SARATOGA, Calif. – Freshman pitcher Jessica Turner threw five scoreless innings for Santa Clara University's softball team, but visiting Loyola Marymount University rallied for a 4-1 victory in the finale of a four-game series at West Valley College Sunday afternoon.
Santa Clara (6-19; 2-6 PCSC) was swept over the weekend despite strong performances inside the circle from both Turner and senior Jenna Fong. Turner allowed just one hit through the first five innings in Game Two of Sunday's doubleheader, allowing SCU to hold a 1-0 lead going into the sixth.
Loyola Marymount (23-21; 7-1 PCSC) – who won Sunday's opener 7-3 - led off the sixth with a pair of singles courtesy of Danielle Smith and Amy Charpentier and Kathryn Dutton and Kylie Ahlo delivered RBI singles to push LMU in front.
"That was a gutty performance, being short-handed this weekend," said Mize about her Bronco team that was playing without all-league outfielder Briana Knight, who was out with a sprained ankle. "Jessica (Turner) kept her composure, did a good job hitting her spots. I know she was hoping for a win out of this one, but the thing that needs to be recognized is that she is getting better."
The Broncos were outscored 23-5 by the Lions in the first three games of the weekend series, but rebounded to nearly win Game Four.
Catherine Surane led all Santa Clara batters with a .364 batting average (4 for 11) during the series. Stephanie Fisher also had four hits, including a double and Amanda Edmonson hit a two-run homer.
"We have to comeback and fight. We are still in the hunt," said Mize. "The PCSC conference came down to the wire last year."
The Broncos will be back in action at home Friday and Saturday, April 22-23 against the University of San Diego. Friday's doubleheader is scheduled to start at 12 noon.
