COSTA MESA, Calif. – Tenth ranked Vanguard University (13-7, 5-3) hosted William Jessup University (9-14, 3-5) for the conclusion of a four-game weekend series. The error filled contests were split by the two teams with the Lions winning 5-4 in the eighth inning on a walk off, before the Warriors went the distance against the Blue and Gold – as their offense continued to stay hot and above their season averages.
What Happened? Similar to the first game of yesterday's matchup with William Jessup, the Lions were the first to score. Noemi Chavez recorded a single towards second base which allowed Taylor Radtke (SR/Tucson, AZ) to cross home plate. Then in the next inning, an error by the Jessup defense allowed Bianca Morales (FR/Spring Valley, CA) to score and continue to build the lead. Keeping with the theme, another solo run was scored in the bottom of the fourth inning – although the team would leave the bases loaded after. Angelina Lopez (JR/Riverside, CA) had a pinch-hit RBI single which allowed pinch runner Kylie Chen (SO/Pittsburg, CA) to score. The Warriors started off the sixth inning with a triple, and after a walk, scored both runners on the RBI single. Things went from bad to worse for the Pride after a fielding error in the middle infield of Vanguard. With the bases loaded, they walked in the tying run. An incredible double play in right field by Alana Rangsuebsin (FR/Whittier, CA) got the Blue and Gold out of the inning with a 3-3 score. Heading into extra innings, WJU brought home their first runner which put all the pressure on the Lions. Heads up base running by Ashley Klopfenstein (SO/Indio, CA) on a wild pitch tied the game and then the speedster Rangsuebsin ended the game for the come from behind 5-4 victory.
The Warriors wasted little time getting on the scoreboard in the second game, taking advantage of a fielding error by the Lions and then pulled off a beautifully executed double steal to take 2-0 margin. A solo blast from Herrera cut it to a 2-1 gap, Vanguard tied the ball game on heads up base running from Arianna Huffman (SR/San Diego, CA) tied the game. Over the third and fourth innings the Pride once again fell behind. William Jessup combined leadoff walks, stolen bases, and an RBI single to follow, into scores. Heading into the top of the fifth inning, the Blue and Gold went to their third pitcher of the game as Dwyer made her third appearance of the day. Heading into the final inning, the Warriors didn't want any part of a Vanguard comeback. They posted three more runs for insurance.
Why It's Important? The win in the first game helped the Lions from losing three straight games for the first time this season. In 2020 they lost three straight conference games, although they were different opponents, and in 2018 they lost three straight playoff games to end the season.
Top Performers: Starting pitcher Vanessa Dwyer (SR/Temple City, CA) (9-3) struck out seven batters and, after briefly handing the ball off to Mia Portillo (FR/Buena Park, CA) for three batters, she came back in to finish things off. Lewis and Morales were 2-4 in the box while Radtke and Herrera were 2-3. Four pitchers were used in the second game with starter Samantha Vargas (FR/Grand Terrace, CA) facing nine, Portillo 11, a dozen by Dwyer, and the final three by Emma Anderson.
What's Next: Friday, March 26th against Hope International University at 12:00 p.m.
#ClawsUp
