Softball

The Bears split the series between Villanova and Miami Ohio at the DeMarini Invitational, snapping their nine-game winning streak.

Cal has the opportunity to make a statement to the softball community with wins versus one of the better programs in the nation. The Bears, who enter the heavyweight bout as winners of their last three, must continue to rely on the trust within the clubhouse to play their best game — a theme echoed throughout the season.

Cal is set to face both Miami (Ohio) and Villanova twice this weekend at the DeMarini Invitational before taking on UC Davis.

Cal finished the tournament undefeated. The blue and gold also extended their winning streak to an impressive nine games.

The confidence and production on both offense and defense has been integral to Cal’s strong start to the season. So far, the Bears have defeated every opponent they’ve come across — a powerful sign that maturity and resilience are evident in the clubhouse.

Softball in Berkeley has been the real deal to begin the year. The blue and gold have stacked up wins against every team they’ve faced and are yet to play a game on their home field.

Cal dominated in the batter’s box. The Bears posted 54 runs throughout the tournament, giving the team an average of nine runs per game.

The Bears, who finished last season with a record of 28-27-1, will take on San Diego, Loyola Marymount, Cal State Fullerton and Utah State in the 2023 edition of the tournament.

Softball is back for three weekend series in a row, starting in San Mateo and San Jose. The Bears take on new and familiar teams that include Cal State East Bay, College of San Mateo, West Valley College and San Jose State.

With vocal Makena Smith at first base, the Bears’ energy going into this three-game series in Los Angeles seemed promising.