Acalanes 2003 Softball

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Coaches

Schedule

Acalanes Girls Varsity Schedule 2003

Acalanes Preseason Varsity Schedule and Results

Click Opponent Link for Game Summary

Acalanes DFAL Varsity Schedule and Results

Click Opponent Link for Game Summary

News 

Softball Senior Lauren Olson Headed for Northwestern!

The Contra Costa Times announced the commitment of Lauren Olson who will attend and play Softball at Northwestern following her senior year at Acalanes.  Read the article from the Contra Costa Times dated 12/20 here.

Softball Team Schedules Field Work Day!

The Acalanes Softball Team has scheduled their annual "Field Work Day" for Saturday, March 1st starting at 10:00am.  Bring your rakes, work gloves and clothes.  We will be installing the new green fence, cleaning the bleachers, and doing some field maintenance in preparation for the coming Softball season.  Thanks to those Parents that have already committed to this enjoyable and helpful cause.  

Annual Fundraiser Teaches Local Youth Softball Players!

The Acalanes Varsity team will host their annual "Youth Clinic" day on Saturday, March 8th between 9:00am and 12:00pm.  This event is for young softball players from our community that want to learn the game from our Varsity stars.  Contact Carson Nicholson (925-284-3325) will questions about the clinic.

  Softball Team Defeats Miramonte in Pre-Season Action!

The Don's looked strong in their opening game of the Spring with a convincing 7-2 win over Miramonte in pre-season play.  Madeline Nicholson doubled to break open the game in 5th inning when the Don's scored three times to take a 7-1 lead.  The team will play Las Lomas on Thursday starting at 3:30pm.

  Softball Team 2-0 in Pre-Season Following Romp!

Sophomore Charissa Csider pitched a no-hitter and went 2-3 at the plate in the Don's 10-0 win in Thursdays pre-season softball game against Las Lomas.  Csider also had 10 strikeouts in her first win of the young season.  Junior Ashley Adams went 2-2 to help support the Don's.  

  Don's Softball Wins in Another Shutout !

Blair Cuny and Charissa Csider combined for a no-hitter and the Don's pounded out 16 runs against St. Joseph to go to 3-0 in pre-season play.  Senior Carie Brueckner had four RBI's and Ashley Adams had three to support the team.  Cuny had seven strikeouts in four-perfect innings for her second win in as many starts.

  Acalanes Baseball and Softball Win Openers Against Dublin!

Baseball and Softball Don's both came up on the good side of close games against Dublin on Tuesday in their respective DFAL openers.   The Baseball team won in dramatic fashion when they rallied for three runs to erase a 7-5 Dublin lead in the bottom of the 7th inning for the victory.  The Softball team scored an unearned run when the speedy Jessica Miller scored on two consecutive throwing errors for their lone score.   Don's starter Blair Cuny tossed a 7-strikeout shutout against a very good Dublin team to improve to 6-0 on the year. 

  Softball Team is #9 in Contra Costa Poll!

Acalanes was listed as the #9 team in the recent Contra Costa Times poll as a result for their strong preseason and opening day win over the tough Dublin team.  Campolindo is listed as the #2 team and the only other DFAL team making the rankings.

Dons' Blair Cuny is the Sun's "Star's of the Week"!

Acalanes Softball player Blair Cuny was named as one of the "Star's of the Week" in the Contra Costa Sun dated 3/19.  Cuny pitched a one-hit shutout in the final preseason game against Bishop O'Dowd to improve to 5-0 on the season.

  Acalanes Sweeps Miramonte in Baseball and Softball!

Acalanes took two from Miramonte on Thursday in another sweep in Baseball and Softball.  The Don's Baseball team beat previously undefeated Miramonte by the same 8-7 score they beat Dublin in the DFAL opener Tuesday.  Catcher Nick Carter was the hitting star with 4-RBI's for the Don's who overcame an early 5-0 Mats lead for their second win of the young season. 

Timely hitting and strong defense helped the Softball team to remain undefeated on the season (8-0, 2-0 DFAL), with a 2-0 blanking of Miramonte.  Jessica Hofherr and Lara Alexander each had two hits, and pitcher Blair Cuny (7-0) went 3 for 3 at the plate in the victory.  Both teams will host Mt. Diablo on Tuesday with 3:30pm game times.

