Cal Lutheran Goes Zero for III in Regional

For the third time in four seasons, Cal Lutheran (31-6) went winless at the NCAA Division III Women’s Softball West Regional championships, losing to Simpson College, 6-0, and Buena Vista University, 6-1, on Saturday at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa.

The first round was scheduled for Friday but the games were rained out.

Simpson’s Kelly Schade (17-4) pitched a no-hitter in the opener, facing the minimum of 21 batters. Xochitl Castillo, who walked, and Tracy Little, who reached base on an error, were the only Regal baserunners.

Cal Lutheran’s Gina Delianedis (9-1) gave up only one earned run, but threw four wild pitches, two of which brought runners home.

“Our bats were definitely quiet today,” Regal Coach Kecia Davis said. “The first time up you expect the jitters, but we didn’t come out and play.

“This is the second year in a row where we’ve come to Iowa and been rained out the first day. That’s tough to overcome when you’re traveling.”

Senior pitcher Heidi Stevens (14-4) ended a stellar career by losing in the consolation game to Buena Vista (27-11). The loss left Stevens with an 0-3 career record in the postseason.

The Regals’ only run came in the final inning when Kristin Taylor’s grounder scored Castillo, who had singled.