ROCKLIN, Calif. -- Needing a win to stay in contention for the GSAC playoffs, the Lady Warriors played host to the team directly above them in the standings, Hope International University. The outcome of the match fell in favor of the Royals, 6-1, ultimately eliminating Jessup from postseason play.
"We had a very difficult battle," said head coach Rachel Constantini. "We struggled in the first half to connect all of our lines and unfortunately for us Hope took advantage."
Jessup's only goal of the day was a good one, coming in the 50th minute from senior Celia Rangel. Rangel took a throw in on the right edge of the 18-yard box and hit a curling shot over the goalkeeper for her first goal of the season.
"We came out strong in the second half, Celia starting us off with an incredible goal," Constantini stated. "The girls were able to make significant changes in the second half and played with much more heart than the first 45."
Senior goalkeeper Brianna Evans (Roseville, CA) came up big for the Warriors early on, as the game was scoreless the Royals were awarded a penalty attempt. The shot went to the lower left, and so did Evans, as she made the diving save to deny the penalty attempt.
The Royals entered the half with a three goal advantage, and they would add three more goals in the closing 45-minutes.
Jessup trailed Hope International by three points in the GSAC standings. The Warriors needed to win their final two games on the schedule in order to clinch the final spot in the conference playoffs. The loss Thursday eliminates Jessup from postseason contention.
With one more game on the calendar, the Warriors will host Biola University on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. for Senior Day. Jessup will say goodbye to six seniors with a special on field ceremony before the start of the match.
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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).
