SPORTS

Pioneer baseball ends season with 10-0 loss to Monterey in quarterfinal round of CCS

Loss comes two days after Mustangs take 4-1 win at home over El Camino

By Diego Abeloos
Sports Writer

Pioneer starting pitcher Robbie Nelson picked up the win over El Camino on May 19, throwing a complete game in which the lefthander allowed one run on two hits while striking out seven. Photo by Ron Reed

What began so well for the Pioneer baseball team ended in disappointment on May 21 with a 10-0 loss to Monterey in the second round of the CCS playoffs.

The Mustangs, who finished the regular season as the Santa Teresa Division champions after reeling off 14 straight wins to start the season, couldn’t overcome Monterey starting pitcher Michael Bugary’s no-hit effort in five innings at Washington Park.

“We came out with all the intensity prior to the game but we gave up a few runs in the first inning and never regrouped,” said Pioneer Head Coach Jake Hernandez.

The Mustangs got off to an inauspicious start against Monterey in the first inning, when starting pitcher Andy Wright found himself in trouble right off the bat.

After getting two quick outs to start the inning, Wright gave up a single to Bugary before a wild pick-off throw moved him to second. Wright then uncorked a wild pitch, moving Bugary to third and on the same play, Pioneer catcher Eddie Hsieh threw the ball wildly past third base and into left field, scoring Bugary for a 1-0 Monterey lead.

After the wild play, Monterey’s Michael Rudoni doubled into the right-centerfield gap before stealing third, giving the Toreadores another runner in scoring position. Wright then threw his second wild pitch of the inning, scoring Rudoni from third for a 2-0 lead.

“Definitely nerves,” Hernandez said, when asked what contributed to the uncharacteristic start by Wright. “We got the first two guys and then got some base runners on, and they put the pressure on our defense … we didn’t handle the situation very well early on and sometimes that happens.”

Things didn’t get better for Wright in the second inning, as a leadoff double by Sean Bishop got things going once more for Monterey. Leonard Giammanco then dropped down a sacrifice bunt, but Wright threw wildly past first base, allowing Bishop to score and moving Giammanco to second. That prompted Hernandez to make a pitching change, bringing in Brent Osborn in favor of Wright.

Osborn was treated roughly right from the start as well, giving up a run-scoring single to Joey Parigi for a 4-0 Monterey lead. Later in the inning, with one out and Parigi at second, Bugary knocked a run-scoring single into right field for a 5-0 lead. Monterey added another run in the inning when catcher Chris Trout took off for second base with Rudoni at third base. Hsieh threw to second to try and nab Trout but on the play, Rudoni took off from third and scored the fourth run of the inning for Monterey, stretching its’ lead to 6-0.

“It’s tough to give away runs early in the game and come back from a four or five-run deficit, especially against a solid pitcher like (Bugary),” Hernandez said.

Monterey would go on to score four times again in the third inning for a 10-0 lead, getting one run on a groundball from Parigi, scoring Chris Lopiccolo, before a double to center field from Michael Bruno knocked in Bishop for an 8-0 lead. Monterey got another run on a grounder off the bat of Bugary, scoring Parigi from third, before a bases-loaded sacrifice fly from Trout knocked in Bruno for a 10-0 score.

Pioneer’s fortunes seemed much better only two days before, when the Mustangs took a convincing 4-1 win in the first round of CCS Playoffs against the El Camino Colts.

Pioneer starting pitcher Robbie Nelson went the distance for the win, allowing one run and two hits while striking out seven and walking seven for the win.

“I felt good throughout the whole game,” Nelson said. “A couple of times, I was letting the ball go up too much, I worked in too many walks, but you just have to battle.”

Pioneer got one run in the bottom of the second on a one-out single from Mike Kaufmann, bringing in Hsieh, who earlier in the inning tripled.

