Megan Ciolli drove in two runs with two doubles in Notre Dame's victory over Utah on Friday, Feb. 18.

Softball Down To Just One Game On Saturday

Feb. 19, 2005

So much for the famous line from that classic song – “It never rains in Southern California.” Another strong storm moved through the San Diego area Friday night, and has washed out the second field used for this weekend’s tournament. The weather has forced the Irish to play just one game on Saturday, against #4/3 UCLA at 1 p.m. – not 2 p.m. as recently reported.

The San Diego area has experienced more rain over the last month than the entire previous year combined. Notre Dame’s game on Friday against Utah was pushed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the Irish eventually winning their first game of the tournament 3-2.

Those fans hoping to catch the action on Saturday via the free live audio package offered this weekend, we apologize but it will be unavailable on Saturday. Due to the wet weather and an uncovered press box at the SDSU Softball Stadium, we will not be able to offer live audio today. Once again, we apologize for the unavailability.

A late game against #21/18 Fresno State on Friday was cancelled as well, when FSU made a decision not to play late at night (the game would have started at approximately 10 p.m.). Notre Dame was still willing to play the game, since the Irish have traveled across the country and are looking to make that effort worthwhile by playing as many games as possible this weekend.

Notre Dame’s matchup with San Diego State on Saturday evening has been cancelled as well.

Notre Dame also lost a game against a ranked opponent this weekend when #22/24 Long Beach State decided to pull out of the tournament at the last minute. They have been replaced on the weekend schedule for Notre Dame by Central Michigan, as the Irish and Chippewas will face each other at 9 a.m. on Sunday.

Here is a complete list of results so far in the tournament:

Thursday, Feb. 17 –

Fresno State 5, Utah 0

Oregon State 15, Fresno State 7

Oregon State 9, San Diego State 5

San Diego State 3, Florida International 2

Friday, Feb. 18 –

Georgia 8, Oregon State 7

Notre Dame 3, Utah 2

UCLA 2, Georgia 0

Florida International 5, Oregon State 2

Central Michigan 3, Santa Clara 0

Santa Clara 3, Utah 2

Notre Dame’s matchup on Saturday against UCLA will feature the Irish looking for a victory over its highest ranked-opponent. The Bruins, one of the traditional powers in collegiate softball, are currently third in the ESPN.com/USA Softball Top 25 and fourth in the USA Today/NFCA poll. The Irish have not defeated a team ranked in the top five since a 3-2 victory at #4 Nebraska in 2002.