WOMEN'S NEWS ... It's still early, but there are lots of positives Coach Jerry Smith saw from Santa Clara's opening two games, wins San Jose State (4-0) over UC Santa Barbara (2-0).

The two wins put the Broncos within two wins of matching last year's total. Their 4-12-4 record was their first sub-.500 season since 1983.

Injuries have decimated women's powerhouse Santa Clara in recent years, so perhaps the most encouraging news was the return of Jordan Angeli, who missed the last two seasons with injuries and was granted a sixth year by the NCAA. She converted a penalty kick to seal the UCSB win.

"We missed her the past two years," said Smith "and she brings a lot of things to our team with her ability to start an offensive attack out of the back and her leadership and organization."

Freshmen Lauren Matheson, Amanda Webster and former U-17 national team midfielder Olivia Klei all got their first collegiate goals last weekend. "I'm pleased with how well this rookie class is playing," Smith added.

Next up for the Broncos is a date Friday night at Utah, coached by former Santa Clara assistant coach Rich Manning.