SAN ANTONIO – Santa Clara softball lost 4-2 to Incarnate Word in the rubber match on Sunday which closed out the nonconference portion of their schedule with a 21-16 record.  The Broncos will start the 16-game West Coast Conference schedule this coming week. 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Larissa Jacquez tossed a four-hit complete game and Jillan Guiterrez hit a three-run home run to lift Incarnate Word (25-11) past Santa Clara 4-2 to take the series. 
• Jacquez (8-4) gave up four hits, two runs, walked two and struck out five to pick up her eighth win.
• In the home half of the third, Guiterrez's home run with two runners on base broke a 1-all tie.  It was hit against Avery Seva who allowed all four runs over her three innings of work.  She dropped to 4-6 on the year.  
• Santa Clara (21-16) got their runs on Hazyl Gray's RBI single in the third that tied the game at one run apiece and Leiora Davidson's RBI grounder in the sixth which trimmed the Cardinal lead to 4-2.
• In the seventh, Bethany Shih drew a one out walk that brought the potential game-tying run to the plate but Jacquez retired the final two batters to close the game.
• Four Cardinals had multi-hit games including Guiterrez. 

• The Broncos begin West Coast Conference play at LMU with a four-game series starting Friday.