ROCKLIN, Calif. – Jessup's women's soccer team (11-6, 4-5) strengthened their play-off hopes winning their third game in a row against a Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) opponent, defeating San Diego Christian College (9-6-1, 4-5) by a score of 3-1.
It would be the Hawks of San Diego Christian College who struck first in the match. After an unrelenting offensive attack by the Hawks throughout the first half, and a number of saves by Jessup's Keep Allison Marlow (Huntington Beach, CA), they finally found the inside of the goal in the 38th minute when Katherine Day scored her ninth goal of the season.
Jessup gained offensive motivation quickly after going down 0-1. It would take only two minutes for the Warriors to find an answer when Janelle Schuette (La Puente, CA) delivered the ball to the waiting foot of Celia Rangel (Bakersfield, CA) in front of goal. Rangel quickly made the most of the situation and converted her first goal against a conference opponent and seventh goal of the season.
Jessup was unsatisfied with the scoreboard tied 1-1 at half-time; however. Starting the second half, they looked to take advantage of quick counter attacks. The strategy paid off when Aubrey Brisbane (San Francisco, CA) perfectly timed a through ball past the Hawk's defensive line to Amber DeAnda (Stockton, CA), who had only the goalie left to beat. She attacked patiently, lured out the goalie, and chipped the ball into the net.
Jessup looked in control for the remainder of the game and was able to connect on a safety goal late in the second half. Alexia De La Paz (Sacramento, CA) put away her first goal of the season in the 82nd minute, ensuring a Warrior victory.
"The girls played great," said an enthusiastic head Jessup coach Jamie Howard. "We were a little slow in the first half but came out hard in the second half. We began to spread out and find feet. Once we were able to settle into our game we created more scoring opportunities. It was a great overall effort from all the girls."
The Warriors are now tied for fifth in the GSAC with San Diego Christian, Hope International, and The Master's College; each team competing for two available playoff berths. The Warrior women's soccer team will have one more opportunity to help boost their record to support their bid when they play 15th ranked Vanguard University on the road Saturday at 11 a.m.
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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).
