ROCKLIN, Calif. - The Warriors came out strong taking the first set at home against Oregon Tech but were unable to snag another despite the hard fought battle to the finish (25-23, 21-25, 24-26, 14-25).
 
"I'm very proud of our overall performance tonight," stated head coach Shasta Millhollin. "We fought hard for every single point, but made some crucial errors that contributed to the final outcome."
 
In game one the Warriors jumped to an early lead, 12-6, when freshman Elizabeth Gallon got her first solo block, just one of three for the night. With a double timeout the Hustlin' Owls came back late, but fell short as Jessup took set one, 25-23.
 
The second and third sets were a battle of the fittest, exchanging points almost every other possession. With an early lead the Warriors were able to go up at the midway point (13-12) but the 'Owls would answer back with a 22-18 advantage forcing Millhollin to take a timeout.
 
They contended, but came up short losing the second set 25-21. It was a similar affair in the third set as the Warriors and Owls exchanged points to start off.
 
Starting freshman Vendela Williams and junior Kassidy Heuvelhorst showed off their slides in the third set, a guaranteed kill every time.  V. Williams led the Warriors with 11 kills on the night followed by sophomore Makenzie Reeder-Esparza (9) and Heuvelhorst (8).
 
"Our newcomers led us tonight," Millhollin said. "With all freshman and two returners making big appearances, we are grateful that we are able to have such leaders at all stages of our team."
 
Losing steam, Jessup fell behind 15-20 but managed to go on a 7-1 run to go up 22-21 in set 3.  Each team continued to swap possessions to the end, Warriors unable to win the rally as the Owls took the 2-1 lead going into the fourth set.
 
"The fact that we were able to go on a 7-1 run in the third set shows the type of determination and focus that this team has," said Millhollin.
 
The visiting Owls brought the heat in the final set, attacking the net as the Warriors continued to battle hoping to push it to a final set. With an early lead, Jessup was unable to catch up finishing the match in the fourth set, falling 14-25.
 
"Tonight was a great learning opportunity for our team and we are happy to have played a great team like Oregon Tech," Millhollin concluded. "This match provided us a lot of opportunities for growth and all the mistakes that were made we can learn from."
 

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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), @JessupAthletics (Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat).