Santa Clara softball won both games of a doubleheader against Montana on March 14 at the SCU Softball Stadium, taking the first game 10-0 and the second game 7-1. The Broncos have now won four of their last five games.
The victories are significant for Santa Clara as they improve their season record and demonstrate strong performances both offensively and defensively. The team is building momentum as it continues its series against Montana.
In the first game, Santa Clara scored ten runs on nine hits, with pitcher Cari Ferguson throwing a five-inning shutout. The Broncos took an early lead with two runs in both the first and third innings, then broke open the game with six runs in the fourth inning, capitalizing on four errors by Montana. Rebecca Rubio and Kyla Acres each drove in two runs, while Taryn Clements contributed two hits. Ferguson allowed seven hits and struck out three batters to improve her season record to 6-7.
The second game saw Ellison Schroeder pitch six strong innings for Santa Clara, while Leiora Davidson and Elle Merlino combined for five of the team’s ten hits. After Montana cut into Santa Clara’s lead in the fourth inning, RBI singles from Merlino and Rubio extended the advantage. Audrey Graham added another run in the fifth inning, followed by two more runs in the sixth from Robynn Balemdiano and Merlino singles. Kendal Manley pitched a scoreless seventh inning in relief. The Bronco pitching staff did not allow any walks during either game.
Santa Clara will aim to sweep Montana in the final game of their three-game series on Sunday, with first pitch scheduled for 11 a.m.
