© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-5-08) -- The most successful season in Grossmont College women's fastpitch history couldn't end in more disappointing fashion.

The Tigers (31-19) gained a berth in the Southland super regional, with the hope of gaining a state championship berth -- Riverside is this season's host school for the COA Women's Fastpitch Championship at Orange Terrace Park.

Meanwhile, there was plenty of blame to go around.

Decisions by the Grossmont coaching staff to take extra bases saw the Griffins (27-12) run themselves out of the ballgame. Then a decision not to change pitchers as originally planned for the 5th inning backfired when Riverside scored five times to cap the series by run rule.

"That's been something we've been doing all season -- take advantage of other teams' mistakes," said Tigers first baseman Christian Dunn, an all-Southern California selection who walked three times. "Even though they pitched around me, someone is always there to pick someone else up."

Unlike Grossmont's 8-0 shutout loss in Saturday's opener, the offense was able to capitalize, scoring in both the 1st and 3rd innings.

Sophomore catcher ASHLEY KOOPMAN, who closed out her G-House career with a solid 2-for-3 outing, slugged a double over the head of the left-fielder, scoring STEPHANIE BYRNE for a 1-0 quick lead -- Grossmont was the visiting team based on a coin flip.

"This was my last game and I wanted to go out with a bang and help the team," said Koopman, who was obviously distraught following the setback. "Yes, I had some hits, but I don't feel any (personal) satisfaction right now because we lost."

In the 3rd, shortstop ASHLEY MARX, who went 2-for-2 with a double and a sacrifice bunt, registered a lead single. Third baseman KATIE THOMAS was hit by a pitch for a second time by Tigers pitcher Mandy Mesa, then Koopman again delivered with a basehit over the Riverside second baseman to score Marx.

However, every time Grossmont hit the scoreboard, Riverside would do better.

In the Tigers' 1st, centerfielder Amber Lozano recorded a 2-run single for a 2-1 lead, followed by the first of two RBI of the contest by catcher Jenn Grutz, who pushed a run across on a ground ball.

After Grossmont scored in the 3rd, Riverside scored twice for a 5-2 lead, one on an error, then an RBI double by third baseman Erika Fisher.

The 5th inning saw the Griffins blow a chance at a big inning.

First, a runner was thrown out attempting to steal second base in a one-out situation with the team's hottest hitter in Byrne at the plate and Grossmont more in need of baserunners while trailing 5-2. Byrne eventually singled anyway, but was sent home on a double to left by Marx. However, the relay throw by shortstop Valerie Brown was a strike to Grutz, the catcher, who easily cut down Byrne by more than 20 feet.

The over-aggressive coaching mistakes turned into a momentum killer, carrying over to the players in the home-half of the 5th when the Griffins committed three errors after one of their team leaders was inexplicably removed from the ballgame.

The final error came on a throw into the dugout following a basehit by second baseman Jessica Martinez, who was credited with one RBI, with a second run coming home on the dead ball to allow the decisive run to score to institute the run rule.

"We were all focused -- it just wasn't us out there," noted Koopman. "Our defense is much better than what showed. We've got a couple of players who are normally sure-handed, but it wasn't there today."

Elsewhere -- All three Pacific Coast Conference playoff participants were eliminated in the first round. No. 5 seeded Saddleback again ran over 12th-seeded San Diego City, this time 8-1, for a sweep. Meanwhile, No. 7 Fullerton needed to go three games to eliminate 10th-seeded Palomar, winning the third game, 7-0. It was the only series among the eight in the South to need a tie-breaker game.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-4-08) -- The brilliance of the regular season by Grossmont College was quickly dashed by the reality that the Orange Empire Conference is the top community college women's fastpitch circuit in the nation.

Riverside (30-19), the No. 9 seeds in the South region, leads the best-of-3 series, with Game Two slated for Sunday (May 4) at noon. Grossmont (27-11) will need a victory to force a tiebreaker which would immediately follow.

Tigers catcher Jenn Grutz, who helped lead RCC to the state women's water polo championship, proved equally adept out of the water. The sophomore, ticketed to transfer to Cal Baptist in a few weeks, whipped Grossmont pitching by going 3-for-4, including a double and a mammoth, 7th-inning solo homer to cap the scoring.

