April 6, 2023

Warriors Split with Jessup, Prepare for ERAU

Box Score Box Score
By Francisco Claudio
 
Westcliff's softball team took on Jessup University on Wednesday in a non-conference matchup with the overall result being a split.
 
The Warriors won the first game 2-1 and lost the second 5-3.
 
The first game was low scoring in runs and hits with only one run separating the winner.
 
Jessup scored their only run in the top of the third after a single to left field brought in their base runner.
 
Then in the bottom of the sixth inning, the Warriors made their move with Airilin Ramirez getting a double to left center. 
 
A bunt from Haley Garcia allowed Ramirez to advance to third and set her up to score easily with any hit to the outfield.
 
And so it happened, Becky Ramos hit a single to left field to drive in two RBIs, Garcia and Ramirez.
 
Westcliff went up 2-1 and that was all that was needed to get the win in the first game.
 
Emily Rosas was the starting pitcher for the Warriors and went five innings with five strikeouts and four hits with one run.
 
Etta Van Burgsteden pitched the last two innings and got three strikeouts to her name.
 
Head Coach Vanessa Kellems shared her thoughts: "Even though these are non-conference games it's still a really good competition that will help our team elevate their level of play and pace of play." 
 
"It challenges our pitchers and defense to step up their game in preparation for Embry-Riddle."
 
In the second game of the doubleheader, Jessup took the lead right away in the top of the first.
 
Westcliff got a run back in the bottom of the second after Olivia Pino flew out to right field which brought in Ramos to score a run.
 
But the energy was different in the second game and the Warriors looked like they were always playing from behind.
 
Westcliff got two more runs in the bottom of the fifth but it wasn't enough as they lost the second game to get the split.
 
"It made it obvious the things that we need to work on for Embry-Riddle tomorrow in practice," said Kellems after the game.
 
The Warriors now look ahead to their series against Embry-Riddle that will take place starting on Friday and into Saturday.
 
This is a series that Westcliff has circled on their calendar all season long because of the strength of the opponent. 
 
ERAU is currently undefeated in the conference and the Warriors know they can be the team to change that.
 
"This will definitely be our toughest series and probably our toughest competition," said Kellems. "It's going to be a good challenge for us to see how we handle a solid team."
 
The first game against Embry-Riddle will take place on Friday, April 7, at 12:00 PM.