Submitted By Coach Tony Hernandez

This past Saturday, the girls U-11 California United team took part in a great, tough, nail biting Championship game v Oxnard AC. California United came into the game with an 8-2 regular season record and the last time they had lost a game or even given up a goal was March 25th.

As expected in a final, there was a great exhibition of skill and talent from both sides. Oxnard AC was first to score taking a 1-0 lead. Shortly before the end of the first half Jadon Rodriguez scored an amazing goal after beating two defenders and somehow keeping her balance in a tough fought play that tied the game 1-1 in the first half. After a corner kick goal by Oxnard AC, the California United team was down 1-2. California United applied plenty of pressure and had multiple opportunities to score with the crowd getting loud behind them. In the end, it was not to be as California United just came up a bit short in the loss. The team was able to walk off the field with their heads held high and a very proud coaching staff and crowd loudly applauding after such a hard played final.

It was a great season for our California United team in which the coaching staff has seen so much growth and advancement from our players due to their hard work and great effort. We’d like to thank all the friends and family for their continued support and great presence at the game and to our sponsors Body Image Fitness, Portobello Pizza and Taco Llama for their help and generosity.

For more information about joining or sponsoring your local California United Futbol Club, please like or message us on Facebook @Californiaunitedfc.

Southern California Track & Field Co-Conference Championships were held on Saturday, May 13th at Ventura High School. A total of 14 teams participated with only the conference top athletes who qualified. Heritage Valley Blazers represented well, with 50 athletes.

In Distance, Lindsey Ramirez ran away with two 1st place medals. She ran a 10:51.39 in the Girls 11-12 3000m race, and a 5:02.79 in the 1500m. Carolina Garcia placed 10th in the Girls 11-12 3000m. In the Girls 13-14 3000m race, Emalee Perez took 7th and Michael-Camilo Torres, placed 6th in the Boys 13-14 3000m. Our young 8U distance runners dominated in the 1500m. Paola Estrada placed 1st with a time of 5:53.57. Teammates, Kaylani Perez placed 2nd, Emily Arriaga placed 6th, Genevieve "GiGi" Abbitt placed 8th and Sarah Perez placed 11th. In the Boys 8U 1500m, Abel Arana placed 11th. Niza Laureano, placed 1st in the Girls 9-10 1500m race, with a time of 5:28.30. In the Girls 13-14 1500m race, Vanessa Cabral placed 8th and Jordyn Walla was 9th. In the Boys 13-14 1500m race, placing 4th, was Rey Laureano. Yvette Sanchez, placed 3rd in the Girls 15-16 1500m race.

In Mid-Distance, Girls 8U 800m, Blazers took 1st and 2nd again. Paola Estrada ran 2:57.94, with Kaylani Perez right behind her. Emily Arriaga placed 8th and Sarah Perez was 9th. Boys 8U 800, Timothy Pillado II took 1st, with a time of 2:55.46 and Jesus "Chuy" Santa Rosa in 4th. Girls 9-10 800m, Niza Laureano took 1st, with Julissa Mendoza in 4th. Girls 13-14 800m, Jordyn Walla took 8th and Vanessa Cabral was 9th. Boys 13-14 800, Emilio Magana was 4th, with Rey Laureano in 7th. Girls 15-16 800m, Yvette Sanchez took 4th.

In the 100m hurdles, Ashlan Larson took 4th and Amani Hooker was 8th. Boys 15-16, Isaac Ortiz finished in 2nd place.

In the relays, our Girls 8U 4x100m, placed 6th and Boys 8U, was 8th. Boys 13-14 4x100m, placed 4th. Girls 9-10 4x400m placed 2nd, and Girls 13-14 4x400m, placed 7th. The Boys 4x400m placed 1st, running 3:59.88. Boys 15-16 4x400m, placed 2nd.

In the Sprints, Timothy Pillado II took 1st in Boys 8U 400m with a time of 75.44, and 2nd in the 100m. Isaiah Morales was 7th in the 400m and 8th in the 200m, with Jacob Martinez 9th in the 400m. The Girls 9-10 division, Julissa Mendoza placed 4th in the 400m and 2nd in the 200m. Leah Barragan placed 5th in the 400m and 4th in the 100m. Emilio Magaña placed 4th in Boys 13-14 400m, and Dante Mata was 4th in the 200m.

