By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
TIERRASANTA (3-28-13) — A strange finish left University City and Serra high schools dissatisfied after umpires declared an unwritten time limit caused Wednesday's (Mar. 27) Jaguar Classic contest to end in a 9-9 tie after seven innings.

At the end of regulation, umpires and coaches sifted through tournament paperwork, but there was no mention of a tiebreaker. Thus, according to CIF rules, the game should've continued until a normal conclusion, but obviously, the umpires took the money and vacated the infield on the fly.

Still, tiebreakers being what they are, neither side complained too much, each maintaining a shot at gaining a championship-round berth in the annual tournament hosted by Valley Center High.

A majority of the dissatisfaction came from the host Conquistadors, who allowed a 9-4 lead disappear over the final two innings. Included were a pair of unearned runs on a fly ball hit by Sabrina Schnaubel which was dropped to tie the ballgame instead of ending the contest with no need for the home team to bat.

The error was one of four mistakes by Serra outfielders in the 7th, allowing Conquistadors baserunners to advance a composite six extra bases and deny a pitching victory for Q's freshman DARBY TIBBETTS.

Still, a surprising 6-1-1 start by Serra, on the heels of losing last season's starting pitcher by transfer to another Eastern League school, keeps the future bright for the Lady Q-Dawgs.

"I'm very confident with this team – they are strong and dependable," said Tibbetts. "I fell good knowing they all have my back."

Serra posted single runs in the 1st and 2nd innings before University City answered back with four runs in the 3rd. Then Serra center fielder ELONTAY COLLINS went to work.

Collins, a senior, slugged back-to-back home runs in the 3rd and 4th innings, first hitting a leadoff shot, then adding a 2-run drive in a 3-for-5, three RBI performance.

Serra right-side infielder ASHLEY BLAKELY also collected three hits, while CAITLINB LAWLER, KATRINA SIMMONS and Tibbetts recorded two hits each.

Granite Hills outfielder Alissa Budvarson. (Photo by Suzy Lahitte) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE & HERE

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
LAS VEGAS (3-27-13) — El Capitan High pitcher DELANIE GOURLEY overcame one sluggish inning, then over-powered the competition, leading the Vaqueros to the championship of the Charger Invitational, hosted by Las Vegas-Clark High at Big League Dreams sports park.

In a pair of near identical contests, Gourley fired a 3-hitter and a 1-hitter, resulting in 4-1 victories over Valhalla in the semifinals, then Banning in the Gold Division (large school) championship. In the Black Division (small schools), Las Vegas High blanked Mater Dei Catholic, 3-0, in six innings for the crown.

Gourley's only poor inning came on her first trip to the circle, allowing a run to the Norsemen. But considering the Vaqueros had already scored three times as the visiting team, El Capitan already had its ticket punched into the title game behind 16 strikeouts (of 18 outs) by the senior left-hander.

EL CAPITAN 4, Wilmington-BANNING 1 — In the championship game, the Vaqueros needed only four innings to down the Pilots (9-2) due to a tournament time limit. Among the 12 outs, Gourley registered eight on strikes.

Gourley also hit a solo home run to right field in the 3rd inning for a 2-1 lead moments after Banning tied the contest on an unearned run due its only hit and a pair of errors.

In the 2nd, SAMANTHA LOZANO belted a doubled, moved to third base on a basehit by RACHEL ACHENBACH, then scored on a single by MARISSA CUEVAS.

In the 4th, Cuevas was hit by a pictm COURTNEY WILIAMS walked, with both runners advancing on a sacrifice bunt by KELSEY HENZIE.

Gourley was intentionally walked to load the bases, but the strategy back-fired when Carmichael hit a 2-run double. AKCIE HOSTETLER then walked, but by the time she took four pitches, the clock had expired and El Capitan claimed the trophy. The Vaqueros (13-7), following an 0-6 start, are now winners in 13 of their last 14.

VALHALLA 8, IMPERIAL 4 — In the third-place ballgame, the Norsemen mounted an 8-1 cushion to trounce the Tigers.

DANIELLE UY knocked in three runs, going 2-for-3 with a double, making a winner of pitcher MIRANDA THOMAS.

MADISON LABSHEREbatted 3-for-3 with a 2-run triple and a pair of runs, SARAH FEDERICO went 2-for-2, while DIONNA SMITH scored twice.

Lineup changes lift Scripps Ranch

By Nick Pellegrino
East County Sports.com
SCRIPPS RANCH (3-27-13) — It's not often one finds a catcher serving as a leadoff batter. Even less often will a coach move a power-hitting cleanup batter into the leadoff role.

Enter Scripps Ranch junior BRYANNA DATKO in her new role. She sparked a pair of rallies with leadoff basehits to power the Falcons past visiting Westview, 4-2, in Tuesday's (Mar. 26) non-league affair.

Datko's move to the top of the Falcons' batting order coincided with the team starting to not only play better, but starting to collect some victories.'

"Last year, our old coach batted me first," Datko recalled. "This year, I was moved to No. 4, but since I was moved back, we're doing a lot better."

And with all Eastern Leagues teams off to sluggish starts, the Falcons, who have now won two straight ballgames, believe they still can climb above the rest to garner a CIF playoff berth.

"Since the (lineup) changes, we're all starting to hit, so we should be there by the end of the year."

The moves were initiated by first-year head coach ALEXA DATKO, a former standout pitcher for the Falcons.

'We're a young team," said coach Datko, a first-team, All-CIF San Diego Section honoree as a senior in 2007. "Since we made the changes, we're hitting the ball well, which has carried over to the team playing really well."

Datko, the catcher, opened the bottom of the 1st inning with a double to right-center field. SUSANNE MORRIS followed with a single up the middle for a quick 1-0 lead.

The Falcons posted three more markers in the 3rd for a 4-0 advantage. Datko ignited the offense with another leadoff hit.

Following her single, Morris walked, then senior MARISA DATKO singled to center to bring home her younger sister. AMANDA ROBINSON, the new cleanup hitter, then got robbed on a sharp line to shortstop, but MAKAYLA MARTIN and MICHAELA PRINCE followed with run-scoring singles.

After that, Westview pitcher Audrey Ciruzzi retired 10 straight batters to close the game, but the comeback by the Wolverines (8-4) fell short in suffering their second setback to Scripps Ranch (4-8) this season.

PATRICK HENRY 9, EASTLAKE 4 -— ALLY FAILLACE, a late choice to pitch when the scheduled starter became ill, allowed just two earned run to pace the Patriots past the Titans in a wire-to-wire non-league victory in the South Bay. Faillace struck out three and scattered eight hits.

Freshman ANYA VANDERSIP ended the Eastlake comeback. After the hosts moved to within 5-4, Vandersip slapped a 2-run single in the 6th, when the Patriots scored four times. The shortstop batted 3-for-3, plus a sacrifice bunt.

Also in the 6th, a key at-bat was turned in by another frosh, DANIELLE ROMERO, who fouled off eight pitches before getting a key basehit to extend the inning.

SYNDEY JAMES added two hits, two runs and an RBI, SIERRA ALTMEYER added two hits and a run, while MADDIE BARRAZA belted a double.

RAMONA 5, GRANITE HILLS 2 — The host Eagles received a leadoff homer by KIMMY TRIOLO in the 1st inning, but the Bulldogs controled the rest of Tuesday's (Nar. 26) non-league ballgame.

Triolo's drive went to right-center field, then she also drove in the other Granite Hills run.

In the 5th, BRIANNA TYSELING singled to left field, then move to second on a JESSIE LaPIERRE bunt. ALISSA BUDVARSON grounded to the right side for Tyseling to advance, then Triolo grounded a single through the left side of the infield to cap a 2-for-3, two RBI performance.

Granite Hills plays at Eastlake on Thursday, starting at 3:30 p.m.

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
LAS VEGAS (3-26-13) — Valhalla and El Capitan high schools will meet more than 330 miles away from home after both captured their respective pools in Monday's (Mar. 25) opening round of the Charger Invitational.

"It's funny to play El Cap hundreds of miles from home when we're going to be playing them in just a week in the Grossmont Conference Tournament," said Norsemen assistant coach CHRIS GALLO. "It's just the way it goes sometimes."

Valhalla barely crept into the Gold (championship) bracket after dropping its morning game, but bounced back to win twice, including a 3-0 blanking of previously undefeated Carson. The two teams tied for first place at 2-1, but when Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas upset L.A.-Birmingham to prevent a 3-way tie (which would've gone to the hometown Gaels via tiebreaker), the Norsemen claimed the pool on the head-to-head triumph.

Meanwhile, El Capitan went 3-0 in its pool behind the pitching of DELANIE GOURLEY, who fired a no-hitter at Las Vegas-Eldorado, then a 1-hitter against Granada Hills, 2-1.

In between, KATIE CARMICHAEL picked up the win against Las Vegas-Desert Oasis in a run-rule decision.

Pool Play
Lake Balboa- BIRMINGHAM 8, VALHALLA 1 – The San Fernando Valley based Patriots received six unearned runs in 2nd inning to take an 8-0 lead to vault over the sleepy Norsemen.

However, the controversial Birmingham home run got Valhalla off kilter in the 1st inning..

Sophomore pitcher Kallie Woodson hit a deep drive to left-center field, which was grabbed by center fielder DANIELLE UY. However, she crashed into the temporary fence at Big League Dreams sports park while falling through the barrier and dropping the ball.

In the meantime, while a baserunner was watching the ball, Valhalla claimed Woodson passed her teammate somewhere near shortstop. However, the out could not be recorded when the base umpire admitted he watched the ball instead of the runner.

The lone Norsemen run came in the 3rd when KAYLIE HIPWELL singled, eventually scoring on a ground ball to the right side by Uy.

