CHICO, Calif. – Jessup University made the trip north and split a Friday afternoon double-header against Chico State at Wildcat Softball Field, 8-0 and 3-1.
Game One, 8-0 (6 Innings)
The opener proved to be a pitcher's duel through the first two innings of the contest as Nohemi Livingston worked out of an early jam to keep the game scoreless. However, starting in the third, Chico State managed to score a run an inning with as they went up, 3-0. In the sixth frame, the Wildcats eventually broke the game open with five runs to end the contest via the run rule, 8-0.
Offensively, Jessup tallied five hits across the top four of their lineup. Leadoff hitter Neva Adams reached base twice from two singles. Rebekah Beasley, Maliyah Lawson and Reagann Hoblit each recorded a hit in game one. Livingston got the start in the circle, racking up six strikeouts over 5.1 innings of work. Lawson concluded game one as Jessup turned their efforts to the second game of the double-header.
Game Two, 3-1
In game two, Jessup flipped the script as they struck first in the fourth inning. Lawson led off the inning as she worked herself a walk which was followed by a Maddy Ybarra hit by pitch with two strikes. After a Chico pitching change, yet another Warrior in Aaliyah Tinoco reached from a hit by pitch. With bases loaded, Kylie Nunes drove the ball to left field to score two and put the Warriors up for their first lead of the day, 2-0. On the throw home, Nunes and Tinoco advanced into scoring position. A batter later, Alexis Vega stepped into the box and lifted the ball deep enough to right field to score Tinoco for an RBI sacrifice fly, 3-0.
Chico State managed to scratch across one run in the bottom of the seventh, but the Warriors' defense slammed the door to secure the win, 3-1. Nunes was instrumental in her lone hit as she drove in two of the team's three runs. Vega's success in providing with a runner in scoring position tallied her an RBI and the Warriors an insurance run. In the circle for game two was Korrie Almond who pitched a nearly lights out performance. She allowed only one run, from four hits and recorded a strike out.
The Warriors now carry the momentum of that game-two victory back home to Rocklin as they prepare for their home opener. Jessup is scheduled to host Southern Oregon University for a doubleheader next Friday, February 13, at 2:00 PM.