The Mustangs got three more runs in the bottom of the fourth, one on another run-scoring single from Kaufmann before Michael Schulz dropped down a squeeze bunt, scoring Hsieh from third for a 3-0 lead. A two-out single from Michael Rudolph, scoring Kaufmann, completed the rally for the Mustangs and gave them a commanding 4-0 lead.

“It feels good when I can have a good offense behind me and jump out to a good lead,” Nelson said following the win. “It allows me something to sit back on.”

As the season ended two days later at Washington Park, Hernandez got his players together after the game for one last post-game huddle. Hernandez later said the hardest part of seeing the season end was knowing he coached the team’s nine seniors for the last time.

“I’m trying to keep my emotions within myself here,” Hernandez said. “This is a great senior class. I told them that as long as I’m here, every single class from here on out is going to build off of what they built for four years. I’m really sad to see them go but I know each one of them has a bright future ahead of them.”

Leland baseball ends year with 6-3 loss to Bellarmine in CCS quarterfinals

Leland got to quarterfinals with 3-1 win over Live Oak on May 18

By Diego Abeloos
Sports Writer

The Leland baseball team saw the end of its season arrive with a 6-3 loss to Bellarmine in the quarterfinal round of the CCS playoffs on May 21.

The Leland offense was meager against Bellarmine starting pitcher Erik Goeddel, who allowed no hits to the Chargers in four innings of work. Meanwhile, Bellarmine got on the board early and made it stick, scoring three runs in both the first and second innings and sticking Leland starter John Foley with the loss. Leland’s offense did manage three runs in the top of the seventh inning before the Bells shut the door for a 6-3 win.

The Chargers got to the second round of the CCS Division I playoffs by taking a 3-1 win on the road against Live Oak on May 18.

The Chargers got clutch performances out of Matt Slaton and pitcher Kevin Battipede.

Battipede made quick work of the Live Oak lineup, throwing a complete game in which the right-hander allowed one run on seven hits while striking out eight.

“Coming in, I knew Live Oak was senior-laden and very well poised and polished,” Leland Head Coach Scot Gillis said. “I was really afraid of the first couple of innings and I think we dodged some bullets and we got through the first couple of innings … When Matt Slaton hits the home run, I think everyone kind of looked around and said, ‘hey, wait a minute. We actually might be able to win this game.’”

With the score tied 1-1 in the top of the sixth, the Chargers came to bat against Live Oak starter Eric Nelson, who came into the inning having retired nine out of the last 10 batters he faced. After two quick outs, Slaton stepped to the plate and launched a towering drive to left-center field gap that cleared the 365-foot marker with ease for a solo home run, giving the Chargers a 2-1 lead.

“We struggled early on and we started making adjustments at the plate,” Slaton said. “The first couple of at-bats that each of us had, there were some nervous stomachs and butterflies. We calmed down and made the adjustments. You just have to look for that one pitch right there and when you see it, relax and really react to it.”

In the top of the seventh, the Chargers took advantage of an Acorn miscue in the field to get things going, as third baseman Alex Todd reached base on a fielding error by shortstop Doug Porras. With Kyle Jones pinch-running for Todd, a ground ball by Steve Akerson moved the runner into scoring position before first baseman Logan Foos was hit by a pitch, putting runners on first and second.

Later in the inning, with runners on second and third, Nelson walked Danny Dyer to load the bases, forcing a pitching change for Live Oak, with Porras coming in from shortstop to relieve Nelson. The move didn’t pay off for Live Oak as shortstop Lance Gemette stepped up and delivered a two-out single to right field, scoring Jones from third for a 3-1 Charger lead.

Meanwhile, Battipede appeared to be on cruise control on the mound. After allowing a run in the first inning on a one-out single by Live Oak’s Andrew Cummins, Battipede went on to retire 11 of the next 12 batters before allowing a leadoff double in the bottom of the fifth to Live Oak designated hitter Michael Sorci.

