of Valhalla 's eight games this season.

McGirr's no-hitter was similar to a famous Major League Baseball game in 1917, when Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Babe Ruth walked the game’s opening batter, then was ejected for arguing balls and strikes. So Ernie Shore entered in relief, saw the runner get caught stealing, then set down the next 26 batters without allowing any baserunners in a combined no-hitter in facing the minimum 27 batters.

Apparently unaware of the Grossmont Conference rule that prohibits batting practice using a pitching machine on game day, Monte Vista coaches noticed the Wolf Pack taking pre-game swings prior to Monday’s (Mar. 19) Grossmont Conference and filed a protest. Sutton was slapped with a one-game suspension.

Sutton accepted the “wrist-slap” penalty. In his absence, the Wolf Pack pulverized the Matadors with relative ease.

West Hills pitcher KYLEE KRINGS tossed a no-hitter to gain her first victory of the season. Krings struck out 11 and walked one, as yet another controversial decision by the umpires took away another bid for a perfect game.

Krings set down the first 18 Matadors in order, carrying a perfect game into the 7th. However, on a 3-2 pitch to Mount Miguel's leadoff batter, the home plate umpire, in another disappointing example of an umpire showing himself up by demonstrating one's knowledge (but not game etiquette) of the rules, declared an illegal pitch for ball four and a walk.

The ruling took the spotlight --- and the perfect game bid -- away from Krings.

Interestingly, the mercy rule was not applied, as both teams agreed to allow the ballgame to continue after West Hills gained more than an 8-run lead (12-0 at the time) through five frames, which would've also given McGirr her perfecto.

"Still, it was an awesome job," said Sutton, after getting a game report from his coaching staff. "She must've been awesome."

West Hills started a host of underclassman and reserves in order to not show-up the struggling Matadors. Thus, a host of new faces aided the 14-hit offensive attack, including two hits by KRISTY VALLES, FAITH KORIA and BRIANNA AUSTIN, a pair of RBI by CASSIDY BAGGETT, while BRIANNA LaCHUSA recorded three RBI and two runs scored.

Mira Mesa 12, Helix 1 -- Just like soccer's Copa America Tournament, featuring the top teams in Latin America, the Grossmont Conference may need to re-think its welcoming of Mira Mesa as a guest team to the annual North-South Tournament. The Marauders, ranked third in one major media poll, parlayed 19 hits and seven Highlanders errors to gain a share of the tournament lead.

Mira Mesa pitcher Melissa Tillett, who was trashed by West Hills in her last start, smartly bounced back with a 4-hitter to raise her record to 3-1.

Down 3-0, the Scotties gained their lone run in the 2nd, when NATALIE SMITH (2-for-3) led-off with a single, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt from catcher ANDI MARTIN del CAMPO, then scored on a basehit to right field by CHRISTINE JACOBITES. The only other Helix hit was recorded by JESSICA FERNANDEZ.

Grossmont at Steele Canyon -- Due to a tragic automobile accident Tuesday (Mar. 20) (not involving the fastpitch team or its staff) which resulted in a fatality to a student, all Steele Canyon school events were postponed and will be rescheduled.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-20-07) -- It's hard to win with just a single basehit, but what Grossmont High did with its hit -- and attempted to do with the other plate appearances -- is what allowed the Foothillers to open the Grossmont Conference Tournament totake a 1-0 decision from visiting Granite Hills.

"It's really important to put the ball into play so you can bring the people around to score," said Hillers shortstop MEGAN GREEN. "In my mind, I try not to let a third strike go past me and just put the ball in play."

Grossmont was able to put three balls into play to collect the Monday's (Mar. 19)lone run in the 5th inning.

A grounder by AMBER LOVELADY wasn't touched, yet went for an error to gain a base. She advanced to second on a wild pitch, then HANNAH ESCALANTE registered Grossmont's lone hit with a flair over the second baseman's head to place runners on the corners.

"They asked me to go outside with the pitch," said Escalante. "We all knew we had to get to over there and we were able to do that. We were able to adjust and relax more at the plate."

The bat control tactics continued when Green also smartly forced the ball to the right side.

"That was the key play," added Green. "It was important to put the ball on the right-side of the infield."

And with the defense playing back, Lovelady waltzed home, while Green was also safe on another fielding error. Green was credited with the RBI on the unearned run.