In Jumps, Isaiah Morales placed 7th for the Boys 8U Long Jump. Ashlan Larson, placed 7th in Girls 13-14 Long Jump and 5th in High Jump. Dante Mata placed 1st, jumping 6'-0" and breaking a previous record of 5'-8", set back in 2012. This is Dante's second record this 2017 season. He also broke the Southern California Youth Invitational high jump record back in April, leaping a 6'-1", a PR for the season.

In Throws, shot putters Danika Rico Girls 9-10 in 3rd, and Uzziah Avila Boys 9-10 placing 2nd. Boys 11-12, Nicolas Andrade placed 4th. Boys 13-14, Alexander Ladosky placed 2nd and Aydin Henderson placed 5th. Girls 15-16, Yvette Sanchez, placed 3rd.

Heritage Valley Blazers is a nonprofit organization, providing each athlete the opportunity to reach their full potential by developing endurance, strength, self-esteem, discipline, personal accountability and goal achievement while encouraging positive attitudes, good sportsmanship and respect. With the help of our coaching staff, these young athletes have grown to love the sport. Until next Track & Field Season... GO BLAZERS!

California United Girl’s 11U team celebrates the big semifinal win. The girl’s are scheduled play for the Championship next week. Photos by Martin Hernandez.
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Isabel Hernandez, showing off that great defense, wins another ball from the opposing Oxnard team at this past Saturday’s game.
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On Saturday, May 13th The California United’s 11U Girls Soccer Team matched up with Nacional from Oxnard for the Semifinals. The team scored a goal in the first half by Jadon Rodriguez assisted by Victoria Pina. In the second half, Marlene Gonzalez scored 2 goals, making the final score 3-0 allowing the team to advance to the Finals which are to be held this coming weekend. The team recorded yet another shutout by all members of the defense and goalies Gabriela Martinez and Lexis Pina. A solid performance was also displayed by midfielders Fatima Alvarado, Athena Sanchez and Karissa Terrassa. For more information on game time and location please like us on Facebook. Hope to see you all there.

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Meet results from last dual meet vs. Santa Paula

JV Girls – Fillmore 92 Santa Paula 63
Vannity Alonso won the 50 yd. butterfly. Ulany Valencia won the 50 yd. breaststroke. Sasha Segovia won the 200 yd. freestyle. Fillmore won the 200 yd. medley relay, 200 yd. freestyle relay and the 400 yd. freestyle relay

JV Boys - Fillmore 44 Santa Paula 63
Adrian Meraz won the 200 yd. freestyle. Ricky Cadena won the 50 yd. & 100 yd. Freestyle. Fillmore won the 400 yd. freestyle relay.

Varsity Girls - Fillmore 59 Santa Paula 78
Jayna Sponseller won the 200 yd. individual medley and the 500 yd. freestyle

Varsity Boys - Fillmore 70 Santa Paula 68
Luke Myers won the 200 yd. freestyle. Sam Guzman won the 200 yd. individual medley. JJ Gonzalez won the 100 yd. butterfly. Brenden Baker won the 50 yd. freestyle. Fillmore won the 200 yd. medley relay and the 400 yd. freestyle relay.

Frontier League Swimming Championships
Fillmore Girls Junior Varsity are Frontier League champions beating out Santa Paula and Santa Clara. Individual champions include Sasha Segovia in the 200 yd. freestyle, Maddie Davis in the 100 yd. individual medley and 50 yd. backstroke, and Ulany Valencia in the 50 yd. breaststroke. Many first year swimmers made and scored points at League Finals.

JV Boys were second behind Santa Paula. Juan Perez, Sebastian Lidikay, Adrian Meraz and Ricky Cadena all scored in individual events and won the 400 yd. freestyle relay.

Varsity Girls placed third and had many outstanding swims with all swimmers scoring in individual events. Jayna Sponseller was league champion in the 500 yd. freestyle.

Varsity Boys placed third in a strong field. All swimmers scored in individual events. Luke Myers had an impressive 20 second drop in the 500 yd. freestyle. Adrain Bonilla also made huge time drops in the 200 yd. freestyle and the 500 yd. freestyle.

Jayna Sponseller moves on the CIF Div. 4 Swimming Championship prelims in the 200 yd. individual medley. The meet is being held on Wednesday, May 10 at Riverside City College. CIF Finals are on Friday, also in Riverside.

