May 10, 2003

Box Score

Fullerton, Calif. - Sixth-ranked Cal State Fullerton's Jodie Cox and Jenny Topping hit a pair of two-run home runs to defeat UC Santa Barbara 4-1 in both of their regular season finales.

The Gauchos finished the season at 34-22 and 9-11 in the Big West. Fullerton finished the year 39-13 overall and 20-1 in the conference, winning its its fourth consecutive Big West Title and the automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament.

Cox (19-7) went the distance for her 23rd consecutive Big West Conference decision. She has finished the last two seasons undefeated in league play, 9-0 in 2002 and 12-0 in 2003. Cox allowed an unearned run on three hits with a walk and three strikeouts.

UCSB starter Carly Harmon (17-10), who held the Titans hitless through 5 1/3 innings on Friday night in a loss, allowed four runs (three earned) on six hits, walking two and striking out four.

The Gauchos got on the board first in the opening inning, plating an unearned run on a double to left center by sophomore Katie Oliver, scoring senior Jami Trinidad, who reached on an error.

The Titans took the lead for good in the third as Cox slammed her fifth home run of the year to left field with Topping on base for the 2-1 lead. Topping capped off the scoring with her ninth home run of the year -- and her second of the series -- to the opposite field.

Topping finished the day 2-for-3 with two runs scored and two RBI. Julie Watson, Cox, Krista O'Hanian and Jody Campbell also had hits for Cal State Fullerton.

Oliver, Leslie Simien, and E.J. Lauchland each tallied a hit for the Gauchos.

The loss concludes UCSB's 2003 season unless they receive an at-large berth into the tournament based upon their overall record and wins over quality opponents. The NCAA Regional Committee will announce the pairings for the 2003 regionals on Sunday evening at 7 p.m. PDT on ESPNEWS.