Babson Park, FL– The Warriors opened the 2024 season by hosting former SUNC foe Thomas University. Early offensive efforts paired with stellar pitching performances led Webber to collect their first two wins. Defensively, Taylor Thomas and Jenna Chaudoin combined for 10 strikeouts, while only allowing three runs. Offensively, WIU tallied 16 runs on three hits, including two for extra bases. Webber's sweep boosts them to 2-0 on the season.
GAME ONE: WARRIORS BLANK NIGHTHAWKS, 6-0.
Genesis Aviles got things started as she reached by a Thomas error followed by a walk and hit-by-pitch for Johnkiria Bland and Logan Fennell. Brandy Barquin sent Aviles home with a base hit that bounced down the third base line. Paige Weinmann added to the score with blast of her own to elevate the Warriors, 3-0 in her WIU debut. A pitching change did not slow the Warriors, seeing a single to center from Haley Saylor brought Barquin in, giving the Warriors a 4-0 advantage late into the game.
Thomas allowed her defense to back her as a fly, pop, and line out put Webber back on offense. Back-to-back scoreless innings kept the Warriors up through the fifth inning.
Webber opened the sixth inning with a Sam Hudson walk followed by a Barquin single. An error from TU allower her and, pinch runner, Gracie Lopez to advance into scoring position. A fielder's coach allowed Weinmann to reach base and Barquin to score. Nicole Gutierrez then came into hit for the Warriors and grabbed a base hit before the last out of the inning.
The Warriors remained diligent on defense through the top of the seventh inning to collect their first win of the 2024 season, 4-2.
GAME ONE LEADERS
Brandy Barquin led the way on offense with two runs on two hits and two RBIs. Weinmann notched one hit and three RBIs, while Saylor grabbed the final RBI of the day. Genesis Aviles, Johnkiria Bland, Logan Fennell, and Gracie Lopez all combine for the final runs for Webber.
Pitcher, Taylor Thomas was perfect through seven innings, as she grabs her first win of the 2024 season.
GAME TWO: WARRIORS SLIDE PAST NIGHTHAWKS, 10-5.
The Warriors continued their defensive slate with Jenna Chaudoin leading in the circle. In the bottom of the first, Alycia Celia started things off with a walk then stole second on a ball before Alexi Watkins reached first off, of an error at 1st base. Barquin reached first on an error that allowed Celia and Watkins to score. Barquin got TU sleeping and stole second before a wild pitch allowed her to advance 60 more feet. Weinmann continued the rally with a sacrifice fly out that brought Barquin home making it 3-0 early for the Warriors.
Chaudoin remained strong in the circle through the second inning. Eventhough TU hit a homerun, Chaudoin responded with two backwards Ks toput the Warriors back on defense.
After a scoreless third, Chaudoin continued in her reign. A Warriors' error allowed a runner in scoring position, before a two out TU rally allowed two runs to score. An incredible 8-1-2 passed ball got the final out on the runner to keep the Warriors ahead 3-2.
Chloe Rayner came in to pitch for the Warriors to open the fifth inning and managed a scoreless inning. The Warriors swiftly returned to defense after a three-and-out. An error and double put the Night Hawks in scoring position before Jenna Chaudoin was sent back out to pitch for the Warriors. A single and triple allowed TU to score three runs to take the lead 5-2 before Chaudoin got the final out of the inning.
The Warriors retaliated with seven run rally before the NightHawks were able to get a single out. Webber was able to go a whole hitting rotation and load the bases a second time before TU got the final two outs.
Chaudoin and the Warriors defense held strong through the top of the seventh, only allowing two hits and leaving three on base. A swinging strikeout ended the game and gave the Warriors their second win of the season, 10-5.
GAME TWO LEADERS
Saylor was perfect offensively, going 2-2 at the plate with one run and two RBIs. Kimmie Cheung and Nicole Gutierrez both went 1-1, with Cheung notching 2 RBIs. Watkins went 1-2 and was walked as she adds a run in her WIU debut. A plethora of Warriors added runs to the board in the win.
Pitcher Jenna Chaudoin recorded her first win of the season, pitching six innings, only allowing three runs, and striking out three batters.
Webber will be back in action next Friday, February 16th as they head to Columbus, GA to compete in the NFCA Leadoff Classic. Warriors are set to take on #4 Georgia Gwinnett in game 1 before facing Louisiana Christian, (RV) Truett McConnell, as well as Georgetown and Johnson.
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