San Jose Sting

Los Angeles - California broke up a combined no-hit bid by Donna Kerr and Megan Langenfeld in the top of the seventh inning top pull within a run, but the No. 1-ranked UCLA Bruins held on to defeat the 21st-ranked Golden Bears, 2-1 in Pac-10 softball action from Easton Stadium on Saturday.

Cal falls to 32-14, 1-4 Pac-10 play. Both teams play again tomorrow at Noon.Freshman Valerie Ariotopitched for the first time since Mar. 25 and only allowed two runs - both earned, to go along with six strikeouts. Her record now stands at 6-3.

UCLA scored all two of its runs in the bottom of the second inning after Arioto twice walked in runs with the bases loaded. Arioto, however, settled down after that, and got out of a jam in the third inning when she recorded three straight strikeouts after issuing back-to-back singles. Arioto also pitched a 1-2-3 inning in the fifth and retired three straight after giving up a leadoff single in the sixth.

Kerr was equally as impressive, allowing just two base runners in her six innings pitched. After UCLA inserted Langenfeld in the top of the seventh inning to relieve Kerr, Cal got on the board when freshman Sanoe Kekahunasmacked a two-out triple to left-center field to plate pinch runner Savannah Hensley all the way from first base.