Meanwhile, Hillers pitcher ASHLEY RENALDI tossed a 4-hit shutout. She struck out seven, including six on called strikes, as the Eagles took themselves out of several potential scoring situations.

The biggest example came in the 7th after Eagles shortstop NICOLE RIVERA -- perhaps East County 's best non-pitcher -- capped a 2-for-3 outing with a booming leadoff double to the fence in left-centerfield.

However, at second Rivera would be stranded as her teammates failed to advance her, courtesy of a popup and a called strike three. The only quality at-bat came via the bat of SAGE WOODROW, who sent a liner down the right-field line. However, after initially misjudging the ball, outfielder KIRSTEN ENGLISH barely got her glove on the ball to cap the shutout.

"My curves and my riseball were working, so I got some strikeouts on good pitches," said Renaldi, a junior, who allowed just four hits. "Megan was so smart hitting the ball, so it makes it easier for me."

Granite Hills pitcher MEGAN BELIO struck out eight in her six innings, but was saddled with the setback despite tossing a 1-hitter.

Helix 3, El Capitan 2 (8 inn.) -- Following a bumpy start, Highlanders starter CHRISTINE JACOBITES closed the ballgame with 6 2/3 innings of shutout ball in tossing a 2-hitter at the host Vaqueros. The senior struck out 12 without issuing a walk.

Trailing most of the game at 2-1, Helix finally knotted the contest in the 6th when Jacobites lifted a sacrifice fly. Right fielder NATALIE SMITH, who went 3-for-3, started the rally with a single.

In the 8th, three straight basehits -- by ALYSSA DRONENBURG, Smith and ANDREA MARTIN del CAMPO -- loaded the bases. Senior right fielder BETH AMANN (2-for-2) followed with a successful squeeze bunt for the game-winning RBI.

After allowing an unearned run in the 1st, the Vaqueros quickly tied the game on a run-scoring single by senior centerfielder ASHLEY WHITMORE. El Capitan then took the lead in the 2nd on a pair of Helix errors -- the teams combined for nine fielding errors.

It was a game of big hits all day long by Santana. Included were a 2-run double by RACHEL FAILLA in the 1st, then a 3-run homer by DANIELLE BALOUGH in the 2nd for a 5-0 lead.

The cushion went to 9-0 in the 3rd, featuring the first of two doubles by MICHELLE BRAMLAGE to plate a run, then a two-run single by SHAE BASS.

One of the few Valhalla highlights came in the 4th when catcher KELLY SEITZ cracked a 2-run homer, but Santana's BRITTY BALOUGH answered with a solo shot in the game inning.

Santana also recorded run-scoring hits from SARA SMITH, BRITTANY FENN, CARLA CARILLO and AMANDA CARPENTER.

For the ballgame, the Sultans belted two homers and six doubles among their 19 hits, as Bass, Bramlage, Failla, Fenn and both Balough sisters collected two hits each.

Valhalla's other run came on a double steal, allowing JODIE SCHMEHR to score.

West Hills 6, Monte Vista 0 -- The Monarchs, who had scored 26 runs in their last three outings, were foiled by Wolf Pack senior BRENNA SANDBERG, who tossed a 3-hit shutout to snap her team's 5-game losing streak.

Sandberg struck out six batters, as all three hits allowed were singles.

Meanwhile, West Hills again exhibited some of the power last displayed on opening day, including a home run by STASIA HOLDMAN to lead off the 3rd for a 3-0 advantage. The sophomore went to the opposite field in right for her second homer of the season.

In the 2nd, the Pack strung together five straight basehits to grab the lead. Catcher KAITLIN COBB opened with a single, then pinchrunner MICHERIE KORIA stole second and scored on a basehit by JAYLEEN BUSH.

Consecutive bunt singles by MELISSA HILL and SHARLANA BURNER loaded the bases, then MICHELLE IAVELLI capped the streak with a basehit for the second run.

Burner went 3-for-3 on the afternoon, including an infield single in the 4th, eventually circling the bases on a 2-run play on an error. The other West Hills run came in the 6th when CHELSEA VELOVICH singled, advanced to third, and scored on a basehit by reserve catcher BROOKE COWAN.

Mira Mesa 14, Mount Miguel 1 -- With six teams in the South League, as opposed to five in the North League, most of the bye dates are being filled by Mira Mesa, as the 3rd-ranked Marauders(8-1) beat the Matadors (1-7).

