Babson Park, FL – The Warriors concluded their three-game series with Florida, National recording a close 9-7 win in game one and a 1-0 victory in game two. A combined offensive and defensive effort saw WIU record 7 runs on 15 hits while the pitching staff only allowed four runs. The pitching staff also recorded two strikeouts to improve Webber's record to 19-25 on the season.
GAME ONE: LOPEZ GOES 4-FOR-4 TO LEAD THE WARRIORS TO A 6-4 WIN OVER FNU
Jenna Chaudoin notched her 16th start of the season, pitching seven complete innings, and only allowing one earned run. The senior also added two more strikeouts to her resume.
Gracie Lopez had a perfect game, going 4-for-4 with 3 RBIS and one run. The lead off hitter for the Warriors had two extra-base hits, including a 2 RBI triple in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Alexi Watkins added two hits to the board for WIU. The junior picked up an RBI and stolen base to tie the game in the bottom of the 4th inning. Haley Saylor was another pivotal player, picking up a single and a double in game one.
In the first inning, Pitcher Jenna Chaudoin and the Warriors' defense efforts saw the Conquistadors with a ground out, line out, and a caught stealing by Rachel Lamoureaux. In the bottom of the first, lead off back-to-back singles put Lopez and Watkins aboard. FNU managed their way out of the inning without WIU scoring,
Two ground outs and a swinging strikeout made for a quick top of the 2nd inning for Chaudoin.
In the bottom of the 2nd inning, back-to-back walks put two on, before a two-out RBI single for Saylor gave the Warriors the lead. Lopez followed with a 2 RBI triple to make it 3-0 heading into the top of the third.
FNU added two runs in the top of the 4th inning and top of the 5th inning to take a 4-2 lead.
The Warriors responded by capitalizing on FNU errors to start a two-out rally in the bottom of the fifth to even the score. Saylor reached base on a fielding error, followed by singles from Lopez and Watkins to even the score.
Haley Saylor broke up two scoreless innings with a one-out double in the bottom of the 6th inning. Gracie Lopez traded places with Saylor to make it a one-run ball game. Alexi Watkins moved Lopez over with a sac fly, before Thalia Romero singled up the middle to give the Warriors a two-run lead.
Chaudoin and the Warriors closed the door on the Conquistadors with three-straight outs in the top of the 7th inning.
GAME TWO: CHLOE RAYNER NOTCHES SECOND SHUT OUT VICTORY OF THE SEASON
Chloe Rayner picked up her third win of the season after pitching seven shutout innings against the Conquistadors.
Brandy Barquin notched the lone RBI of game two, while Alycia Celia, Gracie Lopez, Alexi Watkins, and Thalia Romero all recorded hits.
Rayner wrangled the Conquistadors in the top of the 1st inning, keeping them from scoring with a fly out to centerfield. On offense, Lopez led off with a choppy single up the middle. The Warriors would only get one aboard before FNU would record three outs.
After a hitless inning and a half, Celia singles over the head of FNU's third baseman, but would be left stranded.
Alexi Watkins dropped a bunt right in front of the catcher for a one-out hit in the top of the 6th inning. Romero singled to right center as Watkins made her way to third base. Romero swiped second before Barquin singled through the left side, allowing Watkins to score.
Chloe Rayner and the Warriors defense clinched the win with two fly outs and a foul out.
The Warriors will celebrate senior day this weekend as they host the St. Thomas Bobcats for their final home series of the season. The first pitch on Friday is set for 4 Pm, while the senior celebration will begin Saturday at 11 AM.
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