March 17, 2012

Final Stats

Score: No. 1/2 Cal 7, Winthrop 1
Site: Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium (Honolulu)
Records: Cal 25-1, Winthrop 11-15
Cal Leaders: Cheyenne Cordes (2 H, 3 RBI); Breana Kostreba (2 R, 2 H, 2 RBI); Jolene Henderson (5.0 IP, 2 H, 5 SO)
Next Cal Game: Tuesday Versus Princeton in Berkeley (3 p.m.)

Tournament Most Valuable Player: Britt Vonk

Touranemtn Most Valuable Pitcher: Jolene Henderson

Cal Members of the All-Tournament Team: Valerie Arioto, Frani Echavarria

BERKELEY - After scoring two runs in their last two games combined, the No. 1/2 California softball team posted a 7-1 victory over Winthrop on Saturday afternoon. On the Golden Bears' final day at the Chevron Spring Fling, hosted by Hawaii, Cal scored three runs in the first inning en route to the rout of the Eagles.

Cal absolutely worked Winthrop's three pitchers for seven runs on three hits and two Eagle errors. In the bottom of the first, the Bears rained three runs. Couple the 3-0 lead with another score in the fourth and three more in the fifth, Winthrop could not touch the Bears by the time the Eagles scored in the top of the seventh.

With the win over Winthrop, Cal improves to 25-1 while the Eagles fall to 11-15. After suffering the first loss of the season to Hawaii, in a 10-inning 3-1 fashion, the Bears have completely rebounded with Friday's 1-0 win over Marist and Saturday's victory against Winthrop.

Freshman shortstop Cheyenne Cordesdrove in a team-high three RBI on two hits while making two putouts.

"In the batter's box, I was feeling `delicious,' as the Giants' Brian Wilson would say," Cheyenne Cordessaid. "As a team, we came out a lot strong with a lot more energy. I am very happy with the way we have come back from our loss to Hawaii."

Breana Kostrebawas right in line with two RBI.

"It was great to begin producing runs for my team again," Breana Kostrebasaid. "I was excited that I worked my way out of that dry spell and to see the ball well again. We came out with a lot of energy to finish this tournament off. This win was an overall team effort."

Jolene Hendersonstarted and earned the win, while accumulating two hits of her own. Henderson pitched a two-hitter, walking just one and striking out five.

"Every time I step in the circle, I am proud to have such an amazing team around me and in the dugout," Jolene Hendersonsaid. "Today, they picked me up and played amazing defense so it was a good last day in Hawaii."

Arianna Ercegpitched the final two innings, striking out three of the 11 batters she faced.

"I came into the game today a little tense, but knowing that I had my defense behind me, I became more relaxed because I know they always have my back," Arianna Ercegsaid. "I thought that the team did a great job today! The best part was that it was a total team win - everyone contributed!"

While there are a couple nonconference games still sprinkled in the Bears' upcoming schedule, the completion of the Hawaii trip marks the end of weekend nonconference tournament play. The rigorous Pac-12 slate beings Friday, March 23 in a TV game versus.

Next Time on the Diamond:

Cal hosts Princeton in a midweek nonconference match-up at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 20 at Levine-Fricke Field. Next Friday, March 23, the Bears open Pac-12 play at No. 9 Stanford at 7 p.m. That game will be broadcast on a tape-delayed basis by FSN. The rivalry series continues Saturday, March 24 at 1 p.m. and concludes Sunday, March 25 at noon down on the Farm