April 21, 2002
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Santa Clara University softball team swept the Saint Mary Gaels 3-0 and 7-1 this afternoon at Marsalli Park to conclude their home stand. The Broncos surpassed the 17 game win record of last season as they move to 19-28. With one more win, Santa Clara will have the most victories in a season since 1996. The Gaels fall to 13-30 on the season.
In the first game, the Broncos took the early lead over their opponents scoring one run in the first. With one out in the inning, Sydney Wiginton reached first on an error by Saint Mary's pitcher, Sara Wiedlin. Lacey Smale then tripled to left center driving in Wiginton. The inning ended with two fly balls. This sole run was enough to secure the win for Santa Clara, but they scored two extra "cushion" runs over the course of the game.
The Gaels were unable to produce any runs in the first match as Bronco pitcher Jennifer Ponzo took the bat out of their hands. She improves her record to 5-10.
In the second game, the Broncos came out fired up from the previous win. They scored two runs in the bottom of the second, which sealed the win. The rally started with a base hit up the middle by Tracie Hall. Rachel Sherman then grounded out to first moving Hall to second. On a single down the left field line by Deanna Rodriguez, Hall was able to score. Roni Rivera was then called out on strikes totaling two outs in the inning. Keri Reisinger was walked by Gael pitcher Jordan Larsen, placing runners on first and second. Kristi Harrington singled and advanced to second on the throw from the outfield in a failed attempt to get Rodriguez at home. The inning ended with a strike out by Coresta Salas.
Santa Clara added to their lead over the rest of the game. In the fourth inning, Salas, Sherman and Harrington each recorded a triple aiding the Broncos in their four run inning. The Gaels gave up one more run in the bottom of the fifth.
Santa Clara pitcher Rodriguez dominated the Gael offense not allowing a single hit until the top of the fifth. With one out in the inning, Claudia Williams recorded the first hit for the Gaels up the middle. Jordann Bass then grounded out to Rodriguez enabling Williams to advance second. Lauren Capoccia drove in Williams on a single to right center. The inning ended with a strike out by Lucy Mangan.
Rodriguez registered the win for Santa Clara only allowing three hits and one run. She walks away 9-11. Larsen takes the loss for Saint Mary's and falls to 6-9.
A special ceremony was held after the games this afternoon to honor the Bronco seniors: Harrington, Wiginton and Rodriguez.
The Broncos next game will be played on Tuesday, April 23rd at San Jose State. The first pitch is slated for 2 p.m.
