Conference

KANOEHE, Hawaii – Kacie McCarthy fired a four-hit shutout and Kelly Head’s two-run single highlighted the Chico State softball team’s-hit attack in a 5-0 victory over host Hawaii Pacific in the opening game of the 2010 NCAA Championship Tournament best-of-three West Super Regional Friday at Howard A. Okita Field.

The Wildcats, now 33-19 and winners of 14 of their last 16, will attempt to clinch the series victory when the two teams at 2 p.m. (PDT). With a win, Chico State will advance to next weekend’s NCAA Championship Tournament Elite Eight. If Hawaii Pacific wins, the teams will meet again in a deciding game at 4:30.

The true freshman McCarthy outdueled HPU’s First Team All-West Region ace Sherise Musquiz, striking out four and walking just while helping hand the third-ranked Sea Warriors (44-8) their most lopsided loss of the season.

Christine Johnson, Courtney Brock, Jenna Wermes, and Rachel Failla banged out two hits apiece for the Wildcats. Faialla, Wermes, and Sam Quadt each drove in a run.