MORAGA, Calif. — The Gaels put up a strong second half against No. 20 Santa Clara, but it wasn't quite enough and the Broncos went on to win 2-1.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Santa Clara got the scoring started early on Wednesday as they secured a goal in the second minute of action as a Bronco-forward sent the ball just over the head of goalie Maleah Milner into the back of the net.

Santa Clara had another close scoring opportunity in the 18th minute of action after a Bronco-forward sent a rocket towards the goal but it bounced off the goal post and back into the field of play. Milner also made another stellar save in the 26th minute as she dove to block a shot coming from the left side of the box. The Gaels nearly scored in the 41st minute following  set piece just outside the box but the Bronco goalie was able to get a hand on it and block the shot to send it out of bounds. Santa Clara outshot Saint Mary's eight to six in the first half, however SCU was forced to make four saves.

In the 56th minute of action, Santa Clara scored their second goal of the match on a penalty kick after a scramble in the box resulted in a foul on Saint Mary's. In the 71st minute there was another foul in the box, but this time it was on Santa Clara and Kyllie Glock was able to nail her first goal of the season to bring the Gaels within one goal of the Broncos. The fouls began to rack up in the final 15 minutes of the match as the Gaels had 14 and the Broncos had 12 by the 80th minute. In the end, Saint Mary's was unable to overcome the Santa Clara lead and the Broncos went on to win the match 2-1.

UP NEXT: PEPPERDINE

• The Gaels will hit the road following Wednesday's game for their final match of the season against the Pepperdine Waves on Saturday at 1 p.m.