"We knew we could come back after Grossmont didn't score in the first few innings," said Grutz, who also threw out a Griffins runner on a stolen base attempt. "We just stayed positive and kept working hard."

"That's how we try to come out and play every game, so it was a good win for us."

Meanwhile, Riverside pitcher Afton Williamson finished with a 4-hit shutout, despite several line drive outs by Grossmont batters.

"We hit the ball hard quite a few times, but they were right at defenders," said Griffins head coach RICK TRESTRAIL. "But we had those errors and Riverside took advantage of them like a winning ballclub should. It's up to us to correct those mistakes and come back out here Sunday more focused to take two games."

Grossmont first baseman STEPHANIE BYRNE paced the offense by collecting half of the team's four hits. But when she was handcuffed on a wide throw on a close play at the bag on a Diana Torrez grounder in the 3rd -- the play was a ruled a throwing error -- the Tigers' Erika FIsher took an extra base and scored from third.

Two plays later, a routine fly ball by Christine Dunn was misplayed, allowing two additional runs to score, forcing the 8th-seeded Griffins into position to sweep the next day.

Dunn later added a 2-run homer to left field in the 7th inning for a 7-0 lead. Grutz then clouted a blow which not only cleared the fence in centerfield, it carried over a Maintenance Dept. fence some 20 feet beyond the barrier and a tractor -- a shot which went an estimated 245-250 feet.

"I was just seeing the ball well today," added Grutz, the OEC player of the year in water polo, who also landed a berth on the all-Southland and all-state teams. "We just need to keep it up."

Beyond Byrne, the only other Grossmont hits were basehits by third baseman KATIE THOMAS and shortstop ASHLEY MARX. For Riverside, DianaTorrez and Jessica Martinez each went 2-for-4, while Erika Fisher stroked a run-scoring triple, scoring on a Leesa Fisher basehit in the 4th.

Player Introductions of the Grossmont Griffins (Photo by Lenny Gemar) Complete 88-photo slideshow HERE

© East County Sports.com
SAN MARCOS (4-26-08) -- Grossmont College sophomore ASHLEY MOTTOLA and head coach RICK TRESTRAIL were honored by the Pacific Coast Conference, respectively, as its women's fastpitch pitcher and coach of the year.

Mottola, a product of Santana High, led the PCC in victories and ranked among the leaders in earned-run average all season. Meanwhile, Trestrail shared his coaching award with Bob Aguilar of Southwestern.

It was a near sweep of top laurels for the Griffins, as outfielder MARISSA UTLEY was nosed out by one vote for player of the year award to Erika Rangel of San Diego City.

Mottola and Utley were also two of the four Griffins among the first-team honorees, as voted by conference coaches. The others included first baseman STEPHANIE BYRNE (Camarillo) and catcher ASHLEY KOOPMAN (West Hills).

Second-team selections were third baseman KATIE THOMAS (Santana) and left-fielder LeeANN STROUD (Patrick Henry).

Griffin Graffiti -- Former Grossmont all-conference standout KYRSTIN GEMAR reports from South Dakota that her re-hab from rotator cuff surgery is going well as she red-shirts at Dickinson State University. Gemar was named all-PCC after batting .444 last season.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-23-08) -- Sophomore Day turned into a microcosm of the entire season for Grossmont College, along with visiting Southwestern College.

The Griffins found another way to pull out a late victory, while the Jaguars failed to find the answer late even after scoring twice in the 6th inning to take the lead.

Nevertheless, STEPHANIE BYRNE came through with the walk-off basehit to score NIKKI SESSIONS in the bottom of the 7th, lifting Grossmont to a 3-2 victory in Pacific Coast Conference action.

Of course, Tuesday (Apr. 22) was Green Day, so of course the green and gold clad Griffins were destined to win. It was the Grossmont's 13th consecutive triumph over Southwestern -- a streak which dates back over five seasons.

"I hate getting behind in the count to her, because she's a great pitcher," said Bryne on collecting her game-winning hit on an 0-2 pitch off Southwestern pitcher Becky Galindo. "I tried to battle and poke the ball through somewhere. It was an inside pitch, but I got it over the infield."

Two batters earlier, MARISSA UTLEY lifted a fly ball to right field, but REBECCA OSBORNE realized she couldn't tag up and score, so she retreated back to third base. Jaguars catcher Vanessa Baldiviez got Osborne in a rundown. But when the third baseman threw the ball away, Osborne scored to tie the contest, while Sessions advanced to third.

