IRVINE, Calif. – The celebration is on, as, for the first time in program history, the Warriors are champions of the Golden State Athletic Conference Tournament. Backed by an early offensive barrage, Jessup has officially punched their ticket to the NAIA Softball Opening Round.
"This team is built for the championship field," said head coach
Brie Campbell. "From one to twenty, every woman gave their all today to contribute to this amazing accomplishment."
Jessup got off to a hot start in this one as
Maddy Ybarra led things off with an extra-base hit for the second game in a row. She, along with
Hailey Hiett, would score on
Natalie Nash's two-run double.
The runs continued in the second as Jessup tacked on two more with
Kaela Hangebrauck's single up the middle. After
Sam Lorge's sacrifice fly, Nash was back at it, driving in another with her second double in as many innings.
Katie Blankenheim stepped into the circle for the third day in a row, and once again, she proved why she is an all-conference pitcher. Allowing two runs (one earned) over four innings, Blankenheim set her team up perfectly for a championship moment.
Campbell used the bullpen for the first time this week, looking to
Terra Goetz for two innings before handing the ball to
Maikyla Nelson in the seventh. The Jessup bullpen combined for three innings, allowing one run (unearned) on three hits.
Leading 8-3, the Warriors urged one another to add insurance in the seventh, and Lorge answered the call. The All-GSAC player hit a moonshot to left to set the score at its eventual final, 9-3.
"We set out at the beginning of the season with high expectations," added Campbell. "As we continue on this crazy ride, we continue to grow and get stronger on and off the field to raise the bar until we reach that final game."
At 36-13, the Warriors have now captured the GSAC regular-season and tournament title, winning the most games in program history along the way.
Campbell offered a message of thanks after the game. "Thank you to everyone who supported this team near and far. We couldn't do it without all of you who have poured into these women's lives from the first day they picked up a softball to now. It's a family win today and a day to celebrate."
It's unknown when or where the Warriors will next play, but what is known is that the ride is not over. The NAIA will announce the 2022 Softball Bracket on Tuesday, May 10, at 2 p.m.
"We look forward to continuing this quest as a team and can't wait to get back on the field to prepare for the next game to be played," concluded Campbell. "May we never forget who gives us the opportunity to wake up and play every day, all the glory to God."
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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).
