March 5, 2011

Final Stats

Fullerton, CALIF. - Behind a no-hitter performance from sophomore right-hander Jolene Henderson, the No. 10/11 California softball team easily handled Murray State for an 8-0 win on Saturday afternoon. Henderson pitched the complete six-inning game for her second-ever no hitter, helping the Golden Bears (12-2) shutout the Racers (2-7).

"I felt like the team came together and united each other," Henderson said of the game and part of the power behind her performance. "Everyone picked each other up and that was very important for our team to stay in the game and win it."

Cal got two RBI apiece from Diane Leider, Jace Williams and Elia Reid. Leider's double to left field in the bottom of the sixth scored Ashley Decker and Cassandra Vega to end the game with one out and one runner on base.

With a two-run lead heading into the bottom of the fourth, the Bears added on four more runs before scoring twice in the sixth to get the mercy win.

"It felt great to step up and contribute," Leider said of her game-ending double. "It's always nice to get an opportunity to help the team out in anyway I can."

Henderson faced 18 batters, six of which she struck out. With the no hitter, Henderson now stands at 11-2 on the season.

Six of Cal's eight runs came off of MSU starter Shelby Kosmecki, who gave up eight hits and walked four. Also seeing time in the circle for the Racers were Kristen Broadway (0.1 IP, one BB, one K), and Leslie Bridges (1.0 IP, two hits and two runs).

Bottom 1 - Murray State 0, Cal 1:

Jamia Reid registered a lead-off hit through the left side and later stole second in what proved to be a key decision. Jace Williams singled down the left-field line, scoring Reid. Williams was thrown out at second when Jolene Henderson hit a laser one hopper to first, grounding into the double play.

Top 2 - Murray State 0, Cal 1:

Jolene Henderson struck out the side - putting away first baseman Stephanie Edwards swinging and getting designated player Lauren Buch and catcher Ellyn Troup with backwards Ks.

Bottom 3 - Murray State 0, Cal 2:

The Bears started the inning at the beginning of their line-up with Jamia Reid, who grounded out to the pitcher. Britt Vonk walked and stole second though she would have moved there eventually for Jace Williams walked. The Bears put on the double steal but the catcher's throw went off of Henderson's bat, resulting in an interference out and Vonk and Williams went back to second and first, respectively. Lindsey Ziegenhirt looked to be the third out of the inning on a pop up, but it was called back for it was an illegal pitch, which moved Williams to second and Vonk to third. In her second chance, Ziegenhirt singled up the middle, scoring Vonk but Williams was thrown out at home.

Bottom 4 - Murray State 0, Cal 6

Echavarria and Wallace started things off with back-to-back singles to left with Wallace's shot going more towards left center. Elia Reid tripled to gap in right center, scoring both Echavarria and Wallace and putting the Bears up 4-0. With her sister at third, Jamia Reid launched a sacrifice fly into left, plating Elia. With the bases clear, Vonk singled to short and stole second just prior to Williams knocking a shot into right to score Vonk. Murray State shortstop Meghan Simms got Williams on the force when Henderson sent a ground ball towards the six spot.

Bottom 6 - Murray State 0, Cal 8:

Ashley Decker stood in to pinch hit for Elia Reid and walked. Decker moved to second when Cassandra Vega, hitting for Jamia Reid, singled to left. With Decker at second and Vega at first, Leider doubled to left to plate the final two runs of the game.