BERKELEY – The California softball team (31-17, 7-12 ACC) fell in the series opener to No. 14 Virginia Tech (38-7, 16-3 ACC), 11-3, on Friday at Levine-Fricke Field.
 
Elon Butler and Lagi Quiroga tallied two hits apiece to lead the Golden Bears on the offensive end. Quiroga became the third Bear to record 100 career hits this season, joining Tianna Bell and Mika Lee, who accomplished the feat earlier this season.
 
The Hokies quickly took an early advantage after putting two runs on the scoreboard in the first inning, highlighted by a solo home run from Cori McMillan in the first at-bat of the game.
 
The Bears cut their deficit in half in the bottom of the first after Quiroga raced home from third on a passed ball to put a run on the board.
 
The Hokies extended their lead to 4-1 in the second inning after a two-run shot over the left-field wall from Michelle Chatfield.
 
Virginia Tech continued to pull away en route to an 11-1 lead after a grand slam from Chatfield in the top of the fifth inning.
 
Cal began to pick up the offensive production in the bottom of the fifth when Butler found the gap in right-center field for an RBI double. Quiroga quickly followed with a base hit to bring Butler across home plate.
 
The Bears managed to load the bases in the fifth as it threatened to extend the game but couldn't capitalize on the opportunity.
 
UP NEXT
The two teams will meet again on Saturday with a start time of 2 p.m. PT.
 
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