The California softball team lost both of its opening games at the 20th annual Judi Garman Classic in Fullerton on Thursday. In the first game, Cal was narrowly defeated by BYU with a score of 7-6. The Bears started strong, scoring early on a double steal in the first inning to take a 1-0 lead. However, BYU responded with a two-run home run and added four more runs in the second inning, leading 6-1 after two innings.
Anya German helped Cal close the gap with a two-run single to right center, making it 6-3. BYU added another run in the fourth inning with a sacrifice fly to increase their lead to 7-3. Cal’s biggest rally came in the fifth inning when Gator Robinson hit a two-run single down the right field line, reducing the deficit to two runs. A walk and catcher’s interference loaded the bases, and Emma Jackson drove in another run on a fielder’s choice, bringing Cal within one run at 7-6. Despite having runners on base, Cal could not tie the game.
In their second game of the day, Cal faced No. 6 Florida and lost 8-0 in five innings. Florida scored six runs over the first three innings and added two more in the fifth to enforce the run-rule. Anaya Togia managed to keep Florida from scoring in the fourth inning, but Cal’s offense struggled until recording its first hits in the final frame; both runners were left stranded as the game ended.
The Bears now hold a record of 5-13 for the season and will continue play at the Judi Garman Classic on Friday against Seattle University.
For updates and coverage of Cal softball, fans are encouraged to follow team accounts on X (CalSB), Instagram (CalSB), and Facebook (CalSoftball).
