ROCKLIN, Calif. - Playing against each other for the first time as GSAC foes, the Warriors played host to an old Cal-Pac rival in the form of the Menlo College Oaks. Jessup played a strong 90-minutes, highlighted by a first half goal, as they defeated their old rivals 1-0.
Jessup started Tuesday's match in usual fashion as they came out with an attacking mindset. The Warriors nearly got on the board a number of times early as senior Dulce Espinoza (Lodi, CA) had two chances inside the box, just narrowly missing wide each time.
In the 35th minute of play, the constant Jessup attack secured their first goal as freshman Dahlia Rodriguez (Pacifica, CA) found the net. On a loose ball in the box, Rodriguez raced up and shot on her first touch. The goalkeeper dove and got a hand on the ball, but she deflected it into the inner side of the netting.
In the second half, the Oaks evened Jessup's intensity as their defense began to limit the Warrior's chances. A close opportunity came in the 60th minute when Jessup went on a quick counterattack, but junior Michelle Sandage (Carson City, NV) was called offside on a through ball into the box.
Late in the match, the Oaks stepped up the intensity and came very close to netting an equalizer. With ten minutes remaining, Menlo was awarded a free kick 20 yards out but the shot deflected off the Warriors' wall and out for a corner kick. On the ensuing corner, the Oaks headed a shot off the crossbar. The ball bounced back to a Menlo attacker who got off another shot, but the Warriors again caught a break as it flew over the bar.
Jessup finished the match outshooting the Oaks 13-6. In goal for the Warriors Tuesday was freshman Allison Marlow (Huntington Beach, CA). Marlow recorded 2 saves en route to her fourth clean sheet of the season.
With the victory, the Warriors improve their overall record to 9-6. In conference play, Jessup moves up to 2-5, placing them 11 points behind first place Biola University.
The Warriors return to action on Saturday, when they play their final home contest of the year against Westmont College. Saturday will be Senior Day, with a pregame ceremony taking place before the game to honor all the seniors on the team. Game time is scheduled for noon.
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William Jessup University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC). For additional information regarding Jessup Athletics, visit www.jessupathletics.com; visit www.jessup.edu for more information on William Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: William Jessup University Athletics (Facebook), @WJUSports (Twitter), and @JessupAthletics (Instagram, and Snapchat).