VALHALLA 7, Las Vegas-BISHOP GORMAN 3 – After the Norsemen built an early 4-0 lead, the Gaels moved to within a run before Valhalla pulled away on a 2-run homer by BROOKE HAYES in the 5th inning for the pool play victory

Norsemen pitcher MIRANDA THOMAS overcame one poor inning to close with three shutout innings for the win. Meanwhile, Hayes, a junior, who hasn't played softball regularly since she was 13, got the first start of her varsity career at first base. She batted 2-for-3, including her blast to left field, and scored twice.

Hipwell belted a pair of doubles and scored twice, Uy also had two hits and two RBI, while DIONNA SMITH had two hits, a run and an RBI.

VALHALLA 3, L.A.-CARSON 0 – When Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas upset L.A.-Birmingham, the door was wide open to steal the pool. And the Norsemen took advantage after ASHLEY MADARA shutout the Colts on a 6-hitter in 6-plus innings. She left with two Carson runners on base, but Thomas came in to collect the save by facing three batters who all represented the potential tying run.

Smith belted her first home run of the season with a drive to left field.

Hipwell collected her third double on the day in a 2-for 3- outing, then MADISON LABSHERE collected a pair of doubles to fuel the offense.

EL CAPITAN 7, Las Vegas-ELDORADO 0 – Vaqueros left-hander DELANIE GOURLEY dominated the Sundevils in tossing a no-hit shutout in El Capitan 's pool play opener. Gourley also hit a home run.

Eldorado reported a double by Keelyn Pacheco, but the ball clearly hit the glove of an outfielder, but was dropped.

Gourley finished with 16 strijeouts, giving her double-digits in Ks over 10 consecutive ballgames.

EL CAPITAN 10, Las Vegas-DESERT OASIS 2 – Vaqueros pitcher KATIE CARMICHAEL collected the win in a run-rule victory over the Diamondbacks after her team scored four runs in each of the first two innings.

EL CAPITAN 2, GRANADA HILLS 1 (6 inn.) – Vaqueros senior DELANIE GOURLEY whipped the Highlanders, registering 15 strikeouts in her second 1-hitter on Monday (Mar. 25). The lone hit came on a bunt; the run was unearned. The lefty finished with 15 strikeouts.

Addition coverage of the Charger Invitational HERE and HERE. (Courtesy, Las Vegas Review-Journal).

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
CHULA VISTA (3-24-13) — East County teams were all over the winner's platform at the 30th annual Hilltop Tournament. But the champion owned a pure South Bay flavor.

Otay Ranch, one of the county's most improved programs, raced through three opponents Saturday (Mar. 23), including an 11-5 triumph over Santana in the championship game, to claim the title for the first time in the area's longest running tournament.

The Mustangs' 3-game sweep started with an 11-6 victory over Brawley, then a 7-4 decision over El Capitan in the semifinals at Fletcher Field.

In the finale, Otay Ranch was tied with the Sultans at 5-5 through two innings, then outscored the San Diego CIF Division III finalists by a 6-0 count over the final five frames for the first major softball tournament trophy in school history.

"I'm proud to help build the team," said winning pitcher Josie Bachtell. "We're still a new school, so to beat a team like Santana and win this tournament was really important to us."

Bachtell, a sophomore, knew an alteration was needed to order to win.

"After the first two innings, my mentality changed," she added. "I couldn't let Santana get to me anymore."

Bachtell then tosses 5.1 innings of shutout ball, allowing just three basehits during the span.

Otay Ranch broke the tie with a run in the 3rd, then struck for four markers in the 4th to take control.

After tournament MVP Sashel Palacios walked to load the bases,Jonee Rutledge singled in one run, then Kalalaelisa Toomalatau singled home a pair.

Also making the all-tournament team were: Bachtell and Carlee Wood (Otay Ranch); TARA GRENNAN, KAYTI GRABLE and AMBER SCHISLER (Santana); DELANIE GOURLEY and KATIE CARMICHAEL (El Capitan); plus MOLLY HUTCHISON and REBECCA WHITAKER ( Steele Canyon ).

Semifinals
SANTANA 11, STEELE CANYON 7 – East County's top two teams, record-wise, collided two weeks shy of an anticipated Grossmont Conference Tournament showdown, with the Sultans advancing to the Hilltop Tournament finale after out-slugging the Cougars.

The heart of the Santana batting order dominated, as ARIEL RASMUSSON went 4-for-5 with a double, while AMBER SCHISLER went 2-for-4 with a double. Schisler also entered in relief, collecting her second straight pitching victory.

In addition, KAYTI GRABLE belted a 2-run triple, while KENDRA KUPER added a squeeze bunt.

For Steele Canyon , MOLLY HUTCHISON ripped a 3-run homer in the 1st, then was walked on her next pair of at-bats.

OTAY RANCH 7, EL CAPITAN 4 – The Vaqueros rallied from deficits of 4-0 and 6-2, yet fell short in this Final Four game at the Hilltop Tournament.

Down 4-0 in the 5th, DELANIE GOURLEY smacked a 2-run homer, also scoring COURTNEY WILLIAMS (single).

In the 7th, a double by Gourley brought home RACHEL ACHENBACH (safe on error). Gourley later reached third base, scoring when the Mustangs defense fell asleep on a caught pop-up to the infield, with everyone – sans Gourley – ignoring her, so she raced home for an uncontested run. KATIE CARMICHAEL was credited with the unusual sacrifice fly.

Quarterfinals
EL CAPITAN 1, IMPERIAL 0 – Vaqueros senior DELANY GOURLEY finished one batter short of a perfect game, allowing just a 4th-inning walk in tossing a no-hitter against the Tigers.

Gourley, who established a new CIF San Diego Section career strikeout record in her previous appearance, posted 16 more strikeouts, bumping her career total to 1,123, moving her into 16th place in state history according to the latest CalHiSports state record book.

Gourley also tallied the game's lone run. Following her basehit in the 6th, she came around on a sacrifice bunt by ERIN HUMPHREY, then an RBI double to left-center field by KATIE CARMICHAEL.

SANTANA 9, EASTLAKE 1 – AMBER SCHISLER batted 3-for-3 and gained the pitching win to take down the Titans. The run allowed was unearned.

The Sultans were able to twice execute squeeze plays for runs. Included was a bunt by senior AHNALIN BARKHIMER to bring home ALEX BRIEDT to take a 2-1 lead in the 2nd. Freshman SYDNEY VATES also performed the squeeze in the 4th, allowing Schisler to race home from third base.

In addition, catcher KAYTI GRABLE went 2-for-3, while ARIEL RASMUSSON scored three times.

STEELE CANYON 2, EC-SOUTHWEST 1 – Cougars pitcher RACHEL BEASLEY carried a shutout into the 7th inning, then survived a late Eagles rally in the start of Saturday's (Mar. 23) knockout round of the Hilltop Tournament.

MOLLY HUTCHISON scored both Steele Canyon runs following leadoff hits in the 2nd and 4th innings.

The senior first lined a single to center field, moving around the diamond on a GRACE KRAMER sacrifice bunt, then an RBI single by KEARA McCARTHY. Hutchison then belted a lead triple to right-center field, followed by an RBI single by Kramer to the same area.

Granite Hlls catcher Kristina Lahitte fires to second base to nail a Morse base-stealer. (Photo by Suzy Lahitte) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

© East County Sports.com
CLAIREMONT MESA (3-23-13) — Serra High center fielder ELONTAY COLLINS batted 3-for-3 with a double and a late home run, the difference in the Conquistadors' 7-6 decision over Christian High in Friday's (Mar. 22) Duds by Dudes Tournament ballgame held at Madison.

The Q's are now unbeaten in five starts.

Collins belted a solo homer for a 7-5 lead in the 4th, which proved important when the Patriots answered with two runs in the 5th, only to get stopped when the tournament time limit expired at the end of the inning.

Serra started hot, registering consecutive doubles by MAGGIE RYAN, KATRINA SIMMONS and Collins in the 1st.

However, Christian immediately answered with three runs to take a short-lived lead.

KAYLA KRUEL slugged a game-tying, 2-run double, bringing home ANAYA TOBIASON (single) and ALYSSA HARRIS (double). GABY GRABOWSKI followed with a single to put the Patriots in front.

But Serra was able to chase the Pats' starting pitcher with four runs in the 2nd to grab the lead for keeps. The inning featured four consecutive run-scoring singles by Ryan, Simmons, Collins and ASHLEY BLAKELY.

Christian chipped away, only to fall short. In the 2nd, ANNA SHERBURNE singled, scoring on a Tobiason triple to the gap. Then in the 5th, JENNIE ESQUIVEL hit a 2-run homer.

Collins and Blakely each batted 3-for-3, Ryan was 3-for-4, while DARBY TIBBETTS held on to gain her third pitching victory without a loss.

STEELE CANYON 9, FALLBROOK 3 –Trailing 3-2, the Cougars erupted for seven runs in the 5th inning to shock the host Warriors in Friday's (Mar. 22) Falcon Fiesta contest.

A walk and seven hits, capped by a 2-run double from GRACE KRAMER, decided the outcome.

KYLIE STEAGALL tied the ballgame with a single to center field. Clean-up hitter MOLLY HUTCHISON, who slugged a 2-run homer in the 1st, followed with an RBI single to score KAYLIE AZEVEDO. Later, BRITTANY FITCH slugged a 2-run single

After Hutchison reached Stage Coach Lane with her homer, Kramer allowed a 2nd-inning triple to right field near the field's deep grade, which caused the defender to fall down. The ball hit her in the back, going for a triple.

Kramer later allowed a pair of bases-loaded walks to give up the lead in the 2nd, but bounced right back to throw five hits of 2-hit shutout ball the rest of the way. She finished with five strikeouts.

Azevedo batted 3-for-4 with an RBI, while RACHEL BEASLEY went 2-for-3.

HELIX 10, CASTLE PARK 9 – DESTINI BULLOCK knocked in four runs, including a pair with a home run that capped a 6-run burst in the 3rd inning, as the Highlanders needed all of those runs to nip the Trojans in Friday's (Mar. 22) Duds by Dudes Tournament contest.

