SANTA CLARA, Calif. – In the final action before West Coast Conference play, Santa Clara softball beat Sacramento State 2-1 Tuesday evening.

Santa Clara (8-23) jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning and never looked back. A pair of Bronco pitchers allowed the Sacramento State (12-18-1) offense to score just one unearned run.

"Our pitching and defense were big for us tonight," Santa Clara head coach Lisa Mize said. "We got just enough offense and our defense helped make it hold up. This is what we're capable of when we execute and play solid softball. I'm happy with how the team played."

A trio of doubles led to all the offense Santa Clara would need. Ellie Fisher led off with a double to left and came in to score on a one-out double to left center by Taylor Burns. With two down, Amanda Delfino knocked an RBI double over her own over the centerfielder's head to bring in the second run.

Fisher and Morgan Modesto both picked up a pair of hits. Fisher scored a run and reached on a hit-by-pitch while Modesto stole a base. Burns and Delfino each collected an RBI.

A leadoff double by Jessica Scott in the top of the sixth ended the day for Bronco starter Micaela Vierra. Ciara Gonzalez came in and escaped the jam, thanks to a great play at third from Modesto on a sharp grounder.

Vierra (4-7) allowed just an unearned run on seven hits with a walk and four strikeouts in 5-plus innings while getting the win. Ciara Gonzalez got her second save of the season in 2 innings out of the bullpen.

Taylor Tessier (4-7) lasted 3 1/3 innings in the start while collecting a loss. She allowed two runs on six hits with three strikeouts.

The Broncos are back on the field Saturday at noon and 2 p.m. at Saint Mary's in the conference-opene.

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