A 3-0 victory over Saddleback Valley Christian on June 5 gave Alverno High School the 2004 CIF-SS Division VI Championship, the second in school history (having previously won in 1981).

Pitcher Jessica Stewart pitched her fourth shutout of the playoffs for the Jaguars, allowing four hits and striking out 10. The all-girls' high school in Sierra Madre --- runners-up in 2003 --- became the first West San Gabriel Valley school to win two softball championships.

Stewart and Coach Frank Russo called the title a team victory, with the Jaguars "working in perfect harmony" to make the victory happen. "We play off each other," said Stewart. "We support each other. We build off what each other does, and it all came together."

Principal Ann Gillick presented the championship plaque later that day at the school's Baccalaureate Mass at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in Pasadena.

The Jaguar team also includes Sue Capra, Vanessa Cullen, Monique Escamilla, Celina Flores, Rebecca Garcia, Kristine Martin, Paula Morreale, Bryana Pickford, Stephanie Pickford, Erica Ramirez, Katelyn Scott, Elena Soto, Kim Swisher, Veronica Vasquez and Danielle Vega.

In track, local Catholic athletes performed well at the State Championship meet held June 5 in Sacramento.

Leading the way was Bishop Amat's senior star Jasmine Baldwin who won both the girls' 100- and 200-meter titles in times of 11.33 and 22.86 seconds, the latter time the fourth fastest ever by a high school athlete. Senior Artensia Young of Serra was third in the triple jump at 39 feet, 9.25 inches, and Serra sophomore Kimyon Broom was fourth in the 100 high hurdles at 13.87.

Junior Mark Matusak of Loyola was the surprise winner in the boys' 1600-meter run at 4:15.89. St. Bonaventure Senior Terrail Lambert placed second in the 100 meters at 10.53, with Crespi junior Randle Harris sixth in 10.71. Serra's 1600-meter relay team (senior John Reamer, juniors Tristin Patin and Marcel Keeling, and sophomore Lawrence Trice) was third (3:15.76), and Notre Dame's 400-meter relay team (sophomores Rodney Glass and Garrett Green, junior Carey Harris and senior K.C. Croal) was fifth (41.96).

In baseball, Crespi (27-5) was beaten by Katella, 3-0, in the Division III championship game June 5 at Dodger Stadium.