  Softball and Baseball are 3-0 after Wins over Mt. Diablo!

In a great start to the DFAL season, both the Softball and Baseball teams won on the same day to remained undefeated in the DFAL with 3-0 records.  On Tuesday, the Softball team won easily 11-2 and likewise the Baseball team had their way with a 9-1 win.  Next up is a trip to Concord High on Thursday for 3:30pm games.  In the upcoming Softball game, Concord has also started the season at 3-0 and it will be a real test for the Don's squad.

Dons' Blair Cuny is the Sun's "Star's of the Week", Again!

Acalanes Softball player Blair Cuny was named as one of the "Star's of the Week" in the Contra Costa Sun dated 3/26, and for the second time in as many weeks.  Cuny (7-0) started the DFAL season with back-to-back shutouts, giving up only five combined hits against Dublin and Miramonte to help lead the Don's to an impressive 8-0 start to their season.

Don's Blair Cuny has helped the team to an early 10-0 record.

  Concord High Overwhelmed by Don's Baseball and Softball Teams!

Both the Baseball and Softball teams remains tied a top the DFAL standings with both having started the year with four consecutive league wins.  The Baseball team team crushed Concord 18-0 and the Softball team beat their previously undefeated opponent 7-0.  Check out the stats from both games from the Contra Costa Times dated 3/38 here.

Pictures from the Acalanes Softball Pre-season can be viewed in the Softball Galley here.

  Acalanes Softball Falls To Second Place in DFAL Without Playing a Game!

The undefeated Don's Softball Team took the week off for Spring Break and saw their lead in the DFAL go to undefeated Alhambra (6-0, DFAL).  Alhambra defeated Mt. Diablo and Concord during the week and has a one-game lead in the DFAL.  Acalanes will have an opportunity to make-up those games when they play Northgate on Tuesday and College Park on Friday while Alhambra will be idle for their spring break.  The games are both away and start at 3:30pm.  

  Softball is now 5-0 in DFAL after 2-1 Win at Northgate!

The Softball Team remained unblemished on the year and in league play when they defeated an improving Northgate team Tuesday in Walnut Creek by a 2-1 final.  The Don's came away with the win by scoring solo runs in the 4th and 5th innings and playing stellar defense in support of pitcher Blair Cuny's one-hitter.  Sophomore Charissa Csider was the hitting star with two hits, including a big double.   The Don's will play at College Park in a rare Friday game starting at 3:45pm.  Acalanes remains 1/2 game back of idle Alhambra (6-0), in the DFAL standings.  

  Lady Don's Defeat College Park For First Ever Time, Tied For First!

Acalanes had never beaten College Park in DFAL play until they came away with a 5-3 win over the Pleasant Hill team Friday to remain undefeated on the year and 6-0 in the DFAL, tied with Alhambra (6-0).  Senior's Lauren Olson (3-4) and Carie Brueckner (1-3) led the team both in the field and at the plate in the Don's victory.  The Don's scored three runs in the top of the 7th inning to break a 2-2 deadlock and held on against a pesky College Park team that had just come off a 10-run, 13-hit win over Miramonte Thursday.  Read the full game summary from the Contra Costa Times dated 4/12 here.

Read the article about the surprising Don's Softball team from the Contra Costa Times dated 4/10 here.

  Softball Wins, Baseball Loses Against Las Lomas!

The 7-0 Acalanes Don's Softball team moved into first place in the DFAL with their lopsided win over Las Lomas 18-2 Tuesday, moving them one game ahead of Alhambra and Campolindo whom are now 6-1 on the season.  Ashley Adams led the Don's going 3 for 4 at the plate with two RBI and four runs scored.  The Baseball team ran into the 9-0 Las Lomas squad and were defeated 14-4.  The Baseball team has lost their last three games after a 6-0 start.

Read the feature article from the Contra Costa Sun on the Dons Softball Team dated 4/16 here.

  Senior Lauren Olson is Sun "Star of the Week"!

Part of the success of the Softball team this year has been the play of the two Senior stars, and one of them was honored with the Sun's "Star of the Week" as named on 4/16.  Lauren Olson was honored for her outstanding game against DFAL rival College Park when she went 3 for 4 at the plate including a double and scored the winning run in the Don's 5-3 win, defeating College Park for the first time ever.  Olson was also named a runner up in the Athlete of the Week in the Contra Costa Times on 4/18.

