El Capitan's Delanie Gourley (right) is all smiles following the first of her two homers to defeat Santana and advance to the CIF Division III championship game at UCSD.. (Photo by Roseanne Ramirez; click photo for more)

Santana outfielder Ahnalin Barkhimer hustled through the fence, but couldn't corral the first of two home runs by El Cap's Delanie Gourley. (Photo by Roseanne Ramirez)

DIVISION V Feeling the sting Christian gains finals berth after 13-run 1st By Nick Pellegrino © East County Sports.com EL CAJON (5-25-12) — With the pressure now off, the Christian Patriots are now playing free and relaxed. Uh, perhaps they were all a bit too relaxed. On Thursday (May 24), the Pats exploded for 13 runs before opposing Calipatria could register a 1st-inning out, gaining a berth to the CIF Division V title game after hammering the Hornets, 20-1 in five innings, at Dawson Field. Christian will again meet Horizon for the crown to kickoff Championship Saturday at UC San Diego as the first of five finales, starting at 9 a.m. The 13-run inning featured a 2-run homer by first baseman MARY GRABOWSKI. The bomb was not only her school-record 10th of the year, the senior became the fifth player in East County history to reach double figures in homers in a single season, For Grabowski, it was also a milestone 20th career home run. Grabowski's most recent shot landed well beyond the 208-foot barrier – the deepest section of the ballpark – landing barely within the plateau of the playing surface in the triangle which falls left to the parking lot or right to Madison Avenue. In addition, KAYLA KRUEL smacked a 3-run homer in the 2nd, when Christian added six more markers for a 19-0 cushion. Kruel finished with a 3-for-3 outing, plus a walk, to reach base over all four of her plate appearances. Meanwhile, ALISSA HARRIS and TAYLOR MILLER each batted 2-for-4. In the circle, freshman GABY GRABOWKSI pitched three no-hit innings to gain the easy victory. Fighting a virus, she still struck out four batters, then came out to rest for Saturday. MELANIE STARK tossed the final two frames to collect the save. The Hornets avoided the shutout when Jennifer Martinez lined a sharp single down the right-field line to score Raena Banaga in the 4th. Banaga, the starting catcher who was asked to pitch in the bottom of the 4th, finished with a shutout inning after somehow gloving a line drive by Christian reserve second baseman DANIELLE WEATHERFORD, then firing to first base for an inning-ending double play. DIVISION I TORREY PINES 4, MIRA MESA 2 – The Marauders' MAUGA sisters – QUIRISA and KATIYANA – roped consecutive, tape-measure home runs in the 6th inning, but it wasn't enough to overcome a 4-0 deficit, as the top-seeded Falcons eliminated the second-seeded Marauders two rounds short of the CIF San Diego Section Division I title game. Torrey Pines later set a school record with its 30th victory of the season by besting Poway, 3-1, to gain a rematch against Carlsbad for the large-school division crown. Quirisa Mauga sent a drive well past the barrier in center field to get Mira Mesa on the scoreboard. Moments later, Katiyana Mauga sent a drive which bounced just shy of the slow-pitch softball warning track at Sportsplex USA of Poway , a mammoth bolt estimated at 282 feet. However, Falcons pitcher Rachel Nasland kept the rest of the Marauders in check by registering 16 strikeouts. Nasland was staked to an early 1-0 lead, then Taylor Lee smacked a 2-run homer in the 4th for a 3-0 advantage. Lee later pitched five solid inning against Poway , and Nasland earned her fourth save of the season to tip the Titans.

East County Record Book Single-Season Home Runs (thru May 24) Player School Year  HRs Kayti Grable Amber Schisler Santana Santana 2010 2012 12 12 Kasey Mytinger West Hills 2005 11 Terese Diaz Kayti Grable Mary Grabowski  Molly Hutchison Helix Santana Christian Steele Canyon 2008 2012 2012 2012 10 10 10 10 Lorena Klopp Steele Canyon 2007 9 Melissa Owens Kelly Seitz Hannah Rost Alyssa Dronenburg  Aubrie May Christian Valhalla Steele Canyon Helix Grossmont 2004 2006 2007 2008 2010 8 8 8 8 8

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
POWAY (5-24-12) — El Capitan High equaled the greatest playoff run in school history, advancing to its second-ever CIF San Diego Section championship game after blanking Grossmont Valley League rival Santana, 2-0, in Thursday's (May 24) winners bracket final at Sportsplex USA of Poway.

And the credit goes to Vaqueros pitcher DELANIE GOURLEY... or should we list her instead as the Vaqueros' slugger.

The junior not only fired a 3-hit shutout at the Sultans, Gourley also accounted for all of the game's scoring with a pair of solo home runs, propelling El Capitan into the section final for the first time since 1987.

Vaqueros head coach JOE COTA didn't mince words to explain Gourley's performance.

"She was amazing," said Cota.

At times, Gourley's outing seemed as simple as the coach's modest, unembellished explanation.

El Capitan pitcher Delanie Gourley moved closer to the 1,000 career strikeout plateau. (Photo by Roseanne Ramirez)

Santana catcher KAYTI GRABLE was the lone batter to solve Gourley, going 2-for-3 with a liner for a double. Otherwise, the junior pitcher yielded just one other basehit while striking out eight batters, lifting her career total to 990 with one contest left this season.

Gourley was also aided by a steadily improving defense that again did not commit an error. In addition, the team got bailed out in the 4th when first baseman KATIE CARMICHAEL snagged a liner ticketed for the right-field corner, then stepping on the base for a double play.

Of course, someone needs to score in order to win, and Gourley delivered twice in leadoff fashion.

Opening the 4th inning, she pulled the ball over the barrier in right field for a 1-0 lead. Then in the 6th, with Santana pitching her to the outside, Gourley lifted the ball out to the opposite field left.

El Capitan now leads the season series with Santana, 2-1, also taking the regular-season finale which vaulted the Vaqueros into a co-league crown with the Sultans after snapping a 10-year losing streak to their long-time rival.

However, Santana later came back to take the challenger bracket final over West Hills, 4-1, to gain a rematch, slated for 2 p.m. at UC San Diego.

WEST HILLS 3, UNIVERSITY CITY 1 – In the losers bracket semifinals, Wolf Pack pitcher NOELLE JOHNSON dominated the Centurions, firing a 2-hitter for the victory. Johnson struck out seven, while the UC run came unearned in the 6th inning.

