Feb. 17, 2008

Box Score

Tempe, Ariz. - Notre Dame rallied from a 3-0 deficit to defeat the California Golden Bears, 4-3, in the final day of the Kajikawa Tournament hosted by Arizona State on Sunday. Cal went 4-1 in the tournament, picking up wins against Nebraska, Temple, Western Michigan and Texas Tech.

Cal (6-5) returns to action on Tuesday, Feb. 19 vs. the Dutch National Team in Berkeley, before a road contest at Santa Clara on Wednesday.

The Bears scratched out two runs in the top of the first thanks to a Bernice Masaniai single to the left center field gap, plating both Valerie Arioto (who led off the inning with a single) and Erika Racklin, who reached on a fielder's choice.

A costly throwing error by Notre Dame pitcher Jody Valdivia with two outs in the top of the third inning allowed Vernae Sevilla to score from third base on a Sanoe Kekahuna single to right field, giving the Bears a 3-0 advantage.

The Irish gained a little momentum swing in the bottom half of the third inning when Katie Laing belted a two-run home run over the left field wall.

It was Notre Dame's turn to take advantage of a Cal fielding miscue in the bottom of the sixth when Christine Lux scored from third base to knot the score at 3-3.

Notre Dame completed the comeback in the bottom of the seventh when Laing drove in the winning run with a double to center field.