Some teams need overtime or extra innings to win. For the No. 23 Cal softball team, the win didn't just require extra innings. It required more innings after an extra game.

Playing in the NCAA Regionals in Fresno, Calif., the Bears had to beat top-seeded-and ranked No. 16 nationally-Fresno State twice in order to continue, according to the tournament's double elimination format. After falling to the Bulldogs 3-2 in the first game Sunday, Cal started the second game after a short break.

The Bears started the game strong, scoring a run in the first. In the second inning, Gina Leomiti ripped a ball over the left field for a grand slam, bringing in Erika Racklin, Valerie Arioto, and Taylor Kelly to build a 5-0 lead.

But Fresno State began to creep back, earning three runs off of starting pitcher Marissa Drewrey. Arioto came in during the fifth inning, giving up two runs in that inning to bring the Bulldogs within one at 6-5.

Brittany LaRosa replaced Arioto in the sixth, inheriting players on second and third with one out. After a walk and a wild pitch allowed in the tying run, Drewrey was soon back in the circle.

The sophomore would end the inning and shut out Fresno State for the next three innings as the game went into extra time. But finally in the bottom of the ninth, senior Julie Meyer hit a single down the left line to bring in Bernice Masaniai and the score to 7-6, ending the game and launching Cal to the Super Regionals.

In the first game Sunday, the Bears mostly found themselves trying to catch up. Stepping up was Leomiti, an absolute juggernaut this weekend offensively. The left fielder's single in the fifth brought in Arioto and Kelly to tie the score at two.

But the Bulldogs would answer right away with a run in the bottom of the inning and hold on for the win.

Cal started the weekend well on Friday, earning a 4-1 victory over San Diego State, the newly crowned Mountain West Conference Champions. In the sole regular season matchup of the two teams, the Aztecs came away with a 7-0 win.

San Diego State jumped to an early lead, scoring a run in the first inning. It would be the only run the Aztecs earned, as starting pitcher Drewrey would give up only seven hits in the game, striking out five.

SDSU pitcher-and MWC Pitcher of the Year-Christina Ross retired ten straight batters before giving up a run in the sixth to tie the score. Meyer broke the tie with a single to bring in two of her teammates. Effectively sealing the win was Leomiti, who launched a solo home run over right field in the top of the seventh. The junior had two singles and two runs for the day.

Saturday, the Bears took on Fresno State for the first time this weekend, driving to a 3-0 victory behind another dominant performance from Drewrey. Once again pitching all seven innings, the sophomore had ten strikeouts and no walks, giving up only six hits.

Cal earned all three runs in the third inning off of a single from Masaniai that plated Kelly and Arioto, followed by a Katie Vickers sacrifice fly to bring in Leomiti. Senior Racklin also entered the record books, stealing her 28th base to tie her for the Cal single season record. The Bulldogs went on to defeat SDSU 2-0 later that day to advance to Sunday's game.

The Bears will now take on the Florida in Gainesville, Fla., in the Super Regionals. Dates and times have not yet been announced.

Tags: NCAA REGIONALS