Steele Canyon 17, El Cajon Valley 2 -- SAM BEASLEY batted 4-for-5 to raise her season average to .586 (17-for-29), lifting the Cougars to an opening round victory of the Grossmont Conference Tournament. Beasley knocked in three runs, while LISA MONGELLI registered five RBI, going 3-for-3 plus a sacrifice fly.

JAZMIN DAIGLE, the cleanup hitter, scored four times, while winning pitcher LORENA KLOPP also added a pair of doubles in going 3-for-3, as the Cougars scored in all five innings before the contest was called. Both runs allowed were unearned in Klopp's 2-hitter.

The Braves hits came in the 4th, when CHRISTINE ROYS smacked a one-out double, MEGAN HILL singled, followed by a throwing error which allowed both runners to score.

Notes -- Beasley has verbally committed to play for San Diego State next season. Because of NCAA rules, the Aztecs can not make an announcement until the official signing period. SDSU currently sports her older sister, senior AMANDA BEASLEY, a former All-East County performer who is currently batting .309 for the 19-11 Aztecs.

© East County Sports.com
TIERRASANTA (3-18-07) -- Pitching may have carried Christian High into the championship round of the Friar Classic, but batting lifted the Patriots to a third-place finish after scoring six times in the 6th inning to shock Monte Vista, 8-7, in Saturday's (Mar. 17) contest at Serra High.

Christian parlayed seven of its 10 hits in the decisive inning, including a lead triple by AMANDA PLUM. The shot came moments after the Monarchs' starting left-fielder left the contest with an undisclosed illness.

By the time ALLYSSA GRAUL slap-bunted the ball for an infield single to load the bases, the Patriots (6-1) could not be stopped.

NIKKI WYNNS followed with a two-run single to left to trim the lead to 6-4. ALLISON GUNTER followed with a run-scoring basehit, then a hit by JESSIE OWENS resulted in a run on a throwing error to tie the game.

Monte Vista endeavored to get out of the inning with a pickoff attempt, but when the throw sailed wide, Gunter scored the go-ahead run, followed by another RBI single by KRISTINA WYNNS.

Gunter, the final of three Christian pitchers, saw an unearned run score in the 7th, but recorded the third out for her first victory to cap a combined 3-hitter, although the staff allowed 11 walks to fall behind early.

ALLIE SCOTT, Graul and Gunter each registered two of the Pats' 10 hits.

Monte Vista built a 6-2 lead, capped by a pinch-hit double to left-center by freshman AMBER McMILLAN in the 5th, scoring both KRISTYNE MORENO and pinchrunner AMANDA AGUON. The remainder of the Monarchs’ runs came via wild pitches, passed balls, errors and a bases loaded walk to ROSIE ABEYTA.

Santana 6, Mar Vista 0 -- BRITTY BALOUGH threw a complete-game, 4-hit shutout, striking out six in the blanking of the two-time defending South Bay League champion Mariners (5-2).

MICHELLE BRAMLAGE snapped the scoreless pitchers' duel with an RBI double in the 4th. Santana then added three runs in the 5th, and two more in the 6th to coast to the easy victory.

Run-scoring basehits by KELSEY McILONIE and RACHEL FAILLA made it 3-0. AMANDA CARPENTER later lifted a sacrifice fly in the 6th, scoring NICOLE BRZECZEK, who tripled.

Balough aided her cause by batting 2-for-3 and scoring a run.

Santana 14, Morse 0 -- SHAE BASS threw a no-hitter and McIlonie belted a grand slam, allowing the Sultans to easily tame the Tigers.

Bass struck out 12 batters in tossing her second --and the team's third -- shutout of the season. In 17 shutout innings, Bass and Balough have allowed just five total hits.

Santana (3-0) scored four times in each of the first three innings, capped by McIlonie's blast to left-centerfield in the 3rd for a 12-0 advantage. The junior third baseman also stroked a run-scoring double to open the scoring in the 1st, giving her five RBI on 2-for-3 hitting with three runs scored.

Following McIlonie's double, the Sultans got a run-scoring basehit by Failla. In the second, Bass and Bramlage drove in two runs each with a double. In the 4th, Bass added an RBI single, giving her three RBI for the contest.

A 13-hit attack also saw CARLA CARILLO and DANIELLE BALOUGH go 2-for-2 each.