Johnson was supported by three early runs, including two in the 1st on a KATIE BYRD basehit.

The inning saw MELISSA EGGLESTON reach on a one-out error, CORTNEY HORNE singled, then a double steal saw both runners sprint into scoring position. Byrd followed with her 2-RBI single over the head of the Cents' shortstop, who leaped but fell a dollar short.

An inning later, JAYMEE BUSH singled and stole two bases. She came home on a nice sacrifice fly by EMILY SPENCER, the No. 9 hitter, for a 3-0 cushion.

West Hills also turned a triple play to turn away U-City. With runners at first and second, a traditional, baseball-style double play saw Johnson field a comebacker, with the ball going to second and to first for two outs. But when the Cents' lead runner tried to take an extra base and score when the ball went back to the pitcher, a heads-up Johnson fired to Horne at the plate for the third out.

SANTANA 4, WEST HILLS 1 – In the losers’ bracket final and a berth to face El Capitan in the championship at stake, the Sultans took advantage early by posting three unearned runs in the first three innings to take out the Wolf Pack for the third straight time in this series of City of Santee rivals.

AMBER SCHISLER gained the pitching victory with two strikeouts, while every other out coming on ground balls or pick offs. She also scored three times, while ALICIA ZUNIGA batted 3-for-3, keeping rallies alive each time.

Meanwhile, TARA GRENNAN registered a pair of key sacrifice bunts, one a safety squeeze which also allowed a run to score.

"We just made a bunch of little plays to get the job done," added Grennan, the first baseman. "And Amber can really perform when she's on her game."

In the 3rd, Zuniga collected her second single, but when the ball went between the legs of an outfielder, another unearned run came home.

Santana's other run came in the 5th when a hot roller by Schisler rolled not only past the second baseman, but all the way to the fence in right-center field for a double. Zuniga again singled, then Grennan’s safety squeeze bunt produced another run for a 4-1 lead.

West Hills got on the board in the 5th and 7th when EMILY SPENCER crossed home both times, but the Pack failed to score more if not for running themselves out of the inning each time.

In the 5th, Spencer lined the ball off Schisler's glove, as the shortstop could not recover the ball in time for a scratch single. An error and a walk loaded the bases, then a ground ball to shortstop by Horne went for an RBI on the fielder's choice to third.

However, Santana escaped the jam when Grable picked off a baserunner, then Schisler coaxed an inning-ending ground out.

In the 7th, the Wolf Pack needed at least two batters to get on base to bring the potential tying run to the plate, doing so when Spencer reached on a lead error, then MELISSA EGGLESTON (3-for-3) bunted her way on for a single. In between, Sultans second baseman TAYLOR BARRY made a diving stop, throwing to first from her stomach for the first out.

With runners at the corners, a double steal saw Spencer score to trim the deficit to 4-2. But on a ground out to short by Horne, West Hills again attempted to take an extra base while the ball was in the infield, but Grennan, the first baseman, fired to Zuniga at third for a game-ending double play.

CIF Scores & Linescores / Thurs., May 24
Division 1 WBF: Carlsbad 9, Poway 2 LBS: Torrey Pines 4, Mira Mesa 2. LBF: Torrey Pines 3, Poway 1 Division 2 WBF: Bonita Vista 5, Rancho Bernardo 1 LBS: San Marcos 10, Ramona 2. LBF: Rancho Bernardo 11, San Marcos 3 Division 3 WBF: El Capitan 2, Santana 0 LBS: West Hills 3, University City 1 LBF: Santana 4, West Hills 1 Division 4 WBF: Mater Dei Catholic 12, Madison 3. LBS: Parker 2, Imperial 0 LBF: Madison 2, Parker 1 Division 5 LBF: Christian 20, Calipatria 1 (5 inn.)	DIVISION I Losers Bracket Semifinal FALCONS 4, MARAUDERS 2 Mira Mesa Torrey Pines 000 002 0 - 2 3 0 010 210 x - 4 8 0 A.Garcia (L), Vanta (5) and Leasau; Nasland (W) and Evans. HR-T.Lee (TP) 4th, one on; Q.Mauga (MM), 6th, solo; K.Mauga (MM), 6th, b2b. DIVISION V Losers Bracket Final PATRIOTS 20, HORNETS 1 (5 inn.) Calipatria Christian 000 10 - 01 03 2 (13)61 0x - 20 12 2 Ortiz (L), Banaga (3) and Banaga, Ortiz (3); G.Grabowski (W), Stark (4) (Sv). HR-M.Grabowski (Chr, 10), 1st, one on; Kruel (Chr), 2nd, two on. WBF: Winners Bracket Final LBS: Losers Bracket Semifinal LBF: Losers Bracker Final	DIVISION III Winners Bracket Final VAQUEROS 2, SULTANS 0 Santana El Capitan 000 000 0 - 0 3 0 000 101 x - 2 6 0 Schishler (L) and Grable; Gourley (W) and Gonzalez. HR-Gourley 2 (EC), 4th, lead; and 6th, lead. WOLF PACK 3, CENTURIONS 1 Losers Bracket Semifinal University City West Hills 000 001 0 - 1 2 3 210 000 x - 3 4 1 Lanthrop (L) and Schneubelt; Johnson (W) and Horne. HR-none. SULTANS 4, WOLF PACK 1 Losers Bracket Final West Hills Santana 000 010 1 - 2 6 2 201 010 x - 4 7 3 Johnson (L) and Horne; Schisler (W) and Grable. HR-none.

By Nick Pellegrino
East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-24-12) — If you're going to lose in a CIF playoff game, the Christian Patriots picked the perfect time to give one away.

In a see-saw affair which featured several lead changes, visiting Horizon took advantage of a boatload of Christian errors to take charge in the CIF Division V tournament after being handed a 10-6 decision in 8 innings in the winners bracket final at Dawson Field.

While the Panthers will advance to Saturday's championship game at UC San Diego, the top-seeded Patriots remain in the same position as entering Wednesday's (May 23) action, only without the heralded monkey-on-their-shoulders responsibility.

No longer under the pressiue of being the ballclub to beat, Christian still is two victories away from the school's first championship since 2004 in the modified double-elimination format.