Already leading on an RBI single by SYDNI TOILOLO in the 1st, Bullock also capped a 3-run rally in the 2nd.

Following a two-out walk to TINA NUNEZ, KEANA NAKATA singled, then CLARISSA SMTIH brought home Nunez with her second double of the ballgame. Bullock followed with another double to bring home Nakata and Smith.

In the 3rd, a bases-loaded walk to Nunez scored MARISSA HAMTPON (single). NAKATA singled in a run, then Bullock belted her bomb to left-center field. Smith gained the pitching win after three innings of relief.

MONTE VISTA 4, THE BISHOP'S 3 – The Monarchs snapped a 10-game winless streak, yet still failed to make a game report. Hey, you won! – make a phone call!

GRANITE HILLS 8, MORSE 0 (5 inn.) – No report by the host Eagles on this fun-filled Falcon Fiesta game. But we do have game action photos HERE1 and HERE2.

Granite Hlls' Kimmy Triolo (15) is safe at the plate to help defeat visiting Morse, 8-0. (Photo by Suzy Lahitte) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

	Valhalla senior Madison Labshere belts her second home run of the ballgame in a GCT win over Santana. (Photo by James Labshere)
	Grossmont Conference Tournament VALHALLA 5, SANTANA 4 — Senior shortstop MADISON LABSHERE blasted a pair of early home runs, then the Norsemen hung on to nip the host Sultans in Grossmont Conference Tournament pool play action Thursday (Mar. 21).  Grossmont Conference  Tournament Standings G. Valley Record RA El Capitan Santana Monte Vista Mount Miguel ECVHS 2-1 2-1 0-3 0-3 0-3 3 13 21 57 58 G. Hills Record RA Valhalla Granite Hils West Hills Helix Grossmont 3-0 3-0 2-1 2-1 1-2 4 1 4 9 21 RA-runs allowed (first tiebreaker) Both of Labshere's homers went to right-center field. Valhalla, which scored only 11 runs in its first five competitive (sans run rule wins) games on the season, struck quickly in its victory KAYLIE HIPWELL slapped the ball for a leadoff basehit, then DIONNA SMITH legged out a sacrifice bunt attempt for a scratch single. One pitch later, Labshere found the dirt parking lot for a quick 3-0 advantage. Santana tied it in the 3rd, but Labshere regained the advantage on her next homer in the 4th, coming on a full count delivery for a 4-3 lead. In the 5th, Valhalla 's insurance run became a major factor, when Santana immediately answered to again make it a 1-run game. Norsemen sophomore DANIELLE UY grounded the ball to the right side, allowing Hipwell (2-for-3, walk, 2 runs) to score from third base. However, Santana got the run back when ARIEL RASMUSSON took third base on an infield single and a 2-base throwing error, scoring from third on KAYTI GRABLE's sharp basehit to left-center. Both teams threatened in the 6th and 7th, but Santana's AMBER SCHISLER came on in relief to not allow a run, while Valhalla 's MIRANDA THOMAS also held on to gain the complete-game victory. Her lone poor inning was the 3rd. Santana received consecutive leadoff singles by KYLIE BRASE and Rasmusson, with both advancing on a deep fly ball to right by Grable. Schisler followed with a 2-run single to trim the deficit to 3-2, with Schisler knotting the ballgame by scoring on a wild pitch. The loss drops Santana (7-3) into a tie for first with El Capitan in its GCT pool. Valhalla is now 5-3 overall. Turning the corner and heading for thids base is Brianna Tyseling of Granite Hills vs. ECVHS. (Photo by Suzy Lahitte) ADDITIONIAL PHOTOS HERE GRANITE HILLS 23, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 (5 inn.) — VICTORIA HATHAWAY and ALISSA BUDVARSON each smacked home runs to support the shutout pitching of KIMMY TRIOLO, leading the Eagles past their Madison Avenue rival Braves in Thursday's (Mar. 21) Grossmont Conference Tournament game on the revitalized diamond at Granite Hills. Hathaway struck for a 2-run homer to grab the early lead, then Budvarson's shot was good for three runs among her four RBI for the afternoon. Meanwhile, Triolo allowed a just a pair of basehits in tossing her second shutout.of the season. She posted 10 strikouts. In addtion, BRIANNA TYSELING batted 5-for-5 with a pair of RBI, JESSIE LAPIERRE went 4-for-5, while KATIE WALL, BROOKLYN SCHWEN and Triolo had three each each. Hathaway was matched by KRISTIN ARMSTRONG, each with two hits. No report by ECVHS coaches.
	Granite Hills' Felicia Vincent is safe at home with this big slide, helping the Eagles topple El Cajon Valley in GCT pool-play action. (Photo by Suzy Lahitte)
	The 'DXD' SERRA 11, Irvine-CREAN LUTHERAN 5 — The Conquistadors remain undefeated through four starts after scoring seven times over the first two innings Thursday (Mar. 21), whipping the visitors from south Orange County in a Duds by Dudes Tournament pool play game held at Madison. ELONTAY COLLINS was the focal point in both early rallies. She stroked an RBI triple to open the scoring, then bombed a 2-run home run in the 2nd for a 7-2 advantage, allowing freshman pitcher DARBY TIBBETTS to breeze to the victory, The early onslaught saw CHELSEA AGUILAR open the contest with a double down the left-field line, followed by Collins' shot to deep right field. Two more would later score on a two-run single to left-center by BRITTANY WALK. In the 2nd, Tibbetts scored from second base on a double to left by KATRINA SIMMONS. Collins followed with her towering homer to right, capping her three RBI performance. The Saints fell to 3-6 overall. RIALTO 13, HELIX 9 — The Knights of Rialto remained unbeaten in four starts after outlasting the Highlanders in Thursday's (Mar. 21) slugfest held at Horizon. The Scotties scored five times in the bottom of the first, but Rialto answered to take the lead for keeps by scoring nine times in the 2nd. CLARISSA SMITH entered the circle in relief, holding Rialto to just four runs over the final five frames, but Helix couldn't catch up. The early lead saw KEANA NAKATA belt a solo homer as part of a 2-for-5 outing, then SARA GONZALES belted a 3-run homer. In addition, SYDNI TOILOLO went 3-for-4, knocking in a run. MADISON 13, CHRISTIAN 2 (5 inn.) — The Patriots continue to seek answers in the pitching circle after the host Warhawks stoped Christian by run rule in Thursday (Mar. 21) afternoon's DXD Tournament contest. The lone runs for the Pats came in the 3rd inning, as hits by GABY GRABOWSKI and ALYSSA HARRIS (2-for-2, triple) drove in runs, respectively, by COURTNEY SKERVE and KAYLA KRUEL. After the Warhawks grabbed control, Patriots relief pitcher DIANA SUDA registered four strikeouts over the final three innings. MONTE VISTA vs. Burbank-BURROUGHS — No report by the Monarchs coaching staff.

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
LAKESIDE (3-22-13) — For El Capitan High senior DELANIE GOURLEY, the long expected goal to achieve the CIF San Diego Section career strikeout record was to surpass the mark on her home turf.

"After four long years, I thought it would be special to do it at home," noted Gourley. "It's something I wanted to do for me, the school, and everyone who helped me along the way."

However, when Grossmont batter HAYLEY KASDEN lined out hard to shortstop to end the 6th inning, Gourley had only 14 of the 18 strikeouts needed to eclipse the mark. Nevertheless, Gourley still achieved her goal prior to the start of a 7-game roadtrip.

Following a pair of strikeouts in the 7th, the third Foothillers batter struck out on a pitch in the dirt, eventually reaching first base on the wild pitch. So when Gourley followed up with her fourth strikeout of the inning, the record was hers, now at 1,107.

El Capitan's Delanie Gourley (RIGHT) receives congratulations from veteran Vaqueros head coach Joe Cota after establishing the CIF San Diego Section record for career strikeouts with 1,107. (El Capitan parent courtesy photo)

"When the Grossmont batter (KAYLA APPENZELLER) made it to first base, I got excited," added Gourley, who gained a second chance to establish a new record at home. "Inside, I went, 'Ohhhh-kaaaaay!'"

The decisive pitch came on a "Lake-slider" - a joke among the Vaqueros coaching staff - for the record-breaking out which also ended the ballgame to cap Gourley's 1-hit shutout.

"I wanted Delanie to get the record – she so deserved it," said catcher ERIN HUMPHREYS, who only joined the ballclub this season after some coaxing from the coaching staff, but is now part of school history. "And to do it against a good team makes it feel like a real accomplishment."

There were suggestions Gourley might go for the record 24 hours earlier against Mountain Empire, but Cota would have nothing to do about it.

"I asked if that's the way she wanted to get the record," noted Cota. "Delanie said, no,' then I said, 'that's what I wanted to hear.'"

"Delanie's a tremendous talent, but it doesn't affect her head. That's why she's such a great kid."

Gourley garnered three strikeouts in the 1st, 4th and 5th innings.

"In the 5th is when I starting to think about the record," she noted.

However, in the 6th, a leadoff strikeout was followed by a tapper back to the circle, then Hasden's shot which was flagged by the extended reach above her head by the shortstop RACHEL ACHENBACH.

The old mark of 1,106 was set by Santee resident CASSIDY COLEMAN of Horizon, who now pitches for USD. Both Gourley and Coleman utilize Bill Corbett as their pitching coach.

"Cassidy and I are still friends, so even though I broke her record, we're still on good terms."

El Capitan (6-7), now winners in seven straight following a terrible start, gave Gourley all the offensive support needed by scoring twice in the 1st, then another run in the 2nd.

Achenbach and Gourley collected consecutive one-out singles. Achenbach would score on an error, then Gourley eventually came home on a single by KATIE CARMICHAEL.

An inning later with runners on the corners, COURTNEY WILLIAMS stole second base, and when the ball went through the diamond, BREAN NOBLE broke for the plate and scored for a 3-0 advantage.