  Softball Wins Another 1-0 Game Over Dublin!

The undefeated Acalanes Softball team kept their perfect season going with another 1-0 win over Dublin to remain in first-place in the DFAL with an 8-0 record.  The Don's scored their only run on a suicide squeeze play in the 2nd-inning and came away with their second 1-0 win over Dublin this season.  Don's Junior pitcher Blair Cuny improved to 13-0 on the year with the shutout victory.  Acalanes will host Alhambra (7-1) and Campolindo (8-1) in important DFAL games next week.  Alhambra arrives Tuesday and Campolindo on Thursday with both games starting at 3:45pm.

  Acalanes Softball Shuts Out Alhambra 4-0 In Battle at Top of DFAL!

In a dogfight at the top of the DFAL standings, Acalanes (9-0, DFAL) came away with a convincing 4-0 win over Alhambra (7-2, DFAL) on Tuesday in a DFAL match-up of two highly ranked teams.  Alhambra was ranked 5th in the East Bay by the Contra Costa Times and Acalanes just below them in 6th going into the game, but the Don's had yet to face their toughest competition in building a perfect 14-0 record.  Pitcher Blair Cuny out pitched Sara Coleman (6-2) to earn her 14th win with no loses, giving up just two soft singles and walking one.  Cuny also helped herself with two hits including a RBI double that broke the game open for the Don's.   

Charissa Csider drove in the first run for the Acalanes in the 4th with a solid single to break the scoreless tie, and the Don's added two runs in the 5th and one in the 6th to add insurance.  Carie Brueckner (2-3, 2B), and Madeline Nicholson delivered the RBI's to help the Don's who played a great defensive game again in support of Cuny.  The Don's were solid up the middle with Catcher Ashley Adams gunning down a potential steal attempt and Seniors Brueckner and Lauren Olson making slick fielding plays all day.  Third baseman Lara Alexander also has a strong day with two hits and handled several plays flawlessly. 

Things don't get easier for Acalanes as they will now face Campolindo (8-1) on Thursday for the first time this season.  Campolindo's only loss came against Concord earlier in the season and they are the defending NCS 2A Champions.  Game time is 3:45pm

Read the game summary from the Contra Costa Times dated 4/23 here.

Dons' Lara Alexander is the Sun's "Star's of the Week"!

Acalanes Softball player Lara Alexander was named as one of the "Star's of the Week" in the Contra Costa Sun dated 4/23.  The Junior went 2 for 3 at the plate and drove in the winning run with a perfectly executed suicide squeeze play in the Don's 1-0 win over Dublin last week.

  Campolindo Hands Don's First Loss in Pitchers Duel!

In a great DFAL game, defending NCS 2A Champion Campolindo squeaked by Acalanes 1-0 in a pitchers duel between Becky McCullough and the Don's Blair Cuny, and the bounces went Campo's way this time, breaking the Don's 15 game winning streak to start the season.  The always tough McCullough struck out 11 Don's and collected the only extra base hit when she golfed a Cuny pitch into the gap for a double, and eventually scored an unearned run on a dropped ball at first.  Had the run not scored, this game might be still going as the top two DFAL pitchers were both on.  Cuny (13-1) allowed only two hits and no walks in her first loss, and McCullough gave up five hits, with one walk, and escaped the first inning when Carie Brueckner (1-3) was out at the plate following a poor throw on a steal attempt.   The Don's also got two hits from Lara Alexander, and a hit each from Ashley Adams and Charissa Csider.

The Don's are now tied with Campolindo for the DFAL lead, both with 9-1 records.  Read the game summary from the Contra Costa Times dated 4/25 here.

  Softball's Blair Cuny is Sun "Star of the Week"!

Blair Cuny was named one of the Contra Costa Sun's "Star's of the Week" on 4/30, the third time she has been honored this season.  Cuny received this honor for her work against Alhambra in a big DFAL game, shutting out the Bulldogs 4-0 on two hits, and going 2-3 at the plate with a double and RBI.

  Don's Rebound from First Loss With Shutout Over Miramonte!

The Acalanes Don's Softball Team got back into the win column with yet another shutout win, this time over Miramonte by a 2-0 final.  Acalanes has beaten the Mats three times this season, once in preseason and two DFAL wins by the identical 2-0 score.  The Don's scored solo runs in the third and sixth inning and that was all they needed as Don's starter Blair Cuny picked-up her 14th win.  Acalanes remains tied with Campolindo at 15-1 a top the DFAL.