Down 6-5, Christian got even in the 5th inning on three walks, then a deep sacrifice fly to center field by KAYLA KRUEL.

In the 6th, diving catches by each ballclubs' left fielder – both senior co-captains – kept the game tied, Christian's CRISSY WADDINGTON made an inning-ending, running grab in the gap, then Horizon's Crysta Lane charged forward for the catch behind the shortstop to retire Christian's lead-off batter.

In the 7th, both sides saw their power hitters take big swings. However, the Panthers' Katie Dowdy and the Pats' MARY GRABOWSKI each hooked potential game-winning drives just foul near the 184-foot marker along the left-field line.

Finally, in the 8th, two Christian errors opened the floodgates for four Horizon runs, including an RBI single by freshman Hailey Boyett which was then booted in the outfield to assume the lead.

Grabowski, a senior, was the lone Christian player with multiple hits, going 2-for-3 with a walk. Meanwhile, freshman GABY GRABOWSKI entered the circle as a relief pitcher in the 2nd, allowing just three hits in her 6 1/3 innings, but was tagged with the setback as six of the seven runs she allowed were unearned.

Down 4-0, Christian took the lead with three runs in the 2nd, then two more in the 3rd for a 5-4 to chase Dowdy, the Panthers starting pitcher. Boyett collected the win, only allowing a run on Kruel's sac fly in her five innings of work.

CIFSDS CHAMPIONSHIPS – Third Round

CIF Scoreboard / Tue., May 22 / Third Round
Division 1 Mira Mesa 3, Otay Ranch 2 Torrey Pines 5, Fallbrook 2 Division 2 San Marcos 4, Valhalla 3 Ramona 8, Westview 7 (10 inn.) Division 3 West Hills 3, Cathedral Catholic 1 University City 2, Del Norte 1 Division 4 Francis Parker 1, Valley Center 0 Imperial 8, La Jolla Country Day 1 Division 5 Tri-City Christian df. Vincent Memorial, forfeit Calipatria 13, The Rock 3	LINESCORES DIVISION I MARAUDERS 3, MUSTANGS 2 Otay Ranch Mira Mesa 001 010 0 - 2 8 0 100 020 x - 3 8 3 Puente (L) and Rodriguez; A.Garcia (W) and Leasau. HR-none.
	DIVISION II KNIGHTS 4, NORSEMEN 3 Valhalla San Marcos 000 100 2 - 3 6 3 020 200 x - 4 9 3 Madara (L) and Federico; Clermont (W) and name. HR-Daniel (SM), 3rd, solo.
	DIVISION III WOLF PACK 3, LADY DONS 1 Cathedral West Hills 010 000 0 - 1 3 3 000 210 x - 3 7 2 Shine (L) and Betty; N.Johnson (W) and Horne. HR-none.
Cathedral Catholic at West Hills PHOTOS

Marauders advance in
Griffith's final home game

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
MIRA MESA (5-23-12) — The Mira Mesa Marauders are known for their power hitting, but it was the execution of smaller skills which earned them a final four berth in the SDCIF Division I championship.

The Marauders utilized a pair of sacrifices, including a fly ball by AMBER CORDERO, to bring in MERCEDES HUMPHREY with the tie-breaking run in a 3-2 decision over Otay Ranch in Tuesday's (May 22) third-round elimination game.

The victory came on the final home game for outgoing Mira Mesa coach BRAD GRIFFITH, who is retiring following a marathon career in athletics which started as a minor league baseball player in the New York-Penn League in 1959.

"I just wanted to get the ball out of the infield," said Cordero, who missed on a high 2-0 pitch, yet bounded back to clear a 2-1 pitch to center field for the game-winning RBI. "We can defeat anyone with team character and heart in order to win."

Mira Mesa (26-6-1), the second seed even though they are ranked second in the entire San Diego Section by the media, needs to win twice on Thursday to gain a berth in Saturday's championship game at UC San Diego. They first meet top-seeded Torrey Pines at 3 p.m. at Sportsplex USA of Poway in order to advance to the losers bracket final at 7:30 p.m.

Otay Ranch snapped a 1-all tie with a run in the 5th inning, only to watch the Marauders bounce right back with a pair of runs.

KATIYANA MAUGA opened a sharp one-hopper which bounced off the shoulder of the shortstop. TANI LEASAU bunted her to second base, then Mauga tied the contest when Humphrey smacked a one-hopper off the left-center field fence for an RBI double.

Mira Mesa pitcher Alicia Garcia walked, with both runners advancing on a wild pitch. Two pitches later, Humphrey lifted her fly ball to center.

Garcia then retired the Mustangs in order in the 6th, then survived a pair of singles in the 7th (by pitcher Adri Puentes and Palacios, the shortstop) when a ground ball to the right side was deflected by first baseman ELIZABETH COFFIN directly to second baseman QUIRISA MAUGA, who fired the ball back for the final out.

In addition, Garcia received assistance from Humphrey in left field. Otay Ranch's Niki Fernandez opened the 5th with a sinking liner, but Humphrey, a sophomore, charged forward to complete a shoestring catch.

"I knew I had to make a dive because I knew I needed to do something to help us win," said Humphrey. "We all have faith in each other to never give up."

Humphrey also posted an RBI double in the 1st, scoring Quirisa Mauga for a 1-0 lead. Both Mauga sisters batted 2-for-4.

Otay Ranch took a short-lived lead in the 5th when Carlee Wood walked, Sashel Palacios was hit by a pitch, then senior captain Sonia Mazon singled home Wood, although Palacios was thrown out attempting to advance to third base.

West Hills first baseman Katie Byrd (Photo by Nathan Price, youatplay.com) VIEW/PURCHASE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

DIVISION III
WEST HILLS 3, CATHEDRAL CATHOLIC 1 – The Wolf Pack gained yet another Final Four berth after eliminating the Lady Dons from the SDCIF Division III tournament. West Hills needs two victories on Thursday to advance to the section title game, first meeting University City – a 2-1 winner over Del Norte – at Sportsplex USA of Poway .

Cathedral Catholic grabbed the early lead with an unearned run in the 2nd inning, scoring on a bunt single by Irma Cruz to bring home Tierra Falo (safe on error). After that, Wolf Pack pitcher NOELLE JOHNSON only allowed one additional hit in tossing a 3-hitter. She struck out eight, getting the majority of her outs on ground balls to the infield.

