Irvine, Calif.- In their first round of the GSAC Championship action, Arizona Christian (the second seed) rode the arm of Savannah Smith and capitalized on their chances to beat the third seed Jessup on Monday afternoon.
 
Game Info

• Game one score: Arizona Christian- 3, Jessup- 1
• Game two score: Arizona Christian
• Records: Arizona Christian- 34-15, Jessup- 24-22
• NAIA Top 25 ranking: ACU- not ranked, Jessup- not ranked
• Location: OC Great Park, Irvine, CA

 
ACU Game One Stats

• Claire Buckley- 2-3, 2 runs, SB
• Jyden Miles- 2-3, run, SB
• Miranda Hipolito- 3-3, RBI
• Taylor Schleisman- 2 RBI
• Savannah Smith- complete game win

 
Inside Game One

• Smith retired 11 of the first 12 batters she faced
• In the bottom of the first, Buckley and Miles singled and pulled off a double steal
• A groundout from Schleisman and single by Hipolito cashed in Buckley and Miles for a 2-0 lead
• Following a walk in the fourth, a triple for Jessup scored the run for a 2-1 game
• In the fifth, Buckley scored on an RBI groundout from Schleisman
• Jessup had in the potential tying runs on base when Smith used her eighth strikeout to end the game
• Smith earned win 21 and complete game 21 on the season

 
Thoughts from Coach Mayben
"Really proud of the energy and composure our team had going into today's game.  We competed with poise and confidence in all seven innings.  Some great at bats, timely hits, sound defense, and strong pitching in the circle produced a positive outcome.  Anxious to get to day two with the same energy as today."
 
Up Next
On Tuesday, Arizona Christian will face Vanguard, the fourth seed who upset top seed Hope International, at the OC Great Park at 12:00 pm.  The winner will advance to Championship Wednesday.