Posted on: Tuesday, May 29, 2001

Arizona wins softball title

Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY — All Jennie Finch needed was one run and Lindsey Collins got that for her in the fourth inning with a home run.

Finch went on to pitch a four-hitter as Arizona beat UCLA, 1-0, yesterday in the championship game of the Women's College World Series.

Finch (32-0) struck out seven and walked two to finish her perfect season and break the NCAA record for wins in a season without a defeat. She was named the series' most outstanding player.

"This was a perfect ending to a perfect season," Finch said. "I just wanted to hit my spots and use our defense. And stay relaxed."

The top-seeded Wildcats (65-4) won their sixth national championship, second only to UCLA's eight.

"I really can't describe how I'm feeling," Arizona third baseman Toni Mascarenas said. "I think it's hit us but I don't think it's really hit anybody yet. Probably not until tomorrow when we wake up."

Four of UCLA's losses this season came to the Wildcats.

"I tip my cap to Arizona," UCLA coach Sue Enquist said. "They did what they had to do. When they got their one opportunity, they took a swing at it and they got it."

Freed (21-4) went the distance for UCLA, giving up three hits and walking four. Collins ended Freed's 38-inning scoreless streak with her one-out homer over the center-field fence.