Ventura County Youth Track and Field Championships were held at Moorpark High School last Saturday May 6th, Heritage Valley Blazers had a strong showing and was well represented.

The morning was drizzly, a perfect setting for our distance runners. Paola Estrada finished 1st in the Girls 8U 1600m, with Kaylani Perez finishing 2nd. Ayden Barajas finished 1st in the Boys 8U 1600m. Lindsey Ramirez Girls 11-12 finished 1st in the 3200m race, and the 1600m race. Also bringing in 1st was Emmalee Perez Girls 13-14 in the 3200m race. Jordyn Walla Girls 13-14, placed 3rd in the 1600m. But the highlight of our distance runners was our very own, Niza Laureano breaking the Girls 9-10 1600m record, with a time of 5:42.17. Record was previously 5:48.7, set back in 2011. Niza is one of our strongest distance runners, who also currently holds the Girls 8U 1600m record time of 6:12.17. Her future looks promising.

In the 100m hurdles Ashlan Larson and Isaac Ortiz finished in 2nd place in their divisions.

In the relays we had 3 strong 4x100m teams that will continue to the next round of championships. Our Boys 8U A team, Girls 8U A team, and the 13-14 Boys A team. We will also have 9-10 girls, 11-12 boys, 13-14 boys and girls, and 15-16 boys qualifying for next round in the 4x400m relays.

In the Sprints, Timothy Pillado II took 1st in Boys 8U 400m with a time of 74.65, he also took 1st in the 200m and 2nd in the 100m. Julissa Mendoza took 2nd in Girls 9-10 400m and 200m. Emilio Magaña took 2nd in Boys 13-14 400m, Leah Barragan took 3rd in Girls 9-10 100m.

In Mid-Distance, Paola Estrada took 1st in Girls 8U 800m with Kaylani Perez in 2nd. Boys 8U dominated with Timothy Pillado II taking 1st, Ayden Barajas in 2nd and Jesus "Chuy" Santa Rosa in 3rd. Niza Laureano, again taking 1st in Girls 9-10 800m, with Julissa Mendoza in 2nd.

In Jumps, we had Ashlan Larson come in 2nd in Girls 13-14 High Jump, Dante Mata 1st in Boys 13-14 High Jump with a jump of 5'-10".

In Throws, we had Danika Rico Girls 9-10 in 2nd, Uzziah Avila Boys 9-10 coming in 1st with a throw of 26-06.25', and also coming in 1st was Yvette Sanchez Girls 15-16 throwing 21-01.00'. Nicolas Andrade Boys 11-12 took 3rd. Alexander Ladosky finished 2nd in Boys 13-14, with Aydin Henderson coming in 3rd.

Overall, Heritage Valley Blazers are extremely proud of all our athletes. They will continue training one more week for VCYTC and SCYTFC Co Conference Championships coming up this weekend, May 13th at Ventura High School. Best of luck; GO BLAZERS!

California Resources Corporation presents the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley with a generous $10,000 donation to be used for the kids STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programs. This donation is much appreciated as the club has strategically refocused its programs to encourage daily STEM use. Such donations help our members in Fillmore, Piru and Santa Paula discover the future and implement curiosity, which will help them possibly pick STEM careers in the future. Thank you CRC for the donation and for being continued supporters of the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley. Submitted By Laura Mendez.
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Submitted By Head Coach Kellsie McLain

On Thursday, May 4th the Flashes Varsity Softball team celebrated their four graduating seniors with a heart-warming ceremony and a win over Foothill Tech H.S. Seniors, Leah Meza, Marisa Felix, Kayla Carrillo, and Destiny Willis, were honored in a pre-game ceremony commemorating their time playing for FHS. The four athletes were accompanied by parents and family members as they walked across the field to receive flowers from the Flashes coaching staff. Younger teammates looked on as these seniors embraced their loved ones and prepared to play in the last home league game of their careers. Following the conclusion of this ceremony, the Flashes took the field against the F.T.H.S. Dragons. Stringing together an abundance of hits, Fillmore ultimately defeated Foothill with a final score of 9-5. With this victory the Flashes also secured first place in the Tri-Valley League. This marks the first league title for Fillmore’s softball program in nearly a decade. The mighty Flashes will now enter round one of the CIF playoffs. Game details for round one will be posted on the CIF Southern Section website Monday, May 15th at 12:00pm. Go get ‘em Flashes!

