CLEARWATER, Fla. – California left a handful of runners on base and failed to capitalize on a trio of doubles in its weekend opener against No. 11/12 Texas to fall 10-0 in five innings on Thursday afternoon at ESPN's St. Pete/Clearwater Elite Invitational.
 
The Golden Bears recorded a double in each of the first three innings, but left two runners on during the bottom of the first and third, and one in the second that would have given Cal a 5-4 lead had it been able to bring in its personnel.
 
Sophomores Lauren Espalin and Mikayla Coelho contributed a hit each along with senior Lindsay Rood who has recorded at least one hit in Cal's first six games. Unfortunately, the Bears couldn't put a string of hits together and went 3 for 17 at the plate. 
 
Struggles on defense also plagued the Bears with two errors that led to runs for the Longhorns.
 
In the circle, senior Zoe Conley picked up her second loss of the season giving up seven hits, five earned runs and two walks in 3.2 innings pitched. Freshman Alexandra Perez came in as relief for 1.1 innings and finished with four hits, two earned runs and a walk.
 
Cal resumes play tomorrow with a 12:30 p.m. (PT) contest against James Madison.
 
For more information on Cal softball, follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @CalSB.