ROCKLIN, Calif. - With an unfamiliar line-up in the season opener, second-year head coach Shasta Millhollin proved she'd been working hard to improve the program in her returning year sweeping their first competitor of 2016. The Warriors took down Pacific Union in three sets Tuesday night in Warrior Arena with over 200 fans in attendance to cheer them on.
 
"We are so blessed to have so many friends, family and members of the community to come out and show us love on our opening night," said Millhollin. "With a line-up stacked with newcomers, I would have expected nerves to get the better of them, but they proved their mental toughness could overcome and carried them through."
 
The Warriors proved their excitement for the season with a 5-1 run before the Pioneers were able to put one down in the first set.  With an aggressive offense Jessup was able to keep a comfortable lead through the set leading 15-7 at the halfway mark and wrapping it up 25-16 to take it.
 
Incoming freshman Taylor Jacky sealed a 6-1 lead in the second set with an ace, just one of four she recorded for the night.  Freshman starting setter Jessica Williams also contributed four aces followed by freshman Vendela Williams adding a pair, for 10 total aces for the Warriors on the night.
 
Running away with the second set the Lady Warriors had a set-high 13 kills on 20 attempts capped by sophomore Makenzie Reeder-Esparza with the kill on set point as Jessup took set two, 25-13.
 
The Pioneers came out strong in the third set taking an early 5-2 lead forcing a Warriors timeout to gain composer. The ladies battled back going up 6-5, but neither team letting up, going tit-for-tat to the finish.
 
Tied at 23 the Warriors held strong to finish the sweep in a 25-23 final for the third set.  Jacky and Reeder-Esparza led the team with seven kills apiece, followed by V. Williams with 6.  Jessup finsihed with a total 32 kills to the Pioneers 26 for the game.
 
"I am so proud of our focus tonight. We have started our season with a solid foundation that we can build upon," Millhollin concluded.  "This is only the beginning, we have a lot of work to put in but we are off to a great start."
 
Jessup posted the first season opening win at home in four years and will look to continue their streak when they are back in Warrior Arena Monday, August 29 against OIT at 3pm.
  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).