  Don's Baseball and Softball Rough Up Mt. Diablo in DFAL Action!

Both the Baseball and Softball teams won by big scores Thursday in games played at Mt. Diablo.  The Baseball (8-4, DFAL) team kept their NCS hopes alive with a crushing 21-3 win and the Softball team came away with a 8-2 victory to remain tied for the DFAL lead with a 11-1 record.  Mike Garrett picked up the win for the Don's which also saw several teammates have great a great day at the plate, including Dan Masi (3-4), Tyler Gong (2-3), Ryan Schiavo (4-4), and John Egan (4-5).  In the Softball game, pitcher Charrisa Csider (2-0) picked up the win for the Softball team in a rare start for the Don's.  Carie Brueckner went 3-4 with 4 RBI's and 2 Runs scored.  Both team will host Concord next Tuesday and College Park on Thursday.  Games are at 3:45pm.

  Softball and Baseball Split with Concord in 2-1 Games!

With some rain causing issues on a wet Tuesday at Acalanes, the Don's softball team moved to 12-1 on the year with a 2-1 win over pesky Concord, while the Baseball team lost by the same final score.  Both teams had their way with Concord in the earlier season face-offs, but Concord had something to prove this go round.  In the Softball game, the Don's scored solo runs in the 1st and 5th innings and escaped a comeback effort when Concord scored their lone run in the 6th and threatened to score more.  Pitcher Blair Cuny got the final out and then struck out all three batters in the 7th to nail down the win.  Seniors Lauren Olson and Carie Brueckner had big hits for the Don's to plate their runners.  They remain tied with Campolindo  for first in the DFAL.

The Baseball team crushed Concord the last time they played and perhaps that was Concord's  motivation this time.  Acalanes had runners in almost every inning, but could not score enough runs to capitalize on Brett Wallace's four-hitter.  Dan Masi (2-for-4, 2 SB) and Nick Carter (2-for-4, RBI) were the hitting stars in the loss.

Acalanes will host College Park on Thursday in DFAL Baseball and Softball action starting at 3:30pm.

  Softball is 13-1 After Shutout of College Park, Face Campolindo Tuesday!

The Lady Don's Softball Team defeated College Park for the second time this season by a close 1-0 final and remained in a position to go for the DFAL crown by keeping pace with 13-1 Campolindo.  Pitcher Blair Cuny (17-1) benefited from a throwing error by the College Park third baseman that allowed the only run of the game and picked-up her 10th shutout win of the year.  Lauren Olson was 2-3 at the plate for the Don's.  Acalanes will play at Campolindo in the season's most important game on Tuesday starting at 3:30pm.  Acalanes only loss was to Campolindo when they lost by a 1-0 final on a rare Don's error.  Expect another tight low-scoring game that may determine the eventual DFAL Champion. 

  Softball Drops Showdown with Campolindo 4-3!

Perhaps it was the sudden emergence of nice warm weather that helped the hitters on Tuesday against the DFAL's top two pitchers.  Campolindo collected nine hits and Acalanes had seven hits in this thriller that may have determined the DFAL league champion.  Campolindo prevailed when they scored a solo run in the bottom of the 6th inning after the Don's had rallied to tie the score in the top half.  Don's pitcher Blair Cuny doubled in two runs off Campo Ace Becky McCullough to tie the score at 3-3, but surrendered a double to Anna Hennigh to lead off the bottom of the 6th and Hennigh came around to score the game winner two batters later.  

The Don's got the leadoff runner on-board in the top of the seventh, but Ashley Adams, who already had two hits on the day, attempted a bunt that was popped-up and the Don's runner was was forced at first base for a game-ending double play.  A large crowd attended the game between to evenly matched teams and were also greeted with a rare warm day on what has been a cool and wet spring so far.

The loss was the Don's second of the year to Campolindo (14-1, DFAL), they lost 1-0 earlier in the season, and dropped them into second place in the DFAL with a 13-2 record.  They will host Northgate on Thursday.

Read the game story from the Contra Costa Times dated 5/14 here.

Check out the pictures taken the day of the Campolindo game here.

  Wild Day in DFAL Moves Softball Back in Tie for DFAL Lead!

