SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Bronco Beach put up a strong fight against the Gaels but fell just short on senior day. Santa Clara got off to a promising start with a 2-0 lead, claiming victories at the one and five pairs. Despite fierce competition at the three and four slots, they were unable to clinch the overall win. The Broncos honored eight seniors along with their practice player, Casey Campbell, Alexia Gallegos, Sophia Tulino, Elyse Erickson, Caroline Kedeshian, Katie Kishton, Elena Radeff, Jordan Bennett, and Kawai Hong.
vs. Saint Mary's (14-14)
Santa Clara initiated the dual with a victory from Radeff and Kishton, triumphing 21-18, 21-17 against Allie Cataldo and Hannah Couch. This dynamic duo set the tone for the Broncos. Following suit, Alexie Epstein and Alexandra Urbina secured a win at the five slot, boasting a 13-7 record as a pair with a commanding 21-11, 21-11 victory. As the Broncos aimed to seal the dual, all eyes turned to the threes, Campbell and Ella Duffner. Despite an initial setback in the first set, they regrouped and claimed the second set 21-15. However, Saint Mary's called for a medical timeout before the decisive third set, which they ultimately won 15-11, leveling the dual at 2-2. The focus then shifted to the fours pair. Jordan Bennett and Hailey Benesz clinched the first set 22-20 but couldn't maintain momentum in the second. Despite a fiercely contested third set, the Gaels broke free to secure the dual with a final score of 15-10.
RESULTS
Saint Mary's 3, Santa Clara 2
Santa Clara, Calif.
Apr. 17, 2024
1. Radeff/Kishton (SCU) def. Allie Cataldo/Hannah Couch (SMC) 21-18, 21-17
2. Hawley Harrer/Sadie Shipman (SMC) def. Noelle Niederman/Sveva Munneke (SCU) 21-15, 21-19
3. AJ Slojkowski/Sedona Sherman (SMC) def. Campbell/Duffner (SCU) 21-17, 15-21, 15-11
4. Karmin Brown/Angie Bour (SMC) def. Bennett/Benesz (SCU) 20-22, 21-17, 15-10
5. Epstein/Urbina (SCU) def. Chloe Swanson/Paola Peralta (SMC) 21-11, 21-11
Ext. Cameron Martinez/Clarisssa Klein (SMC) def. Gallegos/Kedeshian (SCU) 21-18, 21-18
Order of finish: Doubles (1,5,3,2,4);
UP NEXT:
Santa Clara travels to Stockton to take on Bakersfield and Pacific, both for the second time this season.
