BERKELEY – Long shots made the difference in the Bears first game of the season at home.
 
As Cal (18-7) settled back into Levine-Fricke, even though it was just for the one day, it made a strong statement to first-time opponent Fairleigh Dickinson (5-14).
 
The note came in form of a three-run homer by sophomore Lauren Espalin in the bottom of the first to put Cal ahead by as many and it looked like the Bears were ready to continue their run-rule streak.
 
And, although Lindsay Rood lofted a high one past the fences to keep the game out of reach, the 6-1 win clipped the mercy-rule journey the Bears were on, but just for a brief moment.
 
In game 2, Cal rallied off six runs in the first inning, half of which came from walks on loaded bases, as the yard balls from game 1 undoubtedly rattled the Knights pitching staff.
 
Freshman Alexandra Perez, who picked up her fifth win in the circle to remain undefeated during the early, got in on the home-run action recording a three-run dinger as Cal posted its eighth run-rule of the year in a 12-1 decision to complete the sweep. The win also marks Cal's 11th, dating back to Feb. 24 with 12-9 victory over Long Beach State.

In the final contest, the circle got a fresh appearance from senior Kourtney Shaw who picked up the win giving up just two hits.
 
Cal heads to Utah for its opening Pac-12 series on March 15-17. Games will be streamed on Pac-12.com.
 
For more information on Cal softball, follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @CalSB.