CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. – The No. 21 California softball team made it 9 straight wins with an 11-9 victory over Illinois.
Game 1: Cal 11, Illinois 9
The Bears jumped out early and often, building an 11-1 lead. Tianna Bell hit a 2-run shot in the second, the first of three 2-run home runs in the frame as Todd and Butler followed. Kaylee Pond came through with the bases loaded, slapping a 2-run single to put 11 on the board for the Bears.
Illinois wouldn’t give up, scoring three runs on four hits in the fifth to close within 11-6. The Illini added three more in the seventh, but Roelling came on with the tying run at the plate and got a flyout to end the game.
