Softball

With multiple Pac-12 honors and dominant statistics, the Vipers are getting a seasoned and talented athlete in Smith — and Cal has produced yet another “Pro Bear.”

Cal’s visit to Eller Media Stadium secured its first three-game season series sweep of the season. The Bears have started to get back into their rhythm after being on the receiving end of a sweep.

Cal looks to regain its stride against nonconference opponents after falling out of the top 25.

Before Sunday, the blue and gold hadn’t lost three consecutive matchups, let alone three to one team. Thanks to Washington’s sensational 32 runs scored over two days, this respectable statistic no longer exists for the Bears.

Cal, initially lacking a conference series win, handled business to conclude the month of March. As a result, the Bears found themselves sitting at No. 25 in D1Softball’s rankings for the first time since 2018.

Before it takes a brief Pac-12 intermission, Cal must face another immediate challenge against the third-ranked Pac-12 team, Washington.

The blue and gold are currently in their roughest stretch of the season thus far. Following a 17-4 start, Cal has since gone 3-3-1. To get back on track, Cal should follow the lead of catcher Kacey Zobac.

A three-game road trip against the Beavers, where the series ended in a tie at 1-1-1, dropped the Bears one spot in the rankings, from fifth to sixth in the conference. The matchup against Fresno State, however, showcased a shutout by the Bears as they went on to win 3-0.

Cal looks to climb Pac-12 standings over the weekend, as it is set to play Oregon State University in a three-game series.

Despite just winning one of three contests, the blue and gold snapped a decade-long losing streak to their Southern Californian rival in a rainy thriller.