May 12, 2008

Moraga, CA - The Saint Mary's softball team had six players named to the Pacific Coast Softball All-Conference teams, including seniors Bronwyn Russell and Molly Bergeson to the first team. Also racking in the all-conference accolades were Megan Galloway and Sadie Dolcini to the second team, and Maryanne Cronin and Sandra Ruezga to the honorable mention squad. The six players mark the most recognized in one season in Saint Mary's program history.

Molly Bergeson was one of three PCSC outfielders to be named to the first team, as she ignited in conference play to post one of the top batting averages. The senior finished PCSC play with a stellar .394 batting average, while adding 10 runs, a team-high 26 hits, one double, one triple, and five RBI. The lefty batter also led the league in stolen bases, as she reached safely on 8-of-9 attempts.

Bronwyn Russell put together one of her most successful seasons ever, as she was named the top second baseman in the league, posting a blistering .348 batting average in conference play, accumulating 11 runs, 24 hits, and five RBI. The senior also used speed to her advantage, posting four steals in conference play. Russell finished her career at Saint Mary's first in runs (101), second in hits (211), third in triples, stolen bases and at bats (8, 53, and 636), and sixth in doubles (22).

Senior pitcher, Megan Galloway, completed her most successful season as a Gael this year, and was named to the PCSC second team as a pitcher for her efforts. The right hander led the Saint Mary's pitching staff in almost every statistical category, including ERA, appearances, games started, complete games, shutouts, inning pitched, and strikeouts. In conference play the senior finished with a 6-6 record, while pitching seven complete games, including two shutouts. In her 13 PCSC appearances Galloway recorded a 2.18 ERA, struck out 43 batters, and held her opponents to a .272 batting average.

Sadie Dolcini was the only Gael junior to earn a PCSC accolade, as she was named to the second team as a designated player. The Petaluma native finished conference with a .278 batting average, adding 15 hits, five runs, a team-leading four doubles, one homerun, and eight RBI. Dolcini proved clutch in the Gaels' last week of conference, as she helped the Gaels to their only win over LMU, with a three-run jack in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Rounding out the all-conference accolades are Sandra Ruezga and Maryanne Cronin. Ruezga was named to the honorable mention team as an outfielder, as she finished her career as a Gael with a .298 PCSC batting average. In her first season as an outfielder, Ruezga showed great versatility, as she did a solid job in both left and right field. Ruezga finished PCSC play with a .978 fielding percentage, while adding 17 hits, seven runs, three doubles, one triple, one homerun, and seven RBI.

In her first year in a Gael uniform, Cronin played a crucial role in the Saint Mary's pitching staff, as she finished with a 5-1 PCSC record. For her efforts the freshman was named to the honorable mention squad, finishing with a 2.38 ERA. In conference play the right hander held her opponents to a .260 batting average, while only allowing 52 hits and 17 earned runs in 50 innings pitched.

Although the Gaels finished fourth in the Pacific Coast Softball Conference, they put together their most successful season in program history, finishing with a 27-26 mark. With a solid group of returnees and some fresh new talent, Jessica Hanaseth and crew look to continue to make their mark on the PCSC next season.