Feb. 13, 2009

Box Score

Chapel Hill, N.C. - The ninth-ranked California softball team remained undefeated in 2009 with an 8-0 win in six innings over Wichita State in the opening day of the Carolina Classic on Friday morning.

Cal (5-0) resumes action tomorrow with No. 23-ranked and host North Carolina at Noon (PT) followed by George Washington at 2:30 p.m. (PT).

So far this season, Cal has outscored its opponents, 53-11 to go along with 10 home runs. Freshman Jamia Reid continued her torrid pace at the dish with a two-run home run in the sixth inning to give her four round-trippers this season. Her twin sister Elia also went yard with a grand slam, also in the sixth inning. It was her first home run in a Cal uniform and 10th RBI of the young season. Jamia leads the squad with 11 RBI. Not to be overshadowed by the freshmen, senior Gina Leomiti got things started for the Bears with a two-run home run in the first inning.

Junior hurler Marissa Drewrey was effective in the circle, scattering six hits and striking out a season-high 11 batters for her first shutout and fourth win of the season. Drewrey also got out of trouble in the Wichita State half of the sixth inning when the Shockers had the bases loaded and one out. But Drewrey remained calm and recorded consecutive strikeouts to end the contest.

Cal jumped on the board early to take a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning courtesy of the Leomiti home run that also scored Valerie Arioto who drew a leadoff walk.

The score remained 2-0 until the sixth inning when the Bears really broke the game open. Vernae Sevilla led the inning off with a single and quickly moved to second after Sanoe Kekahuna was hit by a pitch. Two batters later Taylor Kelly drew a walk to help load the bases. Elia Reid did the rest with her grand slam over the center field wall to give Cal a 6-0 lead. After Arioto drew another walk, Jamia Reid, with two-outs, sent one over the center field wall pushing the lead to 8-0.

By going 2-for-3 in Friday's win, Elia Reid extended her hitting streak to five games.