HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL : Dons’ Vechinski Fires Perfect Game

Making a pitch for 2-A player of the year honors, Viki Vechinski of USDHS threw a perfect game on Saturday and tied the San Diego Section softball record for career no-hitters with eight.

Vechinski struck out 15 and did not allow a batted ball out of the infield in a dominating 9-0 victory over Hoover in the first round of the 2-A playoffs at USDHS.

“We talked earlier about (Vechinski) only going three or four innings,” Dons Coach Margaret Mauro said. “But when a senior is working on a perfect game, we figured we’d let her finish it.”

The closest Hoover got to a hit was a bunt attempt to lead off the seventh. USDHS first baseman Jeanne King fielded the bunt and tossed to second baseman Tricia Keller, who was covering first, for the putout.

For Vechinski, who will attend Chapman College in the fall, it was her second career perfect game and 29th career shutout, ninth on the all-time section list.

Three other pitchers had eight career no-hitters. They are: Donna Stiles of Patrick Henry (1981-84); Celeste Sanchez of San Marcos (1984-87); and Jenifer Booker of Madison (1987-90). Sandy Miramontes of Bonita Vista had three perfect games from 1979-81.

Vechinski will get at least one more chance, possibly three, for another gem. With the victory, top-seeded USDHS (18-1) advanced to Tuesday’s quarterfinal against San Pasqual.

Offensively for USDHS, Shannon Scott was two for three with two triples, two runs and three RBIs, Vanessa Matel was three for four with two RBIs and Judey Petix hit a home run. Kelly O’Neill, who earlier this year pitched a perfect game, was two for four with a triple and one RBI.

In other 2-A games:

San Pasqual 1, El Cajon Valley 0--In the bottom of the seventh with two outs and the bases loaded, Amy Mortensen singled to left center, giving San Pasqual (16-9) the victory. Renee Williams threw a one-hitter, allowing only a single in the seventh inning. El Cajon finished 12-12.

Grossmont 1, Ramona 0--Jolie Oliver pitched a one-hitter, facing the minimum and striking out 11. Ramona’s first batter, Jill Hallman, singled to lead off the game, but Grossmont catcher Shannon Muehleisen picked her off first. Ramona’s only other baserunner reached on an error but was caught attempting to steal third by Muehleisen.

Fourth-seeded Grossmont (16-5) scored in the bottom of the sixth. With the bases loaded and one out, Oliver’s bunt single scored Stephanie Kolesar.

San Marcos 5, Mission Bay 1--Charlene Reyes threw a no-hitter to lead San Marcos (18-4). Reyes (12-4) struck out 11 and did not walk a batter.

3-A First Round

Chula Vista 2, Poway 0--Monica Medina (8-3) pitched a one-hitter with 11 strikeouts for Chula Vista (19-6). Quay Farkas threw a three-hitter for Poway, but all three hits came in the fourth inning when the Spartans scored both their runs. The game-winning hit went to Vickie Tejeda.

Mt. Carmel 4, Mar Vista 0--Jennifer Ortiz pitched a two-hitter, struck out eight and improved to 14-3 to lead second-seeded Mt. Carmel (18-4), the Palomar League champions. Scia Maumausolo was three for four with a double and three RBIs, and Jennifer Alley was four for four.

Vista 5, El Capitan 1--Vista scored four runs in the top of the eighth to upset El Capitan (13-7). The Panthers improved to 12-8.

Hilltop 3, San Dieguito 0--Hilltop senior right-hander Jackie Hill (19-4) allowed two hits and struck out five in her 11th shutout of the season. Darlene Ortega hit a home run in the bottom of the fourth for Hilltop (23-4).

1-A Quarterfinals

Bishop’s 27, Borrego Springs 2--Anna Bjeldanes, a junior right-hander, threw her fourth no-hitter of the season and the sixth of her career. Jennifer Hay and Crystal Butcher each hit three-run triples for Bishop’s (17-3). The Knights will play Holtville (22-3) Thursday in the semifinals.