SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The women's soccer team kicked-off conference matchups against the top team in the league, nationally ranked (4) Westmont College in a heartbreaking 2-1 loss, but not without a battle to the end holding the conference foe to a single goal for over 80 minutes.

"Today we had a game plan and we executed it extremely well," head coach Rachel Constantini said. "This game is a testament to the hard work they continuously pour into practice. We feel confident that if we can compete with the No. 4 team in the country, we will find success in our conference play."

Expecting nothing less, Westmont came out strong attacking the Warrior's goal but keeper Camille Cavey came out even stronger defending their 20 total shots, 8 on goal collecting 7 saves against the nationally ranked opponent.

In the 7th minute Westmont would take the early lead with a goal by freshman Bri Johnson, her 7th goal of the season.

The Warriors answered back with a good look by junior Yvette Perez who sent one in at the top of the box from senior Hannah Lettington in the 17th-minute, but a stretch from Westmont's goalie was enough for the save.

After the first 45-minutes of play, Jessup trailed 1-0 as Westmont outshot the Warriors 10-4, but keeper Cavey brought down a total 5 saves with help from defenders Allie Rocha and Maria Chacon.

Constantini praises her backline, "There is no denying that we have an incredibly talented backline, they kept us in the game as long as they could."

Jessup answered back in the 66th-minute working together for the equalizer as Rocha took the free kick, flicked on by Katie Worley, with Hannah Lettington connecting to Marissa Sanders for the goal on the far post, her third of the season.

"Sanders continues to grind on the field, finding the back of the net because of her desire to see her team succeed," Constantini reflected. "We are very lucky to have her as a senior captain."

Westmont continued to push the ball as Cavey collected two late saves before the game-winning goal hit the back of the net with 6 minutes remaining for the 2-1 win for Westmont.

Continuing opening week of conference matchups, the Warriors will travel to The Master's on Saturday for a 11:30am kickoff. 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).