MORAGA, Calif. – Santa Clara softball opened West Coast Conference play Saturday afternoon by being swept at Saint Mary's by scores of 6-2 and 3-0.
Game 1
Outside of a two-run sixth, Saint Mary's (9-27, 2-0) starter Erin McCoy shutdown the Santa Clara (8-28, 0-2 WCC) bats and got some early help from her offense that held up.
McCoy (4-5) went the distance, allowing two runs on four hits with two walks and a strikeout.
The Gaels put up one run in the first and then added three in the second before two more in the fourth in support of their starter.
Jayda Alaan led the way with two RBIs and a run scored with Dylan Linton contributing a triple, an RBI, and a run scored. Nikki Alexander scored twice and three others had one RBI apiece.
The Broncos made their noise in the sixth when the first three batters reached to get them on the board and Kelsie Barnard added a sac fly.
Regan Dias picked up a hit and scored a run to go with a stolen base and Sarah Ellersick also crossed the plate. Eleni Spirakis had a double for Santa Clara's lone extra base hit.
Lauren Anderson (2-11) started but lasted just 1 1/3 innings in taking the loss. She allowed three runs on three hits with a walk.
Game 2
For the second time, the Gaels starter held the Broncos bats quiet and made early runs stand up.
Sofia Earle (3-8) tossed a four-hit gem with seven strikeouts en route to the complete game victory.
On offense, Julia McCormack and Kimiko Zapanta both collected RBIs with Zapanta adding a pair of hits as well and three Gaels crossing home plate.
The Broncos managed to get two runners on in both the fourth and fifth innings but couldn't do anything with the opportunities.
Spirakis had two hits for Santa Clara out of the leadoff spot but just Hannah Russell and Barnard were able to chip in with one single each.
Aubree Kim (0-6) started and took the loss in 2 innings, allowing three runs on three hits with five walks and a strikeout.
UP NEXT
The two teams conclude their series tomorrow at noon.
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