Broncos Drop Tight Game to BYU

Broncos Drop Tight Game to BYU

PROVO, Utah – Continuing its trip through Utah, Santa Clara softball lost to BYU by a final of 3-2. The Broncos are now 5-24 overall and 1-3 in WCC play while the Cougars are now 18-20 overall and 3-1 in conference play.

Santa Clara returns to the field tomorrow, Sat., April 12 at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. vs. BYU to wrap-up the series.

Ciara Gonzales (2-9) started for Santa Clara and picked up a loss in 6.0 innings. Gonzales allowed three runs on six hits with three strikeouts. Kelly Scribner was 2-3 with a home run to lead the offense. Stephanie Fisher was 2-3 with a double while Breezy Bernard was 2-3 with a run scored.

McKenna Bull (9-9) started for BYU and picked up a win in 5.1 innings. Bull allowed one unearned run on six hits with seven strikeouts. Tori Almond picked up her third save of the season with 1.2 innings out of the bullpen. Katie Manuma was 1-3 with a double and an RBI to lead the offense. Sydney Broderick was 1-3 with a double and a run scored while Carly Duckworth was 1-2 with a triple and an RBI.

Broderick led off the bottom of the first with a double to center and moved up to third on a sacrifice bunt. Gordy Bravo hit a sacrifice fly to give BYU the early 1-0 lead.

The Cougars added another run in the bottom of the second to take a two run lead. Mercedes O'Connor singled with one out and Duckworth followed with an RBI triple to put BYU up 2-0.

Santa Clara rallied for a run with two outs in the top of the fourth. Bernard singled to center and Scribner followed with a single through the right side. On Scribner's single, there was an error by the right fielder that allowed a run to score and Scribner to move up to third.

BYU added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth. Bravo singled up the middle leading off the inning and pinch-runner Lacey Millett Hofstedt moved up on a sacrifice bunt. Manuma knocked in the run with an RBI double to left-center to make the score 3-1.

Scribner led off the top of the seventh with a home run to left field to get Santa Clara back within one run at 3-2. Chiara Biagini followed with a single through the left side and Gianetta France moved her up with a sacrifice bunt. A strikeout and a pop out ended the game.