Feb. 18, 2009
BERKELEY, Calif. - The Santa Clara softball team opened up the 2009 campaign at local rival No. 9 California Wednesday afternoon. The Broncos were shutout by the Golden Bears, 11-0, in five innings. Sophomore shortstop Jeanine Ruffoni posted SCU's lone hit in the fifth inning.
"There were several bright spots for our rebuilding team against a talented top-10 Cal team," said head coach Lisa Mize. "Playing against a very strong team in our season opener helps us see what we need to work on to improve for the rest of the season."
Earning her first career start was freshman Briana Knight, who played three innings at right field and had two at bats. Junior transfer Megan Smith also played in her first game for SCU at second base.
While the Broncos' bats were kept at bay by the Bear's pitcher Valerie Arioto, who threw nine strikeouts, senior captain and leadoff hitter Noelani Ho'opi'i tallied two walks off of Arioto.
The Broncos' look to bounce this weekend when they take on Pacific at 9 a.m. and CSU Bakersfield on Saturday, February 21, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., respectively. The following day, they will take on Bakersfield in a doubleheader. First pitch is set for 10 a.m.
