March 8, 2009
MANOA, Hawai'i - The Santa Clara softball team fell, 11-1, to Florida Gulf Coast in the final day of play at the Pepsi Malihini Kipa Aloha Tournament. The Broncos', 2-14 overall, Jenna Fong posted a hit and a RBI, for SCU's lone run of the day. In the bottom of the first inning, the Sacramento, Calif. native doubled to left center to score Megan Smith, who was on second. The Bronco sophomore pitched 3.2 innings, for her 12th appearance at the mound this season. She posted two strikeouts in the effort.
FGCU led off the first inning with a 5-0 run, which Fong followed in the bottom half of the inning with a RBI double. In the fourth, the Eagles furthered their lead, with an additional six runs. While the Florida Gulf Coast posted two strong multi-run innings, the Bronco pitching rotation did keep them at bay for the second, third and fifth innings. SCU allowed only two hits in 16 batters faced in that three inning span.
Santa Clara tallied four hits and two walks in the five inning contest. Freshman Briana Knight hit her eighth double of the season in the bottom of the third inning and in the fourth inning catcher Emily Batt singled to left center. In the bottom of the fifth, pitch hitter Christine Prochnow singled to center. It was the Bronco freshman's fourth career hit.
SCU looks to bounce back in their season home opener doubleheader versus Northern Illinois on Wednesday, March 11. First pitch is at 3 p.m.