The leadoff hit proved to be no trouble for Battipede, who made a diving catch on a sacrifice bunt following the hit before striking out centerfielder Shaun Standridge. With two outs, Battipede intentionally walked Porras, who was 2-for-2 against him at that point, and then proceeded to strike out leftfielder Bryce Wilson to end the threat and the inning.

“Once Slaton hit that home run, it put me right in a zone,” Battipede said. “I just started getting a rhythm. In the first inning, I wasn’t in a rhythm. All the guys were telling me I was rushing it, so I just slowed down and found it.”

Battipede continued to go through the Acorn lineup in the sixth inning before starting the seventh inning off in immediate trouble. Battipede allowed a leadoff single to Sorci to start the seventh and, after getting the next two batters out on a popup and a strikeout, gave up another single to Porras, putting runners on first and second.

Battipede settled down however and got the last out to secure the win, inducing Wilson into a routine groundout to third base to end the game.

“When a kid shows that kind of demeanor and that kind of competitiveness, and his pitch count was still low, which it was … you want to stick with that guy,” Gillis said of leaving Battipede in the game to finish off the win. “He got us here and if we’re going to lose, we’re going to lose with that guy on the hill, at least for today.”

Sports Briefs

Almaden Ladybugs host soccer tryouts
Almaden Ladybugs Premier/Class 1, U17 girls, tryouts for state cup and spring/fall season, every Tuesday and Thursday.  Date of birth after 7/31/88. Contact Roger Haupt (408) 779-7697, Linda Urzi (408) 723-0928.     

Bay Area TPX Top 96 High School Invitational Baseball Showcase June 3-4
Applications are now being accepted for the Bay Area TPX Top 96 High School Invitational Baseball Showcase.  The top 96 position players and top 48 pitchers will be selected from those who apply. The showcase is June 3-4 at PAL Stadium in San Jose.  Apply online at www.top96.com or call Doug Henson at 508-481-5939.

Citywide Youth Track Meet set for this weekend
The City of San Jose, Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services and the San Jose Police Amateur Athletic Association are sponsoring a free track and field meet for boys and girls ages 9-14 on Sunday, May 22 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Evergreen Valley High School track, located at 3300 Quimby Road in San Jose.

Track events include the 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 meter, and 4 x 100 meter relay. Field events include the standing long jump and softball throw. Group one is for athletes born between 1995-1996; group two is for athletes born between 1993-1994; and group three is for athletes born between 1991-1992.

The event is a qualifier meet for the Nor Cal Hershey State Track and Field Meet Saturday, June 18, at San Jose City College, and is a stop on the road to the National Meet in Hershey, Pa.

Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. To obtain more information and registration forms, call the Citywide Sports Office at (408) 369-3900. Registration will also be accepted on the day of the event between 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.

Almaden Quicksilver holds soccer tryouts
Almaden Quicksilver Class 3, U12 girls, is holding tryouts for spring/fall season every Tuesday and Thursday. Date of birth must be after 7/31/93. Contact John (408) 323-8768 or john@politoski.com.

Central Valley Edge holds youth soccer tryouts
CV Edge, a Class 3/U17 girls’ soccer team, is offering Monday/Wednesday tryouts to girls born after 7/31/88 for the fall season for all positions. Contact Patty Rashid (408) 267-2740 or Afsari at (650) 771-6213 for more information.

Multi-Disability Meet welcomes athletes to San Jose event
Multi-disability athletes are encouraged to compete at the upcoming Far West Games to earn points for U.S. national competitions. The City of San Jose Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services and Far West Wheelchair Sports sponsor this multi-sport, multi-disability meet, which includes boccia, track and field, aquatics, and 3-on-3 basketball.

The events will be held Thursday, May 19 through Saturday, May 21. Other events include a boccia clinic May 21, 4-6 p.m. at San Jose City College, 2100 Moorpark Ave.; the boccia and pentathlon from 6-9 p.m.; the 5000 meter event 6:30-7:30 p.m.; field events May 22 from 9 a.m-12:30 p.m.; track events 2-7 p.m.; and on May 23 at Camden Community Center, 3369 Union Avenue, San Jose, the 3-on-3 basketball event 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; and swimming 2-6 p.m.

