Web update: Women defeat Portland in final regular season game

By Cecile Nguyen

The Broncos cruised to a 76-62 victory over the Portland Pilots in the final regular season game before they head into the West Coast Conference Championship tournament next week.

Santa Clara also honored 3 seniors; Jen Gottschalk, Tracey Walker, and the injured Chandice Cronk in a pregame ceremony celebrating their commitment and achievements as Broncos over the past four years. All played an integral part in the program, said Head Coach Michelle Bento-Jackson.

"Not too many people can say they won on their senior day and it's great that we did," Walker said. "We were disappointed with the loss to Gonzaga (on Thursday) and just channeled all our frustration into today's game."

Gottschalk recorded her 11th double-double of the season with 13 points and 12 rebounds.

"It's the perfect feeling going out with the win playing in your last game in your gym," Gottschalk said. "It was a tough game and we played hard."

Walker finished the game tied with Sara Majors for a game-high 17 points, six rebounds, and five assists.

The game was a must-win for Santa Clara as they entered today's game tied with LMU for the No. 2 seed each with a 7-6 record in WCC play after the Broncos' loss to Gonzaga Thursday night.

"There was a lot at stake today with it being senior day, securing the No. 2 spot for the playoffs, and of course play for Chandice (Cronk)" Bento-Jackson said. "We needed to win so we can have some momentum and confidence as we head to the WCC Championship."

But with today's victory and Loyola Marymount losing to San Diego 63-55, Santa Clara holds the No. 2 seed behind WCC Regular Season Champions Gonzaga.

After the opening bucket from Majors, Santa Clara got out to an early 15-8 lead playing tough defense and forcing the Pilots to commit six turnovers in the first 7 minutes of the game.

Majors also finished the game with a double-double in the win, adding 12 rebounds to her 17 points.

"Sara (Majors) played great," Bento-Jackson said. "She got on the board early and gave us a lot of energy."

Laiken Dollent led the Pilots with 16 points, three turnovers, two assists, and was a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line.

With nine minutes left in the half, Santa Clara went on a 6-0 run to build the Broncos' lead up to 27-12.

Majors' closed out the first half with a layup after a nifty pass from Maggie Goldenberger to give the Santa Clara a 44-27 lead. Majors then opened the second half by knocking down a three-point shot and earning a foul in the process. She stepped to the line and successfully completed the four-point play.

Bronco forward Liz Doran, who was the only Bronco on the women's basketball all-academic team, gave Santa Clara a 20-point lead at 17:32, a lead the Broncos never relinquished as they held on for their final win of the year.

With the victory the Broncos improved to 19-10 and 8-6 in league play. Portland falls to 15-14 overall and 5-9 in WCC.

Santa Clara will open the WCC playoffs in San Diego against San Francisco next Thursday at noon. The Broncos were 1-1 against the Dons this season.

Contact Cecile Nguyen at cnguyen5@scu.edu or (408) 551-1918.