TEMPE – The early bird gets the worm. Cliché yes, but nonetheless true – at least it was on Sunday.
 
California (28-21, 4-16 Pac-12) was the first on the boards against No. 22 Arizona State (30-17, 9-12) and it led to their lone win in the series, but also ended a 13-game losing streak in Pac-12 play.
 
The Golden Bears solidified a 3-0 victory with a two-run homer in the top of the seventh from freshman Bradie Fillmore to extend their one-run lead from earlier. Fillmore brought home fellow Idaho native Taurie Pogue to share in the glory.
 
In unique fashion, the Bears initial score came from senior Vanessa Alvarez advancing home on a wild pitch in the top of the sixth.
 
While the offense was steady, another story was happening from inside the circle with sophomore Zoe Conley, who just missed her first collegiate no-hitter giving up the lone hit in the bottom of the third.
 
The Bears last league wins came in late March when they swept Stanford.
 
Cal returns home to close the season as they host Oregon State in its final conference series beginning on Thursday.
 
For more information on Cal softball follow the team @CalSB on Twitter and Instagram and like the Cal Softball page on Facebook.