SAN DIMAS, Calif. – Looking for their first conference win of the season, Jessup hit the road for Southern California to take on the Warriors of Life Pacific University. An early goal had Jessup on the right foot, but a rough second half sends Jessup home on the wrong end of a 3-1 final.
 
After the match, Head Coach David Nolan noted that it was "A game of two halves. We controlled the game well in the first half. The second half we struggled to adapt to Life Pacific playing a high line. It really rattled our rhythm."
 
On a tear as of late, senior Madison Leonhardt picked up where she left off the past three games as she netted a goal in just the third minute. In typical Leonhardt fashion, she chipped the ball from the right edge of the box, over the keeper's reach, and into the net.
 
"It was a well worked goal from the midfield to the defense," added Nolan. "It allowed (Leonhardt) to run onto a beautifully weighted pass."
 
The goal is the fifth in the last four games for Leonhardt. Her five goals this season lead the Warriors.
 
After taking a 1-0 lead into the break, Jessup quickly found themselves equal on the board after Maria Campos of LPU notched the score at 1-1 in the 49th minute. A low corner to the edge of the box was struck on the first touch, clanking the left post and bouncing into the net.
 
Nolan spoke of the change in tone after the equalizing goal, stating, "The players' heads went down after (Life Pacific) got the equalizer. It really rattled us and we never got back into the game from there."
 
Six minutes later, LPU gained possession in their attacking third, producing a one-on-one breakaway attempt with goalkeeper Emma Whigam. Karen Jacobs' shot went to the right of Whigam's reach, into the back of the net to make the score 2-1.
 
Jessup's closest opportunity at an equalizer came in the 85th minute off a corner kick. Sarah Foulk whipped a ball into the box where a Jessup attacker was able to get a leg on it, but the volley sailed high.
 
In the game's final seconds, LPU's Claudia Soto stole possession on the outside of the box and curled a shot on goal that went in just as the horn sounded, setting the score at 3-1.
 
The loss pushes Jessup to 1-5 overall on the season and 0-2 in conference play. Life Pacific move to 3-2, 2-1 in the GSAC.
 
Whigam once again played all 90 minutes in goal for Jessup. Allowing three goals, she also tallied six saves. Jessup had nine shots in the game, four of which came on goal.
 
Next up on the schedule for Jessup is their GSAC home opener, taking place Thursday, March 11, against Arizona Christian. The match is scheduled for 10 a.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 and Instagram).