Feb. 4, 2005
STANFORD, Calif. - The Santa Clara University softball team fell to fifth-ranked Stanford 9-0 this evening to open the Cardinal's annual tournament at the Boyd & Jill Smith Family Stadium. Santa Clara is now 1-2 on the season, and this contest marked the season opener for Stanford.
The Cardinal started five freshmen, but it was junior Catalina Morris who stole the show. The centerfielder homered twice to account for two of the team's 11 hits. She went 2-3 at the plate and finished with three RBIs and two runs scored.
Junior catcher Kate Goethals ' single in the second inning marked the Broncos' only hit of the contest. Freshmen Jerrica Castagno allowed seven hits and six runs in four innings of action and falls to 1-1 on the season. Sara Overmier made her season debut and pitched in the fifth frame.
Stanford took an early lead with one run in the bottom of the first. Lauren Lappin doubled, and was brought home with Anna Beardman's single. The Cardinal added to its advantage with another run in the third off of Morris' solo shot to centerfield.
Stanford put the game out of reach with four runs in the fourth. Becky McCullough doubled up the middle to score pinch runner Shoney Hixson and then ran across home plate off a single by Tricia Aggabao. Morris's second home run of the game made the score 6-0.
The Cardinal added three more in the fifth and pitcher Laura Severson picked up the win in the circle, allowing only one hit in four innings, striking out two.
Santa Clara remains at the tournament and will play Pacific on Saturday at noon. The Broncos will follow immediately with another contest against the Cardinal at 2 p.m. Santa Clara will close out the weekend with a contest against the Tigers on Sunday at 11 a.m. Santa Clara opens the home season on Wednesday, February 9 when it hosts Bay Area rival San Jose State at Marsalli Park. First pitch of that doubleheader is scheduled for 1 p.m.
