Glendora shows again why it's the undisputed number one team in the Valley

By Fred Robledo on April 26, 2009 10:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) |

The cities of San Dimas and Glendora may share a border and a Costco, but Glendora High School proved there is a long way between the Sierra and Valle Vista leagues.
The Tartans (14-2), the Tribune's top-ranked softball team, won the Charter Oak Classic Tournament with an 8-0 victory over the fourth- ranked Saints (15-4). To continue reading, click thread

Charter Oak Classic All-Tournament Team...
MVP: Brandy Andrews-Glendora
Tournament Batting Champ: Yumi Hiroto-San Dimas
Natalie Hernandez-Glendora
Kendra Alfonso-Glendora
Ariel Shore-San Dimas
Kortnie Clark-San Dimas
Catherine Flores-El Rancho
Marilyn Toriz-El Rancho
Chelsea Whisenant-Covina
Molly Ross-Covina
Erin Jones-Wesley-Los Osos
Reina Gaber-South El Monte
Lexi Thomas-Ontario Christian
Aimee Spathias-Charter Oak

The game was called in the bottom of the sixth when the Tartans scored their eighth run to hit the tournament mercy-rule number.

Tartans senior pitcher Dana Waldusky struck out 12 and scattered five hits to pick up her 10th win of the season and remain unbeaten.

"We had a really good tournament," Tartans coach Reese Mitchell said.

"It's tough; we had league games in between, so we had eight games in two weeks. The kids were a little tired, but we got great pitching and the kids did a good job of swinging the bat."

The Tartans scored five runs in the third inning to take control of the game.

Katrina Brandt led off the third with a single. Kristen Peterson attempted to sacrifice but reached base on an error. Amy McElroy then walked to load the bases.

That set the table for Natalie Hernandez and tournament MVP Brandi Andrews. Both singled to drive in runs, and the Tartans had the only runs they would need.

"It was really the whole game," Saints coach Don Pollard said. "We weren't on our game. They pushed the issue and we weren't up to the challenge.

"When your pitcher gets in trouble and your defense buries her, you're in trouble. With a team like Glendora, you really can't make any mistakes."

The Tartans looked like they could be in trouble against the speedy Saints when it was learned that senior catcher Kelly Nolan would miss the game. Freshman Kendra Alfonso, who was named to the all-tournament team, stepped in and looked like a veteran behind the plate in handling Waldusky.

"I was a little nervous," Alfonso said. "I catch in travel ball, but this is only my third varsity game. Wally has a lot of movement on her ball, and she's definitely the best pitcher I've ever caught."

Ariel Shore led off the game for the Saints with a bunt single. After Waldusky got her first strikeout, Shore stole her 49th base of the season. But Waldusky struck out the next two hitters to get out of trouble.

"I was more nervous than usual (without Nolan) entering the game," Waldusky said.

"But I knew Kendra would step up. The first inning, we weren't on the same page. I was shaking off a lot of pitches, but after that she did an incredible job. I'm really proud of her."

7 Comments

Tartan Fan said:

The game wasn't too lopsided until the third, when Glendora got 5 runs. And I believe I heard SD wasn't using their top pitcher!? In the championship game? If so, she must have been hurt.

Yes, "undisputed" is a fighting word. Someone can always "dispute" if they want. And yes, Glendora hasn't played Los Altos yet (or Chino Hills or Ayala). They did beat Bishop Amat, however. And they have outscored their last 4 opponents something like 35-2. Time will tell, but for now they are looking pretty good.

April 27, 2009 7:28 AM

SaintsR4real said:

SGVHomer,

I agree with you on having the regular starting line up in the game for San Dimas, but the game was lost on the Saints not adjusting to DW's outside and low pitches.

The girls were all swinging to pull to left field, when thry should have been stepping into the outside pitch. Funny thing is the Coach had told them about this.

As I said in my last post before the game, in order to be successfull the girls would have to simply meet the ball and put it in play.

Props to Glendora, they are the Team to beat hands down (LA this means you too).

Lady Saints, this challenge will come again in the CIF playoffs, please recap and learn from your mistakes... if you do, you will go far!

April 26, 2009 10:39 PM

?? said:

getitright,

Los Altos could have easily won that second game also if wasn't for the debacle at home plate. Let's just see what happens on Thursday.

April 26, 2009 8:09 PM

getitright said:

what are you talking about'

Bonita already beat LA 1-0 in 9innings and should have won the first game if not for the debacle at third so get it right.

April 26, 2009 8:00 PM

what are you talking about said:

The big game is on Thursday at Bonita. Bonita and Los Altos will face for the third time to determine the league championship. The winner takes all.

I know Glendora beat Bonita 2-1. But can they beat Los Altos? Los Altos is looking strong after beating Mater Dei in 8 innings. I guess Thursday will be the telling story if Los Altos is the real deal. Hard to tell with that tough schedule they have playing Division 1 and 2 schools.

April 26, 2009 5:41 PM

super fan said:

That is a big win for Glendora. But I had a chance to see Los Altos girls beat Mater Dei (top ranked Div 1 school) at the Santiago Tournament in Corona. Now thats a big win. So I dont know what your talking about when you say "undisputed" number one team in the Valley. They havent played Los Altos yet.

April 26, 2009 5:33 PM

SGVhomer said:

Saw the game. It wasn't pretty. Don't know what the SD coach is thinking sometimes with his starting 9. You would think that he would want his best out there. He has two kids on the bench that should be at least starting or having one start and the other DH. Outfield (except CF) let him down with their gloves and bats. The Tourney's Most Valueble Hitter struck out twice!! Good team, so-so coach.

April 26, 2009 3:05 PM