ROCKLIN, Calif. – A new era of Jessup Soccer kicked off on Friday as the Warriors welcomed (RV) The College of Idaho Yotes to Warrior Field. With plenty of highlight moments to fill up the day, the Warriors came up short defensively as they dropped the season opener, 5-4.
 
The reigning GSAC Freshman of the Year, Kaylee Gillespie, highlighted the show on Friday. Her head coach, Amsalu Fantahun, spoke about Gillespie after the match and had nothing but good things to say.
 
"Kaylee is the best player in the conference," said Fantahun. "I'll do my best to push her to her maximum potential and performance. I still believe that she can get better."
 
Gillespie played a role in Jessup's first tally of the day, a strike in the 19th minute from Kye Johnson. Gillespie assisted the goal with a pass to Johnson, who struck the net on the run from 18 yards out.
 
Back at it was Gillespie in the 55th minute when she dribbled down the field, placing herself in a one-on-one situation with the keeper. Advantage and goal to Gillespie. Three minutes later, she scored again, this time thanks to an assist from Olivia Chimienti.
 
On the other side of the pitch, stealing the show for the Yotes, was Natasja Davis. Davis netter a hattrick of goals, two coming in the second half.
 
The Yotes took the lead on Davis' third tally, placing them ahead 4-3 with 20 minutes to go. A defensive mishap in the 85th minute allowed Kyndra Lyons to score and put Jessup down two. But the Warriors did not quit, cutting within one on Sarah Stralen's goal in the 90th minute.
 
Fantahun spoke about his side's effort, noting, "The players were a little bit nervous at the start because they knew it was the first game of the season. They were nervous, and we made simple mistakes. We learned a lot, and we can fix it and move forward. I'm very happy with the way we played. We managed the game very well."
 
For Fantahun, Friday's contest takes special significance, as it is his first at the helm of the Warriors.
 
Starting in goal for the Warriors on Friday was Mya Rodriguez. In her Jessup debut, Rodriguez totaled five saves.  
 
Jessup got off 15 shots in the match to 23 of the Yotes. Eight of the Warriors' attempts went on goal.
 
The Warriors will be back on the pitch on Tuesday when they welcome Pacific Union College to Warrior Field. The match is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., and fans can purchase tickets ahead of time HERE.
   
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).