RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Santa Clara softball wrapped up its part of the Highlander Classic Sunday morning with a 7-4 win over UTEP.

The Broncos (5-4) used a trio of multi-run innings for their offense and got a solid start in the circle from Hannah Edwards.

The biggest inning was the sixth as Santa Clara rallied after two were out for three runs to extend a one-run lead. Sammy Needham and Hannah Russell both had RBIs during the inning with an error allowing the other run to come across.

Russell finished the day 2-for-2 with two walks and two runs scored. Taylor Burns also added two hits with a run and an RBI.

Edwards (2-2) went the distance, allowing four runs, three earned, on eight hits with two walks and four strikeouts.

Santa Clara's first two-out rally of the game came in the fifth gave the Broncos a 4-2 lead. An error started things and after a walk to Russell, Burns singled in a run and moved up on the second error of the frame that also allowed a run to come across.

The Miners (2-7) responded in the bottom of the inning with a run to cut the deficit in half at 4-3. Ariana Valles knocked in Idalis Mendez with an RBI double.

Mendez finished with two runs scored and an RBI while Kasey Flores and Isabella Hanson both added a pair of hits.

Santa Clara struck first with two runs in the top of the fourth. After the first out was recorded, the next five batters reached. Allyson Ferreira got the scoring going with a single up the middle and Kaitlyn Anderson followed with an RBI walk.

UTEP back to even in the bottom of the inning. Pate Cathey had a sac fly and Hanson had an RBI single.

Kelly (1-4) took the loss while allowing five runs in 2 2/3 innings of relief after starter Zaylie Calderon surrendered two runs in 4 1/3 innings.

NEXT UP
The Broncos open home play with the Silicon Valley Classic I beginning Friday.

Connect with the Broncos on Social Media
Athletics: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Snapchat
Softball: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram