College Sports with Michelle Gardner

Chaffey College has picked a new athletic director but it won't be anyone new to the local college scene.

Football coach Carl Beach has gotten the nod, replacing Bob Olivera, whose resignation takes effect on Dec. 1. He had been in education the last 41 years, 27 of that as athletic director at Chaffey.

With all that is involved in running an athletic department nowadays, few colleges have a person runnning the athletic department that also heads a sport, especially a major sport such as football.

But with the state budget crunch, Chaffey has little choice. If anyone can do it, it's Beach. Chaffey has a solid support staff and most of its head coaches have been there a decade or longer. So they don't need a lot of guidance.

The plan is to separate the jobs at some point but who knows when that will be.

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Four women's basketball standouts from Chaffey College have made decisions on their next step.

Forward Zipporah Brown (Rancho Cucamonga HS) is headed to Cal State San Bernardino while frontcourt mate Aundria Anderson (Miller HS) is headed to the Coyotes CCAA rival Cal State Dominguez Hills.

The guard duo of Keisha Mackall (Miller HS) and Tamesha Jackson (Upland HS) is headed to NAIA Bacone College in Okla.

The quartet led the Panthers (22-10, 9-5) to a fifth-place finish in the tough Foothill Conference which advanced its top five teams to the playoffs.

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With the college baseball season coming to a close in less than two weeks and four teams fighting for first place in the Foothill Conference, it was understandable if things were a bit tense as Chaffey and San Bernardino Valley College squared off on Thursday.

The biggest explosion came in the first inning, but things settled down after that and the Panthers emerged with an 8-3 win over the Wolverines. The two teams meet again Saturday in a doubleheader at Chaffey starting at noon.

"This was big to win the first game," Chaffey coach Jeff Harlow said. "It's easier to lose two than win two, so the first game is huge, especially coming here and winning."

The Panthers (26-11, 16-3) came out of the gates strong, scoring in the first frame when Gerry Hernandez singled home Chris Lemus. But then came the fireworks.

Hernandez rounded first after the hit and was tagged out by SBVC first baseman Chris Sautia. Umpire Bill Barnes originally ruled Hernandez safe, which upset SBVC coach

Bill Mierzwik, who came out to argue. After the umpires conferred, Hernandez was called out, which set off Harlow and led to a heated altercation between the coach and umpire.

Harlow admitted he was surprised he wasn't tossed, but said the umpire bumped him first, and Mierzwik said he had planned to get tossed if the call wasn't changed in his favor.

Chaffey broke the game open, going up 4-2 on a towering home run by Willie Holmes in the seventh inning off starter Kevin Ryan. SBVC (22-15, 13-6) crept back, though, with an unearned run in the seventh to make it 4-3, but the  Panthers put the game away with four runs in the eighth, aided by two Wolverine errors.

That was more than enough for Chaffey's Colby Gurney (10-0), who scattered seven hits, struck out eight and gave up three runs before getting relief help in the ninth from Derrick Duran.

Catcher Nick Hartman had three of Chaffey's 11 hits. Holmes and Christopher Haas had two each. SBVC got three hits and two RBIs from sophomore third baseman James Frederick, and Evan Erickson had two hits.

"We have won the games we're supposed to win, but when it comes to playing the better teams, we haven't put all three facets of the game together," Mierzwik said. "We have to do that, because they're a good team."

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San Bernardino Valley College and Chaffey will square off in a men's and women's twinbill on Wednesday at Chaffey, with the women tipping off at 5 p.m.

Both games will feature state-ranked teams jockeying for position in the Foothill Conference with four games left.

On the men's side, SBVC (22-7, 9-1) has a one-game lead over Mt. San Jacinto, with Chaffey (23-5, 7-3) sitting in third. The No. 11 Wolverines have inexplicably dropped six places in the state poll despite not losing in that stretch. Chaffey is No. 13.

On the women's side, No. 11 SBVC (19-8, 10-0) has a one-game lead on Antelope Valley, with No. 15 Chaffey (19-8, 6-4) tied for third.

SBVC has owned the rivalry as of late on both sides. Sue Crebbin's Wolverines have won the past four meetings, with Chaffey's last victory coming 50-49 the first of two times the teams played in the 2006-07 season.

The situation is the same on the men's side, although the Panthers rallied from a 21-point deficit and forced overtime earlier this season.

"This is a big game for us," Chaffey coach Jeff Klein said. "They are a very good team and I don't know if they'll lose one game, much less two. But we're playing well right now."

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The Chaffey College men's basketball team rolled into the championship game of the 19th annual Cougar Classic, cruising past West Los Angeles 88-68 Sunday night at College of the Canyons.

It was the ninth straight win of the Panthers (15-2), who entered ranked sixth in the state. The win was especially impressive because Chaffey was coming off a draining win over No. 12 Ventura the previous night.

"It was one of the games we had a bit of a letdown after coming off a huge game," Chaffey coach Jeff Klein said. "We were always 10, 12, 14 points up but did some good things defensively in the end to pull away."

Chaffey led 42-30 at the half and never looked back.

Sophomore Nick Turner led the bucket brigade with 17 points, highlighted by a 5-for-10 showing from 3-point range.

Winston Robinson added 14 points and and eight rebounds. Lamar Williams, Anthony Cammon and Anthony Soares chipped in with 10 points each. Cammon and Soares also had three steals each.

On the night Chaffey hit 12 of 32 3-point tries while West Los Angeles (7-11) went 0-for-10.
Chaffey will play in Monday's 6 p.m. championship game against either Pasadena City or host Canyons.

In other games earlier in the day Big Bend (Wash.) defeated Bartow 102-59 in consolation action.

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The No. 6 ranked Chaffey Panthers surged to their eighth straight win, beating No. 12 Ventura 94-83 in first round play at the 19th annual Cougar Classic Saturday at College of the Canyons.

Sophomore guard Nick Turner led the Panthers with 23 points, highlighted by five 3-pointers. Also finishing in double figures were Winston Robinson (15), Anthony Soares (13) and Lamar Williams (10).

Chaffey, the second-highest scoring team in the state, only led 43-40 at the half but took control with a 20-3 run to start the second half.

Ventura, which saw an 11-game win streak snapped, was led by sophomore guard Danny Benson with 21 points. Freshman forward Randy Hunter chipped in with 14 points and 14 rebounds.

Chaffey (14-2) advances to face West Los Angeles (10-7) at 6 tonight. That school advanced with an 85-81 win over Los Angeles Harbor.

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Chaffey College sophomore soccer standout Tyler Mitchell was named to the NSCAA/Adidas Junior College All-American first team.

Mitchell, out of Upland High School, was the Panthers' team captain for two years. He also earned first-team All-Foothill Conference honors both seasons, leading the Panthers (15-5-2) to their best season in school history.

Among the other 25 players chosen nationwide was Mt. SAC freshman defender Ivan Armenta, an Ontario High School product who led the Mounties to a state runner-up finish.

The All-America selections will be recognized at the annual All-America Luncheon, to held in St. Louis, Mo., on Jan. 17, as part of the 2009 NSCAA Convention.

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Lamar Williams scored 30 points and Winston Robinson added 20 with 10 rebounds as Chaffey (12-2) downed Santa 86-84 to win the Roadrunner Roundup at Rio Hondo.

Williams' seventh 3-pointer of the night tied the score at 82 with 1:30 left. He then ripped the ball loose from Santa Ana's D'Andre Denan and scored giving the Panthers an 84-82 lead.

Two free throws by Nick Turner with 22 seconds left upped the lead to 86-82. Santa Ana inbounded the ball scrambled up court to get a shot off, but an intentional foul was called on Chaffey. Denan knocked down both free throws to make the score 86-84 with 2.6 seconds in regulation.

Santa Ana received the ball back setting up the last second play to Tyler Averill, but Turner stole the ball as time expired.

All 14 Panthers contributed over the three game tournament.

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The Chaffey men's basketball team is off to a 9-2 start, finishing first in the Grossmont Tournament over the weekend. Coach Jeff Klein's team surged past Southwestern 96-74, Cuesta 79-73 and Cypress 97-85.

"I really like this team," he said. "I thought we had more depth than last year, I just didn't know how it would all come together because we have so many new players. I thought we had some talent last year, but there were so many ups and downs I never got a handle on it."

The Panthers have gotten stellar play out of several individuals, most notably sophomore guard Lamar Williams (11.8 points per game, 5.3 rebounds per game, 2.1 assists per game), who was named most valuable player in that tournament. He played sparingly two years ago then sat out last season but returned bigger and stronger.

"Two years ago he was the youngest player on a veteran team and I think his confidence got a little rattled," Klein said. "He has come back a stronger, more mature player."

Also averaging double figures are sophomore Nicklas Turner (14.6 ppg) and freshman guard Anthony Cammon (10.3 ppg), with sophomore Winston Robinson (9.1 ppg, 5.0 rpg) close.

Klein said the biggest improvement in his team has come at point guard where several players are shouldering the load. Williams and Jamal Sloan (6 ppg, 1.8 apg) are the veterans with Cammon and freshmen Trone Jackson and Andre Perkins also seeing time there.

