Laguna looks to future

Its stay in the District 55 All-Star Tournament wasn’t as long as it

had hoped, but the experience gained by the Laguna Beach Little

League 9/10 All-Star team should bode well for the future.

Laguna Beach opened the tournament against defending champion

Aliso Niguel, which sent Laguna into the “Second Chance” bracket

after a 12-0 win.

In that “Second Chance” bracket, Laguna Beach was eliminated from

the double-elimination tournament by Rancho Mission Viejo, 5-3, in

Lake Forest.

Laguna Beach was in contention for victory throughout the

six-inning game, thanks in part to the solid pitching by Austin

Paxson, who started on the mound.

Paxson was backed by excellent defensive play throughout his

pitching stint.

Key defensive plays were made in the infield by Jack Pillsbury,

Brian Vail and Blake Hester.

Outfielder Derek Reigel’s running catch of a line drive in the gap

helped keep the game close.

Laguna Beach scored on hits by Alex Iannotti, Austin Paxson, Vail,

Santi Pierini, Grifan Fair, Brian Vail and Brandon Lewis.

Down 5-3 in the final inning, Laguna loaded the bases but couldn’t

score.

“The future looks bright for this fine group of young players,”

Coach Taylor Pillsbury said.

The 2004 Laguna Beach All-Star team was composed of Grifan Fair,

Blake Hester, Austin Hilleman, Alex Iannotti, Cole Kessler, Brandon

Lewis, Robbie McInerny, Austin Paxson, Santi Pierini, Norton Penney,

Jack Pillsbury, Derek Reigel, Larry Stewart and Brian Vail.

Taylor Pillsbury, Mark Lewis, Dan McInerny and Ron Paxson served

as coaches.

Laguna Beach’s tournament run:

Aliso Niguel 12, Laguna Beach 0

Rancho Mission Viejo 5, Laguna Beach 3