UCLA Defeats Cal in Opener

Krista Colburn singled in the winning run in the top of the sixth inning to help UCLA beat California, 2-1, on Thursday in the opening round of the NCAA Women’s College World Series at Oklahoma City.

UCLA (37-18) tied the score at 1-1 on Ashley Herrera’s solo homer against Kelly Anderson (28-9) in the fifth inning, and took the lead on Colburn’s single against Kristina Thorson in the sixth.

Cal (52-14) scored its only run in the third inning when Vicky Galindo singled, stole second and scored on a throwing error by UCLA pitcher Anjelica Selden.

Selden (26-12) gave up three hits and struck out three in the complete-game victory for the Bruins, who are seeking their third consecutive title.

UCLA will play Tennessee in the second round tonight.

Tennessee 1, Arizona 0 -- Monica Abbott gave up one hit and extended her scoreless streak to 43 innings to lead the Lady Vols (65-13).

Tennessee scored the only run in the sixth inning when Arizona right fielder Adrienne Acton made a wild throw to first base after a single by Katherine Card, allowing pinch-runner Ashley Cline to score.

Abbott (48-7) retired the first 14 batters before Callista Balko singled with two out in the fifth for Arizona’s lone hit. Abbott, who struck out 12, has 32 shutouts this season, and Tennessee has an NCAA Division I-record 49.

Arizona’s Alicia Hollowell (30-8) pitched a complete game, giving up four hits and striking out 12 for Arizona (44-11).

Arizona will play Cal on Saturday in an elimination game.

Michigan 3, DePaul 0 -- Jennifer Ritter (34-2) gave up three singles and struck out 12 as she helped top-ranked Michigan get its first victory in the World Series since 1998.

Michigan (61-5) scored twice in the first inning on Nicole Motycka’s RBI single and a DePaul error, and made it 3-0 in the fourth on Tiffany Haas’ sacrifice fly.

Tracie Adix (23-9) gave up three runs and four hits for DePaul (45-20).

Michigan plays Texas tonight in the second round.

Texas 3, Alabama 0 -- Cat Osterman (29-6) struck out 17 and pitched a one-hitter.

Texas (48-11) scored all of its runs in the sixth inning. Tina Boutelle drove in the first run with a double to center, and Chez Sievers and Desiree Williams added run-scoring singles.

Stephanie VanBrakle (33-7) gave up four hits for Alabama (62-14).

Alabama and DePaul will play Saturday.