March 12, 2011
Final Stats
FRESNO, Calif. - After the No. 11 California softball team had registered 15 hits in its first game at the Bayer CropScience Classic, the Golden Bears just tallied one against Troy in the afternoon tilt. That one hit was all Cal needed, however, to topple Troy, 1-0.
It was an absolute pitcher's duel between Jolene Henderson and Ashlyn Williams, who gave up a collective three hits.
"It was a close game, and it stayed intense," Henderson said. "We played strong and picked each other up."
After pitching seven innings just minutes before taking on Troy, sophomore Jolene Henderson hurled another complete-game win. With her Bears unable to figure out the Trojan pitcher, Henderson remained cool, calm and collective in the circle. She gave up just two hits and fanned eight. Troy pitcher Ashlyn Williams fooled the Bear bats, allowing one hit and striking out three while walking two.
The Bears scored in the third when sophomore first baseman Jordan Wallace got on base with a fielding error at short. Displaying the aggressive base running that typifies the Cal program, Wallace rounded second for third when Victoria Jones laid down a bunt single. Wallace came home to score when the throw to the plate went awry thanks to a catcher's error.
"Coach yelled go so I went," Wallace said. "I knew as soon as Coach gave me the signal that I was going all the way to third. Victoria executed the bunt and I was able to dive safely into third. The ball got away from the third baseman and I got up and ran home."
Top 1 - Troy 0, Cal 0:
The Trojans tallied the first baserunner of the game when Taylor Smartt reached on a throwing error by Britt Vonk at short. Henderson got Nikki Hollett swinging and Hayden Gann to ground out to end the inning with Smartt stranded.
Top 2 - Troy 0, Cal 0:
Michelle Hewett singled to center to start the inning. Jordan McAllister ended up reaching on a fielder's choice when the throw from Henderson to Vonk at second bounced off Vonk's glove for an error. Henderson got Pratt swinging before walking pinch hitter Shields to load the bases. Ever calm under pressure, Henderson struck out Kourtney Cooper. Vonk made a mental change after her error, allowing her to easily scoop a hit from Kelly Luquette and throw it to third for the force and final out.
Top 3 - Troy 0, Cal 0:
The Bears sent the Trojans down in order for the first inning after the Trojans did the same to the Bears in the previous inning.
Bottom 3 - Troy 0, Cal 1:
Jordan Wallace reached on what was scored a fielding error at short when the shortstop bobbled her hard-hit liner. Victoria Jones laid down a bunt single while Wallace rounded second towards third. She came home to cover with the throw home exceeding the catcher's abilities. With Jones on third, Elia Reid dropped a bunt in front of the plate to squeeze Jones in but the umpire said Jones never touched the plate. Jamia Reid then hit into a double play to close the third, but not before the Bears scored that key run.
Top 5 - Troy 0, Cal 1:
Henderson struck out the side, all looking Ks to Cooper, Luquette and Smartt.
Top 7 - Troy 0, Cal 1:
Pratt flied out, Ashworth struck out and Cooper flied out to right to end the game.
