Sharp shooting helps women start 2-0

By BRIAN ELSNER

Using relentless defense and incredible shooting, the women's basketball team opened the West Coast Conference campaign with victories over Gonzaga 98-66 and Portland 68-50 at Toso Pavilion last weekend.

The weekend sweep pushed the Broncos' record to 12-3 (2-0 in conference) for the season.Santa Clara shot the Bulldogs to their demise on Saturday by nailing 13 out of 22 three point attempts, setting a new WCC record. Sophomore point guard Becki Ashbaugh led the way with 19 points on 7 for 11 from the field, including five out of five from beyond the arc. "I just took what the defense gave me," Ashbaugh said. "Gonzaga played a lot of zone so I had chances to shoot the ball."

While the Broncos shot a blistering 57.9 percent from the field against the Zags, it was their rebounding and pressure defense that led Santa Clara to victory. Senior Katie Pursley pulled down 11 boards to go along with 12 points to pace the Broncos.

"From the scouting report we knew they (Gonzaga) were good offensive rebounders," Pursley said. "So I knew that I had to make an effort to box out well."

Santa Clara had a more difficult task on Friday night against the Pilots and their All-WCC senior center Sarah Green. With 13 points in the first half, Green kept Portland within striking distance of the Broncos at halftime.

The second half proved to be a different story as Santa Clara used its half-court trap and productive bench play to wear out the Pilots and Green. After a lay-up by Green brought the Pilots within three at 32-29, junior Annie Garrison came off the bench to provide a dominating defensive presence throughout the second half. On three straight possessions, Garrison blocked Green's shot attempts as the Broncos pulled ahead by a comfortable margin. Garrison finished with seven blocks to accompany her seven rebounds and nine points.

While Garrison provided the defense, freshman Julie Butler gave the Broncos a lift on offense. Butler scored on three straight Bronco offensive trips to push the Santa Clara lead into double digits for the first time in the game.

"Julie [Butler] is doing a great job for us off the bench this year," Ashbaugh said. "She is definitely making the most of her time."

The Broncos look to keep their three game winning streak alive this weekend in southern California as they take on Pepperdine and Loyola-Marymount.