Fall Sports Have Sprung Into Action

Fall sports that were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic have returned this spring

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, a number of fall sports had their seasons postponed in August of 2020 until the spring of 2021. Santa Clara saw men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s water polo and women’s volleyball all face delays. To cope with this devastating news, many Broncos trained and lived together, while many seniors held out hope they could compete again before their four-year eligibility ran out. 

With the help of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) board members, officials from Santa Clara County and the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and Santa Clara Athletics’ staff members, fall sports have returned with full force this spring. Here are a few updates from the fall sports’ teams.

Women’s Volleyball

Santa Clara women’s volleyball has had a tough trip through West Coast Conference (WCC) play so far. The Broncos sit at No. 8 in the WCC standings with a 4-9 record. However, they have had 10 games postponed due to COVID-19 protocols. 

One of their most impressive contests of the season ended in a sweep at home against University of San Francisco (USF) last Thursday, March 25. The Broncos withstood the Dons in three close sets, 26-24, 25-21, 25-21. Sophomore Julia Sangiacomo had 17 kills, and freshman standout Sophia Tulino added 14 kills of her own to help the Broncos post a .288 hitting percentage. 

Santa Clara’s lone senior Gretchen Reinert had 10 digs against San Francisco, adding to her impressive stat line as the team’s defensive specialist. Reinert was recognized before the game for Senior Night in Leavey Center. 

“I am so grateful to have such amazing teammates and coaches who made Senior Night one to remember,” said Reinert. 

Cross Country

Santa Clara men’s and women’s cross country teams both competed in the WCC Championship meet on Feb. 24. But one Bronco in particular had the best race of his Santa Clara career to qualify for the NCAA Cross Country Championship on March 7. 

Redshirt senior Jack Davidson became the first men’s team member to race in the national championship meet. The only other Bronco to accomplish this feat was Stephanie Wilson back in 2009.

Davidson ran a 10-kilometer time of 31:09.9 on the hilly Oklahoma State course. He sustained a spot in the top 40 through the 6-kilometer split, and despite the windy weather conditions, placed 65th in the field of 251 runners. Fellow WCC rival Conner Mantz of Brigham Young University (BYU) won the individual championship title in 29:26.1. 

“Running for Santa Clara has been a passion near and dear to my heart for some time, and to represent the school at the highest level is truly special,” said Davidson. “All in all, I am excited to say that I mixed it up with some of the nations best and made myself and my closest friends and family proud.”

Men’s Soccer

Santa Clara men’s soccer had a bit of a slow start to their 2021 campaign. Over the course of six games, the Broncos only have five goals and 23 shots on goal. Nonetheless, their offense came alive in their latest victory over the Gonzaga Bulldogs last Sunday, March 28. 

The game was scoreless through the first half and well into the second. At the 78th minute, redshirt transfer Oladayo Thomas hit a quick shot from inside the box for his first career goal. Less than two minutes later, freshman Cayden Buckley scored a header off a set piece to put the Broncos up 2-0. 

Three seniors — Tennyson Stevens, Emil Christensen and Aran O’Brien — were recognized for Senior Night before the game. 

“Stepping out onto the field for the last time on Senior Day, I reflected on my time at Santa Clara,” said Stevens. “What made my time here really special were all the memories I made, the people I met, and the experiences I had. These guys have now become lifelong friends.”

Men’s Water Polo

After 461 days of no play in the pool, Santa Clara men’s water polo kicked off their fall season with an 11-10 victory over the San Jose State Spartans on Feb. 27. Since then, the Broncos have fallen twice more to the Spartans, both scores resulting in 9-4 and 17-8 losses. 

Santa Clara’s abbreviated season only included a few games, which ended on March 13 with a 18-11 win over Cuesta College. Their roster is full of youth and boasts a great deal of depth, especially on the offensive front. Roughly 22 of the 28 Broncos will return next season, ready for a fresh fall campaign.