ROCKLIN, Calif. – Saturday was a day of firsts for the Jessup Soccer program. After months of construction and many more of anticipation, the Warriors finally took the field on their new turf field. What lay ahead was a scoring party by the Warriors, leading to their first GSAC win of the year.
 
Head Coach David Nolan was delighted with the team's performance, stating, "It was a complete performance from the team. The ladies' desire to do the little things right was the architect to the performance."
 
History was made in the 26th minute Saturday, as freshman Kaylee Gillespie netted the first goal ever on the turf. Alhan Bakideh played a great through ball up to Gillespie, setting up for her patented left-footed blast that found the goal from over 20 yards out.
 
The Warriors dominated possession in Saturday's opening half as they kept the ball in their attacking side of the field. For Menlo, their only close chance came on a free kick 19 minutes in. A great rip to the left side of the goal was denied by reigning GSAC Defender of the Week Olivia Foulk who laid out for the save.
 
Foulk would finish the match with three saves.
 
Menlo's second decent opportunity at goal would not be denied, as Angelica Soto headed the ball into the goal off a corner kick from Kori-Ann Koverman.
 
The Oaks came into Saturday as one of the best defensive teams in the GSAC, as they had not allowed multiple goals in any of their nine matches coming in. However, that quickly changed thanks to Jessup's corner kick attack.
 
In the 65th minute, Keely Fink lined up for Jessup's first corner of the match. Fink sent the ball to the back post, where a leaping Lauren (McDougal) Case was able to get a head on it to put Jessup on top. Two minutes later, the combo of Fink and Case were back at it as Case headed home her second of the match.
 
Menlo made a late push to climb back into the game, but Jessup's backline played a near-perfect final 20 minutes to keep the lead intact.
 
With the win in the books, Jessup took one final chance at a goal in the final seconds, and the chance would find the net as Gillespie scored from over 20 yards out with just six seconds left on the clock.
 
Nolan later added, "The importance of making a statement on our new field was key. We are peaking at the right time."
 
Saturday's victory improves Jessup's record to 7-2-2 on the season. They are now 1-0-2 in GSAC play, sitting on five points.
 
Next on the schedule is another home date as the Warriors will take on San Diego Christian, Thursday on the turf. Game time is scheduled for 1:30 p.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).