College Softball World Series : Clark Pitches Fullerton Past A&M; for Title, 3-0

Texas A&M; finally got a hit off Cal State Fullerton pitcher Connie Clark, but it wasn’t enough to keep the Titans from winning the College World Series softball championships, 3-0, in Omaha, Neb.

Clark (20-2), who pitched two no-hitters against the Aggies, gave up just one hit while striking out eight in leading Fullerton (57-9-1) to its first NCAA title in four trips to the World Series.

“It’s nice to get the monkey off our back,” Titan Coach Judi Garman said. “We have four players who have been here three of the four years and never won it. To win in their last chance is great.”

Clark and All-American Susan LeFebvre allowed one run on eight hits as Fullerton became only the second team to go through the World Series without a defeat.

With one out in the sixth inning, Texas A&M; pinch-hitter Tory Parks singled for the Aggies’ only hit in three games against Clarkton this season. Parks was thrown out attempting to steal second.

“I didn’t care about losing the no-hitter. I just wanted to win the game,” Clark said.

The Titans’ first run came when Rina Foster hit her second triple of the series in the fifth inning and scored on Chenita Rogers’ bouncer to second.

An inning later, Terri Oberg and Joann Ferrieri hit back-to-back doubles off A&M; pitcher Shawn Andaya (24-8). Fullerton got an insurance run in the seventh after Robin Goodin singled home Michelle Gromacki.

Clark won three games in the Series and pitched 23 scoreless innings, earning her a spot on the all-tournament team. Other Titan players to be honored were first baseman Goodin and outfielders Rogers and Foster.

Local players named to the team were CSLB catcher Sue Trubovitz; Texas A&M; shortstop Liz Micera from Garden Grove; and California third baseman Roni Deutch of Woodland Hills.