In the 5th, consecutive, the Vaqueros received RBI singles by MARISSA CUEVAS and JENNA PORTER.

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
SAN CARLOS (3-2-13) — The only thing that kept Patrick Henry High from staying competitive at the Cougar Classic – winless in four starts – was a lack of defense.

"We needed to move a bunch of players into new positions to stop making errors," said Patriots coach DON SHAFFER.

The best example came at catcher, where returning starter MADDIE BARRAZA was forced to transfer to third base for the good of the ballclub.

"We have people who can catch, but we didn't have anyone who could play third," he added. "She was our only option.”

Nice move, coach.

Barraza not only started the game-winning rally, she also made keys stops with the glove in the 7th inning, lifting previously winless Patrick Henry to a surprising 2-1 triumph over powerful Carlsbad in Falcon Fiesta pool play action.

"It got pretty exciting out there – the fans were on the edge of their seats," added Shaffer. "But we made the plays in the end."

Patriots pitcher ERIN SHICK tossed six solid innings, but when visiting Carlsbad (6-3-1) opened the 7th with the lead batter reaching on an error, ALLY FAILLACE entered the circle. It was hard, but she registered her first career save to give Patrick Henry (1-6) its first win in seven starts.

Barraza did most of the heavy lifting, scooping one hot grounder and making the throw to first bae for the first out. A strikeout by Faillace resulted in the second out, then Barraza collected another hot roller to gain the final out and leave the potential tying run at second base.

"Maddy made a couple of other diving stops, too," added Shaffer. "No matter how hard Carlsbad hit the ball to her, she always got her glove to the ball."

The Patriots posted their two runs in the 2nd, starting with a lead single by the sophomore. She was later replaced on a fielder's choice, then with two outs, Shick singled to left to score Faillace, then TARA BLANC looped a spinner over the first baseman's head for another run.

Patrick Henry returns to tournament play on Saturday, hosting Rancho Buena Vista at 11 a.m. (time change),

WEST HILLS 2, SCRIPPS RANCH 0 — Probably unknown to Grossmont Conference administrators, but there is talk proposing to replace the Grossmont Conference Tournament with an event against the Eastern League.

If true, what perfect timing for Wolf Pack pitcher TESS EATON, who defeated her second Eastern League school in as many starts this season, including Thursday's (Mar. 21) shutout of the Falcons.

Eaton struck out four in firing a 2-hit shutout in the (Torrey Pines) Falcon Fiesta tournament. Eaton out-dueled fellow sophomore MAKAYLA MARTIN, who allowed six hits, as both pitchers carried shutouts through five innings.

But in the 6th, West Hills broke through after MELISSA EGGLESTON and ARIANA QUINTANILLA opened with consecutive singles. Eggleston was eventually out on a fielder's choice, but Quintanilla won the game with some fancy baserunning.

"Ariana was headed home, but she realized she was going to be out on a perfect throw by the right fielder (SABRINA PINCKARD)," said Wolf Pack coach MIKE APPLEBAUM. "So she stopped running and landed on her stomach."

When the catcher came forward to make a sweeping tag, she missed Quintanilla, who then scrambled the final 15 feet to end the scoreless contest.

KATIE BYRD, who went 2-for-3, then smacked an RBI single for the bonus run.

MIRA MESA 5, OTAY RANCH 3 — The Marauders captured their pool play game against the visiting Mustangs. No information was reported.

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
SPRING VALLEY (3-21-13) — It's been five years since the Helix Highlanders have been able to post double figures in victories, never mind advance to the San Diego CIF playoffs. So while many ballclubs in the Grossmont Hills League privately grumble about holding a record hovering around .500, the Scotties are more than pleased.

Helix, although just 5-5 overall, are off to the school's best start since 2008 following Wednesday's (Mar. 20) Grossmont Conference Tournament triumph over Mount Miguel, 26-3, in a game resigned by the Matadors after four innings.

"Overall, the team is playing really well together," said Helix head coach EMILY KOWALSKI. "We're beating who we're supposed to beat and hanging tough in close, evenly matched games."

"We're still waiting for that breakthrough win against a tough opponent, but hopefully that will come this weekend before the layoff (for spring break)."

Of course, scoring 11 times before your opponent gets to swing the bats tends to lead to wins.

The Highlanders' 26 runs are the most registered by the Scotties this century. Although records maintained by EastCountySports.com do not indicate whether the mark is a school record, it does fall just short of the Grossmont Conference mark of 31, set by El Capitan against Coronado on Mar. 5, 2002.

"We bounced back after a tough late inning loss to El Capitan (on Tuesday) to move our record back to .500 heading into the Dudes and Duds tournament this weekend," Kowalski added. "The pitching continues to be strong with KEANA NAKATA, MARISSA HAMPTON and CLARISSA SMITH all sharing the load."

Against Mount Miguel , it was Hampton 's turn to shine in the circle. The junior allowed just three runs on five hits, striking out five Matadors batters. She also went 3-for-4 at the plate, posting a double and a career-high five RBI.

Several other underclassmen keep Helix optimistic for the near future.

"Freshman DESTINI BULLOCK, our catcher, continues to quiet the opponents' running game," noted Kowalski. "She's picked off or caught at least one runner trying to steal in every game. It's exciting to think about what kind of player she'll be by the time she's a senior."

"MADDY HEASMAN has become one of our strongest outfielders, making great strides in the outfield during the offseason."

The Highlanders parlayed seven hits and five walks into 11 runs in the 1st inning. SYDNI TOILOLO opened the scoring with a 2-run double, then scored on a basehit by SARA GONZALES.

Eight additional runs came in the 3rd thanks to six more hits and four walks. Again, Smith, the leadoff batter reached base, eventually batting twice in both big innings. Hampton drove in three runs with a single (she was held at first base).

Later, LISA DREW collected her first RBI of the season with a basehit, Smith came up again and walked with the bases loaded, then Bullock doubled for another run.

Gonzales, who went 5-for-5, opened the 4th with her third double of the ballgame to leadoff a 7-run outburst. Gonzales knocked in four runs and scored four times.

Hampton and Nakata (4 RBI) each went 3-for-4, while Smith was 2-for-3 with a pair of walks, two RBI and scored four times.

EL CAPITAN 15, MOUNTAIN EMPIRE 4 (5 inn.) — Resting pitchers DELANIE GOURLEY and KATIE CARMICHAEL because of the chance of playing upwards of four tournament games on Friday and Saturday, Vaqueros head coach JOE COTA instead gave the ball to a player who had barely pitched all season.

COURTNEY WILLIAMS came through with a strong effort for her first varsity victory. The sophomore struck out five Red Hawks in her complete-game effort to capture Wednesday's (Mar. 20) non-league ballgame.

At the plate, Williams was joined by five teammates in going 2-for-4. Included were KELSEY HENZIE, ERIN HUMPHREYS, SAM LOZANO, MARISSA CUEVAS and Gourley.

Included were two doubles and a Little League homer (single and a 3-base error) by Gourley, who knocked in four runs. Meanwhile, Lozano posted a triple and three RBI, Cuevas and KACIE HOSTETLER had doubles, while KENZIE GANDY had two RBI.

For Mountain Empire (1-2), junior Lilybeth Lopez and sophomore Mackenzie Briel each went 2-for-3, while pitcher junior pitcher Grayce Majam went 1-for-3.

FALLBROOK 10, MIRA MESA 1 — The Warriors' Brittni Arena collected two hits to lead the hosts past the Marauders in Wednesday's (Mar. 20) Falcon Fiesta pool play game, held on the far northern reaches of San Diego County.

SD-HIGH TECH at EL CAJON VALLEY — No report from the Braves coaching staff.

Santana High senior Amber Schisler became the winning pitcher (left) thanks to her go-ahead, 2-run single (right) in the 5th inning to top West Hills, 3-1. (Photos by Shuree Horne)

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (3-20-13) — Building the consistency necessary to make another championship run, Santana High never panicked although trailing to city rival West Hills heading into the bottom of the 5th inning during Tuesday's (Mar. 19) Mayor's Cup game.

"It's all about practicing hard and progressing to do better," noted Sultans pitcher AMBER SCHISLER. "We picked up some momentum and kept raising our level of play."

The Sultans did both, taking advantage of a leadoff walk to score three times in the 5th, the difference in another 3-1 victory over West Hills. The score matches last season's score in the series now held at Sportsplex USA , as Santana now holds a 2-1 edge.

The victory also kept the Sultans (7-2 overall) at the top of the Grossmont Conference Tournament standings following their fourth consecutive triumph.

Trailing 1-0 over a majority of the ballgame, a simple lead walk to MacKENZIE REYNOLDS was enough to change the flow of the rivalry.

"MacKenzie is starting to gain the confidence you need to be successful at this level," said Santana coach JOHN FAILLA. "So when she got the walk, you could see the bench get excited."

The base on balls was followed by an infield single by the left-handed hitting ARIEL RASMUSSON, who beat the throw from shortstop.

Then the big guns came to the plate in the 3-4-5 hitters.

Senior catcher KAYTI GRABLE lined a sharp single to load the bases, as Reynolds could only take one base waiting to see if the ball would be caught. That brought up Schisler, who went to right-center field with another line single, good for two runs and the lead.

Two batters later, TARA GRENNAN also went to the right side with an RBI single.

Schisler then capped the victory, setting down six of West Hills' final seven batters on just a walk and a game-ending strikeout.

West Hills (4-6) snapped the scoreless contest in the 4th, when CORTNEY HORNE stroked a one-out single. Horne came around on a KATIE BYRD sacrifice, an error on a ball hit by KELCI ELLIS-ALVAREZ, then an RBI basehit by freshman KENDALL MARINISI.

El Capitan pitcher KATIE CARMICHAEL finished strong, closing the contest with 5.1 innings of shutout ball to give her cast a chance to rally. And she was a key contributor.

Carmichael started the comeback with a single. She also batted a second time in the frame, producing another basehit to score two runners.

