May 21, 2007

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Santa Clara baseball program closed out its 2007 season by sweeping the West Coast Conference's weekly awards Monday, as freshmen Jon Karcich and Steve Kalush were named the WCC's Player and Pitcher of the Week, respectively.

Karcich, a Belmont native and former Serra High School standout, batted .364 (4-for-11) over Santa Clara's three games last week. His performance helped the Broncos to a two-game sweep of Sacramento State over the weekend with a pair of doubles, a home run, and four RBIs. He also slugged .818 for the week.

Kalush, a San Mateo native who took over closer's duties this weekend, threw four and a third scoreless innings over three appearances last week, allowing only one hit and striking out seven while picking up a pair of saves. The former Aragon High School star saved both victories in Santa Clara's weekend sweep of Sacramento State, highlighted by his striking out the side in the ninth inning of Saturday's 5-3 win.

"Jon and Steve have matured and adjusted to the college game very quickly, and I'm very proud that they have been recognized for their outstanding performances," said Santa Clara head coach Mark O'Brien. "Both players are solid cornerstones of the future of Santa Clara baseball and I look forward to seeing them continue their success for us next season."

As a testament to the impact Santa Clara's freshmen have had on the 2007 season, all three of the Broncos' WCC honors have gone to first-year players, as fellow freshman Tommy Medica was named WCC Player of the Week on April 9.