The Cal womens’
softball team started the season two weeks ago on a bit of an ominous note,
losing its first two games, narrow defeats at the hands of Kentucky and Florda.
But, since that time the Bears have reeled off seven wins in a row, including a
four-game sweep this past weekend in Las Vegas.
Leading the way was
former Sheldon catcher Lindsey Ziegenhirt. She has drilled a home run in each
of her last five games, including a grand slam and a two-run homer Sunday in a
win over Portland State.
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| Cal Senior Lindsey Ziegenhirt |
"I feel like I'm
hitting my stride. I have been working really hard hitting at practice and
hitting all week so it's great to see that it's paying off," Ziegenhirt
said. "Even though the result isn't always going to be a home run, I'll
enjoy it while it lasts. I know now that I have that potential and I won't be
doubting myself."
She had plenty of
reasons to doubt herself last season when she found herself on the bench during
the Bears’ stretch run to the Women’s College World Series. Now, this season back in the starting lineup
again, Ziegenhirt has responded with a .357 batting average in the Bears’ first
nine games.
The confidence she
showed during her career at Sheldon where she and teammate Jolene Henderson
earned high school All-American honors and led the Huskies to a pair of
Sac-Joaquin Section championships, is shining again in her senior season at
Cal. Even grand slams are becoming second nature to a young lady who was one of
the state’s top power hitters in high school.
"I wasn't even
thinking that it was bases loaded. I just really wanted to put the ball in
play," Ziegenhirt said. "I'm doing the most with the opportunities
given to me. I think I'm just seeing the ball well."
Also seeing the ball
real well is Henderson, who has been an All-American pitcher the past two years
at Cal. She’s been batting for herself a bit this season and is hitting .300
with a pair of home runs.
The Bears play in a
tournament this weekend in Palm Springs.
Carda Off To Hot Start With UCLA
Former Pleasant Grove
pitcher Ally Carda has led UCLA to a quick 8-1 start this season. She is 5-0 on
the mound for the Bruins with a 1.58 ERA, two complete games and a shutout.
Her Eagle teammate,
Alyssa Tiamalu, has recovered from knee surgery and is behind the plate for the
Bruins this year. Tiamalu is batting .318 with a home run.
UCLA is ranked 18th
in the nation while Cal is currently ranked No. 8.
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