San Diego State's softball team lost its NCAA Regional opener 4-1 to Cal last night in Fresno.

The second-seeded Aztecs (43-16) will play fourth-seeded Sacramento State in an elimination game today at 2:30. Sacramento State lost to top-seeded Fresno State 11-0 in a game called after 4½ innings because of the NCAA's eight-run rule. Cal, the No. 3 seed, will play Fresno at noon.

If the Aztecs win the 2:30 game, they will play the loser of the noon game tonight at 5. The final is tomorrow.

SDSU senior Christina Ross (30-13) got the loss. She allowed all four runs (two earned) on six hits, walked four and struck out six.

Sophomore Brittany Knudsen (Escondido High) and senior Tamani Wells had two hits each for SDSU, which had won six straight. Senior Megan McDonald drove in the team's run.

More softball

In Decatur, Ala., Paige Powell homered twice and Tyler Lent pitched a complete game as No. 2 Point Loma Nazarene won its opening game of pool play at the NAIA National Championships by beating Dana (Neb.) 4-0. The Sea Lions (56-9) then beat William Carey (Miss.) 4-0.

Against Dana, Powell put the Sea Lions ahead for good in the first. After a single by Amanda Addie and a sacrifice bunt by Erica Ricker, Powell homered to left field. She homered again in the fifth.

In the second game, PLNU's Melissa Gomez pitched a complete game and had a three-run double.

PLNU finishes pool play with two games today.