LA MIRADA, Calif. - Jessup traveled south this weekend to face off against No. 20 Hope International, splitting with the nationally ranked program.  The Warriors, who are currently receiving votes in the national poll, advance to 20-10 overall and 3-2 in GSAC play. 

Jessup hit their offensive stride in the top of the 3rd, with Stephanie Scott starting the inning off with a single to right field. She didn't stay in the corner long as she stole 2nd and was quickly advanced to 3rd as Abbie Lewis reached on a fielder's choice.  In true two-out rally fashion, Natalie Basaldua stepped up and homered over the left-field fence to bring home Scott and Lewis, putting Jessup ahead 3-0. 

Hope rallied in the bottom of the 4th frame, bringing home 2 runs of their own but Jessup held them for the rest of the game, securing the 3-2 victory.  Leading from the circle was Shelbi Graifman, collecting 12 strikeouts and only allowing one hit throughout 7 innings.  

Getting things started in Game 2 were Jena Ovens and Scott with back-to-back doubles in the top of the 3rd, bringing home Ovens and giving Jessup the early 1-0 lead.  Scott advanced to 3rd on a Lewis single, who quickly stole 2nd.  With runners in scoring position, Graifman's single to center field would bring home Scott and Lewis, putting the Warriors ahead 3-0.  

The Royals would battle their way back into the ballgame, tying it up in the bottom of the 6th, eventually forcing extra innings.  Hope would eventually edge the Warriors in the bottom of the 8th, finishing the game at 4-3.  

It was another exceptional performance from senior ace, Graifman, as she struck out 9 batters, advancing to 16-7 on the season.  Currently, she is leading the nation in strikeouts with 136 to her name. 

The Warriors continue their conference play against the familiar rival, Menlo College, on March 27th in Atherton, Ca.  The doubleheader will begin at 1 pm.    
William Jessup University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC). For additional information regarding Jessup Athletics, visit www.jessupathletics.com; visit www.jessup.edu for more information on William Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: William Jessup University Athletics (Facebook) and @JessupAthletics (Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat).