SURPRISE, Ariz. – The fitness of the Jessup Women's Soccer program has been on display in their last three matches. Entering Surprise Saturday for a GSAC contest with the (RV) Ottawa University (AZ) Spirit, overtime was needed for the third consecutive contest as the Warriors head home with two points to their season total.
 
After the match, Head Coach David Nolan stated that he was "very proud of the performance. The character we showed today was fantastic. We bounced back from a disappointing game and fixed our problems."
 
For the first time in over a month, the Warriors played most of the first half Saturday on their heels. Ottawa controlled possession predominantly in the final 15-minutes of the half, with the ball sitting in the Spirit's attacking third for most of the time.
 
Jessup's goalkeeper Olivia Foulk was a significant factor in keeping the match scoreless in the opening half as she recorded four crucial saves. One of which came off an OUAZ breakaway attempt, resulting in Foulk charging out and deflecting away a one-on-one opportunity.
 
The Warriors came into Saturday as one of the best attacking teams in the GSAC, leading the conference in shots, with the next closest squad having neatly 80 fewer attempts this season. OUAZ would outshoot Jessup 8-3 in the opening frame, just the second time Jessup had been outshot in a half during their seven-match unbeaten streak.
 
The script quickly flipped to start the second half. Just three minutes in, Alhan Bakideh almost found the scoresheet as she shot from the top of the box missed wide by inches. Then, seconds later, off an OUAZ turnover, Lauren (McDougal) Case hit the crossbar on a long-range attempt.
 
No goal would be scored in regulation, meaning for the third consecutive match, the Warriors would be headed to overtime.
 
Aaliyah Grigsby nearly brought the game to an end in the 97th minute, as she fired off a great look in the center of the box off a corner, but a diving save denied the opportunity. Grigsby would be denied again on a one-on-one chance in the closing seconds of the first overtime.
 
Neither team would find the back of the net in the second overtime, ending the match in a scoreless draw.
 
Nolan spoke of the turnaround Jessup displayed today, adding, "We changed a few things up and adapted to them very quickly, which is a credit to each player. We were so disciplined defensively today. But beyond that, we had the opportunities to get a winner."
 
The Warriors' performance in the final 65 minutes was more to the pattern displayed all season as they got off ten shots. Foulk wrapped up the match, recording the first shutout of her collegiate career, making a career-high ten saves in the process.
 
Jessup moves to 6-2-2 (0-0-2 GSAC) on the season as they pick up a point apiece with the two draws this week.
 
With the first two conference matches now in the books, the Warriors can shift focus to their home turf as next up is the official opening of Jessup's new all-weather turf soccer field. Menlo College will be in town on Saturday for the historic game. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m.
   
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).