COLLEGE SOFTBALL : Fernandez Fuels UCLA Victory Over Titans

Lisa Fernandez was three for four and scored the winning run during the ninth inning Friday to lead top-seeded UCLA to a 2-1 victory over 15th-seeded Cal State Fullerton at UCLA’s Sunset Field in a regional playoff game of the NCAA softball tournament.

Fernandez (28-1) also struck out 12 and gave up three hits in nine innings.

With the score 1-1 in the ninth inning, Fernandez began a Bruin rally of three consecutive singles. Jennifer Brundage hit a sacrifice fly to drive her in.

Fullerton took a 1-0 lead during the first inning after shortstop Denise DeWalt, a two-time Big West Conference player of the year, singled. DeWalt advanced to second on a sacrifice by Melissa Hadfield and scored on a single by Rose Garces.

UCLA tied the score during the sixth inning after Fernandez doubled to drive in Kathi Evans.

Although Fernandez said it was not a typical game for her, it was no surprise she played such a big part of the Bruins’ victory.

Fernandez is a two-time winner of the Honda Award, recognizing the best player in her sport. Going into the game, she led the nation in batting average, .507, and was second in earned-run average, .026.

“(Fernandez) is just one of those players who comes through your program once in a lifetime,” said Sharron Backus, 18-year UCLA coach. “She just does it all.”

The Bruins (45-3) and the Titans (37-20) will conclude their best-of-three series at 1 p.m. today at Sunset Field. The winner advances to the NCAA College World Series at Oklahoma City, Okla., May 27-31.