ROCKLIN, Calif. - Simpson University softball loses two close games on the road to open up the 2018 season. Simpson faced the 3rd ranked team in the country in Southern Oregon and dropped game 6-5 before also falling to William Jessup, 8-6.

GAME 1:

The Raiders began the first two innings with four unanswered runs to take an early lead, but Simpson's offense came to life in the 3rd, striking for four runs to tie the game in the middle innings.  Southern Oregon would counter with a run in the bottom of the 3rd and an insurance run in the 5th that would prove to be vital as Simpson came within one run of tying the game in the 6th inning.

Statistical Leaders:
Madison Wright: 2-4 RBI
Emily Fuller: 2-4 2B, RBI
Mazzie Davies: 2-3 2 RBIs, 2B
Tayler Zazueta: 2-3 RS

GAME 2:
In game two, Simpson was the team to get on the scoreboard first recording three runs in the first three innings two of which coming of an RBI single off the bat of Kayla Bailey. Jessup quickly tied the game in the 3rd with three runs and scored two more in the 4th to give them a 5-4 lead.  Simpson would again rally for the lead in the 5th with two runs off of singles from Tayler Zazueta and Mazzie Davies. The Red Hawks couldn't close out the game giving up three runs in the 6th inning to the Warriors that Simpson would not be able to comeback from.

Statistical Leaders:
Kayla Bailey (2-4) and Tayler Zazueta (2-3) each recorded two hits and two RBIs to lead the Red Hawks.
Hailee Nichols: 1-3
Madison Wright: 1-4 RS
Mazzie Davies: 1-3 RBI

Simpson takes on Menlo College and Jessup again on Saturday, February 3rd in the second day of the William Jessup tournament with the games scheduled for 11:15 am and 4:00 pm.