Byrne then sent a flare over the second baseman's head to give Grossmont a 4-game winning streak (and 7-out-of-8) to cap a 27-10 season -- the most victories by any PCC ballclub this season.

Sessions broke the scoreless pitcher's duel in the 5th, After Osborne singled and stole second base, Sessions (2-for-3) doubled off the base of the fence in right-centerfield for a 1-0 lead.

For Osborne, the last three innings were a wild rollercoaster ride. After playing hero in the 5th with the game's lone run, she slipped into goat status which led to a pair of unearned runs for Southwestern in the 6th before stepping back into the spotlight to win it in the 7th.

"I was so mad at myself," admitted Osborne. "We didn't have to play the bottom of the 7th if not for me."

With the bases loaded, the second baseman's throw to the plate landed at the feet of the Grossmont catcher and bounced to the backstop, allowing both AMBER LOVELADY (her former teammate at Grossmont High) and Autumn Hammer to score.

"I just spiked it -- I was in such a hurry because I really wanted to get her out."

Osborne quickly redeemed herself by reaching base to leadoff the 7th when the Jaguars shortstop did her own spike job, as her throw across the diamond couldn't be scooped at first base.

"The team needed me on, so I did what I had to do," added Osborne. "Then the rest of the team did it -- I'm proud of them."

"This will pick us up for the championships (COA playoffs) -- boost our confidence."

Byrne and Sessions each recorded two of Grossmont's seven hits off Galindo.

"Everyone makes mistakes, but the great thing about our team is we truly play like a team," noted Byrne. "Some days some people are off, and it balances out."

"So everyone was rooting for Rebecca and wanted her to do good for the team."

Meanwhile, Griffins pitcher ASHLEY MOTTOLA finished with a 4-hitter, as both runs allowed were unearned. Mottola struckout four to run her record to 19-6. Galindo fell to 17-16, as Southwestern finishes in fourth place, placing in the conference's second division for the seventh time in eight seasons.

Pairing for the postseason are scheduled to be announced over the weekend.

Back-stops -- Grossmont's 27 wins equals their best single-season total this decade (27 in 2002)... Palomar, which finished in a tie for second place with San Diego City , posted six PCC losses this season. The Comets lost six games combined from 2001-07.

© East County Sports.com
SAN MARCOS (4-21-08) -- Grossmont College’s Marissa Utley (fastpitch) and Vanessa Reibstein (tennis) are Pacific Coast Conference Women’s Athletes of the Week.

Utley, a sophomore centerfielder out of El Cajon Valley High, played a key role as the Griffins won the conference softball championship, ending Palomar’s 22-year reign as PCC champions.

Utley went 2-for-3 with two steals in an 8-0 win over Southwestern, then went 2-for-3 with two runs scored in a 12-2 victory over Palomar. Utley is batting .389 on the season, including a .442 mark in PCC ballgames to help lead the Griffins to the conference crown.

Reibstein, a freshman from Westview High School, won the singles championship and teamed with Joanna Mova to win the doubles title at the Pacific Coast Conference Women’s Tennis Championships. In the singles finals, Reibstein defeated Griffins teammate Danielle Bryan, 6-3, 6-0.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-19-08) -- The past few months have been fantastic, the build-up over the past few weeks was dramatic, and winning a championship was certainly emotional. However, the greatest single moment in Grossmont College women's fastpitch history might be Friday's (Apr. 18) sixth inning against Palomar College.

It may not be the most runs scored, the most hits registered, or any other significant statistic. It was simply the reaction when the umpires suddenly walked off the field and the realization set it.

"It was surreal," said Griffins assistant coach ANA LANDEROS. "Then everyone in the dugout erupted."

Two days earlier, Grossmont won the Pacific Coast Conference championship. But it wasn't until nine players crossed the plate in the fateful 6th, that each member of the Griffins truly felt like champions after evoking the run-rule to paste the Comets, 13-2.

It was the most runs -- in both a ballgame and a single inning -- allowed by Palomar since Cypress turned the trick more than a year ago (Mar. 24, 2007).

"The stress of the season broke in that inning," added Landeros. "And everyone wanted a piece of it."

Four hits and an error led to four Grossmont runs to take the lead, 4-2. Included were run-scoring basehits by LeeANN STROUD and KATIE THOMAS. A wild pitch scored NIKKI SESSIONS, while a fly ball by MARISSA UTLEY was misplayed for another run.

Following a walk and an error, Sessions drilled the base of the fence in centerfield for two runs. And when ASHLEY KOOPMAN, batting for the second time in the inning, drilled a 2-run single, the contest was called and the celebration began.

The Griffins (26-10, 12-2 PCC) complete the regular season at home Tuesday (Apr. 22) against Southwestern. The Sophomore Day contest begins at 3 p.m., with the entire East County softball community -- including all high school players – invited to attend.

© East County Sports.com
CHULA VISTA (4-17-08) -- Just like when Shoemaker-Levy 9 disappeared into Jupiter in 1994 -- the largest intergalactic, non-Earth collision witnessed by humans -- the women's softball version of the comet has also vanished.

Following an incredible 22-year reign as Pacific Coast Conference champions, Palomar College's Comets will not hang a banner this season after Grossmont College officially wrapped up the 2008 PCC title outright Wednesday (Apr. 16) after whipping Southwestern College, 4-0.

Palomar's winning ways started two years before Mottola, 20, was even born, when the Pacific Coast Conference was created.

"It's amazing that they won for 22 years straight," said Mottola, who ran her season record to a PCC best 17-5. "But that streak is over because of the "G-House.'"

"I have to give major props to my defense. They busted it and did a good job, always giving me their 100 percent."

The coaching staff, however, points to the return of Mottola as the key component to winning the pennant. Following the Harris Fire last fall, no one was sure if Mottola would return for the college's spring semester.

The Mottola's home, located in the backcountry of eastern San Diego County near Dulzura, was destroyed, leaving eight people packed inside another house on the property belonging to her uncle.

"We have 400 acres out there, but the houses were only about 100 feet apart," she noted. "Somehow, one house was saved while the other burned down."

Fortunately, the family will soon have a new modular home constructed on the site. More importantly, none of her relatives were injured.

"Now, I have my dad (Steve) as one of my biggest fans," noted the pitcher. "He was screaming for the team -- more than he usually does -- keeping me and the team pumped up. He's kept my hopes high all season."

Mottola kept the contest scoreless until the Griffins broke loose with four runs in the 4th inning for the ballgame's only scoring.

"We were nervous coming into the game because we just lost to Palomar, then Southwestern beat Palomar, so we didn't really know what to expect," Mottola noted. "But we wanted it really bad, so we came out strong and we took it."

There really wasn't much of a rally after KATIE THOMAS walked, a strike out, then a fielder's choice for a second out with a runner at first base.

But then the bats exploded.

ASHLEY MARX lined a triple over the head of the Southwestern right-fielder for a run. Marx then scored on an infield single by REBECCA OSBORNE, which turned into a nightmare for the host Jaguars.

The throw by the shortstop sailed toward the first-base dugout, sending Osborne to second. But when the first baseman retrieved the ball and misfired it into left field, Osborne circled the bases for a 3-0 lead.

NIKKI SESSIONS then matched Marx with another triple over the right-fielder. MARISSA UTLEY walked, then LeeANN STROUD singled to right to score Sessions.

Meanwhile, Mottola handled the Jags easily, allowing just three basehits, a walk and striking out three.

"Ash was very good -- light's out, basically," said Griffins assistant coach ANA LANDEROS. "We are so glad she came back and played this season."

Grossmont also turned a double play, raising their record to 25-10 (11-2 PCC).

The Griffins complete the regular season with a 2-game homestand, hosting Palomar on Friday (Apr. 18), then a rematch with Southwestern on Tuesday (Apr. 22). Both contests start at 3 p.m.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-12-08) -- Grossmont College waved good-bye to visiting Imperial Valley College, completing another season series sweep of the Arabs following Friday's (Apr. 11) easy 9-1 drubbing.

For the Griffins, the real news of the day came a few hours later.

"One of my best friends, ANDREA NEDDEN, sent me a text message," said Grossmont centerfielder MARISSA UTLEY of the former Grossmont High standout who now plays for Palomar College. "All it said was, 'Palomar beat S.W. in 9th.'"

"It didn't really hit me what it meant."

Utley contacted assistant coach ANA LANDEROS, who was originally disappointed with news of the outcome.

