SANTEE, Calif. – The first road trip of the season got off to a successful start, as Jessup softball won its sixth and seventh consecutive games in a two-game sweep of San Diego Christian.
 
"Our first road series of the season was a grind but we'll take the wins," said head coach Brie Campbell. "Credit to San Diego Christian for keeping things close and being aggressive at the plate."
 
Jessup wasted little time getting the bats started, as Sam Lorge sent a solo home run over the left field fence to put the Warriors up 1-0 in the top of the first. The Hawks tied things up in the fifth with a solo shot of their own before Kaylee Winn went yard in the seventh to put Jessup up 2-1. The Warriors added insurance later in the seventh with an RBI single from Maddy Ybarra.
 
San Diego Christian threatened in the bottom half of the seventh and brought one run home, but Jessup held strong for the 3-2 victory.
 
Katie Blankenheim earned her eighth winning decision of the season, tossing all seven innings for Jessup and allowing just two runs on six hits without giving up a base on balls. 
 
"Our pitchers held it down in the circle, keeping the runs low and defense was on lock keeping the ball in front, can't ask for a better outing than that." added Campbell.
 
The Warriors once again got the offense going early in game two, taking a 1-0 lead in the top of the first thanks to an RBI single off the bat of Kaylee Winn. The Hawks responded with two runs in the bottom half however to take a 2-1 lead after one.
 
Winn continued her strong afternoon offensively, bringing her third run of the day home with an RBI ground rule double that tied things up at two in the second inning.
 
"We had a big outing from Kaylee Winn after being out the past week," said Campbell. "She helped us to go up in game one with the go ahead home run and in game two again she collected the RBI putting the ball in play putting the pressure on the defense."
 
Aaliyah Pineda stayed hot in the batter's box, giving Jessup a 3-2 lead with an RBI single in the third. The Hawks once again tied things up in the bottom of the third, leaving the two teams deadlocked at three heading into the final innings. 
 
The deciding run was scored by Maddy Ybarra, who showed off ehr speed by crossing the plate on a throwing error. Jessup held strong in the final inning, preserving the 4-3 victory.
 
Maikyla Nelson earned the win, pitching all seven innings and retiring four batters on strikes in the process.
 
With the sweep, Jessup improves to 7-1 in GSAC play and is sitting pretty in first place with a two game advantage over Arizona Christian in second. The Warriors will be back in action tomorrow on the road against Marymount California in non-conference action.
 
"We're excited to get on the field for two more tomorrow and head home before taking on a competitive Arizona Christian next week." Campbell said.  
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).