LAFAYETTE, La. – Lindsay Rood was anything but kind to start off her final season for the Golden Bears.
 
California's returning runs and hits leader, led off with her first of two bombs to open the 2019 season with a literal bang and set the stage for a 9-0 shutout of Fordham on Saturday at the Ragin' Cajuns Classic in Lafayette, La.
 
Rood set the table for newcomers Makena Smith, a freshman, and Destiny Blueford, a transfer from New Mexico State to hit back-to-back homers in the top of the fourth, Cal's most lucrative half of the day. Jordan Fines rounded out the frame with a score to give Cal a 5-0 lead.
 
Back at the top of the lineup and to open the sixth frame, Rood wowed the crowd with another homer for a career day going 4 for 5 (.800) at the plate. She shared the wealth with a trio of RBIs to contribute to seven different Cal players scoring runs Saturday.
 
"I thought this was one of the greatest opening days we've had in many years," said head coach Diane Ninemire, now in her 31st season. "Lindsay Rood just had a fantastic start for us with the home run and ended up with two in one game. She then helped turn the double play (in the bottom of the sixth).
 
"The team really came out focused and it was on all cylinders. It was a nice day today."
 
The Bears also combined for five stolen bases, led by Blueford with three, a game high. She also added another run to tie Rood for the game high.
 
Cal could have added even more numbers to the board, but left 10 runners on base to offset a notable 13 hits. Cal connected as many times just shy of one year ago against UC Santa Barbara on Feb. 18, 2018.
 
Zoe Conley got her first win of the year in a complete game effort. The Berkeley native recorded 10 strikeouts, one shy of her career best, and gave up three hits and four walks.
 
Cal returns to the diamond Sunday for a doubleheader. The Bears start the day with Incarnate Word at 8:30 a.m. (PT) and then conclude things against Texas A&M – Corpus Christi at 11 a.m. (PT).
 
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