NOTE: Many of these summaries may refer to the Clairemont players by only their first names. For the complete team roster please refer to the team roster page.

Game 2 - 3:30 PM 7/10/99 - The Clairemont 12 and under all-stars tried to bounce back from an earlier loss in the tournament as they met Lemon Grove/Spring Valley in a must win situation.  After failing to score in the top of the first, Clairemont saw the opposition open the bottom of the first with precision hitting, posting 4 runs before two consecutive ground outs to Lindsey Preovolos at second ended the inning.  Down 4 to 0, Clairemont opened the second inning with walks to Doni Marr and Kelly Drake.  After Katie Steege popped to third, Brianna Crouch looped a single to right for 2 RBI.  With 2 on and 2 outs, Kelsey Bray shot a hard line drive to right but a good throw just beat her to the bag to end the inning.

Clairemont closed the gap to 4 - 3 in the third inning as Brittany Webb walked, stole second and was driven home by Gina Kempan's single. However, Lemon Grove/Spring Valley blew open a 9 - 3 lead with 5 runs in the bottom of the third on good execution at the plate and head's up base running.  But Clairemont never gave up.  With the bases loaded in the top of the 4th, Megan Nares sent a smash to the gap in left center for a double scoring Doni Marr and Brianna Crouch. After Lindsey Preovolos had scored and walks to Kelsey Bray and Brittany Webb again loaded the bases, a hard shot grounder to third by Annie Sullivan ended the rally.  

Trailing 9 - 6 in the top of the 5th, Michael Hrenko started the inning with an infield single, but things looked bleak after the next two batters struck out.  With 2 outs, Doni Marr took a fast ball off the knee and showed great courage staying in the game and stealing second.  Kelly Drake then walked to load the bases.  Katie Steege worked the count full and was also struck on the foot with a pitch to bring home Michael and keep the bases loaded.  But that would be all that would cross the plate this day as the next batter struck out and Lemon Grove/Spring Valley came away with a 9 - 7 win.

This reporter congratulates the Clairemont 12 and under all-stars on their courage and never-give-up attitude.  You are all winners and all deserved to be playing this day where the best of the best met to face the challenge.  Thanks for a wonderful year.  And thanks for all of your great efforts and sportsmanship.  I for one echo the Clairemont 15 and under team as they welcomed you back to the dugout saying without hesitation, "we are proud of you!"

Submitted by Michael Steege

Submitted by Michael Steege