ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Santa Clara softball fell to New Mexico 10-2 in six innings on the road Friday afternoon on the opening day of the Lobo Classic.
The Santa Clara (4-12) offense managed nine hits, three walks, and a hit by pitch as well as getting the help of a New Mexico (10-9) error but couldn't take advantage and stranded 10 runners.
The struggles were highlighted in the top of the third inning when the Broncos got four hits but didn't score a run. Adele Elkind led off with a single but was erased on a steal attempt when she left first base early. After back-to-back singles with two down, Morgan Modesto poked a single to left but Eleni Spirakis rounded third too far and was thrown out attempting to dive back to the bag.
Eight Broncos picked up hits with Hanna Russell being the only one to collect two. Amanda Delfino was 1-for-1 with a double, two walks, and a run scored while Geenamarie Bonilla and Kelsie Barnard each knocked in a run.
Jensen Main (5-3) went the distance to pick up the win for the Lobos. She allowed two runs on nine hits with three walks and two strikeouts.
New Mexico scored in every inning but the fifth, collecting four in the bottom of the sixth to finish off the game. The Lobos scored three unearned runs thanks to four Bronco errors.
In the sixth, a throwing error allowed the first run to come across and a misplayed ball in center brought in another run and put the winning run on third with just one out before a single knocked her in.
Chelsea Johnson was 3-for-3 with a home run, a double, three RBIs and a run scored to lead the Lobo offense. Shelbie Franc was also 3-for-3 with three runs scored and an RBI.
Aubree Kim (2-3) went just 2 innings for the Broncos in the start to collect the loss. She allowed three runs, two earned, on four hits with a walk.
Santa Clara is back in action tomorrow at 10 a.m. vs. Stony Brook and at 12:30 p.m. vs. New Mexico.
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