Duke Defeats Cal, 3-1, to Secure Conference Series Victory

Saturday, March 7

Sacramento, Calif.

5 p.m.

Duke University

14-9, 2-0

California

8-16, 0-2

Duke

Cal

Duke Defeats Cal, 3-1, to Secure Conference Series Victory

3/7/2026 8:20:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Duke used a 3-1 victory over Cal Saturday afternoon to clinch the three-game series at Shea Stadium in Sacramento, Calif.

With the win, the Blue Devils improve to 14-9 overall and 2-0 in ACC play while the Golden Bears fall to 8-16 on the year and 0-2 in conference action.

Senior pitcher Cassidy Curd tossed her second complete game of the weekend. The lefty allowed just one run while limiting the Golden Bears to three hits in seven innings. Curd also collected a game-high seven strikeouts.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The first four frames went scoreless until the Golden Bears broke through in the bottom of the fourth with an RBI-double to plate the first run of the game.
Redshirt junior Jessica Oakland evened the score at 1-1 in the top of the fifth with her base hit down the left field line. The knock scored freshman Adelyn Matthews, pinch running for classmate Gabriella Shadek at second base.
Senior KK Mathis blasted the go-ahead run in the top of the sixth with a solo home run to left field.
Graduate student Tyrina Jones delivered the insurance run in the final frame, laying down a bunt to bring in senior Aminah Vega and put the Blue Devils ahead, 3-1. Vega reached on a base hit up the middle before advancing to third on Oakland's single to right center field.

NOTES

Curd earned improves her season ledger to 8-2.
Mathis tallied her second home run of the season and 30th of her career.
Jones logged her 100th career RBI with an infield single in the top of the seventh.
The Blue Devils outhit the Golden Bears, 10-3, marking their 12th game with double digit hits.
Duke has now won nine of its last 10 ACC series, dating back to April 26, 2024 versus NC State.

UP NEXT
Duke and Cal conclude the three-game set Sunday afternoon at Shea Stadium. First pitch is slated for 3 p.m. ET. Live stats will be available through Statbroadcast.

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