Arizona’s Finch Shuts Down Bruins for Title

The UCLA Bruins couldn’t solve Jennie Finch. Again.

Finch pitched a four-hitter as Arizona beat UCLA, 1-0, Monday in the championship game of the Women’s College World Series.

All Finch needed was one run and Lindsey Collins got that for her in the fourth inning with a home run.

Finch (32-0) struck out seven and walked two to finish her perfect season and break the NCAA record for wins in a season without a defeat.

It was the Bruins’ third loss to Finch this season, all by shutout.

She was selected the series’ most outstanding player.

“This was a perfect ending to a perfect season,” Finch said.

“I just wanted to hit my spots and use our defense. And stay relaxed.”

The top-seeded Wildcats (65-4) won their sixth national championship, second only to UCLA’s eight.

Second-seeded UCLA (62-6) threatened in the bottom of the sixth when Natasha Watley led off with a single and advanced to second base on a throwing error by Finch, but three fly outs ended the inning.

“I really can’t describe how I’m feeling,” Arizona third baseman Toni Mascarenas said.

“I don’t think it’s really hit anybody yet. Probably not until tomorrow when we wake up.”

Four of UCLA’s six losses this season came to the Wildcats.

“I tip my cap to Arizona,” UCLA Coach Sue Enquist said.

“They did what they had to do. When they got their one opportunity, they took a swing at it and they got it.”

Amanda Freed (21-4) went the distance for UCLA, giving up three hits and walking four. Collins ended Freed’s 38-inning scoreless streak with her one-out homer over the center-field fence.

“It was going to be anybody’s ballgame today,” Freed said. “Knowing that, there is nobody else, no other players, no other team that I’d rather go down with than our team.”

The total attendance for the Women’s College World Series was 33,697, second only to last year’s 38,102, when Oklahoma won the title.

Freed, Bruin sophomore first baseman Tairia Mims and freshman designated player Claire Sua were selected to the all-tournament team.

“Just getting here makes us proud . . . and we know that we’ll be back next year,” Freed said.