Santa Clara University Shines: Softball Dominates UC Santa Barbara in Thrilling Doubleheader Sweep!

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Santa Clara’s softball team had a thrilling day on the field, sweeping their doubleheader against UC Santa Barbara on Wednesday. Both pitchers, Hannah Edwards and Avery Seva, delivered standout performances, while the team’s batting came alive when it mattered most.

Game 1: Santa Clara 6 – UC Santa Barbara 5

• Trailing 5-2 in the seventh inning, Santa Clara rallied for four runs. A critical moment came when Hazyl Gray hit a double that cleared the bases, leading the team to a dramatic 6-5 victory.
• Edwards, after a shaky start that saw her give up five runs early, settled in and kept UCSB scoreless for the last four innings. Her strong finish helped her improve her record to 7-2 for the season.
• The Gauchos’ starting pitcher, Malaya Johnson, was effective until the seventh, when she faltered. Though she allowed three runs in that final inning, she struck out the Broncos twice, showcasing her skills throughout the game.
• In this game, the teams traded leads, with Santa Clara initially cutting the Gauchos’ advantage with a run in the second inning. Notably, the Bronco bats finally exploded in the seventh, securing the win.

Game 2: Santa Clara 3 – UC Santa Barbara 2

• Avery Seva threw an impressive complete game, allowing only two runs on seven hits. Her efficiency, using just 88 pitches, marked her first career complete game.
• Key contributions came from Rebecca Rubio, Hazyl Gray, and Leiora Davidson, each bringing in a run to secure the win.
• The Gauchos tried to mount a comeback, with a late solo home run narrowing the lead to just one run. However, Seva managed to stay composed and closed out the game effectively.

This doubleheader marked a significant turning point for Santa Clara after a tough stretch, with the team now boasting a record of 20-14.

With the culmination of this series, the Broncos are set to kick off their West Coast Conference play against San Diego on April 5. Fans can expect more thrilling games as the team builds momentum for the season ahead.

Softball enthusiasts can explore more stats and updates about player performances on trusted sites like NCAA.com.

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