"Then Ana called me back like a minute later," noted Utley. "All of the sudden, it was great news -- we wanted Palomar to win."

Showing how much respect Palomar receives, everyone forgot the Comets were actually in third place, not second, so their 3-1 victory in extra innings actually meant that the second-place team -- Southwestern -- had lost.

And with Southwestern and Palomar both now saddled with five conference losses, Grossmont (24-10, 10-2 PCC), with just three PCC contests remaining, were guaranteed a second consecutive Pacific Coast Conference championship.

Suddenly, cell phone companies throughout San Diego County turned profitable as numerous text messages and phone calls between the players were exchanged with congratulations for each other.

"At first, I didn't clearly understand what the situation was -- I really do try to play them one game at a time," noted Utley. "After finishing in the tie last year with Palomar and (San Diego) City, we had to raise the bar. It was a shocker."

Grossmont needs just one additional victory to claim the title outright, which will prevent Palomar from winning or sharing the PCC crown for the first time in conference history.

"And I know we're too good of a team to lose all of our last three games, so we'll go to the playoffs playing up a level, not down a level -- we'll be on our game."

Unlike the previous ballgame with Imperial Valley, when Grossmont allowed three unearned runs, the defense was ready from the first pitch. The featured play was turned in by left-fielder LeeANN STROUD, who made a leaping, juggling grab to rob an IVC batter.

"We were playing shallow and the ball was hit over LeeAnn's head," explained Utley. "It seemed like she was running backwards, then got completely vertical to get her glove on the ball. She made a really difficult play."

The ball bounced 3-4 times before Stroud hauled in the ball. Grossmont then broke open a 1-1 deadlock by scoring four times in both the 4th and 5th innings to make a winner of starting pitcher JANELLE HAVENS.

An Utley double tied the ballgame in the 3rd, then the offense unloaded over the following innings.

With the bases loaded in the 4th, NIKKI SESSIONS placed down a squeeze bunt. However, Sessions ended-up with a basehit and an RBI on the roller down the first-base line, scoring ASHLEY MARX

"The ball just followed her," said Landeros. "It couldn't be a more perfect bunt."

A grounder to the right side by Utley brought home KATIE THOMAS, then Stroud cleared the bases with a 2-run triple.

In the 5th, pinchhitter KINDRA MYERS sent a single through the hole at shortstop for two runs, scoring Marx and pinchhitter LAURA SMITH (walk). Utley then capped a four RBI outing by lining a 2-run single to right field, plating Thomas and Myers.

The Griffins can clinch the PCC crown outright on Wednesday (Apr. 16) at Southwestern. The difficult closing portion of the schedule then features their final two ballgames at home against Palomar and then a rematch with the Jaguars.

© East County Sports.com
SAN MARCOS (4-10-08) -- Palomar College welcomed the return of injured pitcher Alex Hutchinson, helping the Comets' desperate attempt to scratch back into the Pacific Coast Conference pennant race.

After ending the 36-game winning streak of top-ranked Cypress over the weekend, Hutchinson bounced right back to spin a 4-hit shutout Wednesday (Apr. 9), as Palomar (23-12, 7-5 PCC) downed first-place Grossmont College, 8-0, at Palomar.

Hutchinson struck out seven batters to even the teams' season series at 1-1. However, time is still on the side of the Griffins, who remain on track to snap Palomar's streak of 22 consecutive PCC titles. Grossmont (23-10, 9-2 PCC) still holds a 2-game lead with four contests remaining, with the G-House hosting winless Imperial Valley (10-20, five wins by forfeit; 0-11 PCC) at 1 p.m. Friday (Apr. 11).

The two teams, plus San Diego City , all shared the crown following last season's 3-way dead heat.

The close ballgame tipped Palomar's way after the Comets scored six times in the 6th inning. The big hit was a 3-run homer by former San Diego City catcher Christy Kearney.

For Grossmont, first baseman STEPHANIE BYRNE went 2-for-3 with a double among the ballclub's four hits.

Note -- In Palomar's win over No. 1 Cypress, former Grossmont High standout ANDREA NEDDEN batted 2-for-3, including a lead double in the 6th which started a 3-run rally in the Comets' upset victory. Palomar completed the upset of the Chargers by turning a triple play.

© East County Sports.com
KEARNY MESA (4-5-08) -- Mired in a mild batting slump, Grossmont College infielder ASHLEY MARX went to a familiar face to solve a problem with her mechanics.

