MORAGA, Calif. – On Sunday afternoon Santa Clara softball topped Saint Mary's by a final of 5-4 in eight innings. The Broncos are now 13-26 on the season and 3-3 in WCC play while the Gaels are now 16-27 and 1-4 in conference play.
Santa Clara returns to the field Tues., April 14 at 3 p.m. at No. 15 Cal.
McCall James (2-4) started for Santa Clara and picked up a no-decision in 6.1 innings. James allowed two runs on five hits with three walks and one strikeout. Ciara Gonzales (10-12) got the win in 1.2 innings out of the bullpen. Jenna Krummen was 2-3 with a double and three RBI to lead the offense. Jordan Newell was 3-4 with a double and a run scored while Kimberly Goulart was 1-3 with a walk, an RBI, and a run scored.
Lujane Mussadi (5-15) started for Saint Mary's and picked up a no-decision in 1.1 innings. Mussadi allowed two runs on four hits with a strikeout. Kaylyn Whitt (3-6) got the loss in 3.0 innings out of the bullpen. Andrea Hazel was 1-3 with a double and two RBI to lead the offense. Shannon Low was 2-4 with a run scored and an RBI while Erica Musgrave added an RBI.
The Broncos scored two runs in the top of the second on four hits to start the inning. Geenamarie Bonilla singled and Newell followed with a double. Goulart knocked in the first run of the game with a single to right. After a strikeout, Chiara Biagini singled up the middle to make it a 2-0 game.
Santa Clara added two more runs in the sixth to take a 4-0 lead. Newell singled and Goulart followed with a walk. After a fielder's choice, Biagini was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Krummen singled down the right field line to knock in two runs.
After a single and a one out double in the bottom of the seventh, Gonzales came in to pitch for James. Low singled in a run and a walk loaded the bases. An error allowed another run to come in and Hazel tied the game with a double.
Casandra Padilla started the eighth with a double to left and moved to third on a ground out. Krummen hit a sac fly to put the Broncos back on top 5-4.
With two down in the bottom of the eight Gonzales hit a batter but came back with a grounder to close out the game.
