Local prep players take the spotlight

The La Jolla Country Day softball team is still undefeated, thanks in large part to its ace pitcher, Christine Campbell. During last weekend’s Duds for Dudes Torrey Invitational Softball Tournament, Campbell led the Torreys to a 2-0 win over Desert Mirage as she struck out 18 batters, allowing no hits. In the team’s 6-1 win over Guajome Park, Campbell was nearly as good pitching another no-hitter, this time striking out 15 batters.

The Torreys are off until April 13 when they host The Bishop’s School.

• La Jolla High’s Sam Mahmood has accepted a soccer scholarship to St. John’s in New York City. Mahmood has played on varsity for the Vikings since his sophomore year as well as for one of the top clubs in California, the U18 San Diego Surf Academy in Del Mar.

“I had a really tough recruiting process, I thought I had a lot of options and I just couldn’t find the best one,” Mahmood said. “I wanted the school that offers the best soccer program and the one that is pretty good in academics.”
It’s fair to suggest Mahmood will take his talents to a top-tier college team. St. John’s has had a lot of success during the past 10 years, including winning the Big East title in 2009 as well as a national championship in 2002. The Red Storm played in the NCAA Tournament nine times during the past 10 seasons, including seven trips to the Round of 16.

Phil Dailey is now covering sports for the Light. Contact him with scores, game highlights or standout players at phildailey@gmail.com.