Her first hit of the 6th was followed by a DELANIE GOURLEY double, then ERIN HUMPHREYS reached on a dropped third strike to load the bases.

RACHEL ACHENBACH caught the Helix defense napping with a bunt single for a run, then a fielder's choice grounder by JENNA PORTER saw the play go to second base while the tying run scored.

A wild pitch saw the go-ahead runner in Humphreys cross the plate. KENZIE GANDY later added an RBI single, then Carmichael drove in two more.

In the 7th, the Vaqueros received singled by Humphreys, Achenbach and KACIE HOSTETLER. Two outs later, Gandy delivered a run-scoring single.

Helix posted single runs in the 2nd and 3rd innings, both involving triples.

KAI PENN walked, then came around on a 3-base hit by STEPHANIE McKENZIE. An inning later, CHANELLE WARD smacked a triple, coming home on a DESTINI BULLOCK basehit.

Grossmont pitcher Megan Crisci. (Photo by Steve Crisci)

Granite Hills pitcher Kaila DeWitt. (Photo by Suzy Lahitte) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

Mount Miguel-Granite Hills PHOTOS (Photos by Don Wall)

Valhalla pitcher Kailey Hipwell (Photo by James Labshere)

Grossmont (Record) collected 12 hits off the Monarchs, including five straight hits in the 3rd to secure the win.

Trailing 1-0, CHEYENNE REYNOLDS and Crisci each singled, with both moving into scoring position on a passed ball.

HAYLEY KASDEN followed with a two-run single, then scored when WHITNEY DIBB hit a deep double to left field. Dibb then scored on a basehit by KAYLA BAEZ.

Monte Vista (2-8-1) is now winless in nine straight. No information was reported by the Monarchs coaching staff.

GRANITE HILLS 14, MOUNT MIGUEL 1 (5 inn.) – KIMMY TRIOLO drilled a 3-run double when the Eagles scored six times to open the scoring in the 3rd inning, propelling the hosts past the Matadors by run rule in Tuesday's (Mar. 19) Grossmont Conference Tournament ballgame.

Almost every player in the Eagles' starting 9 contributed on offense, but Triolo was the lone player with multiple RBI.

Meanwhile, KAILA DeWITT, who registered an RBI double, struck out nine Matadors to gain the complete-game victory. She yielded just three hits.

Other extra base hits by Granite Hills were by freshman KATIE WALL (triple) and VICTORIA HATHAWAY (double), helping the hosts follow-up its 6-run rally with eight more runs in the 4th to invoke the run rule.

No information was reported by the Mount Miguel coaching staff.

VALHALLA 19, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 (5 inn.) – For the second time in the Grossmont Conference Tournament, junior KIRSTEN GALLO and sophomore KAILEY HIPWELL took command in the Norsemen pitching circle, combining on a 2-hit blanking of the host Braves. Both allowed one hit each.

In her three innings, Gallo struck out seven batters, while the other two outs came back on easy come-backers. Hipwell registered five of her six outs on strikes, with the other coming on a slow grounder to first base.

With the bat, Hipwell went 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored.

Other Norsemen notables included: sophomore ANNAMARIE IULIANO (3-for-3 with four RBI, including a 3-run double in the 4th), and junior BROOKE HAYES (2 for 2 with a double in her first action of the season).

Other multiple hit games included sophomore BRANDI KOHEL (2 for 5, 2 RBI), senior MADISON LABSHERE (3 for 5, 2 runs, 2 SB), and sophomore ABIGAIL METSCH (2 for 4, 2 runs, 1 RBI).

No information was reported by the El Cajon Valley coaching staff. We were Twitted that the Braves' leadoff hitter got a bloop double (her name was not available).

Elsewhere
RANCHO BERNARDO 10, PATRICK HENRY 5 – The short-handed Patriots, with three starters missing from their batting order, still gave the 8th-ranked Broncos a battle, holding a 3-2 lead midway through Tuesday's (Mar. 19) Falcon Fiesta contest.

The early lead came courtesy of a 3-run homer in the 1st inning by first baseman DANIELLE ROMERO, a line shot over the left-field fence, which also brought home MEGHAN FISHER (single) and SYDNEY JAMES (safe on fielder's choice). The liner by the freshman gave Patrick Henry a 3-1 lead.

The other Patriots runs came in the 5th on a 2-run double by third baseman MADDIE BARRAZA, who stroked the ball down the left-field line. Thus, Rancho Bernardo went to the bullpen and utilized No. 1 pitcher Sara White – who signed with Notre Dame – to pitch the final two frames against winless Patrick Henry (0-6).

"Still, the group is showing signs of becoming a team," said Pats coach Don Schaffer. "The people that show they want to play are going to play. That is why I am still so optimistic that we can do well once league starts."

HILLTOP 9, MIRA MESA 1 – The Marauders seemingly ended their hit tying slump when KATIYANA MAUGA slugged a 1st-ining home run. However, the Lancers held tough after that to take a Hilltop Tournament win on Tuesday (Mar. 19).

For Mauga, it was her 37th career home run, moving her to with four of the CIF San Diego Section record.

© East County Sports.com
OTAY RANCH (3-19-13) — En route to a 23-9 record and the San Diego CIF Division III crown, there was one obstacle which El Capitan High failed to climb last season: the Otay Ranch Mustangs.

In three outings during 2012, the Vaqueros not only lost each time, they were shutout twice.

Such results were turned around during Monday's (Mar. 18) non-league game in the South Bay , after DELANIE GOURLEY tossed a 3-hitter in a 4-1 victory. All three Otay Ranch hits came via bunts off Gourley, who registered 12 strikeouts and walked just one.

The ballclubs traded early unearned runs until El Capitan broke free by scoring three times in the 7th inning.

Second baseman JENNA PORTER stroked a leadoff single, moving to second on a sacrifice bunt by center fielder KENZIE GANDY. Then the power of the Vaqueros appeared, ripping three consecutive extra-base hits.

Left fielder COURTNEY WILLIAMS snapped the pitchers' duel with an RBI double to left-center field, bringing home Porter with the go-ahead run.

Gourley, who smacked an RBI double in the 3rd to allow Gandy (safe on error) to tie the ballgame, repeated the feat to score Williams. Gourley then scored on a triple by catcher ERIN HUMPHREYS, who sent a drive into the right-field corner.

Gourley, Williams and Humphreys registered two hits each, lifting El Capitan (4-6) to its fourth straight triumph.

For Otay Ranch, junior Niki Hernandez had two of the three bunt singles. Arizona State bound catcher Sashel Palacios went 0-for-3 with two Ks against Gourley.

STEELE CANYON 3, MIRA MESA 0 — Cougars pitcher GRACE KRAMER held honors Monday (Mar. 18), handing the Marauders their third straight shutout loss to win this Falcon Fiesta pool play ballgame. It was also Mira Mesa's fifth blanking in six starts.

Kramer struck out nine in throwing a 4-hitter. The senior did not yield a walk.

TORI YANITOR smacked a pair of doubles, while RACHEL BEASLEY also registered two of Steele Canyon 's nine hits.

All of the game's scoring came in the 2nd inning, when MOLLY HUTCHISON opened with a single, scoring on Yanitor's first double. BRITTANY FITCH reached on a bunt single, but was erased on a double play, allowing Yanitor to make it 2-0.

With the bases now clear, the Cougars still managed a third run when designated player KEARA McCARTHY singled, KALI SCHWARTZ walked, KYLIE AZEVEDO singled to load the bases, then a Beasley blooper over third base brought in McCarthy.

The Marauders' best opportunity came in the 5th, when QUIRISA MAUGA singled and ASHLEY MORAN reached on a misplayed bunt. KATI MAUGA then lined a single off the fence in left field, but all of the runners could only advance one base in case the ball was caught.

Kramer, now facing the bases loaded with no one out and the potential go-ahead run at the plate, escaped on a pair of infield pop outs and a strikeout.

RAMONA 3, VALHALLA 1 — The Bulldogs parlayed three singles and a pair of walks into the tiebreaking runs in the 6th inning, downing the host Norsemen in Monday's (Mar. 18) non-league game at Leto Field.

Valhalla got out of the inning when MIRANDA THOMAS entered to pitch in relief, immediately inducing a tapper back to the circle to start a home-to-first double play. Thomas was credited with two shutout innings, but the Norsemen could not rally late against winning pitcher Julie Ward.

The defense for Valhalla was either hot or cold. The first of three errors led to an unearned Ramona run in the 1st, while sophomore outfielders KATIE HIPWELL and KATIE SCHMIDT each made nice catches.

The lone Norsemen run was scored by Hipwell in the 1st. She slapped a lead single, then moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by junior designated player EMILY ORDONEZ. A ground ball advanced Hipwell to third, followed by an RBI single by DANIELLE UY to knot the ballgame at 1-all.

Hipwell finished by batting 3-for-3 with a double.

© East County Sports.com
CHULA VISTA (3-17-13) — Santana and El Capitan high schools, which shared the Grossmont Valley League crown last season, are tied yet again following the first weekend of the annual Hilltop Tournament.

Both schools are on track for a championship showdown, just like last year's CIF Division III title game meeting, after both posted 2-0 records Saturday (Mar. 16) to lead their respective pools after a series of impressive romps.

Santana - The Sultans marked Mar Vista, 11-1, and blanked struggling Mira Mesa, 4-0.

In the first game, seniors outfielders ALEX BREIDT and TARA GRENNAN posted near identical numbers, etching 2-run doubles among their two hits.

KYLIE BRASE allowed a 1st-inning run, then settled in to toss a 4-hitter with four strikeouts.

AMBER SCHISLER did even better in the circle during the second game, spinning a 1-hit shutout at the Marauders.

Schisler struck out five batters, only allowing a clean single by senior shortstop KATI MAUGA, who hit the left-center field fence, yet couldn't advance for extra bases due her to season-long leg strain.

