ROCKLIN, Calif. – Hitting the court two times were the Warriors Thursday as they opened up the 2022 William Jessup Invitational. With stout competition set to face Jessup, the Warriors put their best volleyball on display as they picked up a pair of victories in front of their home fans.
 
Head coach Tiger Shelton spoke about the overall feel of the day, stating, "It feels good. We played the No. 19 team in the nation and a really good DII school. Today shows we can compete at their level. When we left here after playing Lewis-Clark, we went and worked on what we needed. Here you have it. But it takes a lot of people. It took a village to win."
 
Jessup started the day taking on an NAIA foe in the No. 19 ranked Oregon Tech Owls. In four sets, Jessup picked up the victory over their nationally ranked opponent, Jessup's first win of the season.
 
Leading in kills during the opener was Marina Gonzalez, making her Warrior Arena debut. Gonzalez was a magnet to the ball, firing off 12 kills to pair with nine digs. Sydney Hancock added 11 kills to her side in the victory.
 
The Warriors cruised to a first-set victory, 25-17, and did not look back in the second as they took the set 25-19. After Oregon Tech bounced back to steal the third, Jessup avoided a tiebreaking set with a 25-20 victory in the fourth.
 
On to the finale of a packed day of volleyball which saw five matches in Warrior Arena. Next on the schedule was the Chico State Wildcats of the NCAA Division II ranks.
 
Jessup again jumped to a fast start in this one, taking the opener 25-19. Once again, the Warriors capitalized on momentum to take the second set, 25-21, placing them a set away from a perfect day on the court.
 
But similar to the earlier match, victory would not come easy. Chico State edged past the Warriors in set three, 25-23.
 
What powered the Warriors in this contest was their play at the net, as Jessup totaled 11 blocks, with Taylor MacCuish and Mata Iupeli each recording five block assists. Taylor Tarble was also a force at the net, assisting four blocks.
 
"Blocking got better," added Shelton. "This week, we worked on blocking and defense, and it showed. That's pretty much all we worked on was blocking and defense. They're buying into it. They're having fun. So we're excited to see what's gonna happen next."
 
Set four was a back-and-forth affair, so much so that extra points were needed. Facing a potential fifth set, the Warriors planted their foot in the ground and found two points to take the final, 27-25.
 
MacCuish came on late in this contest and led the Warriors with 14 kills, eight coming in the final set.
 
Shelton spoke about MacCuish, noting her senior leadership has been a big addition after missing last season with an injury. "She's a senior. That's the stuff we haven't had in a few years. Having senior leadership. Taylor MacCuish and Mallory Pazin, they have bought into the system over the years that if you want to go beat teams like this, you have to go out and play our style of game."
 
The Warriors will look to keep the momentum going when they take the court on Saturday against (RV) Bushnell. 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 & Instagram).