Kacey Zobac

Cal’s ability to stay consistent against tougher competition will be put to the test against the Missouri Tigers as the quest to become national champions begins.

The Bears have been a team that has shown the ability to fight their way back into games, but a five-run first inning by the Utes was the beginning of the end for Cal.

Despite being on the tail end of its second series sweep to Oregon, Cal manages to still have positive takeaways.

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.

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.

Cal regroups after being swept last weekend and comes back with two wins in three games against a Pac-12 competitor.

With two teams to play against before the Pac-12 tournament, Cal looks to bounce back after back-to-back series losses.

Before heading to Tempe, Arizona, Cal softball faces SJSU at home. Is this the tune-up game the Bears need before playing nine consecutive conference games?