Acalanes Softball was the only team that won their game Thursday as expected when they defeated an upset-minded Northgate 5-2.  All the other games on the schedule were upsets as Campolindo, Alhambra, Dublin, and Las Lomas were upset in their games.  The win for the Don's put them in a tie with Campolindo with at 14-2 on the season, with the tiebreaker in Campo's favor with two games left.  The Don's overcame an early 2-0 Northgate lead to score five times in the bottom of the 6th for the win.  Carie Brueckner (3-4, 2 RBI) and Ashley Adams (3-4, RBI) each had a big day at the plate and Jessica Miller added two hits in the win.

The 1-0 upset win by College Park over Campolindo left the Don's tied at the top of the DFAL with two game left each.  Acalanes will face Alhambra in Martinez Tuesday and host Las Lomas on "Senior Day" Thursday to close out league play. 

Check out the results from the Contra Costa Times dated 5/16 here.

  Acalanes Softball Remains in Tie for DFAL After Win at Alhambra!

Coming into the season, Acalanes was picked to finish in fourth place behind Campolindo, Alhambra, and Dublin and was not given much of a chance to win the DFAL.  With one game left in the season, the Don's have lost only two games all year, both one-run loses to Campolindo, and have an outside chance to take the DFAL title, or at least be co-Champions with Campolindo when the season ends on Thursday.  Acalanes prevailed in yet another pitchers duel by a 2-1 margin on Tuesday at Alhambra.  The Don's scored two runs in the 4th inning by loading the bases on two hits and an error, and then plating those runners on another infield error and a fielders choice.  Don's pitcher Blair Cuny (19-2), made the lead stand up after allowing a solo run to Alhambra and was supported by solid defense including a great play by centerfielder Jessica Miller (2-3, RBI) who turned a possible extra base hit into an inning-ending double play.  Read the game summary from the Contra Costa Times dated 5/21 here.

Acalanes will host Las Lomas on Thursday in their final DFAL game on "Seniors Day".  Campolindo will host Alhambra in their final game up in Moraga.  Regardless how things turn out Thursday, the surprising Don's will be looking forward to a rematch with Campo in the NCS Playoffs that will begin next week.  Read the story on the DFAL race from the Contra Costa Sun dated 5/21 here.

Current DFAL Softball

2003 Standings 

  Softball Wins DFAL Championship!

If a season could go to one team that earned a break, the Softball team won the DFAL Championship Thursday when they ended the season with a better record than Campolindo whom the Don's lost their only games to during a 22-2 season.  Acalanes defeated Las Lomas 7-2 in their season finale, while Campolindo (15-3) lost an 18-inning marathon to Alhambra 4-2 leaving Acalanes in sole possession of the DFAL with a 16-2 record.  Campo was beaten by three teams the Don's beat twice, and will finish in second with Alhambra (13-5) finishing third in the DFAL.  

Acalanes was given no chance of claiming this year's league title at the beginning of the season and rebounded from a frustrating 11-13 season last year where they missed out of returning to the NCS playoffs after making it there the previous year for the first time in the school's history.  This year, competing in the NCS was the primary goal, but the team chemistry and breakout years by many of their players helped to bring home the DFAL league title as a bonus.

Among the standouts all season were the two senior middle infielders and team captains, Carie Brueckner and Lauren Olson who played their last scheduled game at home today against Las Lomas and were honored in a  pre-game ceremony for their four years contributing to the success of the Varsity softball team.  

The Don's have one of the best defenses in the area.  Combined with the seniors, Juniors Ashley Adams (C), Lara Alexander (3B), Blair Cuny (P), and Sophomores Charissa Csider (1B) and Jessica Miller (CF) made up the strongest overall defense that gave up only 24 runs in 24 games.  Pitcher Cuny won her 20th game of the season in the Las Lomas victory in a game that saw many of the supporting cast get an opportunity to prepare for the NCS playoffs.  The Don's allowed Las Lomas two quick runs in the 1st inning before coasting home with an easy win.  

The DFAL title ensures that the Don's will gain an automatic berth to the NCS playoffs that begin next week.  How they will be seeded and whom they will play will become more clear following the NCS meetings on Sunday.  I'm sure that another match-up with Alhambra and/or Campolindo will be along the path to a NCS Crown, which should be a great story when it's all said and done.

