March 10, 2007
SUNNYVALE, Calif. - The Santa Clara softball team dropped their third straight one-run ballgame Saturday afternoon against Iowa at the NIST, hosted by San Jose State at Twin Creeks in Sunnyvale, Calif. Angela Kabanuck was 2-for-4 with the Broncos only run, and Jerrica Castagno went seven innings, giving up only one earned run.
Jerrica Castagno started the came in strong fashion, giving up a hit to leadoff the game, and then retiring nine of the next ten batters, with the one left reaching on an error.
In the bottom of third inning, Santa Clara took a 1-0 lead after Kabanuck singled to lead off. Nori Kamada layed down a great bunt to advance Kabanuck to second, and then Santa Clara took advantage. A bouncer to the left of the pitcher's circle off the bat of Alyc Kalamaha was mishandled by Iowa pitcher Amanda Zust allowing Kabanuck to advance to third. After Kalamaha stole second, the stage was set for Maggie Godfrey to give Santa Clara the lead. Her groundout to first allowed Kabanuck to score, and advanced Kalamaha to third, setting the stage for Jackie Morales, but Morales was retired and the Broncos led 1-0.
The very next inning, Iowa came storming back. A single and a passed ball put a runner on second base with two out. A comebacker to Castagno was overthrown to first base, allowing the runner to score from second,, and also allowing the batter to advance to second. The next batter singled up the middle, and the throw to the plate was late, giving Iowa a 2-1 lead.
In the fifth, another single by Kabanuck and a hit-batsman put her in scoring position, but the Broncos were unable to get the run back.
Santa Clara (4-23) will conclude play at the NIST Sunday morning against Charlotte at 9:00 a.m.