Oct. 15, 2002

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Santa Clara softball team began practice last week after completing a week of try-outs. Marcy Crouch returns as head coach of the Bronco program as she enters her fourth season.

The core of the team returns to the field this season as last years squad graduated only three seniors. Among the returnees is senior standout Coresta Salas and sophomore powerhouse Lacey Smale, who were both named to the All-Independent first team last year.

The Broncos will also have many new faces on the field this year as the incoming freshman class includes infielders Jenny Brown and Shannon Linerud, outfielder Jessica Clee, pitcher/outfielder Liz Courter and catcher Kate Goethals.

"I was very pleased with the quality of student-athletes that we added to our roster this season," Crouch said. "All five have a great work ethic and are going to have a big impact for our squad this season."

As the fall tournament at Stanford rapidly approaches, the Broncos are working hard to prepare.

"I like playing in a fall tournament because it adds intensity to the fall practices," Crouch said. "The games give our players a chance to play ball and have some fun after their five weeks of hard work at practice."

"Fall is going to be a time to assess our talent and improve individual skills," Crouch added. "The returnees have all come back very fit and looking to improve upon last year's individual and team performances."

The Broncos travel to Stanford on Friday, November 8 where they will face Sacramento City at 5 p.m. followed by Stanford at 7 p.m. The tournament will continue on November 10 as Santa Clara will take on the Cardinal at 2 p.m. The time of the Sacramento City game is still TBA.

As defending champions of the Western Intercollegiate Softball League, the Broncos hope to have the same success in their new conference, the Pacific Coast Softball Conference. The teams includes Santa Clara, St. Mary's, Loyola Marymount, San Diego, Portland State and Sacramento State.