El Capitan 6, Castle Park 0 -- In her first appearance of the season, SARAH GROHMAN came within one batter of a perfect game, settling for a no-hitter to stop C-Park's Women of Troy. An early walk was how Castle Park gained its lone baserunner allowed by a sophomore.

The Vaqueros doubled their lead to 2-0 when ALISHA WYCKOFF led off the 3rd with a solo homer, clearing the fence in left-centerfield.

Freshman KELSEY MOODY later added an RBI double in the rally for a 4-0 lead, then added another run-scoring double in the 4th for a 6-run lead. In addition, HEATHER BREWER went 2-for-2 with a double.

El Capitan 3, Francis Parker 1 -- JULIANNA DUNCAN scattered seven hits to snap the Lancers' 3-game winning streak. Duncan struck out seven without issuing a walk to lift the Vaqueros (3-2) over the .500 plateau going into Monday's (Mar. 19) Grossmont Conference Tournament.

Brewer provided all of the offense Duncan would need with a big hit in the 5th. With the game scoreless, Duncan and LESLIE KUHEN singled, then Francis Parker misplayed a sacrifice bunt by Wyckoff to load the bases. Brewer then slammed the ball to left, clearing the bases with a 3-run triple. Brewer, a junior shortstop, finished 2-for-3 in the nightcap.

"Those were two outstanding pitching efforts," said El Capitan coach JOE COTA. "Sarah stumbled out of the gate this season, but came out strong in her first game of the season. And Julianna showed a great deal of movement on her ball, especially in the 5th and the 6th to get out of both innings."

Non-League
Mira Mesa 6-8, West Hills 0-6 -- It's a good thing that the Marauders went with No. 2 pitcher Michele Goff most of the day after the Wolf Pack busted loose on All-county pitcher Melissa Tillett in the second game of Saturday's (Mar. 17) non-league doubleheader.

The Pack scored in all three innings against Tillett to mount a 4-0 lead. However, Mira Mesa scored five in the 5th to take the lead, then two more in the 6th to regain the lead in a complete a sweep of slumping West Hills (1-5).

In the opener, Goff tossed a 2-hit shutout, then came on in the 4th inning of the second game to gain another victory.

The Marauders (7-1) were down 4-0 and 5-1 in Game Two before the floodgates opened on a 5-run 5th, which featured a 3-run homer by catcher Danielle Smith.

West Hills bounced back to tie it in the 6th on consecutive doubles by STASIA HOLDMAN and BRENNA SANDBERG, but an inning-ending fly ball in the bottom of the 6th was dropped to allowed two unearned runs to score for the winning margin.

Freshman outfielder MICHERIE KORIA went 3-for-4 with two runs scored to aid the Pack's 10-hit attack.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-17-07) -- Some teams are so talent laden, a coach could pick names out of a hat and still produce a winning lineup. Other ballclubs are not as fortunate.

So while El Cajon Valley continues to develop its emerging talent, the Braves are finding other ways to win.

“We’re playing ‘foam at the mouth’ softball,” declared head coach MIKE McCLAIN. “We’re going to go full tilt and play with a lot of emotion.”

So far, the plan is working.

Behind the 1-hit pitching of sophomore CHELSEA WILSON, El Cajon Valley produced its Grossmont North League leading third triumph of the season by pasting visiting San Ysidro, 11-1, Friday (Mar. 16).

“We’re proud of the way she’s pitching on her first year on varsity,” noted sophomore second baseman DESIREE GARCIA. “She struck out something like 12 batters, then we got a lot of help from the bench, too.”

In past seasons, the Braves (3-1) held few options from the bench. But now there is greater room for flexibility.

“REBECCA MARTIN made a real nice catch for us out in left field,” added Garcia. “While BRAELINE (AQUININGOC) made a nice play in right field, too.”

Meanwhile, Garcia powered an 11-hit attack by a trio of extra-base hits, going 3-for-3 with two triples, a double, plus walking once to reach base on all four of her trips to the plate.

Included was the first of run-scoring hits in the 1st. Following basehits by JESSICA COPE and CHRISTINE ROYS, Garcia plated both with a triple, then added a third run on MEGAN HILL’s single.

El Cajon Valley later added five runs in the 4th. Included was an RBI triple by Garcia and a 2-run single by EMILY RAULS, who went 2-for-4 with three RBI on the afternoon.