Youths and adults with disabilities may participate. The cost is free for spectators. Competitors must pay a $60 registration fee to participate.

Leland High School Spirit Squad hosts Junior Spirit Camp June 20-24
“Give me an L!” Leland Junior Spirit Camp is set for June 20-24 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Leland High School Quad, 6677 Camden Ave, San Jose, for students entering K-8 in fall of 2005. Age-appropriate cheers and routines. Daily snacks provided. Space is limited so sign up early. Early-bird registration of $100 ends June 1.

All participants invited to perform at a Leland High School football game.

Participants should wear comfortable clothing and shoes appropriate for athletics. Light jacket or sweater in case of cool weather (labeled with name) and bring a water bottle (labeled with name). Wear your sunscreen!

For more information on Leland Junior Spirit Camp, contact Angelica Niklowitz (408) 268-5549 or e-mail aniklowitz@yahoo.com.

Leland girls’ volleyball camp for grades 4-8
The Leland girls’ volleyball team invites girls in grades four through eight to sign up for the Leland girls’ volleyball camp, held at Leland High School from May 31 through June 3 from 4-6 p.m. The camp will be instructed by the Leland girls’ volleyball team and its staff. Girls with all levels of playing ability are welcome to join the fun.

The cost for the camp is $50, with all proceeds going to Leland High School girls’ volleyball. To register early, please sign up at the Leland School Bank.

Leland softball drops 4-1 loss to Lancers in CCS first round to end year

Chargers starter Vanessa Truan throws seven strong innings in loss

By Diego Abeloos
Sports Writer

Despite finishing the year with a 17-8 record, the No. 7-seed Leland softball team saw its season come to an end in a 4-1 loss to St. Francis in the first round of CCS playoffs on May 18.

For Leland Head Coach Joe Gron, the regular season, which saw the Chargers start out with a 13-game winning streak, coupled with the one-game playoff experience translated into a successful season overall.

“These girls played their hearts out for me again tonight, like they’ve been doing all year long, and that’s all I can ask for,” said Gron.

Leland ace Vanessa Truan took the ball and toed the rubber against the No. 10 Lancers and fared well, pitching seven innings and allowing four runs on 10 hits while striking out six in the tough-luck loss. Truan, who won 17 games in the regular season, said she relished the chance to pitch in a big game for her team.

“I like going out there and pitching (in big games),” Truan said. “Sometimes you wish there was another pitcher out there because you get tired, but I like it.”

The Lancers broke through with a pair of runs in the top of the third inning off Truan, helped in part by taking advantage of the wet field conditions at Hawes Field in Redwood City.

After a pair of singles and a wild pitch resulted in Lancer runners at second and third with one out, St. Francis’ Colleen Powers lofted a fly ball to shallow centerfield. Leland centerfielder Kristen Rorie caught the ball but slipped on the wet grass trying to get a throw into home plate, allowing Stephanie Jackson to tag up and score the first run of the game and moving Kim Mooney from second to third. After a walk put runners on the corners, the Lancers’ Kim Benedetti hit a ground ball to shortstop Christina Saenz, who threw wildly to first, pulling first baseman Sara Boring off the bag and allowing Mooney to score the second run of the inning.

Leland managed to get one of those runs back in the bottom of the third, beginning with a leadoff single from catcher Jessica Talaugon. With Sara Adams at the plate for the Chargers, Lancers starting pitcher Lindsay O’Hearn uncorked a pair of wild pitches, allowing Talaugon to scoot all the way to third base. Later in the inning, with two outs and Ashleigh Adams at the plate, O’Hearn threw yet another wild pitch, with Talaugon making it home to score the first Leland run on a fading slide.

“When they get to third base I tell them that they’re on their own,” Gron said. “If you see a passed ball and think you can make it, you go and you make it. If you hesitate, you stay. She got a good jump on the ball and she scampered home.”

