STOCKTON, Calif. - The University of the Pacific pounded out seven

runs and 10 hits on its way to a 7-2 victory over the Sacramento

State softball team in the finale of a three-game Big West Conference

series Sunday afternoon at Bill Simoni Field in Stockton, Calif.

With the victory, Pacific, which swept a doubleheader from the

Hornets yesterday, completed the three-game sweep of Sacramento State

while improving its record to 43-9 overall and 12-3 in the Big West.

With the loss, Sacramento State dropped to 16-30 overall and 4-11 in

the conference. At 14 games under .500, the Hornets are now the most

games they've ever been under .500 in the Div. I era (1990-pres.).

Pacific scored two runs in the second, third and fourth innings and

tacked on another in the sixth off Hornet pitchers Jillian Bivert and

Gina Steenburgen. All but two Tiger starters picked up at least one

hit, led by Adrienne Ratajczak, who finished 3-for-3 with two runs

scored and two doubles.

Cindy Ball (27-6) picked up her second victory in as many days,

allowing three hits and two runs including five strikeouts in seven

innings.

The Tigers got on the board first in the second inning on a Ball solo

home run and a Barbara Moody RBI-double. Sacramento State tied the

game in the top of the third as shortstop Andrea Becker connected on

her first career home run, a two-run shot that sailed over the left

field fence.

Pacific retook the lead with two runs in the bottom of the third on a

two-run double by Boni Kading. The Tigers increased their lead to 6-2

in the fourth inning after a two-run single by Estee Okumura. Pacific

tacked on an unearned run in the bottom of the sixth to complete the

scoring.

Bivert (6-11) picked up the loss, allowing seven hits and four runs

in three innings. Steenburgen, who relieved Bivert in the fourth

inning, allowed three runs and three hits in three innings.

Sacramento State returns to action next weekend as it hosts a

three-game series with Big West-foe Cal Poly. The Hornets and

Mustangs play a doubleheader on Saturday, April 28, at noon, followed

by a single game Sunday, April 29, at noon.