LINCOLN, Calif. – (RV) Jessup Softball (13-17, 6-7) welcomed the visiting (RV) Vanguard Lions (17-7, 7-3) on Friday for a four game weekend series consisting of two doubleheaders. The Warriors were looking to continue their recent hot streak and repeat the weekend they had during their last matchup with the Lions down in Costa Mesa a few weeks ago.

Pitching and defense reigned supreme in the first game as both starters pitched complete games.  Terra Goetz pitched seven innings, allowing six hits and only one earned run. On the other side, Lions pitcher Vanessa Dwyer had an impressive outing as well, with only one earned run on eight hits allowed.

The Warriors struck first, pulling ahead 1-0 in the second inning with an RBI double from Liana Castro. The Lions would answer back, however, scoring two in the top of the third. Vanguard would go on to add an insurance run in the fifth to double their lead.

Jessup was able to string four hits together in the final two innings, but ultimately the Lions were able to fend off the late rally and hang on for a 3-1 victory.

Second baseman Hailey Heitt made an incredible diving stop to end the top of the seventh inning, helping keep the Lions off the board. Both pitchers were fighting their way out of jams all day, with a total of thirteen runners left on base between the two teams. Jessup was aggressive at the plate all game but ultimately was unable to turn baserunners into runs.

The bats came ready to hit in the second game, with both teams getting runs across early. Jessup was able to pull ahead 3-1 after the first, with some help from two Vanguard errors.

Jessup came out aggressive on the basepaths and stole two bases in the first two innings of the game. Vanguard fought back, using a big third inning to pull ahead 4-3, stringing together several hits, and capitalizing on a Jessup error.

The Lions added some insurance in the fifth, extending their lead to 8-3. The Warriors would get two back in the bottom of the fifth. However, the rally was cut short by an incredible snag on a line drive hit by Mehana Johns back to the pitcher Vanessa Dwyer, who pitched in relief for the final two innings.

Unfortunately, the Warriors could not put together another rally and dropped the second game with a final score of 8-5. In total, Vanguard had five extra-base hits in game two, with four doubles and a triple. Angelina Lopez led the charge offensively for the Lions, going 3 for 4 with two doubles and an RBI.

The (RV)Warriors look to draw even in the series against the (RV) Lions tomorrow, with another doubleheader scheduled to begin at noon. The second game will begin thirty minutes after the first. Both games 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).