April 20, 2002
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Santa Clara softball squad beat the Cal Poly Mustangs 4-0 in the first game of the doubleheader this afternoon at Marsalli Park. The Mustangs rebounded to defeat the Broncos 1-0 in the second match. Santa Clara improves to 17-28 on the season as Cal Poly walks away 22-23. With the win this afternoon the Broncos tie last years win total, which they hope to overcome in the few remaining games of the season.
In the first game, the Broncos pulled ahead in the third inning when they produced three runs. Sydney Wiginton started off the rally with an infield single that she was able to beat out. Coresta Salas then promptly moved her over to second with a sacrifice bunt. Using her speed, Wiginton stole third. Kristi Harrington was walked by Cal Poly pitcher Eva Nelson and quickly stole second. Up next, Lacey Smale was given first on a walk. With the bases loaded, Tracie Hall drove in Wiginton on a sacrifice fly to right field. With runners at the corners, Rachel Sherman tripled scoring Harrington and Smale. The inning ended with a fly to right by Kelley Johnson.
Santa Clara added an extra run to their lead in the bottom of the sixth. With one out down in the books, Lauren Fissori was walked. Deanna Rodriguez doubled to right field advancing Fissori to third. Wiginton then put the ball in play and was out at first enabling Fissori to score and Rodriguez to move to third. The inning ended with a ground out to second by Salas.
Cal Poly was able to move runners into scoring position throughout the game, but they were never able to capitalize on the opportunities as the Santa Clara defense completely shut them down.
Jennifer Ponzo takes the win for the Broncos as she only allowed three hits. Her record improves to 4-10 on the season. Eva Nelson takes the loss for the Mustangs and falls to 5-5.
The second game remained scoreless until the top of the sixth when Cal Poly put a run on the board. Roni Sparrey started the inning off with a single to left field. Gemma Dalena moved her to second on a sacrifice bunt. Jackie Wayland then drove in Sparrey with a single to right center. The Mustangs were unable to produce anymore runs, but it proved to be enough to capture the win as they continued to hold the Broncos scoreless.
Santa Clara pitcher Rodriguez takes the loss for the Broncos allowing one run off of four hits, her record 8-11. Cal Poly pitcher Jamie Gelbart takes the win and improves to 6-2.
The Broncos last home game is scheduled for tomorrow, April 21st, against the Gaels of Saint Mary's. The first pitch is slated to begin at noon. A ceremony will follow the doubleheader honoring the three Bronco seniors: Wiginton, Rodriguez, and Harrington.
