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Bronco Baseball

Coming in first in the West Coast Conference (WCC) polls is certainly an achievement for the Santa Clara baseball team, but the message in the locker room of Stephen Schott Stadium is a much different one. 

“Being ranked first is certainly an honor, but it means nothing to the team,” said team manager Jonny Collins. “The preseason rankings are simply numbers and the team could really care less. The mentality now is, go out and prove it. Our play on the field this season will dictate where we end up and the guys know that.” 

After winning the WCC tournament and making the NCAA Tournament in 2023, Bronco baseball was ranked first by the conference’s coaches in the 2024 WCC preseason poll. The Broncos made noise with six players named to the 2024 All-WCC preseason baseball team, the most of any team in the league. 

The list included senior outfielder Coleman Brigman, senior pitcher Cole Kitchen, senior outfielder JonJon Berring, senior infielder Efrain Manzo and junior pitchers Brandon Gomez and Blake Hammond. These players have already left their mark on the program and look to continue their success in the season ahead. 

Their home opener is Friday, Feb. 23rd, against the University of Maryland, Baltimore County at Stephen Schott Stadium. Bronco baseball hopes to repeat the WCC title and stamp their ticket to the big dance once again. 

Bronco Softball 

Across the Alameda, the Santa Clara softball team came in fourth at the 2024 WCC preseason poll. In recent years, they’ve been a scrappy team that’s looking to reach the mountaintop and win the WCC. This year will be another opportunity for the Broncos to stake their claim in the top half of the conference, and try to reach 30 wins for the first time since 2004.

The team had three outstanding players named to the 2024 all-WCC preseason softball team, just one shy of the conference leader, Saint Mary's College. 

Redshirt junior pitcher Hannah Edwards, junior shortstop/second base Morgan Salmon and sophomore pitcher/utility Hazyl Gray led the way for the Broncos on the list and look to gear up for what looks to be a great season ahead. 

This Santa Clara team is a young squad looking to bring great energy to the long season ahead. 

“The X-factor we have is heart and drive,” said junior infielder Morgan Salmon. “We are a young team, but I know that we want to win more than anything. Our drive and heart are what I think will put us on top.” 

Drive and passion are at the core of many great teams, and with those, Bronco softball is well-positioned to make a push for the WCC this spring. 

Santa Clara baseball and softball are both equipped to make noise in their respective leagues and it will be a good time to be a fan of the Broncos!