ATHENS, Ga. – Unable to plate a runner with one out and loaded bases in the seventh frame, California (34-20) was forced into extra innings, eventually allowing the go-ahead run on a 3-2 RBI single with two outs in the top of the eighth to give up a 3-2 decision to Northwestern (37-17) to open NCAA Regional play in Athens, Ga.
 
"It was a gritty game by two very tough teams," said head coach Diane Ninemire. "We had opportunities that we left out there and Northwestern was able to get the big hits when they needed and that made the difference."

After a scoreless four frames, Cal gave up a pair of runs in the top of the fifth and the momentum briefly tipped in favor of its Midwestern foe. NU's Morgan Nelson sent an RBI triple to right field to bring in the first run, as Zoe Conley gave up her second triple of the season. Nelson was then brought home on a sac bunt from Sammy Nettling to move ahead 2-0.
 
That was all of the motivation the Bears needed as Cal's 1-2 hitters Lindsay Rood and Jazmyn Jackson put their well-known speed to use with back-to-back singles giving them an open path as the Wildcats left the bases unmanned. Rood jetted to third on Jackson's single and pilfered the plate upon discovering that no one was home, to come within one, 2-1.
 
Jackson scurried to third base as NU tried to tag out Rood and was brought home easily by freshman Mikayla Coelho's RBI double for the tying run. Coelho went 3 for 3 on the day, all doubles, and was intentionally walked in the bottom of the seventh to prevent the go-ahead run and load the bases with Bears.
 
Unfortunately, Cal was not able to bring home any of its runners for the remainder of the game and was delivered a 1-2-3 inning in the eighth.
 
Conley, who picked up the loss, stepped in at the bottom of the fourth and finished the day with four hits, three runs and six strikeouts in 4.2 innings.
 
Kamalani Dung, who started the game, threw 3.2 innings collecting six strikeouts and allowing two hits and three walks. The junior pulled in critical strikeouts to keep the Wildcats off the board, including a 3-2, 10-pitch strikeout with bases loaded in the top of the second.
  
Cal will face Harvard in the elimination bracket on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. (PT). The game time was moved up due to expected inclement weather. The Bears' Saturday opener marks the first time since 2005 that they will match up with the Crimson. In the previous meeting, Cal downed Harvard 8-0 in five innings.

The winner of the game will play a second game slated for a 2 p.m. (PT) start on Saturday. All games will be available on the Watch ESPN app. Broadcast information to follow. 
 
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