Klein thinks as many as six teams could win the Foothill Conference with Chaffey in the mix. The traditional powers Antelope Valley, Mt. San Jacinto, San Bernardino and College of the Desert will all be formidable foes, as will a much-improved Victor valley team.

But next up for the Panthers is a tournament which starts Thursday at Rio Hondo. Chaffey faces Glendale in the first round.

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San Bernardino Valley College men's basketball coach Quincy Brewer is going to get a chance to see exactly where his young team stands.

The Wolverines (8-2) open play in the 39th annual Wells Fargo Holiday Classic at Riverside Community College at 7 p.m. Wednesday against defending state champion Citrus (10-1).
The field includes 16 teams with four first-round games on tap Tuesday and four more on Wednesday.

The No. 9 Wolverines turned over their entire roster so one would think Brewer would be happy with his team's first 10 games. But that isn't exactly the case.

"I am disappointed with those two games because there are things we could have done better. We didn't execute," he said.

The event is a grind with some teams playing four games in as many days and others playing that many in five days. It is one reason Chaffey, which has traditionally played in the event, pulled out, opting instead for another three-game tournament.

Brewer has been using 11 players and thinks his team is good enough shape physically to handle the rigorous schedule.

"I worked them pretty hard in the preseason," he said. "It is probably more taxing mentally than physically."

Brewer is starting five newcomers - sophomore guard Warren Fuselier (16.9 ppg, 4.5 apg) and freshmen guards D'Shaun Holden (6.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg) and Alex Jacobs (7.5 ppg), freshman forward Aaron Edwards (13.4 ppg, 7.4 rpg) and freshman center Orlando Brazier (10.9 ppg, 3.9 ppg).

The Wolverines also have two players averaging double figures off the bench in Nathan Roth (10 ppg, 3.4 apg) and Maurice McGee (10.5 ppg).

Brewer has been particularly pleased with Jacobs, a San Gorgonio product who quit the team early in the fall, only to return a few days later. He was 8-for-14 from 3-point land earlier against Ventura.

No. 2 Citrus had a 31-game win streak that dates back to last season snapped when it lost to Reedley 72-68 on Nov. 29 at a tournament it hosted.

It's last previous loss came to Antelope Valley last year in the semifinal of the same tournament at Riverside.

The Owls also rely on their balance with sophomore guard Justin Johnson (13.7 ppg), freshman guard Jose Rivera (13.4 ppg), sophomore forward Troy Payne (10.8 ppg, 11.1 rpg), sophomore guard Steven Bennett (10.3 ppg, 3.9 apg) all in double figures.

SBVC and Citrus are two of the teams that carry lofty state rankings into the event. Riverside (10-3), which opens play tonight against College of the Desert, is No. 5.
Others are No. 9 Yuba and No. 19 Pasadena City College.

RCC is led by sophomore guard Robert Robinson (17.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg) and sophomore forward Charles Garcia (12.9 ppg, 7.2 rpg). Among the other key players are freshman guard Daniel Redmon (5.5 ppg, 4.7 apg) and freshman forward Kevin Bradshaw (5.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg), both out of Upland High School.

 at Riverside CC

Tuesday's games

Fullerton (4-4) vs. East Los Angeles (4-6), 1 p.m.
Mt. San Jacinto (6-4) vs. Long Beach City (4-4), 3 p.m.
West Los Angeles (6-4) vs. Compton (1-9), 5 p.m.
Desert (5-4) vs. Riverside (10-3), 7 p.m.

Wednesday's games
Antelope Valley (6-6) vs. Pasadena (7-3), 1 p.m.
Yuba (6-1) vs. Palomar (4-4), 3 p.m.
Saddleback (4-5) vs. Imperial Valley (1-7), 5 p.m.
Citrus (10-1) vs. San Bernardino Valley (8-2), 7 p.m.

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Chaffey College volleyball coach Larry Chowen didn't expect any favors when it came to the playoff draw. And he didn't get any.

The Panthers, who captured their first Foothill Conference title in nearly 20 years, will travel to Los Angeles Pierce for a 7 p.m. first round playoff game Tuesday.

Chaffey (14-6) drew the No. 16 seed in the Southern California region which earned it a date with the No. 1 seeded Brahmas (29-1). The Panthers can thank their lack of history and the weakness of the Foothill Conference.

"It's pretty much what I expected," Chowen said. "The winner of our conference usually gets a one or two seed and has to go on the road. We just have to go do the best we can and see what happens."

The Panthers are led by sophomore middle blocker Tara Sawyer (178 kills, 99 blocks), the conference most valuable player. Its three other veterans are middle blocker Colleen Chancey (65 blocks) and setters Lauren Hall 249 assists) and Serina Diaz (423 assists).

The other sophomore, Nikita Johnson (160 kills), is a transfer from College of the Desert.

Rounding out the core group of players are libero Christine Luna (227 digs) and outside hitter Breeana Mayes (196 kills) - all freshmen.

"I don't think we have reached our potential yet. This would be a good time to do it," Chowen added. "I have seen us play really well and I have seen us play not so well. We'll see which team shows up. We have nothing to lose and they have everything to lose."

Pierce has a streak of 60 straight wins at home that dates back to October of 2002. They have won eight straight Western States Conference titles.

The Brahmas are led by sophomore setter Terry Soltani (905 assists, 46 aces), sophomore libero Ashley Clark (336 digs) and freshman outside hitter Sarah Martin (266 kills, 38 aces).

The winner next plays the survivor of the match between No. 8 Orange Coast (18-4) and No. 9 Pasadena (16-6).

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It is early in Foothill Conference play but the Chaffey College volleyball team is in contention for a championship.

The Panthers, coached by Larry Chowen, are off to a 4-0 start in conference play, trailing only Antelope Valley (5-0) which has played one more match. This week Chaffey will host San Bernardino Valley at 5 p.m. Wednesday, then trek to Antelope Valley for a first-place showdown on Friday.

"We played a pretty tough nonconference schedule and it gave us a good idea of our strengths and weaknesses," Chowen said. "So we have played to our strengths and done a good job of covering up our weakenesses."

Chowen singled out the play of sophomore middles Colleen Chauncey (Los Osos) and Tara Sawyer (Etiwanda) and also credited the improvement of sophomore oustide hitter Nikita Johnson (Yucca Valley)

Freshmen Christine Luna (Corona) and Britney Herrock (Ontario Christian) anchor the defense.

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The Chaffey Panthers passed their first National Division Central Conference test last week, beating Cerritos in overtime. But it's about to get even tougher.

The Panthers (4-1, 1-0) will trek to El Camino (5-0, 1-0) for a 6 p.m. game Saturday against the Warriors who are ranked third in Southern California.

Chaffey coach Carl Beach knows his team is facing a juggernaut but hopes his team's showing against the Warriors in recent years will bode well even though personnel has changed.

"We have played them three times in the last five or six years and they have all been pretty close games," he said. "They're a solid program year in and year out. But they haven't blown us out of the water. We're going to go and play hard and compete and see what happens."

Beach said last week's 16-9 win will go a long way in boosting his team's confidence because it came against the best his team has beaten thus far.

"That was something to build on," he said. "There is definitely a difference when guys feel good about themselves. We also know this one will be tougher."

El Camino is unbeaten but has been pushed the last two weeks, squeaking out three-point wins over Bakersfield and Riverside, with last week's coming in overtime.

The Panthers lone loss came two weeks ago to Grossmont 51-16 but they regrouped in time for a solid showing last week.

Beach said he will keep using both quarterbacks - with Greg Sprowls starting and A.J. Springer entering in relief. The two are so different it presents a problem for the defense and Beach wants to keep using that to his team's advantage.

The team has other offensive weapons though. Running back Mark Chase, ranks eighth in the state in rushing at 101.6 yards per game.

Aaron Mays has been the Panther top receiver but also ranks fourth in punt return average at 22.9 per try.

El Camino's James Coy ranks eighth in the state in passing at 223.8 yards per game. He also does the punting and is ranked second at 43.3 yards per kick.

The Warriors kicking game is also solid with Brian Blumberg making seven of eight field goal tries, the longest of 40 yards.

"We need to contain the big play. We can't let them get easy scores quickly. We want to make them have to work for whatever they get," Beach said. "On the other side we need to be able to make a couple because that's what big games come down to."

Victor Valley (2-3, 2-0) and San Bernardino Valley (0-5, 0-2), both in the Mountain Conference of the American Division, are idle this week.

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The Chaffey College men's soccer team is expecting to challenge for Foothill Conference honors this season. The team has never made the playoffs or won more than nine games but is 11-2-1 heading into its Foothill Conference opener in one week against Victor Valley.

The difference is simple, according to third-year coach Ben Cooper.

"Its recruiting. We have better players," he said. "We have some talented freshman that have brought a lot to the program and we're seeing the benefits."

Leading that group of newcomers is forward Ernesto Ramos (Rialto HS) who has a team-high 11 goals and three assists. Another freshman, Abel Rodriguez (Montclair HS), is next with seven goals.