On offense, the West Hills’ comeback started with two runs in the 4th inning, as KATIE BYRD and KAYLA ARAUJO registered consecutive run-scoring singles.

The inning started on a single by CORTNEY HORNE, with Johnson advancing courtesy runner JANELLE HIPOLITO on a deep fly to center field. Byrd followed with a sharp single to center, taking second base on the throw home. Then Araujo singled to a similar spot for a 2-1 advantage.

An inning later, a two-out rally saw MELISSA EGGLESTON reach on a bunt single, then Horne hammered the base of the left-fence fence for an RBI triple.

For the contest, Horne went 3-for-3, with a single, double and triple, while Araujo batted 2-for-3.

Valhalla seniors Kiki Brown and Naomi Tellez. (Photo by James Labshere)

Clermont finished with six strikeouts.

The fence-less outfield definitely played into the hands of the hosts.

Carlie Daniel hit a solo homer on a gapper for San Marcos , while leadoff batter Alexis Ramirez went 2-for-3 and drove in a run.

In the 7th, Valhalla (17-16) finally figured out Clermont and quickly loaded the bases with no one out.

EMILY ORDONEZ opened with a pinch-hit single to center, with pinch-runner KYRA AYALA moving to second base when DANIELLE UY singled, then KIKI BROWN was hit by a pitch.

An infield fielding error on a DIONNA SMITH grounder allowed Ayala to score, then a grounder to third by LadySARA FEDERICO allowed Uy to come home. However, Clermont escaped on a check-swing pop-up.

The other Norsemen run came in the 4th.

Trailing 2-0, MADISION LABSHERE grounded the ball sharply up the middle for a basehit. Brown then sent a shot to center field, which would've been a home run if there was an outfield fence. However, playing in Kit Carson type conditions, it was just a long fly out.

Still, Labshere stole second base to set up a scoring opportunity. Smith followed by a shallow pop on a bunt. The San Marcos catcher touched the ball, which was fair while her body was foul. Smith delayed in running toward first, but when she did, the throw to first hit her in the back and Labshere took two bases to score on the error.

The Norsemen also loaded the bases in the 5th, but another Brown drive to deep right field was hauled in instead of going for a grand slam. Valhalla also stranded two additional baserunners in the 6th.

Although CIF mandates that all playoff games be played on fields with outfield barrriers, Brown lost potentially six RBI and the team was eliminated from postseason play.

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (5-20-12) — The showdown between East County's top two pitchers saw both DELANIE GOURLEY of El Capitan and West Hills' NOELLE JOHNSON running on fumes in the 7th inning after needing to work in challenging playoff outings over back-to-back days.

Johnson finally got tagged for a pair of runs in her final inning, allowing El Capitan to secure a 3-0 lead in Saturday's (May 19) SDCIF Division III winners bracket. But when the Wolf Pack snapped Gourley's postseason shutout streak at 13 1/3 innings by also posting a pair of runs, nerves were being tested for a dramatic finish.

However, the situation is exactly why Gourley is one of the best. She slammed the door shut with consecutive strikeouts for a 3-2 decision, allowing El Capitan to reach the semifinals with an undefeated mark for the first time since 2002.

Pitchers Delanie Gourley of El Capitan (left) and Noelle Johnson of West Hills battled. (Photos by Roseanne Ramirez, left, and Dave Reed) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Gourley finished with 11 strikeouts, raising her career total to 982. Her Vaqueros are guaranteed at least two more ballgames this postseason, meaning she should reach 1,000 prior to the start of her senior season. She also provided the only run-scoring over the opening six innings.

In the 1st, C.J. MERRILL stroked a basehit, moving to second base on a RACHEL AUCHENBACH sacrifice bunt. Gourley then followed with an RBI single for a 1-0 lead.

The score remained in tact until the 7th when both pitchers started to display signs of fatigue.

El Capitan extended its advantage after loading the bases when KASSIE BATTAGLIA smacked a double, MARISSA CUEVAS walked, then KATIE CARMICHAEL was hit by a pitch.

West Hills cut down the runner at the plate on a ground ball to the infield, but Johnson issued another walk to CINDY GONZALEZ to force home Cuevas. BREAN NOBLE followed with a run-scoring single to bring in Carmichael.

Normally, a 3-0 cushion would be enough for Gourley, but this time it proved to be just enough.

El Capitan left fielder Kassie Battaglia (15) covers third base to register a double play vs. West Hills. (Photos by Roseanne Ramirez)

A key defensive stop by El Capitan allowed them to maintain the lead in the 5th.

West Hills, known for runners to take two bases on plays to first base on ground balls, again attempted to have a runner go from first-to-third in the 5th.

A tapper back to the circle saw Gourley field the ball and toss to Carmichael at first. That's when Vaqueros’ left fielder saved the day.

On the ball to Gourley, the third base also charged the ball, while the shortstop covered second base, leaving third base vacant. However, Battaglia hustled in from left to not only cover the bag, but collect the throw from Carmichael for the double play.

Johnson finished with eight strikeouts.

Outfield defense by Valhalla allowed the Norsemen to eliminate Scripps Ranch. The defenders are (l-r): LF Kailey Hipwell, CF Danielle Uy, and RF Liana Gorney. (Photos by James Labshere)

DIVISION II
VALHALLA 4, SCRIPPS RANCH 3 — DANIELLE UY, MADISON LAHSBERE and KIKI BROWN registered consecutive RBI in the 5th inning Saturday (May 19), when the Norsemen scored three times to snap a 1-1 tie before holding off the host Falcons in an SDCIF Division II elimination contest.

However, it was the play of Valhalla 's corner outfielders which saved the day, allowing the ballclub – not predicted to even make the playoffs – to advance into the second week of the tournament.

"We're so young and nobody expected us to do anything," said Norsemen coach MARK OBNEY. "Yet here we are because everyone continues to work hard and support each other."

Shortstop Madison Labshere skies for the ball. (Photo by James Labshere)

"Kailey made a couple of nice plays," added Obney. "But those two catches by Liana were of the spectacular variety."

It's only the second time Valhalla has reached the second week of postseason play since the double-elimination format was instituted, and the school's deepest postseason run since falling in the SDCIF Division III title game in 2005.

Meanwhile, Scripps Ranch was eliminated by the Orange for the second time in three seasons. The Norsemen scored right out of the box with the aid of a controversial call.