Schisler also collected the game-winning run, driving in the first of three markers in the 4th. ARIEL RASMUSSAN singled and stole second base, coming home on a single by Schisler, who later scored on a bases-loaded walk to KENDRA KUPER.

CATHRYN CANCILLER-PETTY capped the rally with an RBI single, bringing home SYDNEY VATES (single).

In the 7th, MacKENZIE REYNOLDS bombed a double over the head of the center fielder, scoring on a basehit by Brace.

El Capitan - The Vaqueros blanked the tournament host Lancers, 6-0, then run-ruled Montgomery, 16-1.

DELANIE GOURLEY finally registered her first pitching win of the season, striking out a season-high 16 batters in throwing a 1-hitter at Hilltop.

Gourley faced just 22 batters -- one above the minimum -- as the lone baserunner came on a single in the 4th by senior catcher Marcy Corona.

Gourley also collected her first home run of the season, a 2-run shot to right field in the 7th which also brought home shortstop KELSEY HENZI (single).

Later in the inning, El Capitan loaded the bases, getting two additional runs on a single to left-center by MacKENZIE GANDY.

The Vaqueros opened their scoring in the 3rd when ERIN HUMPHREYS (walk) and Gourley (single) reached base. A ground out by KATIE CARMICHAEL produced the first run, then MARISSA CUEVAS singled in the other run.

In other tournament action, Mira Mesa fell to 0-2 in its pool, also losing to Otay Ranch, 11-0.

Falcon Fiesta
Grossmont – In Saturday's (Mar. 16) action, Shelley Proctor tossed a 2-shit shutout to lead Carlsbad past the visiting Hillers.

Hilltop Tournament
Steele Canyon – The Cougars swept a pair of Hilltop TOurnament games, held Saturday (Mar. 16) at the host site. They run-ruled Sweetwater,12-1, then outlasted Scripps Ranch, 4-1.

Against the Red Devils, Steele Canyon actually trailed 1-0 after the first half-inning, then scored in all four of the team's trips to the plate, pounding out 12 hits.

REBECCA WHITAKER and cleanup hitter MOLLY HUTCHISON collected four RBI each.

Against the Falcons, GRACE KRAMER fired a 3-hitter, striking out six to gain the pitching victory.

Grossmont's Sarah Nicks (10) trots home following her third home run of the season. (Photo by Steve Crisci)

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-15-13) — When times are good, ballclubs win in amazing ways. Case-in-point, walk-off grand slams by Granite Hills and Cathedral Catholic at the Cougar Classic earlier in the week,

When times are tough, you'll accept a win by almost any means.

For example, Friday's (Mar. 15) Falcon Fiesta triumph by the Grossmont Foothillers.

After allowing a 4-0 lead slip away to winless Patrick Henry, the Foothillers – one strike away from a loss – accepted a pair of walks with the bases loaded to escape with a 6-5 decision.

"Still, our team is starting to play together and hitting the ball better," said Hillers catcher SARAH NICKS, who staked Grossmont to its early advantage with a 3rd-inning home run to center field. "We are starting to play with a little jump."

Patrick Henry (0-5) had several chances to close out the victory, but a basehit, an error and an infield single loaded the bases after two were out. KIRA ELLIOTT and CEL DAVILA then each took low 3-2 pitches for bases on balls to force home the tying and winning runs.

Not exciting, but you take a win anyway you can.

Except for Nicks' homer, all of Grossmont's run came with two outs.

In the 1st, WHITNEY DIBB knocked home Elliott and Davila with the final of three consecutive singles. In the 2nd, Elliott's RBI single plated MEGAN CRISCI, then Nicks went deep for her third home run of the season with one out in the 3rd.

The Patriots rallied when SIERRA ALTMEYER opened the 4th with a deep home run just to the left of the batter's eye in center field. Then they scored four times in the 6th to take the lead.

Altmeyer again led off, this time with a double, following by a pair of sacrifice attempts which went for scratch singles by MEGHAN FISHER and pinch-hitter ANYA VANDERSIP when the Hillers failed to get to the ball in time.

Freshman DANIELLE ROMERO doubled home the two batters who bunted to tie the score, then Romero gave Patrick Henry its first lead on a clean single to right field by RYLIE RUCKLE.

Grossmont had a chance to move back in front in the 6th after loading the bases, but a strikeout and a liner to shortstop by Nicks ended the threat.

Elsewhere
WEST HILLS 8, MONTE VISTA 1 – In a rescheduled Grossmont Conference Tournament game played Friday (Mar. 15), the visiting Monarchs took an early, 1st-inning lead before the Wolf Pack rolled.

Monte Vista scored on a two-out "rally" which featured a walk, an error, a hit-by-pitch and a bases-loaded walk. A roster has not been submitted by the Monarchs.

Otherwise, West Hills pitcher TESS EATON rolled in tossing a 5-hitter. She struck out two batters.

The Pack busted the game open with five runs in the 3rd. They got even on consecutive singles by SYDNEY CRAVEN, ARIANA QUINTANILLA and an RBI hit by MELISSA EGGLESTON.

CORTNEY HORNE followed with a 3-run homer to deep center field, short-hopping the school's new aquatics center -- it was judged (based on the new landmark) that the ball flew some 245 feet. The blast was Horne's fifth of the season, keeping her well ahead of pace to eclipse the school record of 11 (Kasey Mytinger, 2005).

For the contest, Eggleston went 3-for-4, while KELCI ELLIS-ALVAREZ was 2-for-3.

EL CAPITAN 3, El Centro-SOUTHWEST 0 – Starting in the Vaqueros pitching circle was KATIE CARMICHAEL who came within one out of a shutout in taking the victory over the visitors from the Imperial Valley in Friday's (Mar. 15) Hilltop Tournament pool play contest.

Carmichael finished with a 6-hitter, striking out seven Eagles, in leading struggling El Capitan (1-6) to its first triumph of the season in seven outings.

Meanwhile, DELANIE GOURLEY played first base, with her batting leading the offense. The senior belted a pair of doubles, scoring each time, once on a fouble by ERIN HUMPHREYS.

El Capitan first got on the scoreboard in the 3rd, when MacKENZIE GANDY singled, stole second base, then scored when left fielder COURTNEY WILLIAMS singled. An inning later, Gourley and Humphreys posted their consecutive doubles.

In the 7th, Gourley (double) and Humphreys (single) again went back-to-back, then Carmichael made it three straight hits with an RBI single,

MATER DEI CATHOLIC 10, HELIX 0 — The Highlanders hung tough for five innings only trailing 3-0. But in the team's fourth game of the week, the pitching staff "ran out of gas," according to head coach Emily Kowalski, as the Crusaders pieced together 10 straight hits for seven runs in the 6th inning.

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (3-15-13) — The Santana Sultans, which already holds the CIF San Diego Section record with 11 doubles in a ballgame, may have done one better in Thursday's (Mar. 14) Grossmont Conference Tournament opener.

Moments after host Grossmont scored seven times in the 4th inning to deeply slice into a 9-0 deficit, Santana answered in the 5th with seven consecutive 2-out doubles, pulling away to trounce Grossmont, 15-7.

Marching loudly on the 2-base hit parade was freshman SYDNEY VATES, two posted two double and a home run in a 5-for-5 performance at the plate. Vates also knocked in four runs.

""I felt good in the box and to be able to zero-in on the ball," said Vates, who battled with eight returning starters to gain a berth in the starting line-up. "It was exciting to learn I could work hard and still get some playing time. So I just stayed focused and went with the ball."

Grossmont continued to pitch Vates to the outside half of the plate, and she just kept placing the ball into right field. Her home run came in the 4th, depositing a 3-0 pitch over the fence in right-center.

In addition, TARA GRENNAN smacked a 2-run homer to left in the 5th, part of a 4-for-5 effort, while KAYTI GRABLE batted 3-for-3 – all doubles to equal an East County record – with a pair of walks and four runs scored.

Grossmont parlayed six hits and an error into seven runs in the 4th. Otherwise, the Hillers only posted one other hit, as sophomore KIRA ELLIOTT went 2-for-3.

GRANITE HILLS 1, EL CAPITAN 0 -— An error led the game's only run, sending reigning CIF San Diego Section player of the year DELANIE GOURLEY's pitching record to 0-5 in Thursday's (Mar. 14) Grossmont Conference Tournament opener in Lakeside. PHOTOS / PHOTOS

Gourley was again solid, reaching double-digits in strikeouts in all six of her starts this season, including 13 batters from the Eagles. She also went 2-for-3 at the plate, but the rest of her teammates managed just three additional hits, including a double by Kasey Hostetler.

Granite Hills scored the unearned run in the 5th inning, when ALISSA BUDVARSON reached via an infield error on her bunt, stole second base, then came home when a ground ball off the bat of KIMMY TRIOLO raced through the hole past shortstop for an RBI basehit.

The run made a winner of Eagles pitcher KAILA DeWITT, who tossed a complete-game, 5-hit shutout. The sophomore struck out five Vaqueros. DeWitt and CASSIDY COKER recorded the only other hits off Gourley.

WEST HILLS 16, EL CAJON VALLEY 0 (5 inn.) — KELCI ELLIS-ALVAREZ and MIRANDA GROVER combined on a no-hitter of the Braves. Ellis-Alvarez struck out six over the first three innings, then Grove K'd a pair to garner the save in her two innings of work.

The Wolf Pack played its youngsters, as Ellis-Alvarez went 2-for-2 with a double and two RBI, including the opening run in the 1st, scoring ARIANA QUINTANILLA (lead double). Meanwhile, third baseman KENDALL MARINISI went 3-for-3 with four RBI, falling a homer short of the cycle. Both are freshmen.

Meanwhile, sophomore right fielder TESS EATON posted a pair of hits and an RBI, as every member of the Wolf Pack recorded at least two hits each.