Submitted By Tony Hernandez

The CU girls U-11 team continued to look strong as they finished off the regular season with a 4-0 victory over Oxnard Panteras. The offense was lead once again by Fatima Alvarado with 2 goals along with Kari Terrazas and Marlene Gonzalez’ 1 goal apiece. As is becoming the norm the defense stepped up with another shut out making it their fifth straight and has them looking strong heading into the playoffs with an 8-2 record.

The Oxnard County Soccer League Playoffs begin on May 6th, please wish them luck as they make a run for the League Championship.

The CU boys U-13 team had a very good showing this weekend as well with a 3-0 win over VC Fusion. The team showed great balance with a goal from Armando Manriquez, Julio Negrete and Chris Hernandez. Setting up the goals with 1 assist each were Diego Alcaraz and Mathew Magana.

Submitted By Coach Kellsie McLain

With league records tied at 4 wins and 1 loss each, the Fillmore and Santa Paula varsity softball teams squared off for a league rivalry game this past Tuesday afternoon. The Flashes came out hitting, pulling ahead 1-0 in the top of the second inning. Though the Cardinals were able to put multiple runners on base, stellar defense by the Flashes allowed Fillmore to keep the Cardinals at bay. Later in the game the Flashes strung together a series of
great at-bats, scoring another two runs. In the bottom of the fourth inning the Cardinals retaliated by scoring one run before the Flashes were able to end the rally. With lights-out fielding efforts and a determined attitude, the Flashes held on to their 3-1 lead to ultimately secure the victory. Flashes highlights were as follows: Second baseman Maiah Lopez went 2 for 3 with a single, a double, and 1 RBI. Left fielder Leah Meza went 2 for 3 with two singles and 1 RBI. Pitcher Sydnee Isom completed a full 7 innings with 5 strikeouts and no walks. Way to go Flashes!!!

Flashes swimmer Sammy Guzman won the 200 yard relay in the meet against Channel Islands this past Friday, April 14th
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Submitted By Coach Cindy Blatt

Wednesday, 5/4/2017 @ Fillmore vs. Villanova & Grace
Varsity Girls: Grace 58 - Fillmore 32, Villanova 62 - Fillmore 29; Highlights for Fillmore: Jayna Sponseller made a CIF Consideration time in the 200 yd. Individual Medley – 2:38.85. Jayna won the 500 yd. freestyle in 6:11.68 Fillmore – 0-3-1, 0-1-1 Frontier.
Varsity Boys: Fillmore 50 - Grace 34, Fillmore 43 - Villanova 43; Highlights for Fillmore: CIF Consideration time was achieved in the 200 yd. Medley Relay – 1:59.19 (Luke Myers, William Tran-Wyche, Jaime Gonzalez, Brenden Baker). Fillmore - 2-2-1, 1-1 Frontier.

Friday, 5/7/2017 @ Fillmore vs. Channel Islands
Varsity Girls: Fillmore 86 – CI 68; Highlights for Fillmore: Jayna Sponseller won the 200 yd. Individual Medley with a CIF Consideration time of 2:34.81 and won the 500 yd. freestyle in 6:21.19. Aviana Ramirez won the 100 yd. Backstroke in 1:20.32. Erin Barrington won the 100 yd. Breaststroke in 1:31.18. Fillmore – 1-3-1, 0-1-1 Frontier.
Varsity Boys: Fillmore 66 - CI 76; Highlights for Fillmore: Sam Guzman won the 200 yd. Individual Medley and the 500 yd. Freestyle. Jaime Gonzalez won the 100 yd. Butterfly. Luke Myers won the 100 yd. freestyle. William Tran-Wyche won the 100 yd. Breaststroke. Fillmore – 1-4-1, 0-1-1 Frontier.

Submitted By Coach Liz Hinklin

On Tuesday, April 11th the Flashes traveled to Hueneme High School for a non-league game. The Flashes started off the 1st inning with hits by Kasey Crawford and Sydnee Isom, scoring one run. In the top of the 2nd inning Fillmore put another 3 runs on the board with hits by Crawford and Maiah Lopez; At the top of the 3rd inning with the Flashes winning 4-0 they crossed the plate 6 more times making the score 10-0, with a hit from Lopez and a double by Isom. Going into the 4th inning the Fillmore Flashes continued to dominate the offense with hits contributed by Lindsey Brown and doubles by Jasmine Zavala and Alyssa Ibarra. The defense and pitching by Isom was strong holding the Vikings to no base runners until the bottom of the 4th inning, when they got their first hit of the game taking away the perfect game from Isom. Flashes took the win with the final score of Fillmore Flashes 14, Hueneme Vikings 0. Players contributing with RBIs: Crawford 3, Lopez 4, Isom 4, Kayla Carrillo 1, A Ibarra 1, Brown 1. The Flashes will take the field on Thursday in a league game against Foothill Tech at Ventura College, game time 3:30pm.

