LINCOLN, Calif. – Jessup University softball (3-6) held their home opener against Southern Oregon University (8-2) on Friday afternoon at Foskett Park, 5-1 and 3-11.
Lincoln provided a gorgeous day for some non-conference play against two softball powerhouses. Jessup of course is coming off a year where they claimed the NCCAA title and Southern Oregon took their fourth NAIA championship in 2025. In this early season, the Raiders finished their California trip against the Warriors as Southern Oregon visited Vanguard, Hope International, Westcliff and Biola.
Game One, 5-1
In game one, the Raiders found offensive success early as they pieced together a run in the opening frame. An RBI sacrifice fly out allowed the first run of the game to cross home in the first, 1-0. A double down the first base line extended their lead in the second, 3-0. Another extra base hit would plate the Raiders their fourth run of the afternoon, 4-0. Southern Oregon would score a single run again in the sixth, however, Jessup did respond, 5-0.
In the bottom of the sixth, Kaiya Miller earned herself a walk to start off the inning. With a runner in scoring position, Maddy Ybarra tripled to left field. Miller scored for the Warriors first run as Ybarra legged out a hustle triple to put Jessup on the board, 5-1. The score would remain the same for the final inning as the Raiders took game one.
Ybarra was a bright spot offensively as she recorded two extra base hits, one being an RBI triple for the lone Jessup run. She also stole a bag on the bases to put pressure on the Southern Oregon infield. Korrie Almond pitched all 7.0 innings and recorded a strikeout.
Game Two, 3-11
For game two, Southern Oregon would again strike early with a run in the first inning, 1-0. The visiting side would go on to plate four runs in the third frame and one in the fourth, 6-0. The Raiders grew their lead to ten from a five run fifth, 11-0. Jessup did not go quietly in their final opportunity as Ybarra singled in Maliyah Lawson in the bottom of the inning, 11-1. Later in the inning, Aaliyah Tinoco touched them all as she recorded two RBI from a homerun, 11-3. Southern Oregon would take both games against Jessup to finish the Friday double-header.
At the top of the lineup, Lawson reached twice and scored a run. Ybarra earned an RBI, a walk and scored a run. Tinoco had a successful day offensively as she hit a home run and stole a base. Head Coach Brie Campbell commented on the double header, "Every day we step on the field is another opportunity to grow as one and together, today was nothing short of that. We fed off those who were able to execute, and came together as a team to put a couple runs on late when nothing was falling for us early on."
She continued, "While the final scores did not end in our favor, we are able to look at the positives and maximize those moments, as well as grow from areas of defeat." Campbell talked about the upcoming matchups, "I'm looking forward to the next opportunity to see this team in action and come together to grow from today for a better tomorrow."
Jessup will remain home for their next meeting against Simon Fraser University on Monday, February 16th. The double header will begin at 1:00 PM.