VALHALLA 17, MOUNT MIGUEL 0 (5 inn.) — Norsemen pitchers KIRSTEN GALLO and KAYLIE HIPWELL carried a perfect game into the 5th (and final) inning in Thursday's (Mar. 14) 1-hit shutout of the visiting Matadors in Grossmont Conference Tournament play at Leto Field. PHOTOS

Gallo struck out four over three perfect innings, not allowing a ball out of the infield. Hipwell was one strike away from a perfect game, but a bloop single landed just inside the foul line.

The Norsemen offense put up nine runs in the 2nd for a 10-0 cushion.

Senior MADISON LABSHERE went 4-for-4 with a double and scored three times. Sophomore ANNAMARIE IULIANO hit a double for her first varsity hit, driving in a pair of runs in the 4th. And freshman EMILY HOWARD posted her second hit of the young campaign, a line double down the left-field line to score a pair of runs.

HELIX 10, MONTE VISTA 0 (6 inn.) – The Highlanders (3-3) posted their third run-rule triumph of the season, pasting the visiting, Monarchs in six innings behind a 2-hit shutout by MARISSA HAMPTON in a Grossmont Conference Tournament opener Thursday (Mar. 14).

Hampton also aided her cause with the bat, going 2-for-4, extending the winless skid of Monte Vista (2-6) to seven games.

It was all Helix from the onset, as KEANA NAKATA, CHANELLE WARD and SYDNI TOILOLO opened with consecutive singles in the 1st, followed by a sacrifice fly by DESIRAE BORDINE.

In the 3rd, DESTINI BULLOCK and Hampton collected an RBI each before Helix blew it open with six more tallies in the 5th.

The big inning included six hits and two walks, capped by Ward's 2-run double. Ward also ended the game in the 6th with a walk-off RBI single, bringing home LISA DREW, who opened the inning with a pinch-hit single, her first basehit of the season

Ward finished by going 4-for-5 with three RBI at the plate, while Nakata and Bordine were each 2-for-3.

Elsewhere
STEELE CANYON 4, IMPERIAL 3 — Cougars pitcher RACHEL BEASLEY gained her first victory of the season by holding off a late push by the visiting Tigers in Thursday's (Mar. 14) non-league contest.

KAYLIE AZEVEDO belted a lead-off double, scoring on the first of two RBI singles by TORI YANITOR, who went 3-for-4.

Also driving in runs for the Cougars were cleanup hitter KYLIE STEAGALL and KEARA McCARTHY.

For Imperial (4-4), pitcher Ashley Caro recorded eight strikeouts.

OUR LADY OF PEACE 7, CHRISTIAN 4 — In a Warhawk Classic contest, the visiting Pilots built an early lead Thursday (Mar. 14), downing the Patriots at Dawson Field.

Freshman pitcher DIANA SUDA tossed four solid innings of relief, allowing just one run to give Christian an opportunity to rally. She also registered a basehit and stole a pair of bases.

JENNIE ESQUIVEL, another frosh, hit her first varsity homer to drive in two runs in a 2-for-3 outing.

ALYSSA HARRIS also posted a run-scoring double, while senior ANAYA TOBIASON added a hit, two walks, a stolen base and scored a run.

MIRA MESA 12, MAR VISTA 6 – QUIRISA MAUGA smacked a home run to cap a 3-for-3 outing, powering the Marauders past the Mariners. Mauga's shot went to left-center field, good for a pair of RBI.

The Marauders collected 10 hits, supporting winning pitcher JIANNA MIQUE, who struck out three in her complete-game effort.

East County owns considerable scholarship talent in (alphabetically) KAYTI GRABLE (Santana), CORTNEY HORNE (West Hills), MOLLY HUTCHISON (Steele Canyon), SARAH NICKS (Grossmont), and TORI YANITOR (Steele Canyon).

The rest of the county is also seeing a rise in prospects at catcher; even the Imperial Valley fields talented backstops in Sonia White and Andrea Sotelo (both from Imperial), plus Valeria Torres (El Centro-Southwest).

However, the best of the lot may be Sashel Palacios, the Arizona State bound senior out of Otay Ranch. Palacios and her Mustangs, following the school's best-ever finish at the Cougar Classic to open the season, visited East County on Wednesday (Mar. 13), where they throttled host Santana, 14-1, in a non-league affair

Palacios belted a deep 2-run homer, highlighting a 3-for-4 outing which included a walk and a pair of runs scored.

"Catching is all about leadership, taking charge, but also helping your pitcher and all of your teammates play with confidence," said Palacios, who has played for Orange County Batbusters and, more recently, Team Mizuno. "For some reason, we are learning that here in San Diego , so there are all sorts of good catchers here."

While travel ball teams north of San Diego earned reputations by placing athletes at the best colleges, to do so with San Diego players makes many wonder why one would leave their hometown in the first place. Still, they continue to cherry-pick the best from local programs.

For example, Horne plays for a team based in Temecula, earning an offer (since rescinded by a new coaching staff) at Ohio State .

"It's amazing how things change by position," said Grossmont coach JERRY LERUD. "You don't realize how good things are until you don't have a good catcher. I'm fortunate that Sarah Nicks has been our varsity catcher for four years, and I have a couple of good catchers on the JV to replace her next year."

Even El Capitan, which captured its first-ever CIF championship last season, found it difficult to find someone who could successfully catch for DELANIE GOURLEY, the 2012 CIF San Diego Section player of the year.

"We had certain challenges to find someone who can catch Delanie," noted Vaqueros coach JOE COTA. "And it's not just her speed. She also throws left-handed and a lot of catchers are simply not used to that, so we have allowed a lot of runs on passed balls since Delanie arrived on the varsity as a freshman."

Of course, when CINDY GONZALEZ started to get the hang of Gourley's top-notch pitching, it wasn't a coincidence that El Capitan started winning on a consistent basis, going from a .500 ballcub to taking the Division III championship.

So to make a slight twist to a famous quote by Yogi Berra, himself a catcher for the New York Yankees, softball (instead of baseball) "is 90 percent" pitching, "and the other half" is catching.

OTAY RANCH 14, SANTANA 1 — A quick, 1st-inning run by the Sultans was soon erased, as the Mustangs avenged last week's pool play loss to Santana at the Cougar Classic.

The hosts saw ARIEL RASMUSSON single to left field, then take second base when no one covered the bag after the ball was returned to the infield. Rasmusson later scored when AMBER SCHISLER intentionally grounded out to the right side for an RBI.

Afterward, it was all Mustangs, starting with a go-ahead, 2-run home run by senior first baseman Jonee Rutledge, who went deep to left field in the 3rd. Sashel Palacios capped the scoring with a 3-run homer to center.

LA JOLLA COUNTRY DAY 4, HELIX 2 — Down 2-0 early, the Highlanders rallied to get even, yet fell to the host Torreys in Wednesday's (Mar. 13) non-league contest.

In the 3rd inning, the Scotties opened with four consecutive basehits by KEANA NAKATA, CHANELLE WARD and SYDNI TOILLO. DESIRAE BORDINE followed with a sacrifice hit to right field to bring home Nakata. Ward also advanced to third base, coming home when DESTINI BULLOCK grounded out to the right side.

However, the Torreys immediately re-claimed the lead in the 3rd, then added an insurance run in the 4th.

Brad Ausmus, a former MLB All-Star in 1999 and a three-time Gold Glove Award winner (2001–02, 2006), is the pitching coach for LJCD. He is currently a special assistant for the San Diego Padres as well as the Manager for Israel 's World Baseball Classic team.

EASTLAKE 3, STEELE CANYON 0 – Titans pitching tossed a 3-hit shutout, but the hosts didn't get the team's first win of the season hitting a 3-run, walk-off homer in the bottom of the 7th inning. No report by the Cougars.

LINCOLN at EL CAJON VALLEY – No report by the Braves.

Outsiders claim Cougar Classic

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
ESCONDIDO (3-13-13) — The Wolfpack of Great Oak High made their first appearance at the annual Cougar Classic an auspicious debut, returning to Riverside County with the championship trophy of San Diego County's premiere kickoff event by shocking Bonita Vista in a 3-2 walk-off victory at Kit Carson Park.

Great Oak freshman designated player Dylinn Stancil stroked the game-winning basehit in the bottom of the 5th (and final) inning, as the invaders from Temecula beat the tournament time clock to shock the Barons with a pair of late runs.

In the Gold Division, in a battle of back-up pitchers, Rancho Bernardo scored in every inning to bounce Carlsbad . In the Silver Division, San Pasqual pitcher Jackie Flores shut out Mission Hills.

In the Bronze Division, Ramona scored once in the 8th inning during the international tiebreaker, but Cathedral Catholic sophomore third baseman Sarai Niu belted a walk-off grand slam to bury the Lady Bulldogs. And in the Copper Division, Imperial pitcher Ashley Caro blanked West Hills.

A record number of 40 schools participated in this season's event, hosted by Escondido High.

RANCHO BERNARDO 3, STEELE CANYON 1 — The Cougars played catch-up all Tuesday (Mar. 12) afternoon after allowing three 1st-inning runs to the Broncos in a Gold Division semifinal of the Cougar Classic. However, RB pitch Sara White (going to Notre Dame) was only touched for an unearned run in the 2nd in tossing a 2-hitter.

The lone run for Steele Canyon was scored by TORI YANITOR, who replaced MOLLY HUTCHISON (lead walk) on a fielder's choice, then came around on a pair of errors by RB middle infielders.

Granite Hills senior second baseman Felicia Vincent hits (left) and scores (right). (Photos by Suzy Lahitte) ADDITIONAL PHOTOS HERE

MISSION HILLS 4, GRANITE HILLS 3 — The Eagles rallied late to tie this Cougar Classic semifinal in the Silver Division in the 5th inning, but the Grizzlies answered with a run in the 6th to beat the tournament clock to advance after allowing just two hits. Danielle Barton went the final 3.2 innings to garner the win.

The lone hits by Granite Hills were a double by KIMMY TRIOLO in the 1st, and a single by FELICIA VINCENT in the 2nd, when the Eagles scored twice to open the game's scoring.