Congratulations to the entire softball program for a great season and to Coach Bob Brueckner who should receive "Coach of the Year" considerations for the huge turn-around season.  Good luck to the Lady Don's in the NCS playoffs!

Senior's Carie Brueckner and Lauren Olson help Don's Win DFAL!

Final DFAL Softball

2003 Standings 

  Acalanes Softball Opens NCS Playoffs at Home Against Concord Today!

After claiming their first ever DFAL title last week, Acalanes was named the #3 seed in the upcoming NCS playoffs that will begin this week.   The Don's Softball Team (22-2) will host a NCS game today against the #6 seed and fellow DFAL foe Concord High (14-9) at 5:00pm.  Three other DFAL teams reached the playoffs with Campolindo, Alhambra, and Dublin earning berths.  Acalanes beat Concord in both league games this year by the scores of 7-0 and 2-1. Should Acalanes advance, they will play the winner of the Campolindo and their opponent (winner of Hercules or Piedmont game on Tuesday) in the semi-final game on Friday.  Come out and cheer on our Lady Don's on Wednesday!

  Acalanes to Host Campolindo in Softball Semi-final Friday!

Well you the knew that Acalanes would have to face the only team to beat them this year if they wanted to earn the NCS title and that will happen Friday at 5:00pm when the Don's will host Campolindo in a NCS semi-final game.  The Don's advanced Wednesday by defeating the always upset-minded Concord High team by a 6-0 final, in a game that seemed like the score was much closer.  Concord put up a good fight and had runners on base in several innings, but the Don's outstanding defense always made the big play when needed or Pitcher Blair Cuny (21-2) would get the big strikeout to kill off the Minutemen threats.  

The Don's got their offense in prep mode for Campolindo when the broke the game open in a three-run 4th inning, featuring a blast off the center field wall by Senior Carie Brueckner that plated two runners.  The Don's got contributions from throughout the line-up as Senior Lauren Olson, Ashley Adams, and Madeline Nicholson seemed to always be on base.  The Don's got a big RBI from Lara Alexander to drive in the eventual winning-run in the Don's half of the 3rd inning  that broke up the scoreless tie.  The Don's would add two runs in the 6th to secure the 6-0 win and now look to face Campolindo in the semi-final.  Campolindo advanced on Wednesday by defeating Piedmont 5-0 in their NCS quarterfinal.  

A dream match-up of two DFAL opponents that look to settle a score will be featured in this highly anticipated NCS playoff game.  The winner will play Saturday in the NCS 2A Final against a yet unknown opponent (Moreau Catholic (#1 seed)?), and perhaps bragging rights to their DFAL season where the Don's edged Campo in wins-loses 16-2 to 15-3 for the DFAL crown, yet the Don's (#3) only two loses were to Campolindo (#2) and who also received the higher NCS seed.  This is a game not to be missed.

Congratulations to the Don's Softball team that moved to 23-2 for the year and won their first ever NCS playoff game.  Read the game summary from the Contra Costa Times dated 5/29 here.

  Softball Drops 13-Inning Heartbreaker to Campolindo in NCS Semi-Final!

A coin-toss in Campolindo's favor gave them home field advantage in the NCS Semi-Final game played at Acalanes Friday, and it ended up being their savior as the defending NCS 2A Champion team used their last at-bat in the 7th inning to tie the game at 3-3 in what looked to be a sure Acalanes win.  In the 13th inning and third inning played under the International Tie Breaker Rule, Campolindo plated a runner to end what was one of the best games played all year by either team.   With the 4-3 win by Campolindo, they advance to play Alhambra, an upset winner over Moreau Catholic, in the NCS 2A Final on Saturday.  

The stellar defense that helped Acalanes to a DFAL title had a momentary lapse in the bottom of the 7th inning, allowing Campolindo to score two unearned runs against Don's Starter Blair Cuny (21-3).  Lauren Olson and Madeline Nicholson collided on a sure out pop-up to set the stage for the comeback.  In a game of inches, Ashley Foster popped-up a sacrifice bunt attempt that was nearly caught by third baseman Lara Alexander in what would have been an easy game-ending double play, but the ball landed an inch from the glove and rolled to Catcher Ashley Adams who fired to first to complete the out, but the runner ran into Lauren Olson covering and the ball squirted free allowing a run to score.  Why the runner, who was clearly inside the base line, was not called out for interference sending the runners back to their respective bases is a real mystery, but not unexpected given Campolindo's lopsided edge on close-calls.  Instead of two outs and runners at second and third, Campo had one out and the game-tying run at third.  An infield chopper off the bat of Katelyn Smith drove run home that runner and the Don's tightened up defensively to send the game to extra-innings with the score 3-3.