However, Scripps Ranch also scored in the 1st.

Pitchers ASHLEY MADARA of Valhalla and Scripps Ranch's Taylor Curran then settled in to throw shutout ball before the Norsemen broke through in the 5th.

Pinch-hitter EMILY ORDONEZ reached on an error, then Hipwell and Gorney both singled to load the bases. Scripps Ranch collected a grounder and registered an out at the plate to keep the contest level, but Uy (3-for-4) sent a roller through the hole at shortstop for a 2-1 lead. Labshere went to left field with an RBI single, then Brown drove in her second run of the afternoon with a ground ball to the right side.

The final Falcons chance saw catcher Bryanna Datko line a one-out single to right, taking second on a passed ball. However, Madara escaped on a pop out, then Hipwell's running catch along the left-field line.

Among Valhalla's 10 hits was a double by senior NAOMI TELLEZ, who started at third base.

DIVISION V
CHRISTIAN 14, TRI-CITY CHRISTIAN 2 — For the top-seeded Patriots, it was another strong finish to remain undefeated in the SDCIF Division V championship after scoring five times in the 3rd inning Saturday (May 19), then nine more in the 4th to run rule the visiting Eagles.

Christian advances to Wednesday's winners bracket final against Horizon, also to be played at Dawson Field. The listed starting time is 5 p.m., but it will probably be moved up.

Freshman pitcher GABY GRABOWSKI tossed four solid innings, allowing just one earned run, with MELANIE STARK mopping up in the 5th.

Grabowski also matched teammates ANAYA TOBIASON and KELLY ROBINSON with three RBI. All three registered run-scoring singles in the 3rd, then each belted 2-run doubles in the breakout 4th-inning rally when they sent 14 batters to the plate.

ALISSA HARRIS also collected a pair of RBI, going 2-for-3 at the plate, as did Robinson and KAYLA KRUEL to fuel a 14-hit attack in only four trips to the plate by the Patriots. In addition, Stark scored three times.

On defense, Christian first baseman MARY GRABOWSKI registered an unassisted double play in the 1st, snaring a liner for an out, then stepping on the bag.

For Tri-City Christian, shortstop Faith Kratz batted 3-for-3, including a double and a solo homer in the 4th. All three of her hits went to left-center field.

The Falcons fell to Carlsbad, 2-1 in 9 innings, while Poway 's Titans posted three runs in the 8th to hand Mira Mesa its first postseason setback.

Mira Mesa's lone run off Poway pitcher came in the 6th.

TANI LEASAU accepted a walk, moving to second base on a MERCEDES HUMPHREY sacrifice bunt. ALICIA GARCIA singled to center, then AMBER CORDERO singled to right for the RBI.

After Poway scored three times in the 8th, Mira Mesa loaded the bases, but couldn't connect with a key knock to extend the contest.

The Titans opened the scoring in the 2nd, when Danielle White walked, eventually scoring on a Catherine Seitz basehit. In the 8th, Li'anna Martinez posted a 2-run single.

OTAY RANCH 6, GROSSMONT 3 — The Foothillers registered a pair of runs in their first trip to the plate before the Mustangs rallied to powder Grossmont in an elimination contest, ending the season for the defending SDCIF Division I titlists.

The quick start saw AMANDA PORTER single, followed by run-scoring doubles by third baseman AUBRIE MAY and second baseman HAYLEY KASDEN.

The other Grossmont run came in the 6th on a series of basehits by SARAH NICKS, CHELSEA GONZALEZ and KIRA ELLIOTT (RBI).

For Otay Ranch, freshman catcher Erika Rodriguez batted 3-for-4 with a 2-run, go-ahead homer in the 3rd. She also tripled, while junior right fielder Jonee Rutledge also went 3-for-4.

CIF Linescores / Sat., May 19 / Second Round
DIVISION I MUSTANGS 6, FOOTHILLERS 3 Grossmont Otay Ranch 200 001 0 - 3 10 5 012 021 x - 6 15 1 Davila (L), McMillan (4) and Nicks; Bachtell (W) and Rodriguez. HR-Rodriguez (OR) 3rd, one on.	DIVISION I TITANS 4, MARAUDERS 1 (9 inn.) Poway Mira Mesa 010 000 003 - 4 08 0 000 001 000 - 1 10 0 Shaw, Parkes (6) (W) and Duran; A.Garcia (L) and Leasau. HR-none.
DIVISION II NORSEMEN 4, FALCONS 3 Valhalla Scripps Ranch 100 030 0 - 4 10 0 100 002 0 - 3 08 2 Madara (W) and Federico; Curran (L) and B.Datko. HR-none.	DIVISION II VAQUEROS 3, WOLF PACK 2 El Capitan West Hills 100 000 2 - 3 6 0 000 000 2 - 2 5 3 Gourley (W,17-5) and Gonzales; N. Johnson (L) and Horne. HR-none.
DIVISION V PATRIOTS 14, EAGLES 2 (5 inn.) Tri-City Christian Christian 100 10 - 02 05 1 005 9x - 14 14 4 TCC not available; G.Grabowski (W), Stark (5) and Tobiason. HR-Kraatz (TCC) 4th, solo.	DIVISION III SULTANS 13, CENTURIONS 4 University City Santana 400 000 0 - 04 07 4 333 031 x - 13 17 2 Patterson (L), Lanthrop (2) and Schnaubelt; Schisler, Kuper (W) (1) and Grable. HR-Peterson (UC) 1st slam; Grable (S,10), 1st, one on; Schisler (S,12), 1st, b2b.

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (5-19-12) — The cream is definitely rising to the top after top-seeded ballclubs began play Friday (May 18) in the CIF San Diego Section softball championships.

Programs which received opening round byes proved their worthiness thanks to strong efforts in the circle by players which also proved to be difference-makers with the bat, too. This proved especially true in the Division III tournament, as East County schools witnessed a no-hitter plus a pair of shutouts, all moving to within two more victories of a championship game berth.

Meanwhile, another no-hitter was tossed by a top-seeded local school. Overall, in all 20 ballgames spread over the five divisions, the home team won all of them.

DIVISION III
SANTANA 4, CLAIREMONT 0 – With a record-breaking performer batting in front of her, Sultans junior AMBER SCHISLER moved within striking distance of the East County single-season home run record, advancing top-seeded Santana past the visiting Chieftains in an SDCIF Division III ballgame Friday (May 18).

