LINCOLN, Calif. – It was back to GSAC play for the (RV) Jessup softball team, as they looked to defend home turf against OUAZ. Jessup found itself in the presence of some strong competition as the Warriors split the day with the Spirit.
Game one was a low-scoring affair through the first five innings, as both teams rode strong pitching and defense to a 1-1 stalemate. The Spirit jumped in front 2-1 with one in the sixth, but the Warriors wouldn't go quietly.
Shay Trent started things off in the bottom of the sixth with a lead-off single.
Maddy Ybarra and
Hailey Hiett each reached base on a walk and single, respectively, to load the bases with nobody out.
Kaela Hangebrauck drove two home with a two-RBI single to right-center to give the Warriors a 3-2 lead.
Jessup wasn't done making noise, though, as
Natalie Nash and
Sam Lorge each drove runs home to extend the lead to 5-2.
Katie Blankenheim shut the door in the seventh inning, notching her fourteenth win of the season and fifth straight.
"The ladies did a great job in game one battling back late and executing in pressure situations to secure the late rally and win," said head coach
Brie Campbell. "Katie did a great job baring down and finishing strong. She keeps games small, and that's proven by her holding the record for the least number of runs against in conference play. I'm very pleased with her continued leadership in the circle."
The Warriors found themselves playing from behind in game two again but unfortunately didn't have the same late-inning magic from game one. Three errors haunted the Warriors, as OUAZ took advantage to take a 7-2 victory and split the series.
Despite the performance, Campbell feels confident that the team will shake it off and get back to business tomorrow, stating that "In game two, we didn't play our game and fell to the pressures put on us mentally. But the great part about it all is we learn from these opportunities and get to come back tomorrow to play some more softball as a team. There's no better feeling."
The Warriors have an opportunity to clinch a GSAC regular-season championship tomorrow, as they hold a three-game lead over second-place (RV) Vanguard with four games to play. Jessup hosts Arizona Christian tomorrow at Wilson Park, with the first pitch scheduled for 10 AM.
A combination of either two Jessup wins, or Vanguard losses are needed for Jessup to clinch.
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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).
