May 13, 2000

Box Score

BERKELEY, Calif. - The second-ranked Arizona softball team came from behind in both games of a doubleheader Saturday to sweep No. 10 California, 4-1 and 8-3, on Levine-Fricke Field.

With the wins, Arizona completed its regular season with a 53-7 overall record and a 16-4 mark in the Pac-10, while Cal fell to 45-22 and 6-15. Both teams are expected to receive NCAA Tournament bids, which will be announced Sunday.

In the opener, freshman first baseman Veronica Nelson gave Cal a 1-0 lead with her 13th home run of the season in the second inning. Cal pitcher Jocelyn Forest made that hold up for most of the contest, as she didn't allow a hit through the first five innings.

However, in the sixth inning, UA's Lauren Bauer doubled. After a groundout, Katie Swan lifted a fly ball to left center, but center fielder Paige Bowie and left fielder Pauline Duenas collided and the ball fell for a two-base error, allowing Bauer to score and tie the game. Then with two outs, Lindsey Collins hit a two-run homer to make it 3-1 Arizona.

The Wildcats added an insurance run in the seventh on a home run by Chrissy Gil. Becky Lemke picked up the victory for Arizona, allowing just two hits and striking out 12. Forest fell to 20-12 despite tossing a four-hitter.

In the second game, Nelson again provided early scoring for the Bears with a three-run homer in the bottom of the fourth inning. This time, UA tied it with three runs in the fourth inning. In the fifth, Bauer's two-run homer put the Wildcats ahead for good at 5-3, and Swan belted a three-run homer in the seventh inning for an 8-3 count.