Schisler blasted a 2-out, solo homer in the 1st inning for her 11th of the season. Teammate KAYTI GRABLE, who bats in front of her, set the mark of 12 as a freshman in 2010. Also, Schisler's homer proved to be the game-winning hit after she and KENDRA KUPER combined to blank Clairemont on four hits.

"It helps hitting behind Kayti," said Schisler, who tossed 4 1/3 innings before Kuper moved into the circle to register the save. "When you have a teammate in front of you who can hit like Kayti can, especially someone who has the (home run) record, it gives me just that extra opportunity to see those pitches that they can't throw to Kayti."

"ALICIA ZUNIGA then hits behind me, then it progresses right on down the batting order with more and more pitches to hit."

As expected, three of the final four teams in the winner's bracket all hail from East County. On Saturday, while El Capitan heads to West Hills, Santana will host University City, which downed Cathedral Catholic, 9-6.

"It's a weird feeling seeing some of the girls you’ve grown up with and played with when you were 10 years old, but now they are on other high school teams," Schisler added. "Now you're all separated and it makes the competition more genuine knowing you’re battling out with people you know."

Following Schislers' homer, the Sultans took advance of three players – TARA GRENNAN, Kuper and SAVANAH FENN – all getting hit by a pitch in consecutive order, with Grennan scoring after she stole third base during Fenn's at bat, coming home when the ball sailed down the left-field line.

A similar play saw ARIEL RASMUSSON score in the 5th. The shortstop led off with a basehit, stole second base, then when stealing third base, also scored when the catcher's throw bounced into left field.

"We've been working just as hard in practice," Schisler noted. "It's just a matter of taking it and bringing it all together when it comes to game time."

Jaymee Bush with one of her two RBI doubles for West Hills. (Photo by John Horne)

West Hills' Kaycee Aquiningoc wins the race to first base for an infield single against OLP. (Photo by John Horne)

WEST HILLS 7, OUR LADY OF PEACE 1 – In one of her more dominating performances of the season. Wolf Pack pitcher NOELLE JOHNSON fired a no-hitter and went 4-for-4 at the plate, allowing West Hills to roll past the Pilots in an SDCIF Division III second round contest in Santee.

Johnson only struck out four batters as OLP tried to get the upper-hand by swinging at the first pitch throughout Friday's (May 18) contest, but the strategy resulted in a series of weak ground balls to the infield. Only two outs were the result of fly balls.

While Johnson was in control, West Hills kept stranding baserunners, including eight over the first five frames, leaving the contest knotted at 1-all until the Pack finally began to party with six runs in the 6th inning. The rally saw CORTNEY HORNE and Johnson each collect two RBI with basehits

ARIANNA QUINTANILLA stroked a lead double to left-center field, advancing to third base on an EMILY SPENCER sacrifice bunt. However, 'Q' remained stuck at the bag following infield singles by KAYCEE AQUININGOC and MELISSA EGGLESTON to load the bases, leaving the ballclub worried about stranding even more baserunners.

However, the heart of the West Hills batting order delivered.

CORTNEY HORNE, who batted 2-for-4, answered with a sharp roller up the middle to score Quintanilla and Aquiningoc for a 3-1 lead, then Johnson doubled home Eggleston and Horne for a 5-1 advantage.

Early on, West Hills took the initial lead in the 1st on the first of two RBI doubles by KATIE BYRD, who went 3-for-4. Her shot to right-center capped a string of two-out hits after Horne and Johnson each singled, followed by Byrd's drive which split the gap, bringing home courtesy runner JAYDE ROBERTS.

OLP registered its lone run (unearned) in the 3rd. Following a walk, the West Hills defense went for the lead runner during a sacrifice bunt attempt. But when no defender covered second base, Jacqueline Jimenez was able to spin around the bases.

El Capitan pitcher Delanie Gourley strikes out 16 in tossing a shutout against Del Norte, then registers the walk-off, game-winning hit in the 7th. The second baseman is Rachel Auchenbach. (Photo by Roseanne Ramirez)

The rally saw CINDY GONZALEZ get hit by a pitch with one out, but was stuck on the bag after a failed sacrifice. RACHEL AUCHENBACH reached on an error, then KASSIE BATTAGLIA singled to right, but Gonzales was held at third base.

Gourley, coming up with the bases loaded and two out, followed with a line shot to left field which one-hopped to the fence, going for the game-winning single against Cruse, her former club-ball teammate at 14U with The Next Level.

"It is pretty special since this is the highest our school has been seeded in quite a while," said Gourley. "So it makes us all work that much harder."

"The competition does get tougher, but I think I handle pressure well because I really do take it one batter at a time."

Meanwhile, Gourley (16-5) limited the Nighthawks on just two hits, striking out 16 batters to move her within striking distance of becoming the second pitcher in CIFSDS history to achieve the 1,000- strikeout plateau. She is currently at 971.

For Del Norte, Cruse (14-3) finished with a 4-hitter. Battaglia went 2-for-3, while the only other El Cap basehit was a single to right by KENZIE GANDY in the 3rd.

El Capitan advances to the quarterfinals, traveling west to meet valley rival West Hills.

"It's a rivalry, but we want to win even more because we lost to them the first time we played," Gourley added.

DIVISION V
CHRISTIAN 7, Vista-CALVARY CHRISTIAN 1 – The second no-hitter by an East County school on the second day of the SDCIF softball championships saw the Patriots' MELANIE STARK and GABY GRABOWSKI combine to limit the Lions in a rout at Dawson Field.

Stark struck out seven batters in her five innings of work, then Grabowski registered four of the final six outs on strikes for the top seeds in Division V. The only run allowed came on a pair of errors in the 4th inning, but by then, Christian already mounted a 6-0 cushion, including three markers in the 1st to quickly seize control.

Stark and ANAYA TOBIASON each collected two of the Patriots' seven basehits. Driving in two runs each were Grabowksi and ALYSSA HARRIS.

Christian (7-17) will host Tri-City Christian (10-9) in Saturday's quarterfinals, starting at 1 p.m.

