ROCKLIN, Calif. - Coming out strong in the first half with a 2-0 advantage, the Warriors held visiting Antelope Valley for nearly 70 minutes until the Pioneers answered back with the 4-2 victory over the Warriors.

"Today was a great lesson for us that the game isn't only 45 minutes. We played with a lot of heart and passion but that tapered off and unfortunately, Antelope Valley capitalized on it," head coach Rachel Constantini reflected. 

Striking the net first was senior Hannah Lettington for the Warriors in the 24th minute to give Jessup the advantage. But the starting senior wasn't done yet as she answered again nearly two minutes later (26:38) to put the Warriors up 2-0, maintaining the lead after the first 45 minutes of play.

The Warriors outshot the Pioneers in the first half 5-3 with Delany Langstaff defending the net for Jessup collecting those five saves in the season opener. The tables turned in the second half as Antelope Valley outshot the Warriors 11-4.

Coming out strong, the Pioneers struck first in the 69th minute with a goal by Adriana Zuniga off a free kick and Daisy Rodriguez adding her first goal of the season to tie it up 2-2 with 20-minutes left in regulation.

The Pioneers would connect again in the 76th and 78th minute to finish on top 4-2.

 "These girls know how to battle back, they want this for each other. I have full confidence that they will take this experience in stride and use it to grow positively," Constantini concluded.

With the first game behind them, the Warriors look forward to hitting the road for their next two games taking on Dominican and Sierra Nevada before heading back to home field next week to take on Oregon Tech Saturday, Sept. 2nd at 3 pm.
   
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) and @JessupAthletics (Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat)