UCLA
Cs-Northridge
No. 3 Softball Sweeps Matadors to Remain Unbeaten
June 21, 1999 | Softball
February 18, 1999
Los Angeles - The No. 3 UCLA softball team rolled to a pair of victories Wednesday, shutting out local rival Cal State Northridge 6-0 and 8-0 in a doubleheader at UCLA's Easton Softball Stadium.
Game one proved to be a pitcher's dual until a Lyndsey Klein triple in the bottom of the fourth inning scored Erin Rahn from second base, giving UCLA a one-run lead. The Bruins (9-0) capitalized again in the fifth as, following a passed ball that scored Lupe Brambila from third base, Amanda Freed notched an RBI single to give the Bruins a 3-0 lead. UCLA catcher Stacey Nuveman added to the Bruin rally when she launched her fourth home run of the year, a two-run shot off Northridge starter Tara Glaister. Crissy Buck capped the inning with a sacrifice fly to right field, scoring Casey Hiraiwa from third, giving UCLA a 6- 0 advantage. Bruin pitcher Courtney Dale wouldn't need much help as she enjoyed one of her best outings of the season, striking out nine Matador batters while surrendering only three hits in seven innings of work. With the victory, she improved to 4-0 on the season.
Unlike game one, UCLA wasted no time getting on the board in game two, registering an eight-run first inning, spoiling Northridge starter Summer Richardson's collegiate debut. With the Bruins already up 4-0, UCLA sophomore right fielder Casey Hiraiwa blasted a three-run shot to give the Bruins a 7-0 lead. The very next Bruin batter, center fielder Christie Ambrosi, greeted Richardson the same way, powering her first pitch over the right field wall, extending her current hitting streak to nine games. Much like Dale in game one, Freed enjoyed an excellent afternoon on the mound in game two, striking out six batters and surrendering just three hits in the five inning contest.
Freed, who improved to 5-0 on mound and has yet to give up a run all season, proved she can do it on offense as well, finishing the day 4-for-7 with two RBI, a double, a stolen base and two runs scored.
Despite allowing eight runs in the first inning, Richardson settled down, allowing no hits in her final three innings of work. Matador junior Jessica Creith was Northridge's top performer at the plate, going 2-for-6.
UCLA's next action will be in Las Vegas as the Bruins hit the road this weekend for the UNLV Softball Classic. UCLA's next home date is Feb. 27, as the Bruins host Cal State Sacramento for a doubleheader at Easton Stadium beginning at 1:00 p.m.