An RBI double for Valhalla's Madison Labshere. (Photo by James Labshere)

DIVISION II
RAMONA 4, VALHALLA 2 – The Norsemen placed runners on base in all seven trips to the plate, but by the time they finally pushed across a run, the host Bulldogs had already mounted a 4-0 lead in Friday's (May 18) SDCIF Division II contest up on the mountain.

Oddly, the lone Valhalla runs came on a 2-out rally in the 5th inning.

DANIELLE UY singled, moving to third base on a MADISON LABSHERE double which banged off the fence in left-center field. KIKI BROWN followed with a bouncer to the Lady Dawgs pitcher, but her throw to first sailed over the first baseman's head, allowing a pair of unearned runs to score.

Otherwise, Ramona pitcher Kailey Hill escaped jam after jam, including a major flare-up the 7th after Valhalla loaded the bases with no one out.

The top of the Norsemen batting order again came through as Uy singled, Labshere walked, then Brown singled to represent the potential go-ahead run. However, a fly ball to right field resulted in a double play when Uy was thrown out at the plate, then Hill recorded a game-ending strikeout, the final of nine that she recorded.

Meanwhile, all four runs off Norsemen pitcher ASHLEY MADARA were also unearned in her six innings of work. She allowed six hits without a walk, striking out one.

Ramona scored once in the 1st when Amber Davis singled to right, then came around on a stolen base, a sacrifice bunt, then a passed ball.

In the 4th, three additional Ramona runs saw Davis collect a 2-run single, later scoring her second run of the ballgame on a bloop basehit by Jazmin Simone, all set up on an error. Both are sophomores.

For the contest, Labshere, the Valhalla shortstop, batted 2-for-3 with a walk.

Ramona (18-8-1) advances to meet Palomar League rival Rancho Bernardo, which swept the season series from the Dawgs, 2-0. Valhalla (16-15) will play on the road at Scripps Ranch, which was trounced by the Broncos, 5-1, on the third no-hitter of the season by Sara White.

LANI VANTA scored two times for Mira Mesa (26-2-1) after the leadoff batter got on base in front of the team's power hitters.

In the 1st, Vanta opened with a basehit, scoring on Mauga's shot. Two batters later, Humphrey went deep for a 3-0 advantage.

After Mission Hills cut the margin to 3-2, Vanta and QUIRISA MAUGA struck for consecutive doubles in the 3rd and a 4-2 lead. Humphrey later added a ground ball to the right side for another RBI when Mira Mesa tallied three additional times in the 4th to chase Grizzlies starting pitcher Katelyn Craker and put the contest out of reach.

TORREY PINES 2, GROSSMONT 0 – The defending SDCIF Division I champions were bumped off by this year's top-rated club in the division after Falcons pitcher Rachel Nasland fired a 2-hit shutout at the Foothillers in Carmel Valley. Nasland, a junior, struck out 13 batters, yielding just three baserunners on a walk and a pair of singles on Friday (May 18) afternoon.

Lauren Filicia registered both runs for Torrey Pines (27-5), the Palomar League titlists.

After she tripled in the 2nd, Filicia came home on a Lauren Hynes basehit. In the 5th, Filicia singled, coming around on a Nasland bunt, then a Shelby Evans basehit.

Grossmont (17-14) did not report its information. On Saturday, the Hillers play next in an elimination contest at Otay Ranch (21-10), which was routed by Carlsbad, 10-4.

Top: Grossmont's Hayley Kasden slides for the walk-off, game-winning run to top Patrick Henry. Bottom: Hillers starting pitcher Dani McMillan tossed three shutout innings, but left without a decision after four lead changes in the CIF Division I playoff opener, a 5-4 win in 9 innings. (Photos by Steve Crisci)

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (5-17-12) — Being a member of the defending San Diego CIF Division I champions meant little to Grossmont High freshman KIRA ELLIOTT.

Still, the left fielder filled her role perfectly like a seasoned veteran.

Elliott registered a game-tying hit in the 4th inning, then added a walk-off basehit in the 9th, propelling the Foothillers past Cowles Mountain rival Patrick Henry, 5-4, in Wednesday's (May 16) SDCIF first round playoff ballgame.

The last time these neighborhood rivals met in postseason play also went into extra innings, with Grossmont claiming a 3-2 first-round decision in 8 innings back in 2000.

Elliott's game-winner wasn't a rocket shot, just a little looper over the head of the Patriots shortstop, allowing HAYLEY KASDEN to motor home from second base. But it was the focused way she collected her basehit which proved decisive.

"I just wanted to put the bat on the ball and keep the inning alive," stated Elliott. "It was just a matter of seeing it and hitting it."

The winning rally saw SARAH NICKS accept a leadoff walk, with Kasden eventually reaching on a fielder's choice. But when CHELSEA GONZALEZ was hit by a pitch, Kasden advanced into scoring position, with Elliott following with the Hillers' 14th hit of the contest.

Grossmont received three solid, shutout innings from starting pitching DANI McMILLAN, but came out when Patrick Henry opened the scoring with a pair of runs in the 4th.

SIERRA ALTMEYER lined a leadoff basehit, then MADDY BARRAZA bunted her way on base for a single, both advancing on a ground ball. Altmeyer scored on a wild pitch, then Barraza came home on a basehit by senior KELLY JERTBERG for a 2-0 lead.

However, Grossmont immediately answered to secure a 3-2 advantage.

With CEL DAVILA (walk) and Kasden (single) on base, Elliott’s first hit plated Davila to cut the lead in half. MEGAN CRISCI singled to load the bases, then Kasden and Elliott scored when senior shortstop AUBRIE MAY blasted a double to left-center field.

The Hillers' lead failed to last long when Patrick Henry countered with single runs in the 5th and 6th.

Included were back-to-back doubles by GRACE HERNANDEZ and Altmeyer to again knot the ballgame. An inning later, RYLIE RUCKLE also stroked a double, moving to third on another Jertberg hit, then scoring when a ball hit by ALY FAILLACE was booted.

Grossmont's comeback to force extra innings came on four consecutive basehits in the 7th by AMANDA PORTER, Nicks, Davila and Kasden. However, Hernandez, the Patrick Henry pitcher, escaped the bases-loaded, no-out situation with a strikeout, an infield fly pop-out, then a fielder's choice grounder to third base.

With the victory, Grossmont advances to the double-elimination portion of the SDCIF event, hitting the road to take on top-seeded Torrey Pines (26-5) on Friday. Meanwhile, it's another early exit for Patrick Henry, which dropped another playoff game to a Grossmont Conference school, falling to 1-7 against the East County this century.