In the top of the sixth, the Lancers put together another rally, beginning with a pair of one-out singles by Sarah Kamenski and Jackson. After a wild pitch moved the runners to second and third, Mooney knocked a single into centerfield, scoring both Jackson and Kamenski for a 4-1 Lancer lead.

The Chargers found themselves with another opportunity to answer back in the bottom half of the sixth, getting a leadoff walk from Ashleigh Adams to get things going. After a wild pitch and a groundout moved Adams to third, O’Hearn walked Quianna Sanchez to put runners at the corners.

With two outs in the inning, Rorie stepped to the plate and hit a sharp grounder to third base, but the throw appeared to pull the first baseman off the bag. Instead, the first-base umpire ruled that the first baseman’s foot was on the bag and that Rorie was out, ending the inning and the scoring threat for the Chargers. Gron came out and argued the call, but to no avail.

“We had some calls that were questionable, but we can’t control those things and you have to move on,” Gron said.

The scoring threat was the last one for the Chargers in the season-ending loss. The Chargers got up to the plate in the bottom of the seventh and made two quick outs before an error placed Sara Adams on first. Saenz then ended the inning by hitting a ground ball back to O’Hearn for a 1-3 putout, leaving the Chargers looking toward next season.

“We’re returning 11 players from this team here, so we expect big things next season,” Gron said. “There wasn’t too much expected of us for some reason this year, because of our youth and experience. But, you know what? They had a great season; 17-9 (record), you can’t look bad with that.”

THE DYNAMITES: YOUR 12 AND UNDER AVGSL CHAMPS

The Dynamites saw their 2005 AVGSL season end in glorious fashion with an 11-7 win over the White Noise at the AVGSL championships, held at Bret Harte Middle School on May 22.

The Dynamites rallied back from a 7-2 deficit, scoring one run in the fourth inning on a fielder’s choice off the bat of Annisley Tanksley, before scoring twice in the fifth. Melissa Tencati stole second, then third base and finally stole home on a passed ball for one run. Later in the inning, Chloe Otsuji knocked in Sarah Miller to cut the White Noise’s lead to 7-5.

In the sixth, the Dynamites tied the game with two more runs on a fielder’s choice from Carrisa Rosario, scoring Julianne Kendrick and Ashley Gomez.

The Dynamites completed their comeback in the seventh by scoring four runs for an 11-7 lead. Two runs came from a double off the bat of Alexa Silva, scoring Tenacti and Miller.

Silva then scored on a fielder’s choice from Teresa Giovanetti. The Dynamites scored their final run of the inning when Nicole Cotteril laced a hit that knocked in Giovanetti for an 11-7 lead and win.

Leland March Athletes of the Month

From left, Sam Lee (volleyball), Aya Matsumoto (badminton), Andrew Kim (baseball), Casey Armstrong (swimming), Andrew Mason (lacrosse), Elaine Li (lacrosse), Raymond LaRochelle (swimming), George Mikhail (track), Simon Cheng (tennis), John Pham (badminton), Vanessa Truan (softball) and Kikita Fkiaras (track).

“Sam Lee, a senior, has been our kill leader in several matches, is our team leader, has outstanding sportsmanship and is a great person all around.” —Boys’ volleyball Coach Jason Hilbert

“Aya Matsumoto plays No. 1 doubles with Diane Ko and they have really learned to play together and overcome difficult opponents by encouraging each other. They have team spirit in games as well as practice; therefore, they have improved rapidly. They had some big wins this year, including over the previously unbeaten Yerba Buena girls.” —Badminton Coach Linh Banh

“Andrew Kim demonstrates consistent quality performance behind the plate, hitting .333. He is team leader by example, well respected by his teammates, and has strong character on and off the field.” —Baseball Coach Scot Gillis

