Gsl Baseball, Softball Races Come Down To Half A Season

The second half of Greater Spokane League baseball and softball seasons begin today and, from now on, every game counts.

Only University’s young softball team has reached the midpoint unscathed following its victory Tuesday night over Shadle Park.

The 8-0 Titans have a three-game lead over the field heading into this afternoon’s game at Gonzaga Prep.

The masses can’t feel quite as comfortable.

Behind U-Hi are five teams separated by just a game, including a three-way tie for third place that features Central Valley after its 3-2 against Rogers.

In baseball, only one game separates the third- from ninth-place teams. Included are the Titans and Central Valley, part of a three-way tie for third at 4-4 after they played to a 3-2 eight-inning U-Hi decision last Friday.

In that game, an inning-opening error, a hit batsman and two walks scored the winning run to end what had been a pitchers’ duel between Chris McMurtrey and Nate Bartlett.

“Chris had strep throat but took a pencillin shot and felt better by the end of the day,” said coach Don Ressa, of his 3-hit, 8-strikeout win. “He pitched well and Nate did the same. It was a great high school game.”

Few of the 18 teams in the GSL softball and baseball leagues have margin for error in the second round of competition.

A comment by Ressa might have been echoed by each of the remaining 17 coaches.

“The bottom line,” he said, “is if we keep winning, it doesn’t matter what anyone else does.”

Eagles in midst of decisive week.

In its quest for a fourth straight Frontier League softball championship, West Valley has won two important games with two remaining.

On Friday the Eagles are in Colville to play a doubleheader against the league runnerup Indians after winning twice, 8-2 and 7-1 against previously unbeaten East Valley.

“Win or lose we needed those games,” said coach Steve Kent of the sweep of EV. “We haven’t been tested until then. The outfield hadn’t made any outs nearly all year.”

Both games were close until the late innings. In the opener, WV broke a 2-2 tie with a run in the fifth and scored five more in the sixth.

In both instances errors led to EV’s downfall. Rachiah Boxley took advantage with a two-out, two-run double in the sixth.

Three sixth-inning triples, by Andrea Green, Rachelle Watson and Jennifer Robinson, led to four runs in the second game.

“I’m happy with the way the girls kept their composure,” said Kent.

Kent said the key to winning league is winning two of three games against the two contenders. The Eagles have already beaten Colville once and EV beat the Indians 1-0 on Tuesday to hold second place.

“If we split Friday, we have the tiebreaker on both,” said Kent.

NWGA gymnasts to nationals

Two Northwest Gymnastics Academy Level II gymnasts, Aaron Sheck and Dillon Reeve have qualified for Junior Olympics Nationals in Orlando, Fla., May 16-18.

Sheck was sixth all-around and will be making his third straight national apprearance. Reeve, second on pommel horse, is making his first trip.

In Level IV, Steven Dunn won all-around with 45.225 score, including a rings victory. Brian Veltegui won pommel horse and Nick Antich tied for first on floor exercise.

Also placing in the top 10 were Matthew Croskrey in three events and Stewart Renz, who was fifth all-around.

Paul Hannibal was fifth all-around in Level VI, ages 10-11.

SEG gymnast to nationals

Spokane Elite Gymnastics Level 10 performer Meloney Monaghan, 14, has also qualified for nationals, May 1-4 in Orlando.

Monaghan, a 5-year competitor, finished among the top 20 all-around in the six-state Regional 2 championships, with a 9.55 score on balance beam.

Other SEG performers at regionals included 13-year-old Keegan Fitzgerald, who was second at 9.2 in Level 9 beam.

In Level 8, Katie Dinsmore, 13, won all-around with a 35.75 score, including firsts at 9.1 on vault and 9.15 on balance beam, and third at 9.0 on floor exercise.

Amy Brandle, 9, was second on balance beam and floor exercise and Elizabeth Kelly finished among top 10 on vault and floor exercise.

“We may have not had the slam bang year like last year as far as state,” said coach Bob Ito. “Individually, the kids have done well.”

Lilac City gymnasts place

Three Level 8 gymnasts from Lilac City Gymnastics placed among the top 10 during regionals in Seattle.

Libby Smith, 12, was secod on balance beam and sixth all-around. Leah Borg, also 12, was sixth on balance beam. Amber Baines, 13, placed fourth on floor exercise.

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