Acalanes took a 3-0 lead in the 4th inning against Pitcher Becky McCullough (19-5) who beat the Don's twice in league play.  Jessica Miller singled to short and advanced on an error by the second baseman on Nicholson's grounder.  After a double steal, Jessica Hofherr drove home Miller with a grounder to first base for the games first run.  Ashley Adams then smashed a line drive down the line that was almost caught by the diving left fielder, and the ball rolled to the base of the fence.  By the time the ball was retrieved by the centerfielder, Adams had a two-run inside-the-park homer to give the Don's a 3-0 lead.  Campo cut the lead to 3-1 in the bottom of the inning, but went quietly in the 5th and 6th innings before the bottom of the 7th comeback.

Acalanes flashed some great defense in the extra innings to keep the score tied, including great plays by Ashley Adams, Jessica Miller, Carie Brueckner and Lara Alexander.  Miller's great throw nailed Anna Hennigh at the plate to complete an inning-double play in the 11th following a one-out fly ball.   Two more questionable calls hurt the Don's in their half of the 12th inning, and Alexander's pick-off of Hennigh at third kept it tied until the 13th.  With Hofherr starting at second base, she was sacrificed to third by Adams, and following a strikeout by Olson, Brueckner was walked for the fourth time in the game who then promptly stole second base.  But McCullough got Alexander to pop out to end their last chance before surrendering the winning run in the bottom of the inning, in what would have been the last inning to be played due to darkness had Campolindo not scored.

A game of inches and close plays was again the determining factor in the only three loses this season for the Don's (23-3), all by one-run to Campolindo.  For a team that improved from 11-13 the previous season with basically the same roster to winning the DFAL and coming one-play from contending in the NCS Championship is quite an accomplishment.  Tip your hat to Campolindo for taking advantage of every break and advancing to the final behind the strength of Becky McCullough (15 strikeouts).  But you had to leave the field for the final time this season thinking that the "best team" didn't advance on this day.  Congratulations to Head Coach Bob Brueckner and his program for a great and record-breaking season of softball.   Also, good luck to departing seniors Carie Brueckner and Lauren Olson who played their last game for the Don's.

Read the game summary from the Contra Costa Times dated 5/31 here.

  Don's Softball Players Recognized by DFAL in All-League Awards!

As expected following a 23-3 record for the year culminating in a DFAL Championship and a NCS semi-final appearance,  the Don's were recognized with no less than seven players earning all-league honors.  Don's pitcher Blair Cuny picked up one of the leagues top honors when she was chosen the as the DFAL's Most Valuable Pitcher.  Senior Lauren Olson (2B) and Junior Lara Alexander (3B) made the DFAL First-team, while Senior Carie Brueckner (SS), Junior Ashley Adams (C), and Sophomore Jessica Miller (CF) were among those chosen to the DFAL Second-Team.  The Don's Sophomore Charissa Csider was a DFAL Honorable Mention as well, meaning that the entire Acalanes infield, pitching battery, and centerfielder were recognized by the League Coaches for the superb defensive play during the 2003 year.  Congratulation to the Athletes!

  Acalanes Places Three Athletes on Contra Costa Top 100 List!

The Don's placed three athletes on the Annual Top 100 Prep Athlete List compiled by the Contra Costa Times.  Making the list this year were Seniors Carie Brueckner and Zach Clark, and Junior Katie Curtis.  Find the profiles below and click here for the complete list from the Contra Costa Times dated 5/18.  Congratulations to Carie, Zach and Katie for a great year!

CARIE BRUECKNER   Softball, Golf

Brueckner was a senior captain on a Dons team that opened the season with a 15-game winning streak and won the Diablo Foothill Athletic League crown. She anchored one of the area's toughest defenses and most productive offenses as Acalanes' shortstop and cleanup hitter. Brueckner was also a key contributor on the Dons' golf team that won the DFAL and the North Coast Section titles.

