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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The second-seeded California Golden Bears got a fine pitching performance from junior Jocelyn Forest and senior Nicole DiSalvio to defeat the fifth-seeded Connecticut Huskies, 2-0, to advance to the winners bracket of the NCAA Regional. The Bears moved on to face Florida Atlantic, which defeated Florida, 3-0, in the second round. With the win, Cal improves to 50-15 on the year, just one win shy of tying its most wins in school history. The Huskies fall to 35-22 with the loss.  

The Bears jumped out to an early one-run lead in the second inning. After a fly out by sophomore Veronica Nelson, Cal sophomore Eryn Manahan singled for the first hit in the game. Sophomore Courtney Scott then reached first on a fielder’s choice followed by a single by senior Amber Phillips, sending Scott to second. Sophomore Mikella Pedretti then broke the scoreless tie with a single to right-center field, scoring Scott from second.  

Cal added to its lead in the fourth with an unearned run. With two outs and Phillips and Scott on second and third, sophomore Kristen Morley grounded to the shortstop, who mishandled the ball, allowing Scott to score the second Bear run.  

Forest started for Cal and went the first 3.1 innings (two hits and three strikeouts) before leaving the game with soreness in her back. DiSalvio closed the game out to earn the win and improve to 19-7 on the year. She allowed just two hits with a strikeout.  

Barb Cook went the distance for the Huskies in the circle and takes the loss to fall to 18-11. She allowed just two runs and six hits.  

Phillips had two hits on the day to lead the Bears offensive attack.  

The Bears return today for the 5:30 second-round game against Florida Atlantic.