NCAA SOFTBALL : Fullerton Rallies to Beat Northridge, 2-1

It wasn’t the first time Kathy Blake-Small pitched a fantastic game--and lost. It was however, the last time.

Senetha Thomas’ bases-loaded single with two out in the eighth inning was the difference as Cal State Fullerton rallied to beat Cal State Northridge, 2-1, Sunday in an NCAA regional championship game in front of 520 spectators at Matador Diamond.

Third-ranked Fullerton (45-15), a regional runner-up in each of the past seven seasons, advances to the Women’s College World Series, May 25-29.

Northridge (43-17), which was denied a third consecutive series appearance, had plenty of opportunities to beat the Titans and force a second championship game in the double-elimination regional tournament, but the Matadors stranded nine runners, six in scoring position.

“We had the game won,” Northridge Coach Janet Sherman said. “We had the opportunities and didn’t take charge.”

Meanwhile, Blake-Small (24-10) was mowing down the Titans one inning after another.

“She probably pitched the best she’s pitched all year,” Fullerton Coach Judi Garman said.

Blake-Small retired 16 batters in order midway in the second through seventh innings on just 46 pitches.

“That’s the only way we could have won is if I pitched well,” Blake-Small said.

Fullerton’s offense was minimal--getting baserunners in only the second and eighth--but it produced maximum results. Thomas and Beth Queypo were the only Titans who managed a hit off Blake-Small, who struck out five.

Northridge, which left a runner in scoring position in the bottom of the eighth, tied it, 1-1, on back-to-back doubles by Kelly Toovey and Lee Ann Taylor with two out in the second.

But that was all the Matadors could pin on senior right-hander Jennifer Mortensen (22-6), who allowed six hits from six different players and three walks.