ROCKLIN, Calif. - Entering the day just a few points out of the final spot in the GSAC playoffs, the William Jessup University Warriors played host to a skilled opponent in the Westmont College Warriors (7-5-2, 4-3-1 GSAC). After a back-and-forth battle for the entirety of regulation, Jessup couldn't quite convert enough as they narrowly fell 3-2.
For the second match in a row, Jessup started on their heels as Westmont quickly went ahead with a goal in just the second minute. Jessup immediately fought back, and almost tied the game in the 11th minute when freshman Conner Entz (Auburn, CA) was denied on a chance less than 10 yards out.
After a few close opportunities, including a strike from senior Cody Cantrell (Santa Rosa, CA) from 30 yards out that scraped the top of the crossbar; the Warriors finally got one past the goalkeeper in the 31st minute. Entz (Conner) played a ball to junior Jose Hernandez (Ukiah, CA) 15 yards out, and Hernandez then curled a shot into the upper left corner to equalize the match.
"We came out today and gave up that easy first goal, but the guys demonstrated their ability to keep battling and fight back even after each goal," said head coach Robbie Handy. "Now we have to take that next step as a team and be the first to strike. You can only battle back so often."
Westmont also came out quick to start the second half, as just seven minutes in they scored to take a 2-1 lead. Again Jessup fought back, equalizing the match just three minutes later. Hernandez played a beautiful cross to junior Justin Soria (Rocklin, CA) on the far post. Soria leaped up and headed it over the goalkeeper to tie the match.
In the 72nd minute, Westmont capitalized on a counterattack as a cross along the goal line was tapped in to put the visitors up 3-2. Jessup tried to put up one last late fight, coming close on several attempts, but it wasn't in the cards and Westmont took the match.
Saturday was the annual senior day contest for Jessup. Prior to the start of the match all the seniors on the Jessup squad were honored. The five seniors playing on Jessup Field for the final time are: Zachary Kammerer (Rocklin, CA), Cody Cantrell (Santa Rosa, CA), Kyle Barr (Sacramento, CA), Dylan Valentine (Reno, NV), and Justin Mitchell (Sacramento, CA).
"I thought the day went really well. It was great honoring these guys and having all their family out," said Handy on Saturday's senior day. "You could see in some of the guys, the emotion, and just how much it means to them. I'm definitely proud of the guys and how they responded. Hopefully, we can go out on a high note."
Jessup, now with a record of 5-9-1 (2-6 in GSAC), will have two more chances to improve their position in the GSAC standings. On Thursday, the Warriors head down to San Diego to square off against San Diego Christian. The season then concludes on Saturday at Vanguard University. The Warriors trail Hope International by three points for the final seed in the playoffs.
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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).
