ROUNDUP : Foothill Girls Rally, Beat Fountain Valley

Defensive-minded Foothill went on the offensive to defeat Fountain Valley, 7-6, in six innings in the second round of the Laguna Hills softball tournament Tuesday at Alicia Park in Mission Viejo.

In the bottom of the sixth, with the score tied, 6-6, and time running out--the teams were allowed only 1 hour 45 minutes to complete the game--left fielder Lauren Bauer hit a line drive to center to drive in the winning run.

Foothill (5-0) advanced to the third round, where the Knights will play El Toro today.

“Defense is usually our game,” Coach Joe Gonzalez said. “But today--for them to come back twice--you really have to credit the girls.”

Fountain Valley (2-3) made things difficult immediately, scoring three runs in the first inning. Foothill came back with two in the first, and another in the second, but allowed another run in the third.

Ahead 4-3 in the fifth inning with 15 minutes left to play, Baron leadoff hitter Lindsey Collins reached on a bunt, stole second, went to third on a sacrifice by Lynea Backlund and scored when shortstop Michelle Churnock bobbled the ball and overthrew her relay. Alicia Burdick advanced to first on the error and scored on Laurie Gillis’ double and Foothill again was down by three.

Bauer grounded up the middle, went to second on Robin Tessman’s single and both scored when Marie Gieron’s line-drive single got past Carolyn Caforio. Lindsay Gossatti struck out for the second out, and Aimie Barne doubled down the first-base line to bring home Rosie Gustavson, running for Gieron at third.