University of Northern Colorado Athletics

Photo by: Jam David
Caviness Throws Perfect Game to Lead UNC Past UCSB 1-0
2/23/2024 5:03:00 PM | Softball
First perfect game in the NCAA Division I Era
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Perfection.
Senior Erin Caviness pitched a perfect game to lead Northern Colorado past UC – Santa Barbara 1-0 Friday morning in the opening game of the UC – Santa Barbara Tournament.
It's the Bears first perfect game in the NCAA Division I era.
"The game today was just a fun game to play in. The whole team had my back on each pitch, and I fed off their emotion," Caviness said. "I just tried my best to put it where Coach P called it and let the defense do their thing and it felt great to come out with a win!"
UNC head softball coach Dedeann Pendleton-Helm is delighted for Caviness.
"I could not be prouder of Erin. She showed such great composure and grit on the mound. This marks the first time in our Division I era that a UNC pitcher has pitched a perfect game. With the great defense behind her, it was a perfect game for the team too," Pendleton-Helm said. "It is rare to experience a perfect game, so it is an amazing achievement for all of us to celebrate together. I can't say enough about how excited I am for Erin and this accomplishment."
Jaycie Gandert had one at-bat and made the most of it. In the top of the fifth inning and looking at a full count, Gandert flied out to left field and Katie Thomson scored on the sacrifice fly.
Inside the box score
Up next
The Bears are set for a doubleheader on Saturday with games versus Michigan (12:30 p.m.) and UC – Santa Barbara (3 p.m.).
Senior Erin Caviness pitched a perfect game to lead Northern Colorado past UC – Santa Barbara 1-0 Friday morning in the opening game of the UC – Santa Barbara Tournament.
It's the Bears first perfect game in the NCAA Division I era.
"The game today was just a fun game to play in. The whole team had my back on each pitch, and I fed off their emotion," Caviness said. "I just tried my best to put it where Coach P called it and let the defense do their thing and it felt great to come out with a win!"
UNC head softball coach Dedeann Pendleton-Helm is delighted for Caviness.
"I could not be prouder of Erin. She showed such great composure and grit on the mound. This marks the first time in our Division I era that a UNC pitcher has pitched a perfect game. With the great defense behind her, it was a perfect game for the team too," Pendleton-Helm said. "It is rare to experience a perfect game, so it is an amazing achievement for all of us to celebrate together. I can't say enough about how excited I am for Erin and this accomplishment."
Jaycie Gandert had one at-bat and made the most of it. In the top of the fifth inning and looking at a full count, Gandert flied out to left field and Katie Thomson scored on the sacrifice fly.
Inside the box score
- Abby Gaona batted 1-for-2 and Nya Chacon finished 1-for-3
- Lauren Strathearn, Amailee Morales, and Alision Steinker each drew a walk
- Strathearn stole a base and Morales was hit by a pitch
Up next
The Bears are set for a doubleheader on Saturday with games versus Michigan (12:30 p.m.) and UC – Santa Barbara (3 p.m.).
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Caviness, Erin (3-2)
L: Camryn Snyder (1-3)

Batting:
2B: Gaona, Abby 1 ; Chacon, Nya 1
RBI: Gandert, Jaycie 1
SF: Gandert, Jaycie 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Thomson, Katie 1
SB: Strathearn, Lauren 1
CS: Wenzel, Alyssa 1
HBP: Morales, Amailee 1
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