Jan. 10, 2007
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Pacific Coast Softball Conference announced today the results of the preseason coach's poll, and Santa Clara was tabbed to finish fourth. It was only three years ago that Santa Clara last won the PCSC title, and in 2006, the Broncos finished in third place with an 11-9 conference record.
"Having lost so many seniors, I'm not too surprised," said head coach Steve Rianda, on his team's fourth place projection. "It's one of those things that's expected, especially with such a large freshman class. That said, I know that we can do better than that. We have some great talent on the team and with Jerrica [Castagno] being healthy this year, we should do well."
In 2007 the Broncos will be filled with young talent, including freshman pitcher Kaitlyn Rauschnot and catcher Emily Batt as well as a number of other strong situational players. Combined with veterans like centerfielder Angela Kabanuck and pitcher Jerrica Castagno, the Broncos will have strength in all parts of their game.
Sacramento State, whom the Broncos face off against in their first game of the 2007 season, were the PCSC coaches' preseason pick to win the conference title, earning four of six first place votes. Earning the final two first place votes was Portland State, last year's conference champion, just two points behind Sacramento State in the final tally.
Santa Clara softball gets its 2007 season underway Friday, February 9 at 10:00 a.m. against Sacramento State from San Luis Obispo, Calif.
| 2007 Pacific Coast Softball Conference Coach's Poll | ||
| 1. | Sacramento State University (4) | 24 |
| 2. | Portland State University (2) | 22 |
| 3. | Loyola Marymount University | 16 |
| 4. | Santa Clara University | 11 |
| University of San Diego | 11 | |
| 6. | Saint Mary's College | 6 |