LINCOLN, Calif. – After playing one of the toughest preseason schedules in the nation, Jessup Softball (6-11, 0-2) officially began Golden State Athletic Conference play by hosting the Hope International Royals (11-1, 2-0), who came into Friday ranked No. 14 in the nation. The Warriors had many spectacular plays throughout the day but could not escape with a win as they lost both contests.
 
Head coach Brie Campbell shared her thoughts after the game, saying, "Hope is ranked for a reason. They are a tough team, and they worked hard to get two wins today." Campbell went on to say, "But the best part is, we have plenty of games left, and we will compete, starting tomorrow."
 
The top half of the first inning in game one was initiated with a Royals base hit, but then Warriors pitcher Terra Goetz locked in, getting the next three batters out in unison. Then in the bottom of one, Natalie Basaldua launched the ball over the fence for a two-run homer.
 
Goetz went back into the circle and gave the Royals fits as they went three-up-three-down. From there, Goetz stepped into the batter's box and added to the Warriors lead with an RBI-single, putting the score at 3-0.
 
Hope International then rallied back in the third inning, scoring three runs of their own to match the Warriors. After a high-scoring fourth inning that saw the Royals plate six runs, game one started to get away from the Warriors, and they went on to lose, 10-3.
 
Game two started scoreless through one inning of play, then in the top of the second, the Royals tallied a pair of runs to pull ahead. HIU scored one more in the third and added three more in the fourth as they led 6-0.
 
Not willing to give in, Kaela Hangebrauck stepped to the plate and delivered for her squad as she hit a solo home run. Shortly after Hangebrauck went deep, Shay Trent then sent a two-run shot over the fence. The pair of home runs brought life to the Warriors, but they still trailed, 6-3 after four innings.
 
In the sixth inning, the Royals were knocking on the door as they had runners in scoring position and only one out. Natalie Basaldua was able to take matters into her own hands as she recorded an un-assisted double-play with stellar play at third base. The Royals, however, were able to stay consistent, scoring runs all game long, and Jessup dropped game two, 12-3.
 
These two teams will head back to the field tomorrow afternoon for another double-header, with the first pitch scheduled for noon. The game can be live-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).