ROCKLIN, Calif. - In game four under Head Coach David Nolan, the Warriors have entered the win column thanks to a shutout performance against Simpson University. Led by a duo of goals from Madison Leonhardt, Jessup cruised their way to a 4-0 victory.
 
"Getting the first win as head coach is a great feeling," said an excited Nolan postgame. "More importantly, it's our first win of the season and something we can really build off of. It gives us good momentum going into GSAC next week."
 
Leonhardt and the Warriors came out pressing to start, with the senior chipping two balls on goal that Simpson's goalkeeper narrowly got her fingertips on. The first goal finally occurred in the 31st minute when a corner kick deflected to Leonhardt, allowing her to score on the first touch.
 
Just six minutes later, the Warriors were on the board again, thanks to Sarah Foulk. Stepping up to take a free-kick some 30 yards out, Foulk sent the ball into the box, past all defenders and into the back of the net. 
 
The 2-0 lead for Jessup was their largest of the season at the time, up until Nadia Vazquez pushed the score to 3-0 in the 49th minute. After a shot from Alhan Bakideh was deflected by the keeper, Vazquez was there to fire in the rebound attempt on her first touch.
 
Leonhardt added her second and the Warriors' fourth goal of the day in the 61st minute. A great pass down the sideline from Carly Hinton allowed Leonhardt to dribble into the box and take a shot near post that got past the goalkeeper. 
 
The victory Friday is Jessup's first of the season and their first since a 2-1 win over Arizona Christian on October 17, 2019.
 
"Since fall, we have been working to create an identity, and it seems to have all come together today," added Nolan.
 
Jessup split goalkeeping duties Friday, as, after 57 minutes in net, Emma Whigam was replaced by Madeline Jern. Whigam finished with all three of Jessup's saves as the two keepers combined for the clean sheet victory.
 
Focus for Jessup shifts towards the conference season now, as the Warriors will next hit the field on February 25 at The Master's University. There remains still one non-conference game left for Jessup, a February 27 exhibition at Sacramento State. 
   
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).