Feb. 15, 2013

Box Score

LAS VEGAS - Jolene Henderson was just one hit and a half inning away from a no-hitter as No. 8 California (4-2) scored its second-straight shutout after beating Nevada (3-4) 5-0 in the Golden Bears' first game at the Easton Desert Classic at Eller Media Stadium Friday.

Though it took several innings for Cal to break away with the lead, Henderson was key in Cal's shutout, pitching the full seven innings without allowing a single hit from the Wolf Pack until the bottom of the seventh, a single to left field from Nevada's Megan Sweet. The senior also sent six batters to the dugout with strikeouts while walking just three with 92 pitches.

The Bears loaded the bases early in the first with a single from junior Britt Vonk, followed by sophomore Cheyenne Cordes hit by a pitch and a walk by junior Victoria Jones. With the bases juiced, Nevada pitcher Megan Dortch hit yet another batter - junior Jordan Wallace - allowing Vonk to take the easy walk home.

Another four innings passed before either team added another hit to its tally, but when sophomore Danielle Henderson reached base on a walk and Wallace was hit by another pitch, senior Lindsey Ziegenhirt made sure to capitalize on the opportunity. Ziegenhirt, pinch hitting for freshman Jasmin Mejia, hit her second home run in just as many games, sending the ball flying past left field.

The Golden Bears will return to Eller Media Stadium for a doubleheader featuring Utah Valley at 11:15 a.m. PT and San Jose State at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

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