“Casey Armstrong is a four-year varsity athlete. During March she met CCS qualifying times in three individual events, the 200 individual medley, the 100 backstroke and the 100 breaststroke, as well as being a member of the 200 medley and 200 freestyle CCS qualifying relays. She also helped the team to a second place finish at the Fairfield Relays and a 2-0 league record.” —Girls’ swimming and diving Coach Mike Haake

“Andrew Mason, a senior, scored eight goals in two games in March week, leading the lacrosse team to its first win of the season. Andrew was also named to the Carmel Lacrosse Tournament All-Tournament team.” —Boys’ lacrosse Coach Iliad Rodriguez

“Elaine Li has been a leader on the team from the first time she stepped onto the field. She takes the extra effort to make sure that all the players (new and old alike) feel welcome and appreciated. This year she made her presence seen on the field in a huge way. Elaine’s extra effort to double-team the ball has resulted in many turnovers, most of which result in team scores. She calls plays on offense and helps everyone to be the best player they can.” —Girls’ Lacrosse Coach Becky Crozier

“Raymond LaRochelle has shown tremendous strides in improvement through his continued consistent hard work. Our team had qualified the medley relay, but with Raymond’s drops in time, both of our freestyle relays now have CCS qualifying times as well. As a sophomore, Raymond has a very promising career in swimming.” —Boys’ swimming and diving Coach Mike Monsees

“George Mikhail, a junior, is one of the hardest working members of the team. He has a very strong work ethic that has proven to be successful for him as well as the team. As one of our top sprinters, George is a steady competitor in the 100, 200 and 400 meters as well as one of the mainstays of both the 4 x 100-meter and 4 x 400-meter relays.” —Track and field Coach Jerry Rose

“Simon Cheng possesses a great work ethic. He is everything a coach could ask for as a model of sportsmanship. He is respectful of his opponents and teammates. He has won every match so far this season. —Boys’ tennis Coach Jory Segal

“John Pham, a sophomore singles player, is a hard working player during the game as well as at practice. He is very patient and he never gives up. John has a very strong record this year.” —Badminton Coach Linh Banh

“Vanessa Truan has been outstanding on the field, leading our team throughout March undefeated. Every time she steps out on that mound, we know the odds of us winning that game is in our favor from inning one. She also works just as hard in the classroom, by keeping her GPA well above 3.0.” —Softball Coach Joe Gron

“Kikita Fkiaras is a truly outstanding athlete. Only a freshman, Kikita is already one of the top CCS female hurdlers. Her times of 16.12 in the 100-meter high hurdles and 46.73 in the 300-meter low hurdles rank her eighth and third respectively in the CCS this year.” —Track and field Coach Jerry Rose

Packing bags

Leland clubber Gary Beene swings for West Point

By Justin Petersen
Staff Writer

While his Leland golf-mates fill gopher holes this summer, Captain Gary Beene will likely test foxholes. The senior leaves for West Point and boot camp in June.

Army coaches recruited Beene, sensing that the Chargers’ steadfast swinger will lend some discipline to the cadets’ golf program.

“I think Gary will do just great there,” said Leland Coach Mark Schwab. “He is very focused on the course; really doesn’t talk very much out there. He’s one of the few high school players you see that are dedicated to the short game. Most kids try to go out and blast the ball 400 yards down the fairway, but Gary recognizes the value of practice and course management.”

Military school is a sharp contrast for Beene, yet highlights ‘the challenge’ as golf’s brightest trait.

“Some people aren’t 100 percent sure how Gary will do in the Army,” said Schwab, who, as Beene’s film instructor at Leland, also notes the senior’s creative prowess behind the camera.

“Sure, he’s a smiling, approachable guy, but I’ve seen that focus and that singleness of purpose. He is not afraid of discipline and work. I think he’ll be very successful in the Army, at golf and otherwise. He’d make a great officer.”

Beene served as the Chargers’ general this season. His efforts in league finals and as the team’s sole representative at CCS individual competition were impressive, according to Schwab.

