April 11, 2010
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Santa Clara softball team (8-18) was unable to depart the California capital city with a win this weekend, falling, 17-0, to Sacramento State in a first game of today's doubleheader. The second game was postponed to another date to be determined due to inclement weather.
After a scoreless first inning, Sacramento State took a 2-0 lead in the top of the second and posted three consecutive crooked-number innings while keeping the Broncos off the scoreboard.
Santa Clara had an immense amount of trouble solving Hornet pitcher Megan Schaefer, who had six strikeouts and only gave up one-hit in her complete-game-shutout victory.
Junior left fielder Jackie Nicora was the only Bronco hitter, singling up the middle in the fifth inning to prevent Schaefer's perfect game try.
Santa Clara used three pitchers in the contest. Freshman Ali Nash started and pitched 2.1 innings. Fellow rookie Riley McKay pitched one inning and senior Kaitlyn Rauschnot was in the circle for 1.2 innings. Nash and Rauschnot each had one strikeout.
The Broncos will continue PCSC play next weekend, hosting their first set of home games. Santa Clara will take on Cal State Bakersfield in two doubleheaders at West Valley College in Saratoga, Calif. Both Saturday and Sunday's doubleheaders will begin at noon.