Fullerton Comes Back, Advances to the Series : Softball: Thomas’ bases-loaded single lifts Titans past Cal State Northridge, 2-1, in NCAA regional.

It was a “nerve-racking” day for Cal State Fullerton pitcher Jennifer Mortensen, but well worth the anxiety.

Mortensen, a senior right-hander, escaped a consistent onslaught of Cal State Northridge baserunners through eight innings, and for her efforts will receive an all-expense paid trip to Oklahoma City.

Senetha Thomas’ bases-loaded single with two outs in the eighth was the difference as Fullerton rallied to beat Northridge, 2-1, Sunday in an NCAA softball regional championship game in front of 520 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.

No. 7 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.

Meanwhile, Fullerton’s offense was minimal, but it produced maximum results. Thomas and Beth Queypo were the only Titans who managed a hit off senior right-hander Kathy Blake-Small, who struck out five. Each had two hits--all of which contributed to the two runs.

Tied, 1-1, Queypo led off the eighth with a bloop single to left. Tracie Noggle followed with a sacrifice, but first baseman Chelo Lopez fielded the bunt and threw high to shortstop Julie Sessler at second. Sessler snagged the throw with a leaping effort, but pinch-runner Christina Wagy was able to slide safely under Sessler.

After Heidi Robertson sacrificed Noggle and Wagy to second and third, Rose Garces attempted a squeeze, but her effort resulted in a pop-up in foul territory for the second out.

Blake-Small then intentionally walked No. 3 batter Chris Zboril to load the bases, bringing up Thomas, who had singled and scored on an error in the second for a 1-0 lead.

“There was nobody I’d rather have up there than her,” Fullerton Coach Judi Garman said. “I told her that too, but I don’t think she heard me.”

On a full-count inside fastball, Thomas hit a soft liner into shallow center to drive in Wagy for the go-ahead run.

“I just knew I was going to get a hit,” Thomas said. “Every time I’ve faced [Blake-Small], I grounded out or struck out. I told myself I’m overdue. I’m going to get a hit.”

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

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

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

Northridge tied it, 1-1, on two-out, back-to-back doubles by Kelly Toovey and Lee Ann Taylor in the second.

But that was all the Matadors could pin on Mortensen (22-6), who gave up six hits and three walks.