LINCOLN, Calif. – The Warriors began their 2021 campaign in high fashion Thursday, sweeping a doubleheader against the Arizona Christian Firestorm. Down to the final inning, both games featured late heroics as Jessup picked up two one-run victories.
"Today's was a testament to the hard work these ladies have put in over the past year despite the unknown season ahead,' said Head Coach
Brie Campbell, now in her second year in charge.
"Their drive and passion to get back on the diamond showed as they never gave up and got it done against a tough opponent in (Arizona Christian)."
In game one,
Hailey Hiett got the party started with a lead-off double for the Warriors.
Seli Aholelei later tallied her first RBI with a sac fly bringing Hiett across the plate. After a scoreless second inning, the Firestorm plated their first run, tying things up entering the fourth.
In her second at-bat, Aholelei got her first base hit, reaching on a single to right field. The Warriors then regained the lead after a
Sam Lorge sacrifice fly. Aholelei's great day continued into the fifth inning as she hit a moon-shot to center field, scoring two runs. The Warriors held a 6-1 lead entering the final inning.
Things got interesting as the Firestorm came roaring back, bringing the game within one run. However, the Warriors hung tough in the final moments, winning 6-5.
Katie Blankenheim earned the win as she pitched six innings, only giving up one run.
Game two started with a bang. The Warriors quickly found themselves down 2-0 entering the bottom of the first inning, but they didn't back down. Aholelei laid down a successful bunt to reach first base while Hiett scored. Shortly after,
Natalie Basaldua launched the ball to left-center for a double, bringing Aholelei home.
The Firestorm put up another run in the second, and the Warriors responded in the fourth inning as
Sam Lorge tallied an RBI single with Aholelei crossing the plate a second time. After three scoreless innings filled with terrific defensive plays, including a clutch out by Hangebrauck in left field, the game was tied 3-3 in the bottom of the seventh.
"Our defense today was phenomenal," added Campbell. "From the circle to the outfield they won the game for us. Their big plays kept us on course."
At the plate with runners on second and third, Basaldua put the ball in play, allowing
Terra Goetz to score the game-winning run. Goetz was also the winning pitcher in this contest as she went seven innings, recorded seven strikeouts and only one earned run.
The Warriors will retake the field at home on Saturday at 2 p.m. for game one of a doubleheader against Southern Oregon University.
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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).
