CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The California softball team (23-7, 6-3 ACC) handed No. 23 Virginia (24-8, 6-3 ACC) its first home loss of the season on Sunday at Palmer Park in Charlottesville, Virginia.
 
The Bears struck first in the opening inning after Mia Phillips beat out an infield single, allowing a base runner to score from third base. The Cavaliers quickly responded by putting two runs on the scoreboard in the bottom half of the first inning.
 
Both teams tacked on a run in the second inning as the Cavaliers edged out a 3-2 advantage heading into the third inning.
 
The Bears used a five-run third inning to take a commanding 7-3 lead midway through the third. Kaylee Pond beat out a close throw at home plate as Mia Phillips reached first on a fielder's choice. Holly Medina lined a two-RBI double to left center to extend the lead. Lagi Quiroga knocked in a single to right field to bring another base runner across home plate. With the base load, Elon Butler forced a walk to tack on the fifth run of the frame.
 
Pitcher Annabel Teperson held the Cavaliers scoreless for the remainder of the game to earn her second complete-game win after facing 26 batters and surrendering three runs on seven hits.
 
Cal scored another five runs at the top of the sixth to completely pull away from the Cavaliers. Phillips tallied her third hit to bring two base runners home. In the first start of her collegiate career, Kayli Counts recorded her second hit of the season to tack two runs on the scoreboard. Elon Butler gave the Bears a nine-run lead after an RBI base hit as Cal cruised to the 12-3 win after six innings of action.
 
UP NEXT
Cal will remain on the East Coast to face Howard on Tuesday in Washington, D.C., with a scheduled start time of 10 a.m. PT.
 
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