Softball gets past Toreros for first win

By CHAD ALVES

The Bronco softball team got its first win of the season Wednesday in the second game of a doubleheader with the University of San Diego.

After showing signs of becoming a solid club but starting the season 0-9, Santa Clara prevailed 2-1 behind the strong pitching of junior Krista Barry.

The Broncos have had trouble scoring runs through the first 10 games of their season, but they managed to produce enough for the win against the Toreros. The victory over San Diego was a big lift for the team.

"It was nice to finally win one because we have been in every game we've played so far," junior centerfielder Jane Whitney said. "We feel like we are much better than our 1-9 record."The Broncos used two first inning runs to take a 2-0 lead that they never relinquished in the win over USD.

Freshman Tracie Hall, senior Angela Rotstein, and sophomore Kelly Pierce all collected hits in Santa Clara's rally. Barry then took over, pitching a complete game for the win, allowing just one run on four hits.

In the first game of the doubleheader, the Broncos managed just three hits as they fell 5-1. Santa Clara scored first for the fourth consecutive game, but they lost their lead late andwere not able to finish off the Toreros. Sophomore Deanna Rodriguez took the loss for the Broncos. Santa Clara's shortstop Hall has quickly become the talk of the team. Her performance this season has earned her the praise of her teammates, as she has been a standout both at the plate and in the field.

She has produced good at-bats throughout the year, and her defense has been spectacular. Hall is one of the bright spots that have the Broncos hoping for a successful rest of the season."Tracie is an asset to our team because she has strengthened our infield so much," Whitney said. "And she came up with some big hits against USD."