With Leland and Pioneer tied atop the BVAL, with 12 wins and zero losses apiece, Beene shot a solid 34 at the Almaden Country Cub, forcing Pioneer to play a second tiebreaker. There, days later at the Villages in Silver Creek, he birdied the final three holes, resurrecting a performance and securing Leland’s crown.

Beene finished BVALs with a 36.

“If we had lost that match, we would have lost league,” said Schwab. “Gary did not want to lose. He knew what the stakes were and took it up a notch.”

At CCS, luck shifted, and Beene’s typically phenomenal score of 70 did not qualify him for finals. To everyone’s surprise, the cut came at 69.

“It was probably the toughest number for a high school field that I have ever seen,” conceded Schwab. “But Gary wasn’t wrecked. He didn’t blame anybody. He handled it very maturely.”

Ironically, Beene found golf by default. Following several years reluctantly splashing water in youth swimming circles, Gary pleaded with mom Sharon Beene to hang up his towel. She offered golf as a replacement, and the cerebral sport soon became Gary’s life on the links, and off.

“I like golf because it always keeps you thinking on your feet,” said Beene. “Almost every round consists of a shot that you have never seen before. You’re never safe with the same shot.”

Practicing first four and then six days a week, Beene’s skill grew at ludicrous speed. According to family lore, Gary’s game surpassed that of his father, who took out a membership at the Almaden Country Club around the same time that Gary switched interest.

“He was better than me for awhile,” said Beene. “Then I really got into it.”

Young Beene quickly entered competitive golf. He played on several local amateur circuits, including the International Junior Tour, Bay Cities League, the Junior Golf Association of Northern California and the Future Collegiate World Tour.

Frequent exposure versus some of the country’s finest fields of amateur golf drew Beene attention from several universities; however it was the U.S. Military Academy as West Point New York that he desired.

“I don’t know how much I’ll be playing when I first get there,” said Beene. “I’ll probably be pretty busy with everything else.”

Beene will spend four years at the university followed by five where he’ll serve the country.

Almaden Valley Girls’ Softball League 10 and under

BlackOuts win championship game 10-3

By AVGSL President and BlackOut Coach Ivo Landre
Special to the Times

The Almaden Valley Girls’ Softball League 2005 10 and under championship game was exciting and well played this year with the BlackOut winning 10-3.

The opposing team, the Crushers, started off strong with starting pitcher Holly Geranen capping off a scoreless first half inning by snaring a bullet-line shot up the middle off the bat of the BlackOut’s Olivia Rintala. Geranen led off the bottom of the first inning by blasting a solid double and was brought home with a towering home run off the bat of No. 3 hitter Kayla Souza.

The score remained 2–0 Crushers until the third inning when leadoff hitter Danielle Koehne stroked a solid single, stole second and then stole third. Starting pitcher Larissa Rinauro continued her reliable hitting by knocking in Koehne to get the BlackOut on the board.

Rinauro shut down the Crushers over the next three innings and recorded 10 strikeouts in the game with another stellar pitching performance. She had 27 strikeouts and allowed two runs over the three playoff and championship games.

The BlackOut bats came alive in the fourth inning sparked by a leadoff single by Jessica Landre, followed by six consecutive singles to plate six runs, the maximum runs per inning allowed, to take a 7-2 lead.

The final inning was capped off by a deep two-run home run to left field by catcher Danielle Koehne, who went 4-for-4 in the game. Devyn Quevedo threw bullets for strikes to close out the game, giving the BlackOut the league championship with a final score of 10-3.

GOING PLACES

Pioneer’s Rolando Gomez and Leland’s Dana McKenzie aren’t quite finished with their 2005 track seasons. Both athletes competed well at the CCS semifinals at May 21 at San Jose City College and qualified for the CCS finals on May 27 at Los Gatos High School. At the semifinals, McKenzie tied for sixth in the girls’ high jump with a jump of 5 feet, 2 inches, while Gomez placed first in the discus, tossing a distance of 165 feet.

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