Oklahoma State University Athletics
Oklahoma State University
California
Cowgirls Fall to 14th-ranked California, 2-1
May 17, 2009 | Cowgirl Softball
May 17, 2009
California scored a run in the bottom of the fifth inning to break a 1-1 tie and the 14th-ranked Golden Bears defeated the Oklahoma State Cowgirls 2-1 here in the championship game of the NCAA Division I Softball Tallahassee Regional Sunday afternoon.
Oklahoma State took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first on an RBI single by junior catcher Sam Heinlein. Leadoff hitter Mariah Gearhart reached safely after being hit by a pitch and stole second. After advancing to third on a groundout by Alysia Hamilton, Gearhart scored on Heinlein's base hit up the middle.
Cal evened the score at 1-1 in the bottom of the frame. Shannon Thomas, who reached on a bunt single and stole second, scored on a base hit through the left side of the infield.
After three scoreless innings, Bear Frani Echavarria hit a base hit with one out, one of three hits for the Cal centerfielder in the game. Back to the top of the lineup, Jamia Reid hit a single as well, and Thomas loaded the bases with a bunt single. Echavarria scored on an RBI groundout by Valerie Arioto.
Oklahoma State went five innings without a base hit. Freshman Julie Ward hit a grounder to second base and reached on a throwing error by Thomas. One out later, freshman Chelsea Garcia reached first on a fielding error by shortstop Taylor Kelly. After pinch hitter Jessica Meza popped up to short, Gearhart hit a pop up to shallow centerfield. Senior Heather Kim, pinch running for Ward, was held up at third to load the bases. Katelyn Bright grounded out to shortstop to end the game.
Oklahoma State finishes the season with a 36-22 record. Cal is now 37-18 and will play Florida in the Super Regional in Gainesville, Fla.
