LINCOLN, Calif. – The William Jessup Softball team was back in action today for another pair of games against No.1 Oregon Tech and the University of Antelope Valley. The Warriors won both contests to sweep the season's opening weekend, pushing to 4-0.
Jessup's first game of the day was once again against the nation's top-ranked Oregon Tech Owls, who Jessup beat Friday with a big sixth inning, 4-2. For the second day in a row, the Warriors rallied late and defeated the Owls, 5-4, in extra innings.
The Warrior defense impressed in the early innings, as strong pitching from
Terra Goetz and athletic plays from
Natalie Nash kept things even through two innings.
Oregon Tech struck first, putting up a two-spot in the third inning to take the lead. The Warriors got one back in the bottom frame, as
Shay Trent scored thanks to an RBI double off the bat of
Hailey Hiett.
The Owls put up another crooked number in the fourth inning, extending their advantage to 4-1.
Once again, the sixth inning was kind to the Warriors, who plated three runs to tie things up at four. The two-out rally began when
Maddy Ybarra scored off of an RBI single by
Kaela Hangebrauck.
Kaylee Winn brought two home with a double that tied things up.
In extra innings, Oregon Tech threatened with a runner on third with just one out, but
Maikyla Nelson stepped up in the circle to keep the Owls off the board. Winn made her second big hit off the contest, sending the Owls packing with a walk-off single that gave Jessup its second straight win against the nation's top team.
"
Kaylee Winn came up clutch for us not once but twice by driving in the tying and winning runs to take down OIT," said head coach
Brie Campbell. "But it's not just one, it takes the whole team, and we proved that if we work brick by brick, we will achieve."
Nelson earned the win in relief, pitching five innings and allowing two runs on six hits. The winning decision made Nelson 2-0 on the young season.
"There is nothing you can say but this team played with heart," said Campbell. "There are two weeds that we use, and that is grit and grind. Today the girls proved that they are competitors."
In game number two, Jessup found itself behind once again as UAV took a 1-0 lead in the first inning.
The Warriors gathered themselves in the bottom frame, tying things up with an RBI triple by
Shay Trent. Jessup took the lead in the fourth with another RBI triple, this time by
Maddy Ybarra.
Jessup added some insurance in the sixth, extending its lead to 4-1. The insurance came in handy, as the Pioneers loaded the bases in the final inning, but the Warriors stood tall and only allowed one run to secure the 4-2 victory.
Katie Blankenheim pitched her second complete game in as many appearances, earning her second win of the season, allowing two runs, one earned, on seven hits while retiring six batters on strikes.
"Our pitching again was phenomenal. The defense again was outstanding. It's just the beginning, but it's a good start. We'll stay hungry with each game we play," added Campbell.
The Warriors will have two days off before taking the field once again on February 8 for a doubleheader at home against Bushnell. First pitch is scheduled for 1 PM.
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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 & Instagram).
