April 9, 2000
TEMPE, Ariz. - The fourth-ranked Arizona State softball team (36-8, 4-3 Pac-10) fell to seventh-ranked California (39-11, 3-5 Pac-10), 4-0, this afternoon in Pac-10 action at Farrington Stadium.
The Golden Bears started off strong in the first inning with four runs off of three hits, forcing Sun Devil starting pitcher Erica Beach to be relieved by Kirsten Voak. The scoring run started when lead off hitter Kristen Morley singled to left field. Then after a hard hit single to left field by Veronica Nelson, and a walk by Lisa Iancin and Eryn Manahan, California had their first two runs. After the pitching relief, Courtney Scott doubled to left center to bring in the other two RBIs.
Sophomore pitcher Kirsten Voak finished the game, allowing no runs on six hits while striking out seven. The Devils had seven hits during the game but could not get any players across home plate. The team was led at the plate by center fielder Nichole Thompson who went 2-for-3 with two singles. Also contributing was first baseman Lesley Murphy and left fielder Jen Langenhuizen, both going 1-for-2 on the afternoon.
Arizona State stranded seven runners, while California left 11 on the base pads. California pitcher Nicole DiSalvio (13-5) held the Devils scoreless even though she scattered seven hits and did not strikeout a batter. The Bears hit well though having seven players all contributing hits for the team. Leading Cal was left fielder Pauline Duenas who went 3-for-4 on the afternoon, scoring once. Also hitting well for the Golden Bears was catcher Courtney Scott, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Additionally, first baseman Veronica Nelson tied the Pac-10 record for the most walks in a season with 64.
Arizona State hits the road next weekend to face top-ranked Washington in Seattle on Friday and third-ranked UCLA in Los Angeles on Saturday and Sunday. California returns home to face 22nd-ranked Oregon on Friday and 11th-ranked Oregon State on Saturday and Sunday.