GLENDALE, Ariz. – Riding the wave of momentum that is a six-match win streak, the Warriors opened GSAC play on Thursday with a trip to Arizona Christian University. A second-half scare negated an early Jessup lead, as after 110-minutes, there would be no winner on Thursday.
 
Head Coach David Nolan pointed out that mistakes cost the Warriors a win on Thursday, stating, "Three individual mistakes cost us the win today. Unfortunately, we are still allowing teams into games by unforced errors."
 
Nolan would later add that matches like Thursday will be an opportunity for the Warriors to grow, adding, "It's a growing moment for us. We will learn from our mistakes."
 
It would not take long for the Warriors to tally their first conference goal of the season, as the left leg of freshman Kaylee Gillespie put Jessup on the board. Gillespie looped one over the keeper's reach for another spectacular goal from the 22-yard line (32 yards out) of the ACU Football Field.
 
The closest opportunity to double the lead came on a breakaway by Aaliyah Grigsby in the half's final seconds. With just the goalkeeper to beat, ACU's Jennifer Sanchez charged out of the box and broke up the play to send the match into the half at 1-0.
 
Gillespie extended her goal total to seven on the year just three minutes into the second half with a strike from 20 yards out. Set up off an assist from Alhan Bakideh, making her first appearance since opening day on Aug. 19, Gillespie put enough pace on the ball to negate any chance of a leaping save.
 
With a 2-0 advantage in their pocket, the Warriors finally made a mistake, as just two minutes after the goal, ACU was able to get on the board with a well-executed counterattack.
 
In the 61st minute, ACU took advantage of an odd play to even the match at 2-2. Goalkeeper Rachel Cooper-Huber was called for an indirect touch in the box, allowing ACU to prepare a close-range set piece. The ball was played on the ground, and after a scramble for the ball, it was determined it had crossed the goal line, equalizing the match.
 
With momentum seemingly against them, Jessup quickly turned things around as it was Gillespie dishing an assist this time. Gillespie played a ball across the field to Lauren (McDougal) Case, who charged into the box, wrestling with a defender before poking the ball inside the back post.
 
A win seemed guaranteed at this point, as the 3-2 lead continued to hold until the Firestorm converted on one final attempt to equalize the match, scoring with 90 seconds left to push the match to overtime.
 
Jessup had two near chances at victory. First, in the final five seconds of regulation, Kye Johnson rattled the crossbar on a 20-yard attempt. Then in the first overtime, a late breakaway from Gillespie was thwarted away as ACU was able to hold on for the draw.
 
Thursday's draw moves the Warriors to 6-2-1 (0-0-1 GSAC) on the season.
 
Jessup does remain unbeaten in their last seven matches, and they will look to make it eight when they take on Ottawa this Saturday in Surprise, AZ. It will be the fifth all-time meeting between the Warriors and Spirit, with OUAZ winning all previous meetings. Saturday's 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 & Instagram).