Sports notebook: Bears, Titans baseball off to quick start

Central Valley and University have been quick out of the chute during weather challenged Greater Spokane League baseball.

The Bears (3-0) shared the league lead heading into Friday’s game against Rogers following a sweep of Gonzaga Prep and a win over Mead.

The Titans (2-0) defeated East Valley (0-4) twice and is at Gonzaga Prep (1-2) today.

Rusty Shellhorn pitched two of the wins striking out 30 batters in just under 12 innings with an above average fast ball and wicked curve.

He has upped his velocity said coach Barry Poffenroth, something Shellhorn credited to hard off-season work.

“A lot of lifting weights and winter training with the Dodgers (a summer traveling team),” he said. “I’ve been throwing all winter and went to Florida and threw.”

CV also had timely hitting – a concern of Poffenroth – that featured three by catcher K.C. Mack, including a three-run home run in one game and a double in the other, and a homer by sophomore Stephano Pau.

“I’m happy for them,” said Poffenroth. “I was expecting things to come along later.”

Deep University outscored thin EV 43-2 in its two victories and had a total of 32 hits from a dozen batters. Danny Jordan was 4-for-5 and scored five times in the second win that featured a 17-run second inning.

Catcher Craig Keeton had four hits total and three others had three hits apiece. Billy Moon was 3-for-3 and drove in six runs while pitching the game-two win. Knights pitchers walked 20.

U-Hi plays league co-leader Ferris next Thursday and Friday.

The Knights lost 10-4 at Mt. Spokane in a game between 3A GSL teams.

Softball: Chasing leaders

Central Valley and University find themselves looking up at defending league and state champion Shadle Park and 3A state placer North Central two weeks into the GSL season.

Both the Bears (3-1) and Titans (2-2) lost to the Highlanders, 14-0 and 5-1 respectively, and U-Hi also lost to NC 6-5 after leading 5-2 in the final inning. CV was to host the Indians on Friday, weather permitting.

The two Valley teams meet at CV on Friday.

The Titans broke out offensively Thursday in a 20-4 win at Gonzaga Prep. Ali Warren, Lexi Obenchain and Ashley Moon had four hits each, Warren with three doubles. Alene Bethel had her second three-hit game this season and she also had University’s lone hit against Shadle.

Since their loss in the season opener, the Bears’ Lauren Mandler and Alyssa Erickson have earned three shutout wins during which Alexa Morales had a total of six hits and Genasee Aman had four.

East Valley (1-2) knocked off previously unbeaten Gonzaga Prep 8-7 in its most recent game, Morgan Manchester with three hits including a double and Bryana Manchester with a home run.

Soccer: Just as figured

Greater Spokane League soccer has begun as coaches envisioned it.

Most said that the year would be unpredictable and close. There have already been two shoot-out decisions and four others settled in overtime, through the first eight matches of the season.

Central Valley (1-1) defeated University 4-3 in overtime and lost to Lewis and Clark 1-0 in a shootout. The Bears, heading into Friday’s matches, stood fifth in league with four points, two behind Mead and one behind Ferris and the Tigers. All three are 2-0, but Ferris and LC have shootout victories.

Sam Busby scored two minutes into overtime to beat the Titans whose Evan Frobe scored twice. U-Hi (1-1) blanked North Central 3-0. Frobe and Michael Ramos each have three goals.

Three-time defending champion East Valley is starting over and winless so far after suffering 2-1 single and double overtime losses to LC and Mead. Andrew Mastonardi and Chad Pattison have the Knights goals.

Getting to be time

The weather may not be cooperating, but area women’s golf groups are nearing the start of their seasons.

“Liberty Lake Women’s 18-Hole Golf Club will have its welcoming breakfast and meeting on Tuesday. Golf follows, weather permitting, at 10:30 a.m. Cost for breakfast is $4.50. Cost to join the league is $55. For information contact Connie Hatfield, 991-6123.

“Trailhead Ladies 9 Hole Club begins on Wednesday with an 11 a.m. lunch, meeting and a round of golf. For information about joining, call Deana Hauser at 928-5630. There are new tees on the course, changing the look of the first hole, adding length to Nos. 4 and 8 and changing the approach to No. 9.