The defense is also solid, having allowed just eight goals in 14 games. The players who are major factors there are Tyler Mitchell and Angel Betancourt, two of the four sophomores on the squad.

The success has come even though the team lost freshman forward Jorge Vergara to a ruptured kidney.

Cooper singles out traditional title contender Rio Hondo as the team to beat but expects a lot more competitive games.

"I think every team in the conference is better than it was last year," he said. "It's going to make for better games the rest of the way and that will only help us."

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For three weeks the Chaffey football team found a way to compete despite all its injuries. It helped that all those games were against lower-tier teams.

The Panthers weren't so lucky this week, losing to former Foothill Conference foe Grossmont 51-16.

"We did it with smoke and mirrors I think," veteran coach Carl Beach said. "Those games were ones where we weren't physically challenged. We were beating teams we should beat but we don't have any more easy ones the rest of the way."

The Panthers (3-1) begin National Division Central Conference play next week. Grossmont is an upper-tier team, but is in the Southern Conference.

The biggest problems for the Panthers in the loss to the Griffins were special teams and turnovers. Beach spent most of Sunday watching tape of his next foe but will also be breaking down the film of his team's game to see where the problems occurred.

He didn't count out making personnel changes, including using some starters on special teams.

"You hate having to use starters there but we may not have a choice," he said. "You have to look and see who's killing you and get him out of there."

Then there were the turnovers -- four interceptions and two fumbles to be exact.

Beach used three quarterbacks, with starter Greg Sprowls throwing for 116 yards on 11 completions but tossing three interceptions. Backup A.J. Springer made a cameo appearance, followed by Mike Stirewalt, who threw the fourth interception with the game already out of hand.

The Panthers trailed 21-0 after the first quarter and were down 37-0 before they finally scored. The large deficit also hurt because they had to go away from their game plan of running the ball. Mark Chase has been the most consistent weapon but had 75 yards on just nine carries.

Beach said Grossmont took the game more seriously.

"They were up for us. It has been a rivalry when we were in the same conference but our kids could have cared less," he said.

"I'm thinking about cutting our practices from three hours to a half hour with a 15-minute ice cream break thrown in. We'd get the same amount of work done and everyone would be a lot happier."

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The casualty list at Chaffey College is getting longer.

The Panthers chalked up a 31-14 win over Antelope Valley Saturday at Quartz Hill High School. Veteran coach Carl Beach is pleased to be 3-0, but he is wondering who he'll left with when his team goes to play Grossmont on Saturday.

The latest addition to the injury list is sophomore offensive lineman Baron Coffin banged up both a knee and a shoulder. He had played center and guard but moved to right tackle on Thursday when Addison Bachman went down with a knee injury. Bachman got hurt in the same practice in which kicker Jason Levy injured a knee practicing PATs.

Sophomore linebacker Aaron Plante got hurt against Southwestern a week ago.
Running backs Jahmel Rover and John Alejandro and defensive back Mike Fields were all gone with knee injuries before the season started.

"Now we're going to have to count on some guys that really haven't played a lot," Beach said. "There won't be many hard decisions, we don't have that many people left. But it is what it is. We have to try and piece something together."

Beach is satisfied with his team's showing but is frustrated with its inconsistency. He also knows that is not unexpected given the number of personnel changes that have been made.

"We'll have 10 minutes when we look like a million bucks, then we have a another stretch where we don't know what we're doing at all," he said.

Penalties are still a problem too. The Panthers were called for 16 totaling 148 yards.

Beach was most pleased with the play of sophomore Aaron Mays who caught five passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns, one of those for 74 yards. He also returned a punt 86 yards for another score.

Beach also singled out the contributions from backs Tyler Thompson and Mark Chase.
Greg Sprowls and A.J. Springer split playing time with Sprowls throwing for 78 yards and Springer 77. The system has been working so Beach sees no need to change it.

"They are both a piece of the puzzle and bring a different dimension to what we're doing," he said. "But they both have limitations as well."

Beach added that he doesn't plan on backing off in practice to avoid injuries, especially since the replacements need the practice time.

"I don't think it's conditioning of something we're doing wrong. They're just fluke things," he said.

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Dress rehearsals are over. The curtain on the new football season comes up for real Saturday with all area junior college teams in action.

The most notable game will take place in the neighboring county as Victor Valley travels to Riverside Community College's Wheelock Field for a 6 p.m. showdown for the first ever meeting between the schools.

Two other games that would have been Foothill Conference contests in the past are now just nonconference tuneups after a complete retooling of the playoff structure. Chaffey will host Mt. San Jacinto while San Bernardino Valley College travels to College of the Desert, both kick off at 6 p.m.

Riverside and Chaffey are both part of the tougher Central Conference of the National Division while SBVC and Victor Valley are both in the weaker Mountain Conference of the American Division.

The nonconference games loom large for SBVC and Victor Valley because just two of the eight playoff berths will come from the American Division so this gives them a chance to show they belong.

The team in the stronger conference need to win against what are considered lesser foes because of the competition they will see in conference later in the season. The National Division will have six teams in the playoffs, including a handful of wildcards.

But coaches are focusing on the task right in front of them.

"Every game is as important as the next," said Riverside coach Bill Brown, starting his seventh year. "We haven't talked about any other team but Victor Valley."

Riverside was 4-5 a year ago. Sophomore quarterback Coy Glass, a Redlands High School product, leads the offense after sharing duty there last season. Brown indicated he would probably use several running backs and receivers to see who emerges.

The Rams, coming off a 3-7 season, scrimmaged Antelope Valley and Pomona-Pitzer last week and coach Dave Hoover was pleased, especially with his offense. He went through four quarterbacks last year and the offense never did click.

"We churned out some big plays and that's something we were lacking last year. We couldn't move the ball to save our life," he said. "Defensively we're quite young so I'm not quite sure what we have there. But that's something most coaches are probably saying this time of year."

Riverside will be the first of three tough nonconference games for the Rams. Next up is Palomar, then juggernaut Mt. SAC. Hoover is hoping his team survives the tough nonconference grind.

"Health is my biggest concern, playing the teams we're playing to start out," he said. Do I think we can win all three? No. But we're going to compete and I think we can play with anyone in our conference. But one or two injuries and we become very average very fast."

Both SBVC coach Pat Meech and Chaffey coach Carl Beach said right now there is not much of a different feel to the season since they are playing familiar foes, although in a different situation.

"I don't think it's much different for us as coaches because we're still playing teams we know and have played in the past," Meech said. "You're getting player turnover every couple of years so there isn't much familiary with any opponent."

SATURDAY GAMES

MT. SAN JACINTO at CHAFFEY

Time: 6 p.m.

About MSJ: The Eagles are looking to erase the memory of a 1-8 season in which the lone win came over San Diego Mesa. Second-year coach Casey Mazzotta returns QB Colin Wigley and inherited a transfer from SBVC in RB DeShaun Smith. The offensive line they have to work should be much improved led by Jose Acuna and center Sol Sagaio. Top defenders are OLB Ezra Latu, DE Zack Van Deusen and MLB Cole Moseley.

About Chaffey: The Panthers defeated the Eagles 28-10 last season in what was then a conferfence game. It is now a non-conference showdown. Greg Sprowls will run the offense called by new coordinator Matt Bechtel. Leading rusher Jahmel Rover (knee) is out so the Panthers will rely on backfield-by-committee with Tyler Thompson, John Alejandro and Matt Chase sharing the workload. Top cover man Mike Fields (knee) is also out but the Panthers should create pressure up front which is where their experience should be a factor. The biggest question mark will be Chaffey's kicking teams.

VICTOR VALLEY at RIVERSIDE

Time: 6 p.m.

About Victor: Coach Dave Hoover is excited about the potential of his offense led by quarterbacks Elisah Filipili and O'Ryan Bradley, both of whom should see playing time. Bradley is a transfer from UNLV where he tried to walk on. Hoover likes also likes the progress of his offensive line which consists of Alex Mitchell, Beau Humphrey, Louis Morales, Ramon Sandoval and Andrew Gomez - all High Desrt natives. WR Jarrett Partman will be out this week. Eric Brinkley, who has moved from linebacker to safety, and Aaron Mosley key the defense.

About Riverside: Redlands product Coy Glass directs the Tigers offense. Coach Bill Brown will use a stable of running backs in the early going with Cedric Foster, Ben Irwin, Ivan Lopez and Tanner Paes among those seeing action. Travis Carter, Corey Ham (Redlands) and Tommy Curry will be the key receivers. T.J. Tuigamala is the most experienced lineman. Jamell Murry and Andrew Smith (Redlands) lead the defense.

SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY at DESERT

Time: 6 p.m.

About Valley: Sophomore QB Mike Stadler returns but he will be surrounded by mostly newcomers - the most notable being San Bernardino High School alumn Dewayne Booker. He will backed up Devan Libran. Thad Quist and Terrance Humes anchor the offensive line with Humes coming back from a knee injury that sidelined him most of last season. Leaders on defense are S James Hutchins and LB Cordelle Nugent.

