COSTA MESA, CA– (RV) Jessup softball met with (RV) Vanguard Saturday for the most important GSAC matchup thus far this season. The Warriors entered the day with a three-game lead over the second-place Lions in the conference standings with eight games remaining. While the Warriors didn't gain any ground, they didn't lose any either, as the two split the day at one game apiece.
"It was a good weekend walking away with three of four," said head coach
Brie Campbell. "As we continue to play our game and play together, the outcome will be exactly what it's supposed to be."
Katie Blankenheim pitched one of her strongest performances of the season in game one, shutting out the Lions in seven innings of work to earn her twelfth win of the season. Blankenheim gave up just three hits in the outing.
"It was a pitcher's duel in both contests today, but it was great to see Katie rise to the top with another win and shutout to add to her record," Campbell said. "To bear down and strikeout the last batter in a 2-2 count shows the grit and heart she has to compete."
The Warrior offense came in the middle innings, as
Kayla Altheide and
Hailey Hiett each drove home a run in the fourth and fifth innings, respectively. The two runs were all it took, as Jessup hung on for a 2-0 victory.
Game two was a pitcher's duel as well, as the first run of the game wasn't scored until the fourth inning, when the Lions got on the board with an RBI single by Kaylie Williams. Vanguard scored one more in the fourth and one in the fifth to increase its advantage to 3-0.
Unfortunately for the Warriors, the bats couldn't get going late, as they were held to just three hits in a 3-0 victory for Vanguard.
Maikyla Nelson was dinged with the loss but still had a strong outing, going six innings and allowing three runs on four hits.
Jessup will be back home next weekend, as the Warriors will take a break from GSAC play for a doubleheader against Westcliff. First pitch is scheduled for Foskett Park at 10 AM on Saturday.
Campbell offered her thoughts on the team's final stretch of the season coming up by saying that the team is "excited to continue to work hard through these next three weeks and compete for as much postseason play as we're blessed with."
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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).
