April 11, 2006

Santa Clara, Calif. - Riding the momentum of a thrilling 12-11 overtime victory against No. 14 UC San Diego at last weekend's Davis Shootout, No. 20 Santa Clara will look to continue its impressive play this week when it plays Sonoma State for the third time this season. Game time is set for 1 p.m. at the Leavey Center Pool. In addition, this will be the last home match of the season for seniors Bryn Asher, Lindsey Bacolini, Kathleen Hamm, and Alanna Simpkins.

The Broncos were able to take both matches from the Seawolves earlier in the season. In the first meeting, Santa Clara easily put away Sonoma State 14-5 at the Slugfest Tournament in mid-February. However, Sonoma State almost returned the favor a few weeks later, taking Santa Clara to overtime on its own home pool. However, SCU's Emily Bonk saved the day for her squad, scoring a game-leading three goals including the go-ahead goal with 16 ticks left in the match to garner the 12-11 victory. In addition, Lindsey Bacolini and Andrea Evans also put the ball through the net on three occasions to aid in the winning cause.

The Seawolves are 17-10 on the year and came away from the last weekend's Davis Shootout sporting a 1-1 mark. Chelsea Hennan is the most dangerous scorer for Sonoma State, logging in 44 goals this season, while Sasha Versage has handed out a team-leading 51 assists to go along with her 39 goals in 2006. In the cage, Kaitlyn Brownrigg and Kimberly Fortson have combined for 232 saves this season. Alicia Hansel is in her third season as the head coach of the Seawolves and has compiled an overall record of 52-43.

"They are a tough team to play, and they are even tougher to play in a smaller pool like ours. It should be a really good game," stated head coach Keith Wilbur. "Also, it is our last home game of the year, and it is senior day. Even if the weather is not that great, we are hoping for a big crowd to give us that extra edge."