The 2019 season for the William Jessup Warrior volleyball team was a historic one as the team reached its highest win total since 2009 finishing 13-13 and 10-8 in conference. They also made their first ever Golden State Athletic Conference playoff appearance. Unfortunately for Jessup, the great season came to a close with a three set loss to the Vanguard University Lions, 25-21, 25-27, & 25-17. 
 
The first set was a tight contest throughout as it was tied multiple times until the Lions started to inch away from the Warriors. Jessup trailed 15-18 and quickly put up four points to take the lead, 19-18. As the set lingered on, the Warriors were only able to come away with one more point as they lost 21-25. 
 
After giving up the first point of the second set, Jessup scored five of the next six points. The last of those five, were scored off a thunderous block from Vendela Williams. The Lions responded with two quick points but Jessup would do the same as they led 7-4 early on. Jessup would struggle to find consistency as the set continued and they lost, 17-25. 
 
In the third set, the Warriors fell behind early and they got within one point but were unable to jump out in front as they lost the match in set three, 17-25. 
 
Head coach Tiger Shelton, who has 40 years of coaching under his belt, spoke very highly of this group as he said, "This is my fortieth year of coaching and it's one of the best years I've ever had." Shelton elaborated further saying that it was the special group he had who made this season what it was.  "It's a group of people who really love what they do, love the people they do it with, love the reason they are doing it, and the rest is history."
 
Coach Shelton knew that with the right mix of passion and talent, good things were destined to happen, "When you put that kind of mixture together, some magical things can happen, and they did. They are amazing kids, who did amazing things." 
 
Ultimately, the ladies on this team, especially the seniors whose college careers are now over, can hold their heads high as they made program history in what was truly a memorable season. 
   
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).