KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Day two of the 2022 NAIA Softball Opening Round got underway Tuesday as the Warriors took on the hosting Owls of Oregon Tech. In a low-scoring ballgame, defensive miscues plagued the Warriors as they dropped the game 2-0.
 
The loss does not end Jessup's season, but does put them in a spot where they will have to play to stay alive later this evening. Oregon Tech moves onto the NAIA Opening Round championship round tomorrow at 1 p.m.
 
Maikyla Nelson made her first postseason start with the Warriors Monday, and for the most part, she held down the fort to keep her team in the game. Nelson retired the first six batters in order before things began to spiral in the third.
 
With a runner on and nobody out, the Owls laid down a sacrifice bunt right to third baseman Sam Lorge. Lorge attempted to throw the leading runner out at second, but an errant throw allowed both runners to be safe. Another mishap on a potential inning-ending double play later in the frame allowed OIT to extend the inning, leading to the big blow.
 
With one away in the inning, the Owls scored both of their runs on a two-run single up the middle.
 
Jessup posted a threat to score in the top of the second, getting two on with one away, but back-to-back strikeouts stopped a potential opening strike.
 
Nelson's day ended after the fourth inning. Her line included two runs (both earned) on two hits, walking none and striking out one. Terra Goetz tossed the final two innings in relief, allowing no runs on two hits with a pair of punchouts.
 
Sarah Abramson tossed a complete game for the Owls, holding Jessup to just three hits while striking out eight.
 
The Warriors will be back on the field this evening at 5 p.m. to take on the winner of the game currently going on between Rio Grande (OH.) and Cottey (MO.). Jessup has yet to see Cottey this season but did defeat Rio Grande yesterday by the final of 4-3.
 
Tonight's winner will advance to take on Oregon Tech in tomorrow's Opening Round championship. The loser of each of the remaining two games today will be eliminated.
   
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).