IRVINE, Calif. --The WJU softball team's season ended Tuesday night in the second round of the GSAC conference tournament mostly due to a slow start they couldn't come back from as the Warriors fell 10-5 to conference rival Menlo.

The Oaks batters were hot from the outset as the team scored two runs in the opening frame, followed by a huge second inning where Menlo (21-29 overall, 11-13 GSAC) added four more runs taking a 6-0 lead.

However, Jessup (19-21 overall, 11-13 GSAC) attempted to make a comeback in the bottom of the third inning as the team scored three runs to cut the lead in half thanks to a 2-run homer from Jenna Patterson followed by a double from Basaldua that brought in Abbie Lewis.

At the end of three frames, the Warriors looked to be in good shape down 6-3 with four innings left, but all night long Menlo had an answer for every Warrior score.

In the fourth inning, Menlo added three more runs giving the Oaks a 9-3 lead that eventually proved to be enough.

The key statistical difference in the game was strikeouts, as Menlo had just three, while Jessup had nine.

At the plate, Basaldua led the Warriors with two hits, two RBI, and a double. While Abbie Lewis had another solid performance with two hits and a scored run.

On the mound, Brooke Sarro pitched 5 1/3 innings in relief allowing eight hits, four runs and striking out two Menlo batters.

With the win, the Oaks win the season series 4-1.  
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).