March 7, 2010
Final Stats
The No. 15/13 California softball team went a perfect 5-0 at this weekend's Eller Media Stadium Classic, capping off the tournament with a 5-1 win over host UNLV on Sunday afternoon.
Both teams went three-up, three-down in the first inning before freshman Lindsey Ziegenhirt hit the first pitch of the second inning, doubling to left field. Ziegenhirt remained stationary at second until fellow Elk Grove, Calif., native Jolene Henderson singled up the middle to plate Ziegenhirt.
The Bears opened the third inning with a hit - this time a single up the middle by Jamia Reid. Reid then stole second and moved to third when Shannon Thomas laid down a sacrifice bunt.
Cal put another runner on when junior Valerie Arioto walked on four straight balls, and then she put herself one step closer to home after stealing second base. Jace Williams had a key two-out single up the middle to score both Reid and Arioto, sending the Bears into the bottom of the third with a 3-0 lead over the Rebels.
In the UNLV's end of the first, second and third innings, the Rebels went down in order, but they began the fourth with a single by left fielder Marissa Nichols. Nichols moved to second off a shortstop Jaci Hull single through the right side before coming home to score when second baseman Ashli Holland had an RBI single.
Holding onto their 3-1 lead, the Bears opened fired again in the top of the fifth. Arioto had a double to left and advanced to third when Ziegenhirt flied out to center, bringing up Williams.
The sophomore transfer Jace Williams singled to short for her third RBI of the game, scoring Arioto. Williams then stole second and advanced to third on a ground out by Frani Echavarria before scoring on a fielding error at short to distance the Bears, 5-1.
In the final three innings of offense for the Rebels, they were only able to get one hit and no runs to further secure Cal's 5-1 victory.
Jace Williams led the Bears with three hits and three RBI.
Jolene Henderson allowed five hits in seven innings of work, struck out six and faced five batters over the minimum for her sixth win in a Cal jersey.
Cal worked the Rebel pitching - Jessica O'Connor and Traci Odegard - for eight hits and four walks with only three strike outs.
The Bears return to the friendly confines of Levine-Fricke Field this weekend as they host the California Tournament. To see the full schedule, please consult the tournament Web site here.
