COSTA MESA, Calif. - The Jessup volleyball squad came out hot on Friday night as they faced their first conference road matchup against No. 21, the Vanguard Lions. Despite taking the opening set in extra points, the Warriors were unable to nab another dropping 1-3 to the Lions and now 4-6 overall and 1-2 in GSAC play.

Hot was not just the Warriors' start as they competed in The Pit, but also the environment forcing an opening set to go the distance to take the victory, 26-24 for their first set taken from the Lions since the 2017 season.

In that first set, the Warriors had a game-high 14 kills led by senior Taylor Jacky who went on to tally 15 total kills to lead the team and second-best 13 digs in her six rotations. Close behind were teammates Ashanti Grayer and Hannah Henriksen both nabbing five kills in the opening frame.

Each set to follow would be an even match. The seven ties in the second set would bottom out at 20 all before the Lions regained the lead to the finish for a 25-22 victory, both teams owning a set now headed to the third.

Like those before, the third set would see multiple lead changes, teams exchanging possession almost on every point before the home team would sneak away with the 23-17 advantage. The Warriors capitalizing on the Lion errors down the stretch, but it wouldn't be enough as they fell 25-20 with a do-or-die game before them.

To close out the night the Warriors would continue to battle, but the nationally recognized Lions would end on the top side of the frame taking it 25-21 and the match 3-1.

Behind Jacky was Grayer and Henriksen closing the night with nine kills apiece, and Jessica Williams collecting 20 assists and Bri Whitt with 18 respectfully. Senior libero Kacey Berger had a team-high 21 digs followed by Jacky and Whitt with 13.

The Warriors will continue their conference road quest tomorrow afternoon taking on San Diego Christian at 2 pm before heading back home for a single matchup next week against Norcal rival, Menlo College.  
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).