About Desert: The Roadrunners were conference champion last year in what was the Foothill Conference. They defeated the Wolverines 27-14 in that run. QB Brent Rausch (Hawaii) has departed but Desert inherited its usual boatload of out-of-state transfers with almost 50 from outside California.

- Compiled by Michelle Gardner

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San Bernardino Valley College football coach Pat Meech knows his school lacks the resources to compete weekly against the more traditional powers in Southern California. Now he doesn't have to do so.

The junior college season will kick off this week and the entire conference structure and playoff format has been reworked. The Foothill Conference no longer exists. Adios Mission Conference. Sayonara Western State Conference.

The sport will now be governed under the umbrella of the Southern California Football Association.

Teams are separated into two divisions - the National and American. The National is subdivided into three seven-team conferences (Northern, Central, Southern) while the American has two eight-team conferences (Mountain, Pacific).

The National Division, the power conference, includes perennial title contenders such as Mt. SAC, Bakersfield and former Foothill Conference juggernaut Grossmont. Chaffey, Riverside and Citrus are among the other entrants.

SBVC and Victor Valley factor into the weaker American Divsion. But Meech doesn't mind being lumped into the also-ran category.

"Am I afraid of those schools? No. I would like to play them," he said. "But it would be crazy to think we can go head-to-head with those teams week after week after week."

Veteran Chaffey coach Carl Beach, who was on the committee that developed the new alignment, isn't quite sure his team is ready to battle the big boys, citing resources and enrollment but admits past success is the reason his school has been put in with the stronger teams.

"It's more about what we have done in the past. I'm not so sure we belong there but we'll see," he said.

The alignments will be reviewed every two years with some teams moving up or down depending on competitive balance.

A similar format has been used in the Northern part of the state for several years and received a favorable review.

When it comes to picking a field for the playoffs, eight teams will be chosen. Each of the three National Division conference will be given two spots for a total of six teams.
The American Division would qualify the winner of each conference for the final two spots, provided those teams finish with winning records. If a conference winner is not above .500, a wild-card would be chosen based on state power ranking.

There will be three additional bowl games for teams not making the playoffs to be awarded based on state ranking.

The original plan called for four teams to make the playoffs with all of those coming from the power division. The lesser schools balked at that idea so the current format was a compromise.

Beach said the committee wanted to get the new system in place. This one primarily divided teams based on their competitive history.

When the alignment is addressed again in two years he said more emphasis will be placed on enrollment, particularly a school's ability to draw out-of-state athletes. Resources and facilities will also be issues.

"I think it's fair," Meech added. "It will be good for us to play teams more like us."

Teams in the American Division will have seven conference games, then fill out their schedule with three games against the National Division, giving them a chance to boost their power ranking and see if they are competitive against those teams.

SBVC's nonconference foes will be Riverside, College of the Desert and Saddleback. The Wolverines have played Riverside 68 times, the first coming in 1926 but haven't faced the Tigers since 2002.

Victor Valley's opponents will be Riverside, Palomar and Mt. SAC.
Rams coach Dave Hoover was alright with the division of the teams but isn't happy with his brutal nonconference schedule.

"Not only are we probably playing the three best teams, we're playing the three most physical teams," he said. "It was a nice idea having the big dogs play the big dogs. It all makes sense. But their nonconference games should be against the teams in their divison in the other conferences."

Chaffey and the other teams in the National Division have six conference games and four non-conference contests.

The Panthers will square off against Mt. San Jacinto, Southwestern, Antelope Valley and Grossmont - all significantly longer trips than treking 20 minutes to SBVC.

While SBVC is excited about renewing its rivalry with Riverside, it is mystified why Chaffey wasn't included on the non-conference schedule since rivalries were also supposed to be kept in tact. That also baffles Beach.

Coaches were allowed to submit a list of three teams they wanted to keep games with and both SBVC and Chaffey listed the other as their top choice.

"It doesn't make sense. We have to pass them by to go to all out other games," Beach said.
Hoover asked to keep Antelope Valley, Desert and Chaffey and got none of those.

NATIONAL DIVISION

Northern Conference: Allan Hancock, Bakersfield, College of the Canyons, Glendale, Moopark, Pasadena City, Ventura

Central Conference: Cerritos,Chaffey, Citrus, College of the Desert, El Camino, Mt. SAC, Riverside

Southern Conference: Fullerton, Grossmont, Long Beach City, Orange Coast, Palomar, Saddleback, Santa Ana

AMERICAN DIVISION

Mountain Conference: Compton, Golden West, L.A. Harbor, Mt. San Jacinto, San Bernardino Valley,San Diego Mesa, Southwestern, Victor Valley

Pacific Conference: Antelope Valley, East Los Angeles, L.A. Pierce, L.A. Southwest, L.A. Valley,Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles

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Area college football fans can get their first look at the 2008 Chaffey Panthers this week. Coach Carl Beach's team will play an exhibition scrimmage at 11 a.m. Friday at Grigsby Field against Palomar College.

Beach said he has played that foe the last several years in a practice game.

"They're usually a very good team with some size," he said. "You always want to play someone that is pretty competitive so you can see how you stack up. And it's a not a team in our conference or one that we're going to see during the season. It just seems to work for both of us so why change it."

There will be no admission charge.

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Two Chaffey College basketball standouts have decided their future plans. Jeffrey Sawyer is headed to Division II Bloomfield College in New Jersey while Stephon Richardson will attend NAIA Bacone College in Oklahoma.

Sawyer, a 6-foot-3 forward out of Miller High School, averaged 4.3 points and 3.2 rebounds. He transferred from San Bernardino Valley College where he helped the Wolverines to a Foothill Conference title as a freshman.

Richardson, a 5-10 guard out of Montclair High School, averaged 3.8 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists.

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Seven volleyball players from Southern California, six of whom competed in the Foothill Conference, will be taking their games to a little-known town in Oklahoma in the fall.

The contingent headed to Bacone College in Muskogee, Okla. is headed by Chaffey College libero Emilie Shewmaker and Citrus College setter Janelle Martinez who are close friends.

Rounding out the group are outside hitter Riley Collins of conference champion College of the Desert and outside hitter Dorinda Cherry, outside hitter Amy Mulcock, rightside hitter Jewel Robinson and middle blocker Kami Speir, all out of Mt. San Jacinto.

The fact that eight athletes from the area are headed to a town of 38,000 located a half hour out of Tulsa didn't happen by accident.

The Bacone program is directed by Indio native Bianca Oakley, who played volleyball and softball at Desert, continued her playing career at Bacone and just completed her first year as head coach.

"She wanted to recruit a lot of California players," said Shewmaker, who has visited the school twice. "It should be fun with all of us going out there together."

Shewmaker said had talked to Collins at some tournaments but didn't know any of the girls from Mt. San Jacinto until meeting one of them on her first visit. Now she is trying to arrange a beach day for the eight to get together before they head off to college.

"It would be nice to get to know each other a little bit before we get there," she said.

Shewmaker (Don Lugo) played in 61 games and recorded 294 digs for the Panthers, who finished 6-12 overall and 5-7 in Foothill Conference play.

Martinez, a native of Rancho Cucamonga who played at South Hills High School, chalked up 478 assists in 52 games for an average of 9.19 per game for the Owls (10-15, 4-6), who were fourth in the Western States Conference South Division.

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Two sophomores who helped Chaffey College to a 30-9 record and its third straight Foothill Conference title have decided the next step of their college careers.

First-team all-conference infielder Ryan Delgado is headed to NAIA contender Azusa Pacific University while second-team pitcher Andrew Steinmeyer will play at Biola, also an NAIA institution.

Delgado, who prepped at Damien High School, batted .329 with 11 doubles, one triple, 11 home runs and 43 RBI. He boasted a slugging percentage of .657 and an on-base percentage of .430. The highlight was a grand slam home run in a playoff game against local rival Riverside Community College.

Steinmeyer, a left-hander out of Corona High School, went 5-1 with a 3.86 ERA and batting average against of .228. He pitched 44 and a third innings, allowing 37 hits, 19 earned runs and 29 strikeouts with 13 walks.

- Michelle Gardner

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Fresno City College topped all other junior college athletic programs and has been named winner of the National Alliance of Two-Year Colleges Athletic Administrator's Cup for the 2007-2008 school year.

Fresno totaled 164 points as the top four schools were within seven points. It was followed by Cerritos (160), Sierra (159) and Mt. SAC (157).

Riverside Community College was sixth (139.5).

Other local schools finished in the middle portion of the 103 school rankings.

Chaffey was 41st with 40 points, getting all its points in the pool. The Panthers got 15.5 points in women's water polo, 14.5 in men's swimming and 10 in women's swimming.

San Bernardino Valley College was 47th (28.5), with 20 coming for its state championship in men's cross country and the other 8.5 coming in women's soccer which finished as the Foothill Conference runner-up.

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The Chaffey College baseball team waited a little too long to make its move Friday. By the time it did, it was a little too late.

