LINCOLN, Calif. - The Warriors set out to take on the Royals for day two of double-headers as they were unable to put up a run in game one and came up short on a late rally in the final game of the series to start conference play 0-4.

"We held the Royals to little runs early to start the day, but a handful of errors made it too much to erase as the Royals maximized to take game one." Head coach Brie Campbell went on to commend her squad for moving forward and competing in game two, "It was a tight battle down the stretch and we got clutch hits when we needed them, everyone stepped up."

Taking the circle for the Warriors to start the day was Terra Goetz, holding the Royals to just two runs in the opening five frames, none earned. But a successful inning by the visiting team would give them a five-spot in the sixth innings to extend the lead, 7-0, and ultimately take game one and 3-0 advantage.

Leading the three-hit outing was Kaela Hangebrauck, Natalie Basaldua and Hailey Hiett. Goetz pitched a full seven innings allowing 11 hits on 7 runs, 1 earned and one strikeout.

The Warriors would turn it around in game two as Katie Blankenheim held down the circle pitching a complete game allowing just eight hits on four runs (2 earned), with a pair of strikeouts.

Down 2-0, the Warriors had a big bottom of the sixth as Hiett singled to right making her way to scoring position on the next pitch with a stolen base. Big hitter this weekend, Basaldua connected to center with a two-run homer to tie things up heading into the final inning. 

Hope would answer back in the top of the frame with a pair of runs on a Warrior error, but the home team would rally in the final chance inning, down 4-2. To lead things off, Kayla Altheide drew the walk, but a quick double play would turn it into a two-out rally for Jessup. 

Freshman Amanda Mero would reach on a single to center field and Seli Aholelei would bring her in to score with a triple to the centerfield fence. Down by one, Aholelei would stay stranded as Hiett battled deep in the count but was unable to score her for the 4-3 loss.

The Warriors will continue their tough schedule with their next conference matchup at nationally ranked number 10 Vanguard next Friday and Saturday for a four-game series in Costa Mesa.

"We progressed through the weekend and that shows growth in this team," Campbell said. "We will get back to where we were before the break and be ready for the tough competition we have prepared for all season with a ranked schedule. I have full confidence this team will continue to fight."

   
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).