Meanwhile, the only hit allowed by Wilson came in the 3rd, as the runner for the Cougars (0-4) eventually scored as an unearned run -- the lone blemish on the sophomore’s pitching line.

Wilson and Rauls later added RBI basehits in the 6th.

Smith registered 10 strikeouts and walked just one, not throwing a pitch until the visiting Scotties placed five runs on the scoreboard in the 1st inning.

“Natalie had complete control and kept getting ahead of a lot of batters,” said Paule. “It was a very solid effort.”

ALYSSA DRONENBURG aided the quick Helix outburst by slugging her second home run of the season. The junior first baseman went 2-for-3 in the contest.

“It was gone the moment it went off her bat,” noted Paule. “Alyssa has big-time power and she really showed it.”

Helix opened the game with small ball, parlaying a bloop single by MISSY FARRIOR and a sacrifice bunt into a run on a throwing error. Dronenburg followed with her long shot to left-centerfield.

ALYSSA BRITSCHGI later added a 2-run double, as Helix (1-4) collected 11 hits off a pair of Morse pitchers.

Steele Canyon 8, Clairemont 0 -- SAM BEASLEY came within a stone’s bounce of her second -- and the team’s fourth -- no-hitter of the season, but a bad hop, infield single was the lone blemish in the Cougars whipping of the visiting Chieftains in Friday’s (Mar. 16) Falcon Fiesta tournament contest.

With one out in the 4th, a Clairemont batter slapped a grounder to shortstop for a potential inning-ending double play.

“But the ball took a bad hop and almost hit our girl in the face,” said assistant coach DOUG SUMMERS. “I had to score it a hit.”

The play left the bases loaded for Clairemont, but Beasley escaped with consecutive strikeouts, as she finished mowing down 10 Chieftains.

Beasley was also handy with the bat, going 3-for-3 with a double and a homer -- a two-run shot -- her 4th of the season. She scored three times.

Meanwhile, Clairemont pitchers yielded 11 walks.

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (3-16-07) -- Following a Final Four berth in last season's SDCIF playoffs, new Santana High fastpitch coach MIKE BASS elected to try a slightly different approach to get the Sultans over the top this season.

One of his first moves was to condense the schedule and wait until basketball season was fully complete before playing their first game. Thus, two weeks after many teams commenced play, the tortoises from Santana finally got out of the gate -- and they looked like the hare.

The Sultans exploded for nine runs in their very first trip to the plate on Thursday (Mar. 15), racing to an easy 13-0 triumph in five innings over Chula Vista in the opening pool play game of the Hilltop Tournament.

SHAE BASS and BRITTY BALOUGH combined to spin a 1-hit shutout. Bass struck out six Spartans in three innings of work, while Balough recorded three 'K's' over the final two frames.

Santana gained six of its 13 hits in the 1st, including a triple by AMANDA CARPENTER, plus doubles by Bass, RACHEL FAILLA and KELSEY McILONIE.

By the time the second inning was over, the Sultans mounted a 12-0 cushion, thanks to a run-scoring single by DANIELLE BALOUGH, while BRITTANY FENN walked with the bases loaded.

While Santana opened with a shutout, the remainder of East County ballclubs in action got shutout by some of the San Diego Section's top pitchers.

Patrick Henry 10, Steele Canyon 0 -- While the Cougars elected to go with a freshman pitcher, the Patriots sent out their big guns in UCLA bound Donna Kerr and Ciera Ashman in blanking visiting Steele Canyon in Thursday's (Mar. 15) non-league contest.

Kerr struck out 12 batters in her five innings of work, while Ashman added two more to nail 14 Cougars batters. Kerr also was perfect at the plate, with a triple and walking three times.

The triple came in the 3rd inning of a scoreless contest, as Kerr sent a drive down the right-field line which lifted chalk to score two runs. Patrick Henry (6-0-1), which won the Cougar Classic earlier in the week (including a victory over Steele Canyon in the quarterfinals), went on to score four times in the inning, then five more times in the 4th for a 9-0 advantage.

SAM BEASLEY recorded two of the Cougars' five singles. The others were by VANESSA ADAME, LORENA KLOPP and ERIKA BEASLEY.

For the Patriots, Annie Vincelett batted 2-for-3 with four RBI.