Escape from the Valley

Valhalla High celebrates after escaping from the Imperial Valley with a 3-1 triumph over El Centro-Soiuthwest in Wednesday's (May 16) CIF Division II opener against the 6th-seeded Eagles. (Photo by James Labshere)

Norsemen pitcher Ashley Madara did not allow an earned run to stop host EC-Southwest, 3-1. (Photo by James Labshere)

Bunt singles by junior DIONNA SMITH and senior NAOMI TELLEZ allowed Valhalla to post yet another comeback, its third in the last nine days.

In the 6th, Smith caught the defense napping with her drag bunt, moving to second base on a basehit to left by sophomore EMILY ORDONEZ. However, when the ball skipped past the Southwest defender, Smith took two additional bases to tie the ballgame.

Ordonez took second base on the error, then registered the go-ahead run on another basehit to left by freshman LadySARA FEDERICO.

An inning later, Tellez, in her first appearance after six early starts back in March, marked her return to the line-up with another key bunt single.

The last time Valhalla won a postseason contest, a 4-2 triumph over Scripps Ranch in 2010, Tellez also placed a key bunt which gave the Norsemen a lead that it would not relinquish.

History then repeated when freshman outfielder DANIELLE UY lifted a deep fly ball to advance Tellez to third. She would score on a basehit to center field by KIKI BROWN, the only player on either team with multiple hits in a 2-for-4 outing.

The defense also saved winning pitcher ASHLEY MADARA with some nice defense stops in the early going.

After the Eagles' Kaitlin Williams scored in the 3rd, Southwest placed two runners in scoring position with a chance to blow open the ballgame. However, Norsemen freshman third baseman ABIGAIL METSCH charged forward to snare a shallow pop-up for the third out and strand the baserunners.

Afterword, Madara, a sophomore, allowed just one additional basehit in tossing a 3-hitter. She struck out three batters and walked just one.

Valhalla advances to Friday's double-elimination portion of the playoffs, travelling to meet third-seeded Ramona (17-8-1), which enters the playoffs losing three of its final four regular season contests, all by shutouts.

WESTVIEW 1, STEELE CANYON 0 — On a day of upsets, the Cougars were one of four victims in Wednesday's (May 16) opening round of the SDCIF Division II playoffs, as the visiting team came out on top in each ballgame.

Steele Canyon, the No. 5 seed, received a bad break when they learned Westview became its opponent after some playoff juggling by CIF officials.

According to San Diego Section rules, teams from the same league are not allowed to meet in the first round, thus, the Wolverines dropped down to No. 12 since they couldn't be placed 10th (and play Palomar League rival Mt. Carmel) or 11th (forcing Steele Canyon to play original 12th-seed Valhalla, its Grossmont Hills League foe).

And with the Cougars also playing short-handed with at least two missing starters, things looked bleak, yet the rest of the ballclub responded.

Steele Canyon recorded basehits in all seven innings, yet never registered the breakthrough hit as Westview sophomore pitcher Kaylynn Pierce tossed an 8-hit shutout to top Cougars pitcher GRACE KRAMER.

The lone run of the contest came in the 3rd inning during a brief stretch of three consecutive batters. Otherwise, Krames recorded a 4-hitter, striking out eight.

With one out, Amanda Shewry grounded a single up the middle, Morganne Aguirre was hit by a pitch, then senior catcher Sasha Margulies lined an RBI double to left.

Steele Canyon had three main chances to get even.

In the 4th, JESSICA THOMPSON lined a one-out single to center. Then KAYLIE AZEVEDO reached on an error with two out, but Pierce escaped with a ground out.

An inning later, TORI YANITOR and KALI SCHWARTZ registered consecutive basehits with one out. Yanitor moved to third base on a fly ball to right field by KYLIE STEAGALL, but Pierce again escaped with one of her 12 strikeouts.

The Cougars' final opportunity saw BRITTANY FITCH stroke a one-out double to center, but courtesy runner ELIZABETH MELLO was also stranded, as Steele Canyon left 10 runners aboard in getting handled its earliest elimination from the playoffs ever.

Still, Steele Canyon (19-11) has posted 153 victories over the past seven seasons (21.9 per year).

DIVISION I
FALLBROOK 11, GRANITE HILLS 2 — Just like Steele Canyon, the Eagles earned the home-field advantage and registered a bunch of basehits (9) on Wednesday (May 16) afternoon, yet also failed to advance after the Warriors tallied six times in the 3rd inning to expand a 3-2 advantage.

Hailey Drew led Fallbrook (20-11) with a triple and a home run, driving in a pair of runs, while Kristin George drove in three runs with another triple.

Granite Hills (14-11), which shared the Grossmont Hills League title for the school's first league crown since 2005, failed to report its information.

DIVISION V
ESCONDIDO ADVENTIST 8, FOOTHILLS CHRISTIAN 7 — The coaching staff of the Knights was confused upon discovering they were hosting a Citrus West League rival in Wednesday's (May 16) opening round of the SDCIF Division V tournament when a simple flip of the No. 9 and 10 seeds meant a contest against Julian.

Instead, Foothills Christian met the EAA Hawks, a team which beat them 16-0 on April 17. But this one was anything but a blowout. In a ballgame with six lead changes, the Hawks snapped a 7-7 tie with a run in the top of the 7th inning to claim the first-round game held at Sportsplex USA Santee.

Hawks senior left fielder Kayla Helton registered the tie-breaking run from third base on a sharp groundout by freshman right fielder Alyssa Hildago.

Down 2-1, the Knights took the lead with three runs in the 3rd, featuring the first career home run by freshman REBECCA MOORE. The left fielder found a gap in the outfield for a 2-run shot to grab the lead.

In the 1st, freshman catcher SARAH MATTER, who batted 2-for-4, slapped a triple. She would score on another grounder to shortstop, this time off the bat of freshman second baseman ANNIE JOHNSON.

According to Knights first-year coach MARGARET RODRIGUEZ, Foothills Christian (7-9) fields a ballclub with no seniors, plus nearly a half-dozen freshmen who have never played softball prior to joining the school located off Fletcher Parkway near Parkway Middle School. Still, the Knights finished third in the Citrus West League among seven teams, while EAA placed fourth.