Fresno City beats Shasta, advances to NorCal Super Regionals

The Fresno Bee

Despite getting matched up against Shasta College in the Northern California Regional, Fresno City co-coach Sandi Auble still liked the Rams' chances.

Never mind that the Knights eliminated Fresno City from the softball Super Regionals last season and beat them earlier this season at the Ohlone Tournament.

Selena Ruiz pitched a five-hitter and Adriana Bencomo hit a two-run home run in the eighth inning as the ninth-seeded Rams defeated No. 8 Shasta 5-1 in Redding on Sunday to win the best-of-three series 2-0 and advance to the Super Regionals next weekend at Solano College in Fairfield.

"Shasta has had our number the last few times," Auble said. "We are excited about winning round one of regionals. In the playoffs, anything can happen. Our girls were hungry for revenge.

"It's back to work at practice this week to prepare for (next weekend). We're taking it one game at a time."

Kyla Cisneros, Bencomo and Ruiz each drove in a run earlier in the game for the Rams.

"We've worked all year for postseason," Ruiz said, "and the best feeling is when all the parts work together."

Shasta's Megan McColpin took the loss as the Vikings ended the season 28-9.

Sierra and Santa Rosa will join the Rams (27-13) and Solano in a double-elimination format next weekend.