Cal Softball Sophomore Throws First No-Hitter in 8 Years

Layna Gerhard dominates East Texas A&M in 16-0 run-rule victory

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Sophomore transfer Layna Gerhard threw the 76th no-hitter in Cal softball history, the first for the program in 8 years, in a 16-0 run-rule victory over East Texas A&M on Sunday. Gerhard struck out 3 and walked 3 over 5 innings, joining an elite club of Cal pitchers to accomplish the feat.

Why it matters

No-hitters are rare accomplishments in college softball, and this is the first for Cal since 2018. Gerhard's performance highlights the talent and depth of the Bears' pitching staff as they look to bounce back from a slow start to the season.

The details

Gerhard, a transfer from Ohio State, struck out 3 and walked 3 in the 5-inning run-rule victory. The Bears scored 6 runs in the first inning, with freshman Sophia Everett hitting her first collegiate home run and driving in 6 runs. Carly Raven and Anya German also had big games at the plate for Cal.

  • Gerhard's no-hitter came on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
  • The last no-hitter thrown by a Cal pitcher was in 2018.

The players

Layna Gerhard

A sophomore transfer from Ohio State, Gerhard threw the 76th no-hitter in Cal softball history.

Sophia Everett

A Cal freshman who hit her first collegiate home run and drove in 6 runs in the 16-0 win.

Carly Raven

A Cal player who doubled twice and drove in 4 runs in the victory.

Anya German

A Cal player who doubled, homered, and had 3 RBIs in the game.

Michele Granger

A former Cal pitcher who holds the NCAA record with 25 no-hitters, including 5 perfect games, from 1990-1993.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Bears return to action this weekend when they host Duke for three games to open ACC play at Sacramento.

The takeaway

Gerhard's no-hitter is a bright spot for the Cal softball team, which has struggled to a 8-14 start this season. The performance showcases the talent on the Bears' pitching staff as they look to turn their season around.