March 18, 2011

Final Stats

HONOLULU - In the No. 9/10 California softball team's third game of the year against a ranked opponent - taking on No. 20/16 Hawaii on Friday - the Golden Bears emerged unscathed with a 3-1 win. The Bears (20-2) built a two-run lead in the second to overpower the Rainbow Wahine (22-8).

"I thought today was a great test of our staimina," sophomore catcher Lindsey Ziegenhirt said. "A long week of sun and softball can sometimes get the better of teams, but we held together great."

Sophomore hurler Jolene Henderson pitched the complete-game win after a no-hitter on Thursday, allowing six hits and one earned run.

The Bears got three hits off Hawaii pitcher Stephanie Ricketts, who fanned six to Henderson's nine strikeouts.

Lindsey Ziegenhirt notched one of the team's two RBI with a ground out in the second.

"I haven't been making the greatest of contact with the ball, but I was glad to help my team anyway I could," Ziegenhirt said. "Our offense stepped it up and produced when the opportunities arose. We had great execution all-around."

Ashley Decker put the Bears up a 3-1with a double in the seventh.

"It was great getting the win against Hawaii," Decker said. "I felt it was a good idea to mix it up with a power slap. Thanks to Diane's baserunning, we were able to score."

Kelly Majam scored the only run for the Rainbow Wahine with a homer in the third, the only homer run that Henderson has given up all season.

The Bears are now 3-0 against ranked teams this season.

Bottom 1 - Cal 0, Hawaii 0:

Henderson got Majam and Jessica Iwata to strike out to start the inning. Alex Aguirre had a weak grounder to Henderson but she fell on the toss to first. Aguirre moved to second when Jenna Rodriguez singled though the left side but they were both left stranded when Sharla Kliebenstein struck out looking.

Top 2 - Cal 2, Hawaii 0:

Henderson started things off with a single up the middle and then moved to second on a single from Frani Echavarria. Echavarria's hit bounced off the left fielder's glove to move Henderson to third and Echavarria to second. Victoria Jones struck out on a passed ball but it was not completely unproductive for the Bears for Jones went all the way to second, Echavarria to third and Henderson scored. The Bears put on the double steal with Jones moving to third but Echavarria being tagged out at the plate.

Ricketts hit Jordan Wallace to put runners on the corners. Lindsey Ziegenhirt hit a grounder to the right side, and did not beat the throw but Jones came home to score. With two away and two runs crossed, Ashley Decker struck out.

Bottom 2 - Cal 2, Hawaii 0:

Sarah Robinson got aboard with a single through the left side and advanced to third on a Jocelyn Enrique ground out. With two down, Victoria Jones made an amazing diving play to snag a hit away from Kaile Nakao and then throw her out at first to exit the inning unscathed.

Bottom 3 - Cal 2, Hawaii 1:

The Rainbow Wahine got what would be their sole run of the game when Majam went deep for a homer over the wall in right center.

Bottom 4 - Cal 2, Hawaii 1:

Kliebenstein doubled to right center and advanced to third when Gonzalez grounded out. Robinson walked and Brynne Buchanan reached on a fielding error at short to load the bases. Nakao popped up to first and Henderson got Majam to foul out, leaving three runners stranded.

Top 7 - Cal 3, Hawaii 1:

Ziegenhirt had a two-out walk and was replaced at first by Diane Leider. Decker then doubled to left field, scoring Leider and heading to third on the throw. Elia Reid grounded out for Cal's final at bat.

Bottom 7 - Cal 3, Hawaii 1:

Henderson got Hawaii's ninth and lead-off hitters - Nakao and Majam - to strike out before Iwaata singled through the right side. To close the inning and the game, Henderson struck out Aguirre looking.