The Panthers fell to host Riverside Community College 7-6 in the opening game of a best-of-three Southern California Regional at Chaffey. The teams will play again at 11 a.m. today, with the deciding game to follow if Chaffey wins.

"We didn't cash in early when we had some chances and that was the difference," Panthers coach Jeff Harlow said. "We always play well at home and we feel we can come back at any time, but we dug ourselves too big a hole."

The Tigers (28-17), the fifth place team out of the Orange Empire Conference, surged out to a 7-1 lead, scoring six of those runs with two outs.

Cody Madison was the main contributor to RCC's early rallies, stroking a two-run home run in the third off Chaffey starter Andrew Schile to give the visitors a 3-0 lead.

He added a three-run double off reliever Julian Ramirez in the sixth that extended the Tigers' lead to 7-1.

Foothill Conference champion Chaffey (30-10) began its comeback in the bottom of the inning, aided by the control touble of Riverside starter Erick Carrillo.

Jonathan Peters singled and James Koerner and Josh Manzano worked walks to load the bases with none out. Carrillo came close to working out of the jam, enticing strikeouts from Mychal Johnson and Jonathan Costantino, both of whom swung at pitches in the dirt.
Gerry Hernandez showed a little more patience by working the count to 3-2 before walking, forcing home a run to cut the deficit to 7-2.

It became a game again seconds later when Ryan Delgado blasted a first-pitch slider from Carrillo over the right-center fence, a grand slam that cut the deficit to 7-6.

The Panthers were just 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position before the blast and were just 2-for-14 in the game in that department.

"I was just looking for a pitch I could drive," said Delgado, who now has 11 home runs this season. "That felt could because it gave us some momentum."

Willie Holmes just missed tying the game seconds later, blasting an offering from reliever Sean Greer off the top of the center-field fence for a triple.

Anthony Delgado then walked and stole second, but the rally ended there when Madison chased down a deep fly ball off the bat of Peters.

The bullpens of the respective teams then restored order: Neither team had a 1-2-3 innings through the first seven, but both did in the eighth and ninth.

Schile (9-3), the conference pitcher of the year, took the loss. He gave up four runs and eight hits and struck out five while walking two, and exited with the Panthers down 4-1.

Ramirez pitched 4 and a third innings and held the Tigers scoreless over the  three, retiring the final nine hitters he faced.

Carrillo (3-1) earned the win. He scattered seven hits, five walks and six strikeouts.

Right-hander Kyle Morgan, a freshman out of Redlands East Valley, retired nine of the 10 hitters he faced over three innings to notch his second save for RCC.

"We're coming in here tomorrow with the thought of winning two," Harlow said. "This team battles and never gives up. We showed that today."

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RANCHO CUCAMONGA -- One can forgive the Chaffey College baseball team for heading into the playoffs with a bit of a chip on its shoulder.

The Panthers (30-9) come out of a weaker conference. They haven't had great success in the playoffs lately and they usually face a tough draw. Maybe they don't get enough respect.
They have a chance to gain some as they square off against defending state champion Riverside (27-17) in the best of three Southern California Regional the first game getting under way at 3 p.m. Friday.

Game two is slated for 11 a.m. Saturday, with the deciding game following if necessary.

It will also be a chance to strike a blow against a team that they go head-to-head with in recruiting.

"We have guys that tried out over there and got cut. So yes I would hope there is a little bit of incentive," Chaffey coach Jeff Harlow said. "They're from that dominant conference so it is a chance for us to make a statement."

Sophomore right-hander Andrew Schile (8-2, 2.94), the pitcher of the year in the Foothill Conference, will be on the mound for the Panthers, seeded seventh in the 18-team draw.
He doesn't think there is any extra pressure because of the opponent or the situation.

"It's the playoffs so you always want to win. We don't want to win more because it's RCC," he said. "But it will make it more rewarding if we do beat them."

The No. 10 Tigers were the fifth-place team out of the Orange Empire Conference, regarded as the toughest in the state. Last year's state championship series featured two schools from the conference, with Riverside downing Cypress for the title.

None in the Panther camp are surprised with the first-round matchup.

"We thought all long we would get them," sophomore catcher Mike Surina said. "We have been looking at it all season so we're not surprised. It will be fun because we all have played with and against a lot of their players."

It has been four years since the Panthers advanced past the first round. They cruised through conference play this season which probably isn't a good thing. They won the conference by three games and were so dominant they swept runner-up Rio Hondo - 15-0, 11-6 and 11-1.

This was the third straight conference title for the Panthers. Harlow, whose teams have made the playoffs five straight years, admits that Orange Empire teams are better prepared for the postseason because of the competition they see year-round.

Of Chaffey's 24 conference games, only six were decided by less than three runs.

"There's not a lot we can do about it," Harlow said. "We try and play the toughest preseason schedule we can get but facing that much competition is an advantage for them."

The Panthers had nine players earn all-conference honors. Joining Schile on the first team are freshman Willie Holmes (.408, 42 RBI), sophomore outfielder Mychal Johnson (.336, 42 runs), sophomore catcher Anthony Delgado (.384, 26 runs), sophomore third baseman Ryan Delgado (.329, 43 RBI) and sophomore first baseman Josh Manzano (.349 26 runs).

Second-team selections included sophomore left-hander Andrew Steinmeyer (5-1, 3.86), who will likely start one of the other games, freshman outfielder Jonathan Costantino (.359, 44 runs) and sophomore shortstop James Koerner (.336, 44 RBI).

Steinmeyer and Schile both pitched gems in their last outings. Harlow has also been pleased with the emergence of his relief crew, particularly sophomores Tim Redmon and Bret wolf and freshman Erik Bastio.

Top players for the Tigers are freshman second baseman Daniel Duran, sophomore outfielder Michael Hur and freshman third baseman Billy Hamilton (Carter HS).

Kaiser High grad Erick Carrillo (2-1, 4.03) and sophomore Peter Birdwell (2-1, 4.67) have drawn the majority of the starts. Redlands East Valley product Kyle Morgan (6-2, 2.27) has a team-high 22 appearances, all out of the bullpen.

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The Chaffey baseball team has drawn a first-round playoff date with Riverside Community College.

Pairings for the best-of-three Southern California regionals were unveiled Sunday and the Foothill Conference champion Panthers (30-9) drew the No. 7 seed. Defending state champion Riverside (27-17) is No. 10, finishing fifth in the tough Orange Empire Conference.
Chaffey will host the series opener at 3 p.m. Friday with the second game at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

Coach Jeff Harlow wasn't surprised with that but was miffed that Cerritos (29-14) was one spot ahead of his team because his team beat the Falcons twice.

Swapping places with Cerritos would have meant getting Bakersfield (28-16), a more preferrable draw because it is a second-place team out of a considerably weaker conference.

"They didn't follow the criteria they should have," Harlow said. "We played that team and beat them twice. Why play them if it isn't going to matter? It's all political."

Tuesday's game's

Single-elimination games

No. 18 Santa Barbara at No. 15 Palomar
No. 17 Rio Hondo at No. 16 Ventura

Friday games

First game, best-of-three

Lowest remaining seed at No. 1 Santa Ana

No. 13 East Los Angeles at No. 4 Irvine Valley

No. 12 El Camino at No. 5 Southwestern

No. 11 Cypress at No. 8 College of the Canyons

No. 10 Riverside at No. 7 Chaffey

No. 11 Bakersfield at No. 6 Cerritos

No. 14 Long Beach City at No. 3 Orange Coast

Second-lowest seed at No. 2 Cuesta

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By Michelle Gardner

Staff Writer

RANCHO CUCAMONGA -- The Chaffey College baseball team isn't just about offense after all.

Sophomore left-hander Andrew Steinmeyer proved that, pitching the Panthers to a 6-2 win over Foothill Conference foe Antelope Valley Tuesday. It was Chaffey's first complete game of the season and came in the school's last home game of the regular season.

Steinmeyer (5-1) needed just 119 pitches to dispose of the Marauders. The Corona native gave up two runs (both unearned), scattered four hits, walked none and struck out five.

"I was getting some calls on the inside fastball," Steinmeyer said. "My curveball wasn't great but I was able to throw for strikes a couple of times when I really needed it."

Steinmeyer allowed lone runs in the second and sixth innings, an outfield error giving the Marauders (13-22, 7-12) the first and one by the catcher helping them to the other.

But Chaffey (27-8, 18-3) managed enough offense to make up for those miscues. It got one in the first, then took the lead with a pair in the second, with James Koerner singling and scoring on a hit by Robert Escalera who later raced home on a sacrifice fly by Jonathan Costantino.

The Panthers added to that in the fifth, extending its lead to 4-1 on a run-scoring double by Ryan Delgado.

They rounded out the scoring in the sixth with another pair. This time it was Costantino driving home a run and Mychal Johnson plating another with a ground out.

Antelope Valley threatened in the ninth as pinch hitter Jake Wood and Bryan Rasch singled with two outs, putting runners on the corners. The Chaffey pitching coach George Barnes made a trip to the mound just to give his pitcher a breather.

