Claremont High’s softball team almost claimed victory at Cahuilla Park Wednesday. With the Wolfpack ahead, 6-4, and Ayala High School down to their last out in the seventh inning, junior pitcher Rosalie Keirns was focused on getting the last out.
But with one pop from the bat, the Bulldogs got the ball past freshman shortstop Katie Kempton, allowing two runs for a 6-6 tie, and stretching the game into extra innings. Further mishaps allowed the Bulldogs to win the game 8-6 in the ninth inning.
Bill Dwyre, Los Angeles Times editor and longtime writer in the area of sports, attracted a considerable crowd during a recent appearance in Claremont at Pilgrim Place, discussing his theme of “A Writer’s Journey.”
Not a stranger to Claremont by any measure, Mr. Dwyre has, for many years, been involved with the Casa Colina Hospital for Rehabilitation and the establishment of Padua Village along with his longtime friend, the late John Rountree. The two shared a friendly rivalry in the sports world, with their respective support of Army for Mr. Rountree and Notre Dame, Mr. Dwyre’s alma mater.
Claremont High’s boys’ baseball team was competing against an open tap. It became a never-ending spewing faucet, sprung loose by the Chino Hills Huskies hitters Wednesday at Chino Hills High School.
It burst in the first three innings and senior pitcher Jonathan Ochoa fought the tide for the majority of the game. However, the flood was overwhelming in the bottom of the sixth and the Huskies won, 10-1.
“They were able to take advantage of our mistakes,” junior center fielder Jeremiah Maldonado said. “We have to do better tracking them down.”
The afternoon elements remained consistent on the course for Claremont High boys golf team. The sun started to peek through the clouds, the deer moved toward the trees and wind gusts came accordingly during the Tuesday match at Marshall Canyon.
But all this did not stop CHS from hitting just enough precise strokes to win against Damien High, 235-240, while managing to get four players under 40 strokes, according to head coach Terrance Lynch. He said it was great victory against an evenly-matched opponent, since they are tied for second in the Sierra League.
“(This match) It’s the best round of the year,” Lynch said. “Having a decisive victory like this is pretty good.” Check out our complete sports coverage.
Pressure was starting to distract the Wolfpack at the Orange County Boys Volleyball Championships. They won the first set, 25-22, but their opponent, Woodbridge High, just came back from the second set, 25-20, on March 22.
Head Coach Bernie Wendling saw they were down, 14-10, in the final set. Every move, every block, was crucial for the Wolfpack to make a comeback. After digging for the ball and blocking offensive maneuvers, they managed to produce six consecutive scores for the win, 16-10.
But there was another accomplishment that occurred that day. Coach Wendling earned his 500th career win in his 16th year coaching volleyball for Claremont High School.
The afternoon sunlight glared as senior Cameron Lorek began a final showdown with Ayala High on Wednesday. As the wind picked up and specks of trash flew over the tennis court, Lorek stayed focused.
Both teams—the Wolfpack and the Bulldogs—stood on the other side of the fence and rooted for their respective athletes. The match finally ended at 7-6, with Lorek adding another team point for the Wolfpack. The Wolfpack performed well for their first league meet against Ayala, winning 13-5.
“It was a great team effort,” Head Coach Clint Rees said. “The singles are on the verge of sweeping, but our doubles need some work.”
It was a tough barrier but it was not insurmountable. Whenever Canyon High made a slight error, the Claremont boys volleyball team responded by breaking through their defense.
A slight pause from the Comanches would prompt senior setter Eran Bechor to spike the ball; a misstep allowed sophomore opposite Bronson Sloboudnik to strike the ball back into Canyon territory. All the action was followed by fist pumps. But that was the good news.
The Comanches’ defensive barrier withheld as the Wolfpack ended up losing, 3-1. Check out our boys golf update inside. COURIER photo/Steven Felschundneff
UPDATED: The Claremont boy’s baseball team defeated Pasadena High, 6-3, Tuesday at Claremont High, starting their overall season strong with 11 hits and four runs by the sixth inning.
Head coach Geoff Ranney said they did better when a few players stepped up, including senior Brent Hollinger who managed to get hits when the team needed it most.
Since last season, the Wolfpack had trouble putting the ball in play, along with hitting with runners in scoring position. But after this game, it seems the team found a way to avoid old habits.
“I have never seen a level of intensity that I have never seen before,” Ranney said.
The next game is away at Alta Loma High Thursday. The time is still to be determined.
Claremont High School senior Omar Mahmoud and freshman Kyle Scalmanini gang up on Elsinore High School senior Tommy Wilson on Tuesday during CIF southern section playoff action at CHS. Though the Pack worked hard against the higher ranked Tigers they trailed most of the game and were eliminated from the tournament by a score of 68-66. Check out complete game story. COURIER photo/Steven Felschundneff
Claremont High School forward Tomas Negritto, center, celebrates with teammate Mark Ramos on Thursday evening after Negritto scored the Wolfpack’s third and final goal during first round CIF playoff action at CHS. Claremont out shot the visiting Vista del Lago Ravens throughout the game winning 3-1 and advancing to the next round. Check out our game story.
Claremont’s Javon Turner attempts to head the ball past Charter Oak goalkeeper Ernesto Flores on Thursday during Sierra League action at Claremont High School. The two teams were scoreless after regulation time but the Pack drove in a single goal in overtime to win 1-0. COURIER photo/Steven Felschundneff
The first-half of the Claremont High School girls soccer match on Tuesday was ending and senior midfielders Megan Renkin and Merin Arft attempted to make an elaborate goal. As Renkin kicked the ball in the air, Arft picked the perfect moment to use a headshot to redirect it towards the net. She just happened to miss it. Check out our complete sports round-up.
Chino Hills’ Amanda Ball fights for the ball with Claremont’s Karsyn Jordan and Merin Arft on Wednesday at Claremont High School. The Chino Hills team consistently out ran Claremont during their Sierra League match and came out on top 4-0. Check out our complete game story. COURIER photo/Steven Felschundneff
Claremont High School’s Malik Webster gets control over Charter Oak’s Matt Fortugno on Tuesday during varsity wrestling action at CHS. Webster eventually pinned Fortugno but the Pack was not able to pull off a team victory falling to the Chargers 30-41. Check out our complete sports coverage. COURIER photo/Steven Felschundneff