Mission Hills won when Jordanne Taylor doubled, went to third on a fielder's choice, then came home on an infield error.

West Hills catcher Cortney Horne circles the bases with one of her two home runs against Mira Mesa. (Photo by Shuree Horne)

CORTNEY HORNE belted a pair of home runs good for three RBI, giving her four long-balls for the season. Meanwhile, MELISSA EGGLESTON went 2-for-3 with a pair of stolen bases.

Mira Mesa had chances, placing runners on base in every inning yet failed to score. QUIRISA MAUGA batted 2-for-2 plus a walk.

IMPERIAL 4, WEST HILLS 0 — Tigers pitcher Ashley Caro blanked the Wolf Pack in Tuesday's (Mar. 12) Cougar Classic final in the Copper Division. Caro struck out seven. A sacrifice fly from Jazleigh Alvarez brought in the winning run.

Elsewhere
MOUNT MIGUEL 12, KEARNY 8 — The Komets scored five times in the 1st inning, eventually mounting a 6-0 lead until the Matadors rallied to take Tuesday's (Mar. 12) non-league contest in Spring Valley.

No report from the Matadors.

FALLBROOK 11, CHRISTIAN 0 — The host Warriors scored six times in the 2nd inning to build a 7-0 lead, blanking the Patriots in Tuesday's (Mar. 12) Warhawk Classic contest.

No report from the Patriots.

Granite Hills' Kimmy Triolo tossing a no-hitter at Escondido in 2012. (Suzy Lahitte photo)

© East County Sports.com
LA MIRADA (2-20-13) — Granite Hills High pitcher KIMMY TRIOLO will continue her softball career after signing with Biola University, a member of the NAIA Golden State Athletic Conference.

As a junior last season, she was among East County's top hitters with a .489 average, finishing in a tie with West Hills catcher CORTNEY HORNE with a region-best 14 doubles. She also led the Grossmont Conference in most stolen bases without getting caught (9-for-9).

Her travel ball club, Power Surge, posted strong summer results with Triolo in the circle. She attended the ASA Gold Nationals in Oklahoma City and 16U Premier Nationals in Huntington Beach (9th place) under coach Fred Saunders.

The honors student carries a 4.10 grade-point average at Granite Hills.

Horne shafted
Meanwhile, reports were confirmed that Horne had her scholarship offer from Ohio State withdrawn.

Administrators with the Buckeyes fired their entire coaching staff following the 2012 season, with the new hires starting from scratch and cancelling all verbal commitments.

Horne is currently being re-courted by several schools and is expected to gain several scholarship offers.

As a sophomore with the Wolf Pack last season, the catcher led the East County in batting average (.560) and total hits (56), and tied for first in doubles (14).

In 2010, Horne's batting average of .411 was the region's best by a freshman since Steele Canyon's LORENA KLOPP (now Lorena Bauer), who currently plays for San Diego State.

© East County Sports.com
PRESCOTT, Ariz. (3-13-13) — Helix High pitcher KEANA NAKATA, the 2011 East County Sports' Unsung Hero award winner, has made a verbal commitment to play collegiate softball for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Nakata is the first player to commit for the Eagles, which will debut their inaugural campaign in 2014.

Nakata, a senior, has battled through injuries to become a two-time All-Grossmont Hills League second-team selection for the Highlanders. However, she displayed her full skills with Power Surge club program, catching the attention of Eagles head coach Maria Thomason at the City of Lights Showcase.

"I am extremely excited to have Keana join our program," said Thomason, an Arizona native, who comes to Embry-Riddle after serving most recently as an assistant coach at Dartmouth. "She is a very talented young lady and will be successful on the diamond and in the classroom.”

Nakata batted .271 for the Scotties last spring. She will major in engineering.

"I'm very proud of Keana and know she will be a huge asset to Embry," said Helix coach EMILY KOWALSKI. "She's worked very hard to get where she's going and it must be very exciting to get in on the ground floor of a new program."

"We look forward to a final season with her as our starting pitcher before she moves on to this new opportunity."

Nakata joins Scotties teammate CHANELLE WARD (Niagara) with college commitments.

Embry-Riddle is a member of the NAIA California Pacific Conference, a circuit which includes Cal Maritime, Marymount, Menlo, Pacific Union, Simpson, Soka, UC Merced and William Jessup.

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (1-17-13) — Options are few when your eligibility playing fastpitch softball comes to a conclusion.

Ginalee Davis

Davis now serves as president of the San Diego Women's Fastpitch Softball Association, which is about to open its second year later this month. The circuit started with just a handful of ballclubs, but seek to expand to at least two different leagues (or more) when the summer schedule commences in June.

"Slowpitch softball is played everywhere, but there are only six states with certified fastpitch leagues," added Davis. "It's for those with the competitive edge who seek to continue playing at a high level. But it's a fun league, too"

Players can also participate in one of many national tournaments, with plans to start a similar tournament in San Diego County.

Individual roster spots remain available for the Winter-Spring League, which opens Jan. 27. Full teams are also being accepted for the Summer campaign. Games are currently being played at Mesa College, with expansion plans for sites throughout San Diego County.

For further information, visit the league website (www.sdwfsa.com) or call (760) 412-9518.

NLI Signing Day

National Letter of Intent signing day was held on Wednesday (Nov. 14), featuring El Capitan High's Delanie Gourley, who officially committed to accept a scholarship with the University of Florida. Gourley is the reigning East County Player of the Year and a member of the 2012 All-California state first team by Cal-Hi Sports. Gourley also pitched her Southern California Athletics travel team to a third straight Premier Girls Fastpitch national championship. Univ. of Florida STORY HERE

Tori Yanitor	Molly Hutchison	Grace Kramer	Kylie Steagall
Steele Canyon saw four Cougars (left-to-right) sign National Letters of Intent. Tori Yanitor went with McNesse State as a catcher, Molly Hutchison will play for North Carolina State, pitcher Grace Kramer is ticketed for St. John's of The Big East Conference, while Kylie Steagall went with an NCAA Division II school in Christian Brothers University of Tennessee, formerly coached by Valhalla grad Kimmi Hayden, the 2005 East County player of the year. McNeese opens its season on Feb. 7 in San Diego against the USD Toreros. (Courtesy photos)

A pair of Santana Sultans signed scholarship papers, featuring Amber Schisler (top) to McNesse State, while Kayti Grable is ticketed to Northern Illinois.

Patrick Henry High's Grace Hernandez (left) signed with USD, joining a host of East County products in Jenny Lahitte and Cassidy Coleman, with additional players to be announced. Grossmont High saw a pair of team captains sign in catcher Sarah Nicks (left) with Minot State (S.D.), while Amanda Porter inked with Division I Monmouth (N.J.). Both were selected to major all-academic teams in 2012 after combining for the final out when the Hillers captured the 2011 CIF Division I championship over Poway.

West Hills High senior shortstop Adiana Quintanilla signed with Black Hills State.

By Nick Pellegrino
© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (11-6-12) — TRACY PRIEST, a community college All-America player at Central Arizona College, has been named the head softball coach at Christian High School.

Priest recently served for a variety of club programs in California and her native Oregon, but this will be her first interscholastic head coaching position.

"I really enjoy working and mentoring young girls especially through the sport of softball," said Priest, who will also assist the Patriots athletic program as a strength and conditioning instructor. "My athletic background combined with motherhood experience enables me to bring a balanced approach in guiding young female athletes through many of the stresses and temptations that accompany young female athletes."

Over the past decade, her coaching stops include Third Degree, but several club teams in many age groups in Oregon.

"We are excited to have coach Priest join the coaching staff at Christian High School ," said Patriots director of athletics DAVID BEEZER. "There is a rich tradition of success in our softball program and coach Priest is excited to continue that tradition and the opportunity to develop athletes in softball and in life."

In addition to her exploits in softball, Priest is training in triathlon, hoping to qualify at the Ironman distance.

Wolf Pack plus
Several recent West Hills softball standouts have been ticketed to four-year schools where they will continue their careers.

Wolf Pack alum FAITH KORIA has accepted a softball scholarship to Division II Lubbock Christian College, the preseason favorites in the Sooner Athletic Conference.

Meanwhile, 2010 graduate KAELI HUNYADY has accepted a scholarship to play in the outfield for Division II Holy Names University in Oakland.

In addition, West Hills/Santana alum MICHELLE THILLE will attend Wayne State University on a scholarship. She is a transfer from Iowa Lake Community College.

Thille, a 5-1 second baseman, was a second-team all-conference selection this past season hitting .395 with eight doubles and five triples for the Lakers. In 2011, Thille was a first-team all-conference and all-region selection and was second-team all-academic.
— Staff writer Bill Dickens contributed to this report

Delanie Gourley

© East County Sports.com
HUNTINGTON BEACH (8-10-12) — El Capitan High senior-to-be DELANIE GOURLEY, fresh from leading the Vaqueros to their first-ever CIF San Diego Section championship, achieved even higher honors last weekend.

Pitching for her Southern California Athletics travel team, Gourley led her team through the losers bracket to the team's third straight Premier Girls Fastpitch national championship following Saturday's (Aug. 4) 5-4 walk-off victory over the Worth Firecrackers in the Girls 18HS Division played at Deanna Manning Stadium.

Megan Geer smacked a 2-run, bases-loaded double with one out in the bottom of the 7th inning, defeating one of the nation's top programs; its coach, Tony Rico, also directs the USA Jr. National Team.

Gourley, who will play for the University of Florida in 2014, led the tournament in several pitching categories, including strikeouts (54), innings (46.2) and ERA (1.95). Geer, who preps at Los Alamitos, is headed for the University of Tennessee.

© East County Sports.com
SANTEE (6-21-12) — Santana High vice principal LARRY OEDEWALDT has announced that MIKE BASS has resigned as the Sultans softball coach.

Longtime assistant JOHN FAILLA has been elevated to become the Sultans new head coach.

Santana is currently on a Grossmont Conference record streak in winning or sharing six staright league titles.