ROCKLIN, Calif. – Jessup Volleyball (2-5, 0-3) welcomed Life Pacific University (7-6, 2-3) to campus for a Golden State Athletic Conference volleyball tilt that was a closely contested battle of two Warrior programs. The Jessup Warriors were able to extend the match to five sets after an epic rally in the fourth set, but their momentum faded as they lost in five.
 
"We played well. We just need to be consistent," said Head Coach Tiger Shelton. "Overall, we are learning. It just takes time."
 
Set one began, and it was all Jessup to start as they quickly jumped out to a 3-0 lead. LPU would rally back from the early deficit, and midway through, they tied things up at 13-13. Jessup then scored four straight, with Jasmine Pinon's service ace putting Jessup up 17-13. The close set lingered on in the final stages, and it was LPU who scored four of the final five points to win 25-22.
 
The second set was close throughout, but Jessup was able to remain in front for the duration. They started much like the opening set as they led 4-1 to start. After fending off an LPU run, Jessup scored five straight points to lead 13-7. LPU wasn't going away quietly as they continually chipped away at the lead, bringing the set within three as Jessup led, 24-21. However, Taylor MacCuish ended the second set with a big kill, evening things up at one set each.
 
After breaking a 10-10 tie, LPU pulled away without looking back as they claimed set three, 25-16. From there, it appeared as if they were going to end the match in the fourth set. Jessup had other ideas, and after trading points right up to the end, they found themselves down 23-24. In dramatic fashion, Jessup rallied in the waning moments, scoring three points in a row, winning 26-24.
 
Jessup was down 4-0 to start the final set but then surged ahead as they took a 5-4 lead themselves. Trailing 14-9, Jessup strung together three points but ultimately lost the set, 15-12.
 
After a back-and-forth match, these teams will serve it up a second time tomorrow at 1 p.m. in Warrior Arena, and the match can be streamed HERE.
 
Shelton went on to praise his team for their efforts, "Mary Padilla was very good in the early part of the game, and Taylor MacCuish led everyone with 17 kills. Our blocking was much better, with twelve altogether. Both Maddison Marlow and Mary Padilla were terrific as they each had 18 digs, and Mallory Pazin leading with 21 assists. Tomorrow is another day."
   
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).