FULLERTON, Calif. - The Jessup women's volleyball team traveled to Hope International for their first conference road game of the season. Despite the strong start taking the first two sets, the Warriors were defeated in the fifth game battle, 15-13.


It was a strong start for the Warriors, leading the first two sets from the start. Leading early, 14-8 the Warriors Hope into a timeout with momentum continuing through there second timeout, leading 24-22.  Vendela Williams sealed the deal with a tip over the block going up 1-0.


The second set continued in similar fashion, Warriors taking an early advantage 11-6 at Hope's first timeout. After a run by the Royals, the Warriors had back-to-back-to-back kills to go up 22-19. Jensen Paris stole the show with the deciding kill from Jessica William to take the set, 25-23. 


"The game plan going into it was to stay in system as much as possible," said head coach Shasta Millhollin. "Hope is a very talented team, and they work hard.  We knew they would battle till the end."


Looking to defend home court, Hope came out strong exchanging points with the Warriors, but never too far that Jessup couldn't follow suit. Hope took a timeout with the lead 21-18 after a run by the Warriors, but finished the set strong, 25-18, Jessup still up 2-1.


Forcing two early timeouts in the fourth set, Hope led 15-7.  Competing strong at the net were kill leaders, V. Williams and Taylor Jacky, both collecting 12 kills on the night. On the defensive end, Makenzie Reeder-Esparza led in blocks (4), followed by Kassidy Heuvelhorst and Jensen Paris (3). Hope battled back to even out the match 2 sets a piece.


In Jessup's second fifth-set match of the season, last against Masters, the Warriors continued their strong start and momentum.  With six ties, and the only lead change of the game coming late, the Warriors fought for the win but ended up coming short in a 12-15 final.


"We learned a lot from tonight," Millhollin conlcluded. "And collectively we are disappointed that we let this match get away from us. But we know what we need to remain focused and on task from now on to get the results we are seeking."


Jessup continues conference competition this after noon, 3pm at Biola University before heading home to take on Mills College on Monday.
 

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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).