March 26, 2001
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Santa Clara softball team split with the Pac-10's Oregon this afternoon at Marsalli Park. Although the Broncos lost the second game 3-1, the 1-0 win in the opener moved the Broncos' record to 11-20, equaling last year's win total, as the 2000 squad went 11-40. The Ducks move to 21-16.
The first contest was scoreless through five-and-one-half innings, as Santa Clara escaped a no-out, bases-loaded situation in the second. In the sixth inning, sophomore short stop Tracie Hall's single to left center scored junior outfielder Sydney Wiginton, who had reached on an error and promptly stole second. The Broncos had a chance to add to their lead, but closed the inning with two runners left on base.
Senior pitcher Krista Barry picked up the win for Santa Clara and improves to 7-8 on the season. Oregon's Lisa Wangler recorded the loss.
The Broncos escaped a second bases-loaded situation to open the second contest, but with two outs already on board. With one out, Oregon's second batter of third, third baseman Lynsey Haij, walked, and advanced to third on a double by second baseman Alyssa Laux. Designated player Missy Coe brought in both runners with a single to right center.
Not to be outdone, the Broncos answered with their own score in the bottom of the inning. It started with singles by freshmen Lauren Fissori and Jenée Cline, followed by a wild pitch to advance both runners and end starting Duck pitcher Anissa Meashintubby's afternoon. Andrea Vidlund was the replacement on the mound and recorded two outs, but couldn't stop a single by Hall to bring in Cline.
Although the Ducks were not able to capitalize on a triple by Amber Hutchinson in the fourth, Oregon did a run in the sixth with a safe call at home plate.
Santa Clara loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, but was not able to complete the rally as SCU's final batter grounded out to second base.
The Broncos now head south and will visit San Diego on Saturday, March 31 before taking on San Diego State on Sunday, April 1. Both doubleheaders will begin at 1 p.m.