"He told me they were sticking with me, just to bear down," Steinmeyer said.
The respit worked as Steinmeyer got the next hitter, Chase Doremus, on check swing to end the game.

The Panthers tallied nine hits with Ryan Delgado, Willie Holmes and Escalera getting two each. Costantino had two RBI and Johnson, Koerner and Escalera each scored twice.

About the only thing bothering coach Jeff Harlow after the game was the way his team ran the bases. It had three runners picked off the basepaths, the most notable problem coming in the third when it got its first two runners on, only to have them picked off in successive at-bats.

"That is definitely something we're going to have to address before we get in the playoffs," he said. "It didn't hurt us here, but it did prevent us from blowing the game open and when you get in the playoffs you're not going to have a lot of chances."

Steinmeyer has combined with another sophomore, right-hander Andrew Schile, to give the Panthers a formidable 1-2 combination on the mound. Harlow said the duo is looking as strong as they did early in the season.

"They both pitched gems our first two games of the season," Harlow recalled. "So it is nice to see us finishing the way we started. Hopefully we'll carry that momentum into the playoffs."

The Panthers close out the regular season with a double header against the Marauders at noon Friday at Clear Channel Stadium in Lancaster. The playoff should be announced over the weekend.

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Several Chaffey College football players have made decisions on their future.

Defensive backs Colin Barrier (Etiwanda HS) and Dennis Gilleylen and linebacker Derek Walker (Hesperia HS) will attend Fort Lewis.

Kicker Justin Veazie (Chino HS) has opted for South Dakota while running back Matt Biggers is going to Delaware State.

Coach Carl Beach added that running back Jahmel Rover (Eisenhower HS) will return for his sophomore season. He was debating Division I options but Beach said the right offer did not come up.

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Local rivals Chaffey and San Bernardino Valley College squared off in a Foothill Conference twinbill Saturday at Cal Baptist University, both games ending up 9-8 with Chaffey taking the opener and SBVC the nightcap.

The conference-leading Panthers (24-9, 15-3) took a 9-6 lead into the final inning of the opener, only to see the Wolverines (22-16, 12-6) storm back in the ninth.

Dwight Robinson singled and Alex Aunchman walked. A pair of passed balls advanced the runners. Robinson scored on a single by Dustin Williams and Sam Konnoff stroked a run-scoring double.
Chaffey used three pitchers in the inning but Dane Delfs got the last two outs to secure the win for Tim Redmon (3-0).

Anthony Delgado had three hits, two of them home runs, for Chaffey while Adrian Carmona had three for the Wolverines.

It was the reverse in the second game with SBVC having to withstand a Chaffey rally. The Wolverines were up 9-3 through four innings and 9-5 going into the seventh.

A sacrifice fly by James Koerner plated Willie Holmes who had doubled. Ryan Delgado walked and eventually scored on a balk. The Panthers drew within one when Mychal Johnson singled home Delgado.

But with two outs and two runners on pinch hitter Gerry Hernandez grounded out to first.
Starter Tommy Bills (7-1) got the win and Adrian Carmona the save.

Posted by Michelle Gardner at 9:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

By Michelle Gardner

Staff Writer

RANCHO CUCAMONGA - Earlier in the season the Chaffey college softball team threw a scare into perennial playoff contender Antelope Valley, losing by only one run.

The teams squared off again in a Foothill Conference finale on Friday and this time it wasn’t close as the Marauders, ranked No. 6 in the state, trounced the host Panthers 11-3 for their 62nd straight conference win. It also capped off a fourth straight conference title.

“I think the last time we played them they took us lightly and we put a scare into them,” Chaffey coach Jimmy Rodriguez said. “They told us they would be ready the next time and they were.”

Antelope Valley (38-6, 14-0) was never threatened thanks to the efforts of sophomore pitcher Gracie Perez. Perez, the conference pitcher of the year in 2006, sat out last year. She has returned to form in dominant fashion, striking out 14 batters, 13 of them in the first five innings.

Jessica De Luna was the only Chaffey hitter to reach base in the first four innings, doing so on a walk in the second.

The Marauders led 4-0, highlighted by a two-run home run from Felecia Shepler in the fifth.
Chaffey finally got on the scoreboard in the bottom of that frame with Marissa Lavendera reaching on an error and scoring on a double by Krystal Gonzalez.

Antelope blew the game open in the last two innings, scoring three in the sixth and four in the seventh with four errors paving the way.

Chaffey (26-17, 11-3) made it closer, getting two in the seventh with Gonzalez again providing the big blow. The freshman out of Kaiser High School smacked a Perez offering over the left center field fence for her second home run of the season. It followed a double by Katelyn Outzen.

“She has a very good rise ball and it was really working today,” said Gonzalez, who struck out in the third. “You have to move up in the box and go for it before it rises.”

Antelope leadoff hitter Traci Wolf stole the show offensively, going 4-for-4 with a walk, triple and scoring five times.

Early in the week the Panthers thought the game would be for a share of the conference title but it ended up not meaning much because they suffered a 5-1 loss Wednesday to Mt. San Jacinto in which the team was lethargic from the start.

Rodriguez admitted it took some edge off the game on Friday but players say they were ready.

“We still had a chance to stop them from being undefeated in the conference,” Gonzelz said. “We still came in here with the attitude of winning the game.”

Rodriguez said he will give his team a few days off and await the playoff draw which will be announced next week. The Panthers should advance as the conference runner-up but will face a tough draw with a matchup against a strong Orange Empire conference team likely.

“We will give them a couple days off, then go back to basics and do the best we can to be ready,” he said.

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A Foothill Conference title is fine. But the Chaffey College baseball team has loftier goals. It is looking to make some noise in the playoffs instead of being sent home after the first round.

The Panthers (22-8, 13-2) finished off a three-game sweep of Victor Valley with convincing 14-6 and 16-6 wins Saturday at Lowder Field. They outscored the Rams 59-13 in the three games.

Even though the host team was comfortably in front most of the way, Chaffey focused on the little things it needs to do to get better - whether it’s putting down a bunt or moving a runner over. Coach Jeff Harlow used the big lead to his advantage, also working in some of his younger players.

The Panthers slipped up last weekend against Cerro Coso but still have a two-game lead with nine games left.

“Every inning we play we’re out there, working on something, no matter what the score is,” he said. “You can’t take anyone lightly because the minute you do bad things happen.”

In the past three years, the Panthers have been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs with Orange Empire Conference contender Cypress sending them home last year. The Panthers lost two straight games in the best-of-three set to the Chargers, blowing late leads in each game.

The playoff draw hasn’t been much help as the Foothill teams traditionally first draw a foe from the Orange Empire Conference which has the most depth of any in the state.

All say they are looking to change that trend last year. The Panthers have 15 sophomores on their roster so 2007 has not been forgotten.

“It was like that in high school too,” said shortstop James Koerner, who went 7-for-7 with three doubles and six RBI in the twinbill. “It was very disappointing because we know we’re better than what we showed and we want to make up for it this year.”

This Chaffey team has different strengths. Last year it relied on a solid pitching staff but this season it features a more powerful offense.

The Panthers pounded out 53 hits in the series against the Rams. Saturday third baseman Ryan Delgado had five - three doubles and two home runs. Koerner, designated hitter Willie Holmes, center fielder Jonathan Costantino and twins Chris and David Gwin have led the charge.

Harlow is looking to solidify some roles among his pitchers. Right-hander Andrew Schile and left-hander Andrew Steinmeyer, both sophomores, have been solid starters but the Panthers have not settled on a No. 3 hurler.

The Panthers are also looking for someone to pick up the slack for closer Steven Raburn, who is out with an arm injury. Freshman right-hander Erik Bastio is one candidate.

“I like the way we have been hitting the ball and it has been everyone contributing,” Harlow said. “That’s really what we’re going to need.”

The opposing team walked away impressed.

“I like what they have put together,” Victor Valley coach Bob Smith said. “They can play the short game, they can hit the long ball. It looks like they’ll win the conference and will be a strong representative.”

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A pair of Kaiser High School products delivered big as the Panthers (26-14, 10-1) surged past visiting San Bernardino Valley College 12-3 in Foothill Conference action Friday.

Freshman catcher Jessica DeLuna had three home runs, including a grand slam in the second inning and collected nine RBI. She now has six home runs on the season.

Britni Baca, also a freshman, turned in a strong effort in the pitching circle, giving up just five hits and three runs and striking out six.

Freshman Chelsea Navarro had two hits for SBVC.

Chaffey will play nonconference games today against Citrus and Cerritos, both of whom are state-ranked.

Posted by Michelle Gardner at 6:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

BRITTANY MARTINEZ

Chaffey College

Softball

The lowdown: The freshman leads the state in homeruns with 10 and is batting over .500 for the Panthers (20-14, 7-1) who are currently second in the Foothill Conference. Starts in left field but has also been used in right and in center. Was at Chaffey in 2006-07 but did not play. Carries a 3.1 GPA.

