The California softball team defeated Louisville, 7-5, on Apr. 2 at Viking Field. Madison Rey led the Bears with three hits and two runs batted in during the game.
The win is significant as it marks an improvement for Cal, bringing their overall record to 13-25 and their conference record to 3-10. The victory also gives the Bears momentum as they prepare for the next games in the series against Louisville.
Cal started strong by scoring four runs in the second inning. Kayli Counts contributed with a run-scoring single, Emma Jackson added an RBI fielder’s choice, and Gator Robinson hit a two-run double to finish off the inning. After Louisville responded with a solo home run in the third inning, Kyndal Todd answered for Cal with an RBI groundout.
Louisville narrowed Cal’s lead by scoring twice in the fourth inning. Rey then extended Cal’s advantage with an RBI double in that same frame. Although Louisville managed to pull within one run after scoring two more times in the fifth inning, Rey again provided insurance for Cal by driving in another run during the sixth.
Layna Gerhard earned her fifth win of the season after pitching four and one-third innings and allowing four runs on six hits while striking out one batter.
The Golden Bears will play Game 2 against Louisville on Friday as they look to continue their progress this season.
