FULLERTON, Calif. – The Warriors rolled into Fullerton Saturday for the final road match of the 2021 season. No easy feat was in front of Jessup, as Saturday's opponent sat the No. 25 ranked Hope International Royals. Jessup played to the level of the Royals for 90 minutes, but at the end of the day, it was HIU getting the 1-0 victory.
 
Head Coach Greg Lazaga was pleased with his team's effort, stating, "A lot of positive things happened on the field today.  Our directive communication was great defensively.  It is obvious we have made strides there in the last two games."
 
The only goal scored in Saturday's battle came in the final 60 seconds of the first half, as Jessup's defensive efforts held HIU off the scoreboard to that point. Juan Vargas netted the lone tally, coming off an assist from Miguel Flores.
 
Jessup fired off four shots in the opening half, with Isaac Morfin recording the only shot on goal.
 
The Warriors continued to play with a defensive mindset in the second half, as they cut down the Royals' shot attempts from eight to five. Three of the five attempts by HIU went on goal, as Jessup goalkeeper Juan Negrete made three of his four saves in this half.
 
On the defensive play, Lazaga added, "Overall, our defensive side accomplished what we set out to in pregame. Proud of the boys for that. Offensively we are still working on rhythm and timing in critical areas."
 
Jessup only got off two shots in the closing 45 minutes, none of which came on goal, as the late first-half strike for the Royals proved to be the only score of the day.
 
Saturday's loss is the tenth in a row for the Warriors, as they have been looking for a win since their 1-0 victory over Pacific Union College on September 9. Hope International moves into fifth place in the GSAC standings with the win.
 
The Warriors have just two matches remaining on their schedule, both of which will happen on their home turf in Rocklin. On Thursday, Jessup will take on The Master's University. Then on Saturday, which will be Senior Day, the Warriors will take on Westmont 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 and Instagram).