April 3, 2004
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Santa Clara University softball team opened Pacific Coast Softball Conference play with two 2-1 losses to Portland State this afternoon at Marsalli Park. The Broncos are now 12-20, 0-2 on the year. The Vikings improve to 10-19 on the season.
In the first game, the Vikings loaded the bases in the third, with only one out on board. The Broncos walked two batters and Portland State added a single by Whitney Olson and a sacrifice bunt by shortstop Kira Enlow. SCU pitcher Jaime Forman-Lau struck out second baseman Erin Stokey to end the threat.
The Broncos responded in the fourth. Shortstop Shannon Linerud reached base on balls, and advanced to third on a throwing error, while teammate Jenny Brown reached first on a fielder choice, advancing to second on that same error. First baseman Valerie Mock loaded the bases with her bunt single. With only one on the board, Santa Clara failed to capitalize and the game remained scoreless.
SCU was able to take the early lead in the fifth. Centerfielder Angela Kabanuck singled to lead off the frame and advanced to second when outfielder Jessica Clee took a pitch to the elbow. Linerud singled to left, and Kabanuck reached home when the Viking defense fumbled a throw.
Portland State responded in the next inning, with a two-run homer from third baseman Annie Peccia that proved to be the game-winner.
Bronco second baseman Jenny Brown picked up her sixth double of the season to lead off the second inning. Forman-Lau took the loss for the Broncos and Michelle Hext earned the win for Portland State. Each pitcher struck out seven, while both teams posted seven hits.
In the second contest, Santa Clara again took an early lead, this time with one run in the third. With one out on the board, the Broncos loaded the bases, starting with singles by Kabanuck and third baseman Vanessa Werner. Clee reached on a fielder's choice. Linerud's sacrifice fly to right field brought in Kabanuck. Brown was walked to load the bases again, but the Vikings were able to retire the side.
PSU again rallied for the win, this time in the fourth. Designated player Kayla Lewis started the inning with a walk, and advanced to second with Stokey's single to left field. Peccia's RBI double to the centerfield fence brought in the Viking run. Outfielder Kimi Daniel added and RBI with her sacrifice fly one out later to give Portland State the lead.
It was all the Vikings would need, as Christy Hess recorded the win. Liz Courter took the loss in the circle for the Broncos. PSU out-hit Santa Clara 6-4.
The Broncos remain at home with another doubleheader against the Vikings, scheduled for Sunday at noon. On Tuesday, April 6, the Broncos will host UC Davis at 2 p.m. Admission is free to both contests.
