ROCKLIN, Calif. - The Warriors served up their second Invitational in two weeks with a pair of opponents to face on day one. Jessup volleyball bounced back strong winning both of their matchups starting with a dual against the UC Merced Bobcats taking it in five and a 3-0 sweep over Mills College to close out the day.

Taking the first set, the Warriors fell back 2-1 against the Bobcats and managed to fight to the finish (25-18, 23-25, 23-25, 25-23 and, 15-12).

Makenzie Reeder-Esparza had a great game with 20 kills in her teams opening match as well as two blocks, to notch the programs fourth all-time most kills in a match, not to mention a career high for the senior. 

Brianne Whitt led the Warriors in assists (28), while Madison Pelham finished with 16. Taylor Jacky led with 24 digs, Kacey Berger with 17 and  Whitt had 15.  

As the fifth set commenced the Bobcats jumped out to an early 4-0 lead, however, the Warriors would rally back and take the lead 7-6 and fight to the finish to defeat UC Merced 15-12 to take the match. 

Head coach Shasta Millhollin was pleased with her team's endurance in the five-set match, "We are proud of the leadership of our entire team today. UC Merced is a well-coached, physical team. It took all of the focus and determination we had to bounce back and finish the match with a win." 

The onslaught continued as the Warriors made quick work out of their matchup with the Mills College Cyclones winning in straight sets, 25-2, 25-11, and 25-11.

Alicia Borges had a historic performance in game two as she tallied a new program record with 11 aces from the service line.

After her record-setting output, Borges said, "The confidence from my teammates when I get on the floor is really what drives me. They are always encouraging me to do my best, plus I always do a little prayer before I serve, so I have God to thank for everything."  

The pair of wins for the Warriors pushes their record to 5-2 as they continue preseason play. The Jessup Invitational will continue tomorrow as the Warriors host Oregon Tech in Warrior Arena at 1 PM. 

Millhollin closed with, "This team has incredible chemistry and grit. We are pumped to play again tomorrow!"
   
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).