FULLERTON, Calif. – Jessup came into Saturday in a chase for first place in the GSAC standings. Sitting just two points shy of Westmont College, the Warriors took on another team looking to make the jump up to first-place, the Hope International Royals.
 
For the first time since August 27, 57 days ago, the Warriors suffered a loss as the Royals took this highly competitive GSAC battle 2-0.
 
Head Coach David Nolan stated after the match, "We failed to settle in during the first half and gave up a sloppy goal. In the second half, we got back to our game and dominated possession. Created a lot of opportunities but needed to do better. Very proud of our reaction in the second half." 
 
Hope International put a number on the board in the 20th minute of play Saturday, as Ofelia Sosa Cruz netted her eighth tally of the season off a cross from Ryley Candelario.  

In typical Jessup fashion, the Warriors got their shots off, firing off ten to the Royals ten in the first half, but still, the 1-0 deficit remained.
 
Jessup looked for an equalizer in the second half, but none could be found as all nine of the Warriors' shots on goal were saved by HIU goalkeeper Siera Pedroza. Her counterpart, Jessup's Olivia Foulk, totaled six saves.
 
The second and final goal of the day came in the 81st minute after the center referee awarded the Royals a penalty kick. Lauren Lizarraga stepped up to the dot and converted for HIU.
 
Jessup's loss drops the Warriors to 9-3-2 overall, 3-1-2 in GSAC (11 points). Hope International picks up three points with the win, moving them to 14 for the season, placing them in first place by one point over Westmont, who have played one less match.
 
The final week of the season now awaits for the Warriors as they look to make their climb back into the top-two of the GSAC. The top six seeds will qualify for the GSAC Tournament, while the top two seeds earn a first-round bye.
 
Jessup will kick off the season's final week on Thursday when The Master's University comes to town. TMU currently sits in sixth place in the GSAC, holding a three-point advantage over Vanguard. The season then commences for an important battle against Westmont on Saturday, October 30.
   
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).