"She was at our home game the other day to say hi, and watch us play" said El Capitan High coach softball JOE COTA. "And we talked about her hitting a little bit, too."

Marx took the advice and blossomed.

The former Vaqueros standout batted 3-for-3 and scored the game-tying run on a squeeze bunt by LeeANN STROUD, helping the Griffins move another step closer to a second straight Pacific Coast Conference crown after pasting host San Diego Mesa, 6-3, on Friday (Apr. 4). The G-House now holds a 3-game lead with five contests remaining.

"We talked about the position of her hands and getting her to move her bat quicker, too," noted Grossmont assistant coach ANA LANDEROS. "I guess everyone understands what needs to be corrected, but if Coach Cota was able to say something to help, I'm sure the entire team appreciates it."

After the Olympians scored three times in the 3rd to overcome an early 2-0 deficit, Grossmont bounced back to immediately reclaim the lead in the 4th -- with Marx in the middle of the action

The Griffins added two insurance runs in the 6th when a deep drive by Stroud went off a glove of a Mesa outfielder, bouncing over the fence for a 2-run homer.

The call wasn't as controversial as the liner which accounted for Mesa's runs. A drive by former Grossmont High pitcher ROXY HESHMATY also hit the glove of a Grossmont defender as she crashed into the fence.

Although Grossmont thought the ball then bounced onto the playing surface before going over the fence for a ground-rule double, the umpires ruled the ball landed beyond the point of where the temporary fence was situated.

The Griffins scored early on an ASHLEY KOOPMAN double in the 1st, bringing home STEPHANIE BYRNE, who reached on an error then stole second base. An inning later, LILY ISAACSON tripled deep to right, coming home on Marx' first hit -- a basehit to center.

Grossmont caps its brief roadtrip on Wednesday (Apr. 9) with a 3 p.m. contest at Palomar, then hosts Imperial Valley at 1 p.m. Friday (Apr. 11).

Notes -- In non-league action Saturday, Palomar defeated previously undefeated Cypress, 5-3, snapping the Chargers' 36-game winning streak.

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (4-3-08) -- Grossmont College gained ground on its two nearest contenders Wednesday (Apr. 2), moving another step closer to gaining a second consecutive Pacific Coast Conference title.

While the Griffins took care of business by busting second-place San Diego City College, 4-1, third-standing Southwestern was upset by San Diego Mesa, 7-1, making Grossmont's three closest rivals -- including Palomar (a 17-0 winner over Imperial Valley) -- all three games behind in the loss column with six ballgames remaining for the Griffins.

Grossmont pitcher ASHLEY MOTTOLA, who moved into a virtual tie for the PCC lead in earned-run average after allowing just one nearned run against the Knights, survived a major SDCC threat in the 1st after the first two batters moved into scoring position with no one out.

"We got a little bit lucky there, but then we were able to score right away which kept us relaxed," said Griffins assistant coach ANA LANDEROS. "In fact, City had a lot of chances, but we somehow kept getting out of jams."

The Knights initial rally was trumped when a pair of line drives found Griffins leather, followed by a popout to end the inning. Grossmont immediately answered on an RBI single by ASHLEY KOOPMAN, which scored MARISSA UTLEY, then KATIE THOMAS lifted a sacrifice fly to right field, allowing NIKKI SESSIONS to tag-up and score.

The Knights halved the lead in the 4th on a sollo homer by Erica Rangel, but one inning later, Utley reached second base on what was ruled a double when the SDCC centerfield dove to reach Utley's sinking liner, only to have the ball bounce off her head and roll away.

A Sessions grounder moved Utley to third, then PCC batting leader STEPHANIE BYRNE bunted Utley home on a safety squeeze.

In the 6th, designated player LILY ISAACSON singled, moved to second on a ground ball, then scored when REBECCA OSBORNE scorched a liner which hit the fence in center.

San Diego City had two runners on base in the 6th and 7th, but Mottola escaped both jams to avenge her only conference defeat of the season and give Grossmont the season series, 2-1.

The Griffins open a brief 2-game roadtrip Friday (Apr. 4) at Mesa, then next Wednesday at Palomar -- both at 3 p.m. The ballclub returns home for a special 1 p.m. Friday afternoon special against Imperial Valley.