Age: 19

Hometown: Ontario

High school: Don Lugo High School, 2006

Major: Psychology

Favorite athlete: Leah O’Brien-Amico (outfielder on three Gold-medal winning USA Olympic teams).

Favorite team: New York Yankees

Role model: My parents

Most memorable sports moment: Receiving Mt. Baldy League MVP my freshman year on the varsity team.

Most embarrassing sports moment: 1. Being intiated because I was dressed up crazy and everyone was laughing and 2. Losing my front tooth at a softball practice on Valentine’s Day.

Person most influential in your athletic success: My dad, physically and my mom, mentally.

Best advice anyone has given you: Follow your heart and everything else will fall into place.

Celebrity you most want to meet: Julia Roberts

Favorite food: Mexican food - dad’s home-cooked carne asada, rice and beans.

Can’t miss TV show: The Hills

Favorite movie: A League of Their Own

Last good book you read: Harry Potter

What’s in your CD player/iPod: Carrie Underwood

Favorite vacation spot: Rosarito, Mexico, anywhere by the beach

Pre-game ritual or superstition: Getting pumped from music and having assistant coach Justin sing international harvester with the team.

Other hobbies: Hanging out with loved ones, going to the beach.

What would you like to be doing in five years? Hopefully done with college and be a peace officer, have a home and possibly be married.

Posted by Michelle Gardner at 2:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

By Michelle Gardner

Staff Writer

When the Chaffey College women’s basketball team takes the court Friday in the first round of the Southern California Regional playoffs, it will be facing a team that plays much the same style.

The No. 9 seeded Panthers (24-7) will play at No. 8 Cerritos (24-8) at 7 p.m. Not only are the teams similar, they have played before. If that game is any indication of things to come the playoff game should be tightly contested.

The Falcons won the first game at a tournament hosted by Orange Coast 71-61. That game went to overtime as the teams ended regulation tied at 57.

“They are very much like us,” third-year Chaffey coach Gary Plunkett said. “They like to run and we like to run.

Both of us play a motion offense where we like to spread the floor. It should be a great game. Our girls were excited about getting another chance at them.”

The winner of the game will advance to face No. 2 seed Orange Coast (29-3).

The Panthers finished tied for third in the Foothill Conference. They have only two sophomores, one of them starting forward Christina Warren (13.5 ppg, 5 rpg) who netted 23 points the first time the teams played.
Joining her in the starting lineup are four freshmen - guards Tamesha Jackson (13.2 ppg, 3.3 apg) and Keisha Mackall (11.9 ppg, 3.6 apg), forward Aundria Anderson (10 ppg, 7.3 rpg) and 6-foot-1 center Johnshunay Parson (4.6 ppg, 7.4 rpg).

Zipporah Brown (5.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg), another freshman, has been a steady performer off the bench.

Cerritos, the first place team out of the South Division of the South Coast Conference, has four players averaging double figures led by sophomore guard Maltresa Neely (13.3 ppg, 7.7 rpg). The Falcons are ranked sixth in Southern California and 12th in the state. Plunkett is also quite familiar with the Falcons coaching staff.
Assistant Steve Johnson went to Alta Loma High School and coached in youth leagues in Rancho Cucamonga. He was also an assistant at Dominguez Hills at the same time Plunkett was there.
Cerritos head coach Karen Welliver is in her 25th year and has won more than 500 games. Plunkett recruited many of her players when he was with Dominguez Hills.

“Knowing them so well will make it that much more fun,” he said. “I a looking forward to it.”

Defending state champion Mt. SAC (32-1) begins defense of its title on Saturday. Coach Laura Beeman’s Mounties will host Santa Ana (18-13), which defeated Cuesta 65-56 Wednesday night in a play-in game.
Mt. SAC has won 32 straight games since dropping its season opener to Orange Coast and is led by conference player of the year Jazlyn Davis (18.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg), a bounceback from USC.

Other key players include 6-2 sophomore center Carmen Deal (15.4 ppg, 9.1 rpg), sophomore guard Sahfiya Brown (8.7 ppg, 6.8 rpg) and freshman guard Blaire Edgardo (9.1 ppg).

Citrus (30-1) is the lone area representative still left on the men’s side. The top-seeded Owls open play against Imperial Valley (21-10) at 7 p.m. Saturday. The teams have not played this season.

Citrus is coming off its first Western States Conference title in 25 years and enters riding an 18-game win streak. Its last loss came to Antelope Valley in quarterfinal play at a tournament in Riverside in December.

Posted by Michelle Gardner at 2:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

By Michelle Gardner

Staff Writer

Mt. San Antonio College women’s basketball coach Laura Beeman had a feeling her team’s lone loss of the season might come back to haunt her, even though it came in the first game.

She was right.

The Mounties will head into the state playoffs as the No. 2 seed despite a 32-game win streak. Orange Empire champion Orange Coast (29-3), which defeated Mt. SAC 63-57 on Nov. 9, is the top seed.

There were different sets of criteria used. While three-time and defending state champion Mt. SAC boasted the best record and a higher winning percentage, Orange Coast had a higher strength of schedule both in and out of conference.

Orange Coast had 20 quality wins, Mt. SAC 19. A win by the Mounties in the head-to-head would have flipped that number.

“I said it to my assistant (Brian Crichlow) that night,” Beeman recalled. “I knew we weren’t going to seem them again so we wouldn’t have a chance to avenge that loss. It just goes to show every game does mean something.”
Beeman, rounding out her 13th year as coach, said that might not necessarily affect the Mounties in the Southern California Regional since they will still get two home games but it would come into play at the eight-team state tournament.

The Mounties open play on Saturday at home against the winner of Wednesday’s play-in game between No. 15 Santa Ana (17-13) and No. 18 Cuesta (21-9).

“This time you can’t take anyone lightly because it’s one and done if you lose, no second chances,” she said.

Chaffey also made it into the 18-team women’s field. The Foothill Conference got four teams in the draw. The others are champion San Bernardino Valley (26-5), runner-up Mt. San Jacinto (21-10) and Antelope Valley (18-13).
The Panthers tied Antelope for the No. 3 spot in the conference but lost the head-to-head with the Marauders, meaning they were relegated to the fourth seed out of the conference.

Coach Gary Plunkett thought his team might get left out but its strength of schedule payed off. The Panthers are seeded No. 9 and will play at No. 8 Cerritos (24-8) on Friday.

“I went from thinking we had a good chance to thinking we probably wouldn’t get in,” he said. “So I am just thrilled we made it. I knew there was pretty much no chance of a home game.”

Area representation on the men’s side is even lighter but it will be a quality team left carrying the banner as Citrus (30-1) was awarded the top seed.

The Owls are riding an 18-game win streak, their last and only loss of the season coming to Antelope Valley 78-70 in the quarterfinals of the Wells Fargo Holiday Classic at Riverside Community College in December.
The overall record and perfect 12-0 in Western States Conference play set school records and the conference title is also a first.

Coach Rick Croy’s team has a first-round bye and will face the winner of Wednesday’s play-in between No. 16 El Camino (20-10) and No. 17 Imperial Valley (20-10) at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Chaffey (17-13) did not make the 20-team field. The Panthers finished fifth in the Foothill Conference and could not make the draw ahead of fourth-place San Bernardino Valley (13-15) which was done in by a 4-10 showing in nonconference play.

While the Panthers beat four 20-win teams, they also lost to two conference teams that finished a combined 20 games under .500. They also lost twice to SBVC which is missing the playoffs for the first time in 10 years.

“We were young and inconsistent. That’s the bottom line,” Coach Jeff Klein said.

Posted by Michelle Gardner at 12:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

By Michelle Gardner

Staff Writer

For the San Bernardino Valley College women’s basketball team there was both good news and bad news when state playoffs pairings were announced Monday.

The Foothill Conference champion Wolverines are getting a home game against the team they lost to last year.

The bad news is that should they advance, the defending state champion will most likely be the next foe.

“We’re playing well right now so I don’t think it matters much who we play,” coach Sue Crebbin said. “The teams that are still playing are all good so there won’t be an easy game. This team seems to get more up for the better teams anyway.”

The seventh-seeded Wolverines (26-5) will square off with No. 10 Fullerton (20-13), the third-place team out of the Orange Empire Conference, at Snyder Gymnasium at 7 p.m. on Friday.

Last year the Hornets eliminated SBVC 77-69 in the Wolverines’ initial second-round appearance in school history. That came days after Crebbin’s squad managed a win over Orange Coast for the its first postseason victory.

“We have everyone back and they haven’t forgotten,” Crebbin said. “I would think that is incentive enough. The girls are excited about getting to play them again.”

Defending state champion Mt. SAC (32-1) is seeded second in the Southern California Regional behind Orange Coast (29-3). The Mounties’ lone loss came to the Pirates the first game of the season.

Mt. SAC starts out by facing the winner of Wednesday’s play-in game between No. 15 Santa Ana (17-13) and No. 18 Cuesta (21-9). Then it would face the SBVC-Fullerton winner.

