LINCOLN, Calif. – Jessup Softball continued their homestand as they welcomed the (RV) Simpson Red Hawks to town for a double-header on Saturday afternoon. Overall for the Warriors, the day ended in a split, losing game one 8-6, then bouncing back in the second, winning 6-1. Jessup now heads into Golden State Athletic Conference play with a 6-9 overall record.
 
"We had a great outing today where game one got away from us, but we were able to bounce back and put together a great win against Simpson in game two," said Head Coach Brie Campbell.
 
Expanding on that, Campbell added, "It's great to get this win heading into conference play."  
 
The Warriors entered the bottom of the first inning of game one trailing 1-0, but that quickly changed as Sam Lorge knocked in two runs with a base hit. Natalie Basaldua then had an RBI-single, scoring Lorge as the Warriors led 3-1 after one inning. 
 
Simpson didn't waver, and they put up four more runs in the second inning. The Warriors were unable to match the Red Hawks run-for-run in the frame but were able to draw closer with a solo home run from Seli Aholelei, putting the score at 5-4, advantage Simpson. 
 
The Red Hawks added three more runs in the fourth to go up 8-4. As they did all game long, the Warriors dug deep to push for a comeback. While it wasn't enough to come back entirely, Kaela Hangebrauck and Aholelei each hit solo homers, Aholelei's second of the game, as the Warriors lost 8-6. 
 
Game two took a few innings for any runs to cross the plate and the Red Hawks were the first to do so, taking advantage of a throwing error in the third inning. Shortly after, the Warriors got right back to work and tied the game as Emma McConville blooped one over the shortstop for an RBI.
 
After a scoreless fifth inning, the Warriors blew the gates open in the sixth. Defensively they were sound, as Katie Blankenheim didn't allow any hits and recorded three quick outs. From there, it was Liana Castro who got things going on offense leading off with a base hit. 
 
Upon advancing to second on a wild pitch, Castro made it to third base after Shay Trent laid down a sac-bunt. With the stage set for Jessup to take the lead, Hangebrauck took full advantage, blasting the ball over the centerfielder's head for another home run. Leading 3-1 after Hangebrauck's blast, the Warriors once again had runners in scoring position. 
 
Even with two outs on the board, Mehana Johns singled to left field, adding two more insurance runs. Johns was then brought home as Amanda Mero singled up the middle. The Warriors prolific sixth inning bolstered them to the 6-1 win. 
 
Coach Campbell loved the all-around effort from her team, saying, "This team is good, and we proved that with a team win today with contributions from everyone." 
 
Next up on the schedule, GSAC play officially begins with Jessup hosting #13 Hope International University on March 12. That matchup can be streamed HERE.
   
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 and Instagram).