IRVINE, Calif. – The regular-season champions of the Golden State Athletic Conference were in action on Tuesday, beginning the GSAC Tournament against the Hope International Royals. Backed by an early blast and timely hitting down the stretch, Jessup moves just two wins away from an automatic bid to nationals.
 
Head coach Brie Campbell, honored earlier in the day as GSAC Coach of the Year, spoke about the win. "Great team win, but lots of work still ahead of us. There is nothing better than tournament softball."
 
Hope International got on the board early as two runs came home in the top of the first, giving GSAC Pitcher of the Year Allie Puente early run support. Puente was making her second appearance of the day as she had struck out 14 Tuesday morning in a 1-0 victory over Arizona Christian.
 
"Hats off to Hope International for keeping it close and Allie Puente pitching almost two full games," added Campbell.
 
The Warriors tied the game in the bottom of the first off the bat of Kaela Hangebrauck. The All-GSAC outfielder turned on a pitch, driving one over the left-field wall to set the score at 2-2.
 
Another All-Conference athlete, Katie Blankenheim, held the Royals scoreless for the next five innings as she ultimately picked up win number 17.
 
Blankenheim was charged with three runs over seven innings of work. She struck out two batters while surrendering no base on balls.
 
"Katie continued to keep it small for us in the circle with a complete seven-inning outing, and we continued to play good defense behind her," said Campbell on her all-conference pitcher.
 
A trio of walks issued by Puente in the fourth allowed the Warriors to take the lead, as All-GSAC outfielder Maddy Ybarra walked with the bases loaded to drive in Maddy Melo. An insurance run came off the bat of Aaliyah Pineda in the fifth as her RBI single scored Sam Lorge.
 
Pineda did it all to help her squad win. On top of a 2-for-3 performance at the plate, Pineda also gunned down two potential base stealers.
 
Hope International pieced together a rally late, scoring in the seventh to make it 4-3. But that would be all, as Jessup advances in the winner's bracket and puts the Royals a loss away from elimination.
 
The Warriors will be back on the diamond tomorrow at 10:30 a.m., taking on the Vanguard Lions. Jessup split the season series with Vanguard two games apiece.
   
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).