FULLERTON, Calif. - On a weekend road trip to Southern California, the Warriors of Jesusp University took on Hope International, currently ranked no. 7. Jessup prevailed in both games.
"Headed into the biggest weekend of the season in conference matchups, we knew it was going to be a great day of softball facing one of the best pitchers in the country in Allie Puente," Coach
Brie Campbell went on to say, "Our ability to execute in small ball and long ball with a solid defense behind our veteran pitchers gave us the advantage today against a top team."
The final score for game one was 5-3, and game two ended in run-rule formation with a final score of 9-0.
Katie Blankenheim started in the circle for the Warriors, pitching 5.0 innings, with
Serena Navarrete coming in relief with 2.0 innings pitched. Blankenheim notched her seventh win of the season, pitching in her 500th inning as a Warrior.
"Blankenheim is in year five with us and doesn't show any sign of slowing down; she's a true blessing to our program, and with much of the season still ahead, we're excited to see what more she will accomplish in her final season," said Campbell.
The Warriors' offense continued to string together as
Sarah Giles (2) and
Maddy Ybarra (3) tallied five RBIs. Giles started the scoring in the top of the third with a shot to right for a two-run double. Two innings later, Ybarra homered in a three-run blast to center field to push the lead to 5-2.
The defense was the game-changer for game one.
Kaylee Winn flashed the leather multiple times, and
Olivia Dominguez had the power arm in the right field to keep the lead and secure the win.
The Royals would score one run in the bottom of the seventh, but the damage was already done. Jessup won game one 5-3.
The Warriors never took their foot off the gas pedal as they would win game two in mercy-rule fashion, 9-0.
Terra Goetz pitched a shutout game two with 5.0 innings pitched to move to 6-0 on the year.
"Another pitcher that's been with me since the start, Terra is cruising her way to a great finish to her career in Warrior uniform with another shutout today," said Campbell.
Sarah Giles tallied four RBIs on the day as she played long ball with a three-run blast to center.
Neva Adams and
Sam Lorge both went 3-3 in game two, with Adams having three RBIs.
Game two would only go five innings as Jessup run-ruled the Royals, winning 9-0.
"This team works hard to set the tone before, during, and after games to stay goal-driven and committed to each other," Campbell continued. "We have another big pair of games tomorrow, and we look forward to continuing to challenge ourselves to stay the course and play our game."
Jessup looks for a quick turnaround tomorrow as they take on Vanguard University in a doubleheader starting at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.
