CSUN Seeks 3rd Straight National Title in Softball

Cal State Northridge begins defense of its national Division II softball championship todayagainst Akron University at 3:30 p.m.

The Lady Matadors (59-18) have won national titles the last two seasons, but they will not be favored this time.

Based on its 55-3 record, top-ranked Stephen F. Austin has been cast in the role of the favorite. The Lady Lumberjacks have participated in the national tournament three of the last four years but never have finished better than third.

The Gulf Star Conference champions are led by pitcher Pam Clay, who is 27-1 with an 0.18 earned-run average. The Lady Lumberjacks, winners of 21 straight, play Sacred Heart today at 1:30 p.m. in the tournament opener.

The losers of today’s games meet Saturday at 11 a.m., with the loser of that game being eliminated.

Today’s winning teams square off at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, with the winner of that game automatically advancing to the championship. The two teams with a loss will then play another game Saturday to decide which will advance to the title game on Sunday at 1:30 p.m.