ROCKLIN, Calif. – In front of a packed house inside Warrior Arena, the Warriors kicked off the home slate of GSAC games against another set of Warriors, Life Pacific University. In the most thrilling match of the season, it took five sets before one of these Warriors could call themselves the winner.
 
It seemed that it would not be the home-standing Warriors claiming victory Friday night, as they trailed 24-20 in the fourth set. Life Pacific was just one point away from victory, but Jessup would not be denied.
 
The Warriors rallied off six consecutive points, capped off by back-to-back kills from Sydney Hancock, to win the set and keep the match alive.
 
With a pocket full of momentum and the home crowd rolling, Jessup continued to rip off points, scoring four of the first five in set five, but then came Life Pacific. LPU scored five of the following six points to take a 6-5 lead, and the momentum was gone.
 
Both sides traded blows late in the fifth set, with Jessup trailing 13-12 in the waning moments. A Marina Gonzalez kill kept the match alive for an extra point, setting the score to 14-13, but LPU put the game away on a Hannah Caddow kill.
 
The Warriors' offensive attack was sparked by Hancock and Gonzalez, who totaled 14 kills each. Madalyn Miller finished with a season-high 13 kills.
 
Jessup started hot in this one, taking the first set 25-23. Life Pacific evened the match with a 25-18 win in set two, followed by a 25-21 win in the third.
 
Both Warriors were close to even in all statistical categories. Jessup's 56 kills were outdone by LPU's 60. LPU finished with 77 digs to Jessup's 67. Both sides finished with nine aces and blocks.
 
The loss is the first for Jessup in GSAC play this season. The Warriors are now 2-1 in conference and 5-4 overall.
 
Jessup will be back on their home court tomorrow afternoon as Hope International comes to town for a 2 p.m. match. Tickets can be purchased 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).