The ASU softball team defeated Utah 1-0 Sunday to win the consolation bracket in the Judi Garman Classic held March 16-19 in Fullerton, Calif.
The game's only run came in the fourth inning when ASU pinch runner Delenah Langley scored on a ground out by designated hitter Bridgette Caron.
ASU pitcher Katie Burkhart picked up her 13th win of the season, giving up two hits and striking out 11 batters.
Utah (15-10) had advanced to the consolation bracket championship game after upsetting No. 9 Michigan 3-2 in extra innings.
The No. 11 Sun Devils (31-3) got off to a rough start in the tournament, dropping their first two games to Notre Dame (11-10) and Florida State (20-14).
It was the first time this year that the team has lost back-to-back games.
ASU led 2-1 Thursday in the bottom of the seventh inning against Notre Dame before junior Stephanie Brown hit a two-run home run to complete the 3-2 upset.
The Sun Devils fared no better in their second game of the day against Florida State, falling 1-0 in 10 innings after a fielding error allowed the Seminoles to score the winning run. ASU is now 3-2 in extended games.
Although the 0-2 start ultimately dropped ASU into the consolation bracket, it bounced back to win four straight games, including victories over No. 10 Louisiana Lafayette (23-3) and host Cal State Fullerton (16-15).
The team came into the tournament fresh off of a doubleheader sweep of No. 19 Baylor (18-11), held Tuesday at Farrington Stadium.
The Sun Devils hit five home runs in the series, shutting out the Bears 3-0 in the first game and winning 5-3 in the second.
Freshman center fielder Kaitlin Cochran batted 2-for-5 with two home runs, three RBIs and two runs scored in the doubleheader.
Reach the reporter at steven.bohner@asu.edu.
