SARATOGA, Calif. – Santa Clara University's softball team was terrific in the opening stages of Sunday's Pacific Coast Softball Conference (PCSC) doubleheader against visiting St. Mary's, scoring six runs in the first inning. However, the Gaels rallied to win Game One 13-6 and would sweep the doubleheader with a 3-0 victory in Game Two.

With the rivalry series up for grabs Sunday, following Saturday's split, the Broncos jumped all over Gaels starter Britany Linton, putting together a six-run top of the first inning. Briana Knight, Breezy Bernard, Stephanie Fisher and Kelly Scribner combined for four consecutive hits and Rochelle Rivera hit a two-RBI double.

However, Saint Mary's (22-21, 11-4 PCSC) came all the way back from the 6-0 deficit, scoring five runs in both the fourth and fifth innings to turn the game – and the series - completely around.

In Game Two SMC starting pitcher Jessica Lemmon threw a complete game shutout. Lemmon went 7.0 innings, allowed just four hits, three walks and fanned five.

The Gaels move into first place in the PCSC Coastal Division standings and with just one weekend left to play, will try and hold off San Diego and LMU to claim the division title. San Diego, SMC and LMU are bunched together at the top of the standings heading into the final weekend. The Gaels will host LMU for doubleheaders on Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29, while the Toreros host Sacramento State.

Santa Clara (9-40, 3-13 PCSC) received some outstanding performances during the weekend series. Scribner went 6 for 12 (.500 BA) during the four-game set, which included two homeruns and four RBI. Fisher, Scribner's sophomore classmate, was 5 for 11 (.545 BA).

As a team the Broncos had 24 hits against SMC, getting eight extra-base hits from seven different players. The Gaels registered just five extra base hits, but were able to out-score the Broncos 24-12 … 10 of the Gaels 24 runs were unearned.   

Be sure to come out and suppport your Broncos next weekend at West Valley College in Saratoga. SCU will be hosting a four-game weekend PCSC series against Cal State Bakersfield on Saturday and Sunday, April 28-29. Doubleheaders will begin at 12 noon on both days. Following Sunday's home finale, join the Broncos as they host a post-game BBQ honoring the 2012 senior class of Briana Knight and Kristin Welsh.

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