Submitted By Coach Tony Hernandez

The girls U-11 squad secured another playoff appearance in the Oxnard County Soccer League with a win over Oxnard team National this past Saturday. The CU team came out aggressive from the very beginning with 19 shots on goal in the first half after being challenged by the coaches as the three top scorers on the team were unavailable, giving other players an opportunity to step up. Notably, Tori Pina had 7 shots on goal while Brooke Nunez had 4. While the opportunities were there, the half ended in a 0-0 tie as our defense had yet another great performance along with Ashley Hernandez having 4 steals.

Team National was unable to continue in the second half and forfeited the match resulting in a 1-0 win for CU and the playoff spot. CU has 2 games remaining before the playoffs begin.

Lady Flashes celebrating their terrific comeback against St. Bonaventure, final Score 7-6 Fillmore.
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Submitted By Coach Kellsie McLain

Fillmore Flashes Varsity Softball team took the win over visiting Saint Bonaventure in 9 innings!

Last Thursday the Fillmore Flashes softball team defeated the St. Bonaventure Seraphs in an extra-inning thriller. Going into the top of the 9th inning with a score of 0-0, the Seraphs scored 6 runs to take the lead. After securing the third out, the Flashes headed to their dugout knowing they had one chance to match the Seraphs’ 6 run effort. Junior second baseman Maiah Lopez started the inning off for the Flashes with a single. Third baseman Cali Wyand then joined Lopez on base after laying down a beautiful bunt. Sami Ibarra (1st base) reached on an error, giving the Flashes a bases-loaded opportunity with no outs. Sydnee Isom hit a fly ball to right field for an out, but not before Lopez was able to tag up and score the first run for the Flashes. Kayla Carrillo put her bat to work with a single, scoring Fillmore’s second run of the inning. After striking out a Flashes player, the Seraphs pitcher then faced freshman Jazmine Zavala. With two outs, Zavala kept the inning alive with a base hit that scored Sami Ibarra. Junior Linsey Brown then stepped up to the plate, ultimately reaching first base on an error. With bases loaded, two outs, and the Flashes down 6-3, Junior center fielder Kasey Crawford comes in with a clutch hit to score Carrillo and Zavala. With the tying run on second and the winning run on third, Maiah Lopez returns to the plate for the second time that inning. After taking the pitcher deep in the count, Lopez drives a shot inches over the shortstop’s glove, scoring Lindsey Brown and Kasey Crawford for the win. The Fillmore crowd erupted in celebration as the Flashes league record moved to 3-1. The Flashes will take on their next league opponent, Foothill Tech, in Ventura on April 20th.

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Submitted By Coach Kellsie McLain

This past week the Lady Flashes Varsity Softball team won two league games, defeating both La Reina and Santa Clara. The final scores for these match-ups were Fillmore 1 – La Reina 0, and Fillmore 4 – Santa Clara 1. Highlights versus La Reina were as follows: Junior second baseman Maiah Lopez went 2 for 3, scoring Fillmore’s winning run. Junior pitcher Sydnee Isom completed the 7 inning game with 6 strikeouts and 2 walks, while only allowing 2 hits. Fillmore versus Santa Clara highlights were as follows: Junior centerfielder Kasey Crawford went 2 for 3, scoring one run and earning one RBI. Juniors Sydnee Isom and Lindsey Brown both hit doubles, with Isom also earing an RBI. Pitcher, Isom, completed the 7 inning game with 12 strikeouts and 0 walks, allowing only 3 hits. Freshman catcher Jazmine Zavala and Junior second baseman Maiah Lopez also earned the Flashes RBI’s.

This week the Fillmore Schedule has the Flashes taking on San Marcos in Santa Barbara on Tuesday, April 4th, St. Bonaventure at home on Thursday, April 6th, and Rio Mesa in Oxnard on Saturday, April 8th. Go Flashes!