ZACH CLARK   Football, Basketball, Baseball

A three-sport standout for the Dons, Clark was the DFAL MVP in basketball. He averaged 14.4 points per game and was one of the league's top defenders, leading Acalanes to the league title. In the fall, Clark guided the Dons football team to the NCS 2A East Bay title game. He started at quarterback and had nine interceptions on defense, earning first-team All-Times defensive back. Clark was the designated hitter for the baseball team and was a second-team All- League selection.

KATIE CURTIS   Basketball

Curtis helped lead Acalanes to its first NCS Division III title since 1999. She had 17 points, six assists and five rebounds in the NCS championship game. On the season, she averaged 15.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.8 steals per game and was named to the All-Times first team.

  Jessica Miller and Shauna Kennedy Pick-up Softball Team Awards!

The entire 2003 Softball Team earned a "Team MVP" award at the annual Softball year-end dinner banquet and two other Don's were honored.  Don's head coach Bob Brueckner gave each player an individual plaque honoring them for their contribution to the successful year that saw the Don's earn a DFAL Championship and NCS semi-final berth during their 26-3 season.  Sophomore Jessica Miller was honored as "Most Improved" player as she was inserted into the important centerfield position and earned a DFAL All-league 2nd team honor for her play.  The "Coaches Award" went to Junior Shauna Kennedy, who demonstrated a great attitude and worked hard to become the Don's most dependable "10th player" off the bench.  

  Lauren Olson and Zach Clark are Boosters' Scholar-Athletes for 2002-03!

Two graduating athletes were recognized during the Acalanes Senior Awards night on June 7th when Lauren Olson and Zach Clark were honored by the Boosters' Club.   Both athletes became the third annual female and male recipient of the Boosters award and $500 scholarship.  Athletes are judged on their athletic participation during their four years at Acalanes, and must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to qualify for the award.

Zach Clark's year has been well documented, but he also hit the books and was a success both on and off the field.  Lauren Olson was a member of the NCS winning Women's Golf team and a All-leaguer on the DFAL winning Don's softball team her senior year.  Congratulations from the Boosters' Club to our Scholar-Athlete recipients. 

  Carie Brueckner Named to Times "Athlete of the Year" Team in Softball!!

Senior Carie Brueckner was the only Acalanes athlete named on the Spring Contra Costa Athlete of Year's teams.  Brueckner was the shortstop on the Don's DFAL Champion softball team and batted .413 with 31 RBI's on the year.  Brueckner was also co-captain and has been a four-year starter for the Don's helping them improve from a mediocre squad to one of the top teams in the East Bay.  Besides leading the team in almost every offensive category, she fielded even better making only four errors at one of the toughest positions in softball.  Brueckner was joined by the other co-captain and fellow senior Lauren Olson whom was named to the second team.  Don's nemesis Becky McCullough from Campolindo was named the Times Player of the Year.  Read the story from the Contra Costa Times dated 6/27 here.

  Don's Find New Softball Coach to Replace Retired Bob Brueckner!

In anticipation of the upcoming spring sports scene, Athletic Director Randy Takahashi has announced the hiring of Jean Timken as the new Head Varsity Coach for the Don's Softball team.   Timken has been an assistant softball coach for the past four years and will replace Bob Brueckner who retired recently after deciding not to return to Acalanes.  Brueckner was instrumental in rebuilding the Don's Softball program over the past five years, including winning the DFAL Championship in 2003.  Brueckner's teams reached the NCS playoffs the two of the past three years and lost a heartbreaking 13-inning marathon in the NCS semi-final last season.  Coach Brueckner was also the driving force behind the Don's Softball field renovation which now ranks as one of the best facilities in the East Bay.   Good luck to Bob and his family and thanks for all you have done to put our softball team at the top of the league.  Finally, good luck to Coach Timken on the promotion.

  Junior Varsity Game Reports Have Been Updated!

Our Acalanes Junior Varsity Team is seeing a lot of run scoring and interesting games so far this season.  Besides beating Campolindo twice, the JV Don's have had their up's and down's.  Check out the game reports received thru 5/21 by clicking here.  These updates are provided by Don's JV Head Coach Courtney Bowman.  Thanks Courtney!

Acalanes Girls Junior Varsity Schedule 2003

Acalanes Preseason Junior Varsity Schedule and Results

Click here for Game Reports for the Junior Varsity Games

Acalanes Preseason Junior Varsity Schedule and Results

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