LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. - Despite a 7-run deficit in the fifth inning, the William Jessup Warrior softball team almost came back, eventually falling 13-12 to the University of Antelope Valley Pioneers on Saturday to closeout their time at the TCS SoCal Classic now 1-3 to start.  

"This team has heart," head coach Brie Campbell commented on the late comeback attempt for the Warriors. "They proved to themselves that they can overcome obstacles despite how far the deficit and pick up their teammate next to them."

The Warriors scored six runs in the attempted comeback pushing two across in the sixth as Kayla Altheide walked and came in to score on a fielder's choice by the Pioneers and Natalie Basaldua hit an RBI-single to left field to bridge the gap headed into the final frame.

In the first inning, the Warriors would get their offense started early as Mehana Johns homered on a 3-2 count, scoring two runs. The following frame Shay Trent would send her ball over the centerfield fence to go up 3-0. 

Another scoring affair would find itself in the Warriors' favor in the top of the third as Haley Hiett and Basaldua both singled to get things started and a triple by Taya Ruiz would bring in a pair of RBI's for the senior. The final run of the inning would be pushed across by Chelsie Kam-Aweau as the Warriors held the 6-3 advantage.

The difference would be the fourth inning as the Pioneers capitalized on the Warriors' errors putting up 8 runs for the 11-6 lead.

But the Warriors continued to battle as they notched four runs in the seventh inning.  The offensive firepower by Jessup was led by Altheide, Kaela Hangebrauck, and Hiett, who each had RBIs in the inning.

Terra Goetz and Katie Blankenheim worked the mound for the Warriors as they gave up 12 hits for just four earned runs as the five errors would be the deciding factor for the day.

The Warriors continue to be an offense threat as they tallied 14 hits on the day.  Kam-Aweau, Basaldua, Hangebrauck, and Hiett each racked up multiple hits for the Warriors and  Kam-Aweau went 3-for-4 at the plate to lead the force.

"While we came up short today, there is plenty of ball left in the season ahead," Campbell said. "When all the puzzle pieces are put together and in place, the scoreboard will reflect differently. This team will face tough opponents all season long and it will only make them stronger as we get deeper into the year."

The home-opener for the Warriors will be this Friday as they take on the 2019 national champions, Southern Oregon, in a doubleheader before playing another pair of contests on Saturday and Sunday in Redding.

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