Web update: Bronco women defeat Spartans in rivalry contest

By Cecile Nguyen

Santa Clara extended their impressive four game win streak with a compelling 78-58 victory over San Jose State University Friday evening.

"We were pumped up for the game against San Jose State, it being the Rivalry Series," guard Chandice Cronk said. "Them being a cross town rival always makes for a good game."

The only San Jose native on both teams, the Bronco's Tracey Walker agreed.

"It means a lot playing against them (SJSU). I know a lot of the girls on the other team and they just bring out another level of intensity when I play against them," she said. "I just want to win so badly against them."

Cronk played the whole game and led the way for the Broncos with 21 points, six assists, and shot 5 of 9 from beyond the arc.

"Chandice took over the game and was great," said Walker.

Myosha Barnes led the Spartans with 16 points, but as a team the Spartans failed to compete offensively with a tough Bronco squad.

The Broncos (8-4) led by as much as 25 points before San Jose State cut it down to just 13 points.

Santa Clara dominated the Spartans in the second half, scoring five straight points right out of the locker room.

A 9-3 run by the Spartans brought life back to the SJSU bench, as they cut down the Broncos' lead to just 15 points with less than seven minutes to play.

A three-pointer by the Spartan's Emily Nichols cut down Santa Clara lead to just 13 points with 3:39 left in the game as the Broncos struggled to maintain any offensive attack.

However, five straight points with two minutes left in the game by reigning West Coast Conference play of the week Jen Gottschalk killed any momentum San Jose State had as the Broncos went on to win at the Leavey Center.

Gottschalk finished the game with a double-double, 17 points and 13 rebounds, and shot 8-for-14 from the field.

A lay-up by guard Sara Majors at 14:16 started a 9-0 run as the Broncos extended their lead to 20-12 after both team started off the game exchanging baskets.

Forward Majors also finished with a double-double 13 points and led the team with 14 rebounds.

"Sara was really aggressive on the rebounds and worked hard the whole game," Walker said.

The Broncos continue showing off their stellar defensive prowess forcing the Spartans to 20 turnovers for the game.

A 1-10 SJSU squad was coming off a disappointing loss to Kansas on Wednesday night after leading the Jayhawks by as many as 12 points.

Since the introduction of the Rivalry Series back in 2002, Santa Clara has gone 5-1 against the Spartans.