The Foothill Conference has four teams in the 18-team draw. The others are Mt. San Jacinto (21-10), Chaffey (24-7) and Antelope Valley (18-13).

The Chaffey Panthers tied Antelope for the No. 3 spot in the conference but lost the head-to-head with the Marauders, meaning they were relegated to the fourth seed out of the conference.

Coach Gary Plunkett thought his team might get left out but its strength of schedule payed off. The Panthers are seeded ninth and will play at No. 8 Cerritos (24-8) on Friday.

“I went from thinking we had a good chance to thinking we probably wouldn’t get in,” he said. “So I am just thrilled we made it. I knew there was pretty much no chance of a home game.”

On the men’s side the news was not as good for the local teams. The Wolverines (13-15) settled for fourth in the conference and were done in by a 4-10 showing in nonconference play. It is the first time in 10 years the school did not get into the playoffs.

SBVC’s failure to get in also meant the end for Chaffey (17-13) which finished fifth in the conference and could not get in without the Wolverines making it too.

The Foothill Conference has three teams in, all of whom tied for the conference championship. But Mt. San Jacinto went in as the top team from the conference and was rewarded with a No. 5 seed. Antelope Valley is seeded 10th in the 20-team field with College of the Desert No. 11.

Riverside (25-7), the No. 3 team out of the Orange Empire Conference, is the No. 9 seed and will travel to No. 8 Los Angeles City (24-8).

Citrus (30-1) is the top seed. The Owls have won 18 straight games and await the winner of a play-in game between El Camino and Imperial Valley.

Posted by Michelle Gardner at 12:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Foothill Conference men’s standings
 

Mt. San Jacinto               9-4     25-6
Antelope Valley               9-4     23-10
Desert                            9-4     20-9
San Bernardino VC          9-4     13-14
Chaffey                           7-6     17-12
Rio Hondo                       5-8     9-20
Victor Valley                   3-10    11-20
Barstow                          1-12    3-25

Today’s games

San Bernardino at Desert, 3 p.m.
Barstow at Antelope Valley, 7 p.m.
Rio Hondo at Mt. San Jacinto, 3 p.m.
Chaffey at Victor Valley, 3 p.m.

Posted by Michelle Gardner at 2:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

With 13 points, Tamesha Jackson led four Panthers in double figures in a 61-49 win over Mt. San Jacinto on Wednesday. With the win the Panthers remained third in the conference with one game left.

Christina Warren and Zipporah Brown each had 12 points for Chaffey (23-7, 11-4 Foothill Conference) and Aundria Anderson had 10.

Sophomore Michelle Simmons led Mt. San Jacinto (20-10, 12-3) with 18 points.

Chaffey plays host to Victor Valley at 1 p.m. Saturday in its regular-season finale.

The win by Chaffey gives the conference title to San Bernardino Valley College which did not play Wednesday. The Wolverines had a one-game lead over Mt. San Jacinto entering play.

Posted by Michelle Gardner at 8:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Chaffey Panthers posted their biggest win of the season, upending Foothill Conference leader Antelope Valley 72-69 in overtime Wednesday night

The Panthers (17-10, 7-4) had a chance to win the game in regulation but a 3-pointer by freshman Jordan Block rimmed out at the buzzer.

Block finished with 22 points, and 10 rebounds and two steals while Brandon Clemons tallied 14 with six rebounds. Jeffrey Sawyer was also in double figures with 12.

Both teams shot 50.8 percent from the field but Chaffey had an edge at the line, making 12 of 21 tries to 7-of-10 for the Marauders (23-8, 9-2).

The win moves the Panthers into a tie with San Bernardino Valley College for third place.

Posted by Michelle Gardner at 8:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

By Michelle Gardner

Staf fwriter

The Chaffey women’s basketball team appears fully recovered from a 71-57 shellacking at the hands of San Bernardino Valley College last week. The Panthers (21-6, 9-3) bounced back with a 73-66 win over College of the Desert on Saturday and remain tied for third with Foothill Conference play winding down.

Chaffey has four games remaining - road games at Antelope Valley (15-12, 9-3) and Rio Hondo (15-11, 5-6) and home games against Mt. San Jacinto (19-9, 11-2) and Victor Valley (1-22, 0-11). The Panthers are two games behind frontrunner SBVC and tied with Antelope Valley a game and half behind second-place Mt. San Jacinto.
The Panthers beat three of those four foes in the first round of conference play, the loss coming to Mt. San Jacinto 68-57.

“SBVC is the top team, no question about that,” coach Gary Plunkett said. “After that it is very close. All four of us are going to make the playoffs it is a question of who finishes where. We could be as high as second or we could be fourth. This is a crucial stretch of games.”

The team was going through some adversity in the last two weeks that resulted in the dismissal from the team of one player. It carried over into last week’s game but Plunkett thinks his team is back on track.

“That was probably just the kind of game we needed to get us refocused,” Plunkett said. “We came back Saturday and played a very solid game. We were back to playing Panther basketball.”

The loss to SBVC knocked the Panthers out of the top 20 state poll but they are still ranked No. 12 in the South.
The good news for Plunkett is that the squad includes just two sophomores - guards Christina Warren (13.7 ppg, 5 rpg) and Jessica Thorpe (4.1 ppg).

The team has several talented freshmen, most notably guards Keisha Mackall (12.2 pg, 3.8 apg) and Tamesha Jackson (12.9 ppg, 3.8 apg), forwards Aundria Anderson (10.1 ppg, 7.7 rpg) and Zipporah Brown (5.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg).

“We’re kind of where SBVC was last year,” Plunkett said. “Last year they had freshmen and all those girls are back and you can see how much better they are with that experience. We’re building that this year.”

Posted by Michelle Gardner at 4:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

RYAN LARSON

Chaffey College

Swimming

The lowdown: The sophomore earned eight All-American honors last season for the Panthers. He placed second in the state in the 400 IM (4:06.4) and fourth in both the 200 IM (1:54.9) and the 200 back (1:56.3). Those times earned him national rankings of fourth in the 400 IM, sixth in the 200 IM and seventh in the 200 back. He was also 11th in the 100 back which came on the first leg of a relay. He also earned All-American honors as part of the 400 and 800 free relays and the 200 and 400 medley relays in which he swam the butterfly leg.

Age: 19

Hometown: Alta Loma

High school: Alta Loma High School, 2006

Major: Undecided

Most memorable sports moment: Winning the 400 freestyle relay at the CIF Championships my senior year.

Most embarrassing sports moment: The first race I ever swam I was too scared to dive into the pool and my coach ended up pushing me in.

Person most influential in your athletic success: My parents

Last good book you read: Harry Potter

Favorite movie: Transformers

Celebrity you most want to meet: None, they’re all stuck up. They should want to meet me.

What’s in your CD player/iPod: A mix

Favorite vacation spot: The beach

Favorite food: All types

Best advice anyone has given you: Just keep swimming.

Pre-game ritual or superstition: I try to sit by myself

Other hobbies: Skateboarding

What do you want to be doing in five years?: Be finishing school or starting my career.

Compiled by Michelle Gardner

Posted by Michelle Gardner at 2:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The teams came in as favorites to fight it out for the Foothill championship, along with Mt.San Jacinto. So Crebbins was pleased to see her team bounce back from defeat.

"Our focus was a lot better tonight," she said. "Sometimes we get complacent and we stop working hard in practice, and that's what happens. We're hard-headed that way, but the lesson was learned."

The Wolverines (12-5, 1-1) let a 16-point lead dwindle down late in the second half, after leading by double digits much of the way. SBVC led 48-37, but the Panthers scored 10 of the next 12 points, creeping within three on a driving layup by Tamesha Jackson that cut the lead to 50-47.

The Wolverines answered on their end with Shy Walter getting loose inside for a basket that put the lead back to five, 52-47. Chaffey (15-4, 1-1) was limited to one missed shot on three of its next four trips down the court. The Panthers missed both free throws on the other possession, and was not in striking distance again.

The Wolverines' defensive pressure set the tone in the first half as the Panthers committed 10 turnovers, many leading to easy opportunities on the other end.

"We did a good job frustrating their guards to our pressure. We didn't shoot very well, but were able to make things happen with our defense and get a lead," Crebbins said.

SBVC led from the start, surging out to an 11-3 lead on a 3-pointer by La'quita Jordan. Its biggest lead in the half was 16 points, that edge coming on a 3-point play by Walter that made it 27-11 with 7:04 left.

Chaffey scored the next six points to cut the lead to 27-17. The half ended with SBVC up 34-23.

Chaffey shot just 31.7 percent in the half. SBVC wasn't much better, at 37.5, but it benefitted from a 31-19 advantage in rebounding.

"I can count on one hand the number of good possessions we had in the first half," Chaffey coach Gary Plunkett said. "It was our worst half of basketball all season. We were lucky we weren't down by more."

Sophomore point guard Jasmine Marshall led the Wolverines with 24 points. Jordan added 16, and Ronisha Edwards chipped in with 12.

 SBVC will travel to Mt. San Jacinto Saturday while Chaffey treks to College of the Desert.

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