LINCOLN, Calif. – In a historic outing, David Hays climbs to #3 on APU's all-time strikeout leaderboard as the Cougars took on a new PacWest opponent, Jessup University, for the first time. Jessup, recently elevated to NCAA Division II, hosted the matchup on Thursday.

The game started quietly, until the action picked up in the third when Jessup broke through with a 2-RBI homer to take an early 2-0 lead. APU responded in the fifth as Will Medina launched a 2-RBI homer over the fence, bringing Elijah Morgan and tying the game at 2-2. 

Jessup wasn't going to let up. In the bottom of the sixth, two doubles and a 2-RBI homer for the Warriors put APU down 2-5. Although the Cougs rallied with several key singles and sharp infield plays, the Warriors held on with a strong defense, handing APU a 5-2 loss. 

The spotlight belonged to starting pitcher David Hays, who delivered a milestone performance on the mound. In today's game, Hays sent home seven Warriors across five innings, officially moving into third place on APU's All-Time Career Strikeout list. With 229 Ks, Hays currently sits behind Frank Viera (297) and Russ Carroll (250). Another game, another chapter in Hays' dominant legacy. 

Up Next: The Cougars will look to rebound, with Friday's games taking place at 1 PM and 4 PM at McBean Stadium in Lincoln, California.